Africa Travel Blog

Category: Morocco

  • Top Places to Visit in Morocco

    When planning your first trip to Morocco, there are a lot of options for where you can go. While the best cities to visit are in traveling distance from one another, keep in mind that distances can be far and transportation is not always fast, clean, or reliable. With that said, the top places to visit in Morocco are:

    Marrakech – With the bustling Medina and busy souks, Marrakech is sure to keep your senses stimulated for your entire stay.

    Fez – The cultural capital of Morocco won’t disappoint with its beautiful architecture.

    Essaouira – This seaside town is a great retreat from the heat of the desert.

    Atlas Mountains – High above the desert, the Atlas Mountains are a beautiful place to camp or drive.

    Casablanca – Famous for the movie by the same name, Casablanca is an amazing city and well worth a visit.

  • Villa Dinari, Marrakech

    Alpha 41
    Lots Bouazaoui
    Commune Al Ouidane
    Marrakech.

    Villa Dinari in Marrakech is located 13km outside of the city center. A beautiful property run by a friendly British-Moroccan couple Heather and Abdul, Villa Dinari is a great place to relax away from the bustle of the Medina.

    Enjoy Villa Dinari’s swimming pool and garden during the day and the option of eating wonderful meals at the villa. Villa Dinari’s guest rooms are all beautifully decorated, and Heather and Abdul are very helpful in assisting guests with transportation to the city center or other parts of Marrakech.

    Room rates at Villa Dinari range from 120-175EUR/night.

  • Riad Shemsi, Marrakech

    194 Derb Chtouka, Kasbah, Marrakech
    Phone: 00212(0)24389878

    Riad Shemsi in Marrakech is located in the heart of the old city. Set back on a small side street, Riad Shemsi is a quiet haven away from the bustling souks and busy streets of the Medina.

    Rooms at Riad Shemsi are color-coded and decorated with traditional Moroccan accents. The dining area (pictured) is perfect for a nice breakfast or a wonderful dinner tagine. The roof has a great area for reading, relaxing, and sunbathing, and there is a plunge pool on the ground floor.

    Room rates at Riad Shemsi range from 99-205EUR, depending on the season.

  • Riad El Mansour, Marrakech

    227, Derb Jdid,
    Bab Doukkala,
    Marrakech 40000

    Riad El Mansour in Marrakech is a beautiful riad located right in the heart of the Medina. Riad El Mansour is just moments away from the souks and a short walk from the Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s main square.

    Riad El Mansour offers massages, a hammam, a gym, a sun deck, and a plunge pool. Guests at Riad El Mansour can eat meals on the roof deck on sunny days and the staff is very friendly and helpful. As an added bonus, Riad El Mansour provides complimentary transport to and from the airport.

    Room rates at Riad El Mansour range from 146-319EUR, depending on the season.

  • Souks in Marrakech

    The souks in Marrakech are vast and labyrinthine, and half the fun of visiting is getting lost in the maze. The souks have everything from dyes to jewelry to lamps to indigo. Vendors at the souks expect you to bargain, so never take the first price offered.

  • Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech

    The Ourika Valley is a great day trip from Marrakech. Located at the base of the Atlas Mountains and home to Marrakech’s Berber population, the Ourika Valley is a beautiful place to visit.

    A short driving or bus trip from the busy streets of Marrakech will land visitors in the heart of the fertile Ourika Valley. Fed by snow melt from the Atlas range, the Ourika Valley is green even in the hot summer months.

    People visiting Marrakech can take tours of Berber villages and see the unique architecture of the valley. You can also stretch your legs a bit and go hiking to the Ourika Valley’s beautiful waterfalls. Be aware that locals will ‘adopt’ you and guide you to various spots, but they will expect payment at the end.

  • Koutoubia Minaret and Gardens

    The Koutoubia Minaret is one of Marrakech’s most visible landmarks. Located a short distance from the Djemaa el Fna, the Koutoubia Minaret and adjacent gardens are worth a visit. While non-Muslim visitors are not allowed entrance into the mosque, the Koutoubia Minaret itself is worth seeing up-close.

    The Koutoubia Minaret dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture. In addition to being an iconic symbol of Marrakech, the Koutoubia Minaret is a helpful landmark for orienting oneself in the maze-like streets of the souks.

  • How to Get from Marrakech to Ourika Valley

    How to get from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley:

    The Ourika Valley is located a short distance from the Marrakech city center. There are several different options for getting from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

    Car Hire or Taxi from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley – It is easy to hire a car or taxi from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley. Many tour companies and operators have day trip packages that include a private driver to take you to the main sights in the Ourika Valley. Ask at your hotel or riad for brochures or bookings. Some companies have contracts with local shops in the Ourika Valley, so make sure to be firm with your driver if you don’t want to stop and buy souvenirs.

    Buses from Marrakech to Ourika Valley – Bus Number 25 runs from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

  • Koutoubia Minaret and Gardens

    The Koutoubia Minaret is one of Marrakech’s most visible landmarks. Located a short distance from the Djemaa el Fna, the Koutoubia Minaret and adjacent gardens are worth a visit. While non-Muslim visitors are not allowed entrance into the mosque, the Koutoubia Minaret itself is worth seeing up-close.

    The Koutoubia Minaret dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture. In addition to being an iconic symbol of Marrakech, the Koutoubia Minaret is a helpful landmark for orienting oneself in the maze-like streets of the souks.

  • Getting from Marrakech Airport to City Center

    Getting from the Marrakech airport to the city center is not difficult. The Marrakech airport is located near the city center, so journeys are short (about 10min by car) and relatively inexpensive. There are several different options for getting from the Marrakech airport to the city center:

    Taxi – Taxis from the Marrakech airport to the city center cost around 6EUR. Make sure to take a licensed taxi. If there is no meter, agree on a price up front.

    Bus – Buses run from the Marrakech airport to various points in the Marrakech city center. The journey is relatively inexpensive, but it can take a very long time to get to your final destination if you plan to descend at a stop near the end of the line.

    Hotel or Riad Airport Shuttle: Some hotels and riads have shuttles or drivers from the Marrakech airport. Contact your hotel or riad in advance to find out details and cost (if any).