Bahia Palace is a stunning, 19th century palace in Marrakesh.
It’s definitely a must-see if you’re visiting the city, as it’s quite a spectacular place.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The rooms are decorated with stuccos, paintings, and mosaics to capture the essence of Islamic architecture.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The word Bahia means ‘brilliance’ in Arabic, reflecting the splendour of Islamic art and architecture.
It is necessary to book tickets prior to visiting the palace as queues can be extremely long.
They cost 70 dirhams each, and the palace is open from 8.00am-5.00pm daily.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The courtyard is stunning, and all the rooms open out onto it.
It is rather grand and very spacious with a fountain in the centre and intricate tile work typical of Morroccan culture.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There is also a 2-acre garden surrounding the palace and beautiful orange trees lining the route to the entrance.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
When Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the Bahia palace was used as a royal residence. This was until King Hassan II transferred it to the custody of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.
The building then became a cultural icon and tourist attraction in Marrakech.
Bahia Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
It is best to arrive as close to opening time as possible to avoid the crowds.
That way, you can spend time reading about the history of the palace and enjoying the experience before it becomes too overwhelming and you can’t capture any photos.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I would recommend visiting Bahia Palace.
It’s gives you a good understanding of Islamic culture and the fine craftsmanship that defines it.
If you enjoy looking at Islamic architecture, you could also visit Badi Palace in the Kasbah area of the city.
If you think that the main square in Marrakech is a busy place during the daytime, be prepared for a surprise once the sun begins to set.
Gone are the snake charmers and monkeys on chains, replaced by food vendors, henna ladies, street musicians, and dancers.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The scene is organised chaos and a complete sensory overload.
The sights, sounds, and smells are not for the faint-hearted.
The drumming becomes intense, and the square takes on the appearance of a huge fair ground with thousands of people congregating.
People from Marrakech and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold.
The atmosphere is electric and vibrates with a magnetic energy.
Street vendors pursue potential customers with menus as they try to navigate their way through the crowds.
They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are part of some assault course.
Images by Freebird Tracey
Sometimes, they can be very persistent, and you can feel pretty intimidated.
Camel head and fresh snails may not be your thing, and you have to be quite firm when telling them you’ve already eaten.
Although the scene is very intense, it is magical and exciting.
I really enjoyed myself, but other people were saying that they felt overwhelmed.
They preferred sitting on the edge of the square, sipping mint tea, and observing from a safe distance.
It is unlike anything else you may have experienced.
There is so much to see. There are games being played, and a few little scams take place to trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.
Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee.
Youths play football against the walls of the medina.
Sugarcane and fresh juice are sold from vending carts by lively vendors in high spirits.
Bemused onlookers sit observing everything outside restaurants or from the rooftops around the square as the Koutoubia mosque rings out the call to prayer.
As the sun sets, the crowds flock, and the atmosphere becomes electrifying.
The square is transformed into a social hub where anything and everything takes place.
It’s an incredible experience.
The bright lights dazzle from the food vendors, and beautiful Morroccan lamps sit for sale on blankets lighting the way, giving off a wonderful glow.
The scent of fragrant incense competes with the aroma of sheeps head cooking, floating through the air on the breeze.
Tourists tempted to try a traditional bowl of snails queue to sample this culinary delight.
Drums beat, belly dancers perform to curious onlookers and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd.
You can not escape the craziness.
It draws you in.
It is the heartbeat of the city.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Jamaa El Fna magnetises you.
The sheer chaos is a complete assault on the senses in every way possible.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Just be mindful when stopping to take photos.
Someone in the thick of the action is eagle eyed and continuously watching for interested tourists who have stopped to watch.
They will spring upon you from out of nowhere, cap in hand for a donation.
After sunset, it’s as though the whole of Morrocco has come out to play in Jamaa El Fna, and they are determined to have a good time.
It is truly a spectacle to behold.
Lively, colourful, aromatic, and noisy.
Be sure to visit and become a part of what makes Marrakech so unique.
It’s certainly an eye-opener.
Although it’s mostly safe around the square, exercise the usual caution in large crowded areas and try to avoid obvious scams.
Kabana Rooftop Bar is a lively, popular place serving a wide range of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
They have a good selection of high-quality dishes on the menu to suit all palates.
You enter the bar from the road, and it’s up a couple of flights of stairs.
From the outside, it looks rather unassuming, but inside, it is very modern and tastefully furnished.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There are lanterns hanging everywhere, giving off a cosy, glow, and music videos playing on a large television screen.
Video by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a very busy venue with young and old alike, and booking is essential to be guaranteed a seat.
The bar itself is huge, serving a variety of alcoholic beverages and cocktails.
You can either sit inside the bar or on the rooftop, where most people prefer to hang out listening to the music.
Table service is provided.
The food is delicious..
I took my son for his birthday meal and he chose the steak. He said it was cooked to perfection.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Some people have expressed mixed reviews, saying waiting times to be served are lengthy and found it was a little pricey in comparison to other places.
The food is Mediterranean inspired, and they also have a sushi menu.
Kababa gets very busy, and booking is advisable to guarantee a place, especially if you only wish to visit for a drink.
Lunchtime is generally quieter, and the lunch menu is also very good.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The bathroom is rather special too..
Kabana rooftop bar is lively and loud. It is typical of somewhere you’d expect to find in Gueliz.
There is a spectacular view of Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop, especially at nighttime.
It’s slightly shielded because drinking alcohol with the Mosque in full view is prohibited in Islamic culture.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Kabana rooftop bar has a very cosmopolitan vibe..
Image by Freebird Tracey.
It is situated at the gate of the medina and open daily from,
11.00am-2.00am
They play DJ sets, and it’s a vibrant setting with a relaxed dress code.
It is not the ideal place for a romantic or quiet meal, I found it rather difficult to hold a conversation amidst the crowds of people and loud music.
Lunchtime would be better suited if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.
There are plenty of places in the medina offering a quieter environment if that’s something you’re looking for.
Kabana is a modern cocktail bar with a vibrant energy within walking distance for people staying in the medina.
It’s definitely worth a visit if you want an exciting evening out in the medina.
A beautiful, peaceful environment serving authentic Morroccon food.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Palais Dar Donab is a special treat for visitors to Marrakech.
The scent of orange blossom fills the air, and the sound of birds chirping in the courtyard gives a sense of complete peace and tranquillity whilst dining here.
This was one of my favourite places to visit and I absolutely love it here.
I keep going back time and time again.
Sometimes, it is for a glass of wine during the afternoon and a welcome break from sightseeing.
It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy the sunny courtyard with its large pool in the centre.
Image Freebird Tracey.
The menu is extensive with food to suit all palates.
They also serve a decent selection of excellent wines and beers.
I was really impressed with the quality of food and enjoyed each meal I have eaten in this fine restaurant.
The vegetable tagine was one of the tastiest I have tried in Marrakesh, and the delicious smoothies were beautifully presented and full of fresh, vibrant fruit.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Palais Dar Donab is also a high-end accommodation, where guests and visitors mingle together for a quiet break from the busy medina.
As you relax in the calm, tranquil surroundings, you never feel rushed.
The pace is slow and calm.
The staff are attentive, and at the same time, they allow you to enjoy the lovely, peaceful setting without feeling any pressure to leave.
The gentle sound of the leaves on the trees and the trickling water make dining here a very pleasant experience.
Tangerines fall from the trees, and you can hear the birds singing happily.
Palais Dar Donab is open for lunch as well as dinner.
The tables are set around a large pool with citrus trees lining the courtyard.
Beautiful flowers add an array of colour.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Music is played subtly in the background, allowing conversation to flow and a nice laid-back atmosphere.
Relaxing for an hour or so admiring the intricate craftsmanship that surrounds you is a perfect way to recharge your batteries.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I highly recommend trying Palais Dar Donab, not just for the quality of the food or the friendly service, but for the peace and serenity it offers.
You come away feeling recharged and de-stressed after the overwhelming medina with crowds of tourists.
It’s a pleasant oasis in comparison to the over stimulating Jamaa El Fna.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Opening hours are,
Monday-Sunday
10.00am-10.30pm
Address is,
53 Dar el Basha-Bab,
Doukkala Marrakech, Morocco.
The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly and accepts credit card payments.
There is everything that you could possibly dream of buying in the wonderful souks of Marrakech.
As you meander through the maze of colourful alleyways, be prepared for a complete assault on the senses.
From beautiful jewellery to exotic spices, leather shoes and bags, to Morroccan lamps and ceramics.
It’s all here crammed into narrow alleyways and calling out to be bought and taken back home with you.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The skilled craftsmanship is astonishing, and you can find areas dedicated to making and selling different things.
There is a separate place for leather goods, a place where metal workers make beautiful Moroccan lamps and metal sculptures.
An area where wooden things are handmade and rug weaving is demonstrated.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a lovely experience watching the locals make their goods to sell, and there is also the opportunity to have a go at making things yourself, such as a pair of babouche shoes.
Berber rugs hang proudly around the medina. Each colour and pattern is a feast for the eyes.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float on the gentle breeze.
The smell is so fragrant in the souks.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys tempt you for the perfect souvenir to take back for your family and friends.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The soft furnishings such as cushion covers made from cactus silk are eye-catching and colourful.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries for sale.
Moroccan sweets are a delicacy, and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The medicinal herbs and spices are a cacophony of colours and fragrances.
Fresh olives with a hint of spice pop with colour.
Paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors, Amazigh people and camels crossing the Sahara desert.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
For people who love to shop until they drop like I do, Marrakech is an absolute delight.
It’s not all fun and laughs, though.
The souks are incredibly busy with tourists.
You also have to dodge motorcycles, donkeys, and vendors with carts.
You can expect to get lost, but that’s all part of the experience.
No one went into the souks and was never heard from again…
So, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute.
It’s unforgettable.
It will invoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago in you.
A way to fully delve into the wonderful culture of Marrakech.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you enjoy the souks.
First of all, pace yourself.
The souks are very busy and can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.
Stop for a drink and rehydrate.
Rest for a while, and try a spot of lunch on a rooftop cafe. There are plenty inside the souks.
Be prepared to haggle. It may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Stay vigilant, and keep your wits about you.
Marrakech is a safe city, but pick pocketing can happen just like anywhere else in the world.
In crowded, narrow streets, keep your possessions safe in a closed bag at the front of your body.
If you’re lost, look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.
Having an orange sim is useful but may not always work in the denser parts of the souks.
If you need help, ask a shop vendor. They’re usually more than happy to help you.
Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so that they can get commission if you buy something.
You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.
Take time to shop around and walk away if you don’t think you’re being offered a fair price.
You will usually find yourself being called back, and a realistic price can often be reached.
If not, the same items will most likely be found on sale elsewhere in the souks.
Exercise patience.
Remember, this is someone’s livelihood, and it’s a different culture to what you may be used to.
Wages are not very high for most people in Marrakesh, and tourists with money to spend are fair game for boosting the take-home salary of most vendors.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Although the souks can often feel overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience.
You will be dazzled by the number of weird and wonderful items on display.
The sights, sounds, and smells will stay with you a long time after you leave this fascinating city.
Berber rugs are handmade by the indigenous Amazigh people of Morocco.
They are made from the wool of sheep in the high Atlas Mountains.
Each type of rug tends to vary in thickness, and the pattern also differs depending on which tribe or village has made it.
For example, Kilim Berber rugs have no pile and are relatively fine in texture.
They are handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations using natural materials renowned for their durability and luxurious feel.
Hand-knotting is a long and laborious process.
To create a single rug takes about one to two months, with four weavers working on a rug at a time.
There are several steps that go into making a beautiful Berber rug..
1. Shearing the Sheep
Shearing the sheep is the first step in making a Berber rug. This is done by hand, using a special shearing knife.
The sheep are first restrained, and then the knife is used to remove the wool from their body in one long strip.
The wool is then sorted and cleaned.
It is usually the job of the men to shear the sheep, taking care not to injure them or spread infection.
The women are responsible for washing the sheared wool.
2. Carding.
Carding is the process of aligning the wool fibers so the weavers can spin them into yarn. To card the wool, the fibres are first combed in one direction, and then the wool is brushed in the opposite direction.
This helps to loosen the fibers and align them in the same direction.
Once the fibers are aligned, the weavers can then spin them into yarn. Carding is an essential step in making a Berber rug, as it helps to ensure that the rug is strong and durable.
The process of carding also helps to give the rug its unique texture.
The women are often responsible for this process.
3. Spinning the wool into yarn.
To spin the wool into yarn, Amazigh women use something called a drop spindle.
This simple tool consists of a shaft with a weight at the bottom.
The wool is attached to the shaft, and then the shaft is twirled between the women’s hands.
As the shaft is twirled, the wool is wrapped around it, creating the yarn.
4. Weaving the rug.
The weavers use a technique called continuous knotting to create intricate patterns.
This method of knotting allows the weaver to create a rug that is incredibly durable and will last for many years. The process begins with the weaver tying knots in the woollen yarn.
The yarn is then dyed using natural dyes from plants, spices, and fruits, which give the rugs their characteristic colours.
Once the yarn is dyed, the weaver begins weaving it into a rug using a loom.
The loom is a wooden frame that the weaver uses to create the rug’s design. The weaver ties the yarn around the looms warp threads, which are the vertical threads that run through the loom.
The weaver then weaves the weft threads, which are the horizontal threads, over and under the warp threads.
The weaver can create various patterns by changing the direction of the weft threads.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Once the rug is complete, the weaver cuts the rug from the loom and ties the ends of the rug together. The rug is then completed.
Making a Berber rug is a long, laborious task, and the women of the village who weave them rarely get anything near the price they’re sold for.
Husbands load them onto the back of a donkey and take them to a buyer who gives him a fraction of their value.
Berber rugs are beautiful and give a home a wonderful boho vibe.
They are hard-wearing and last a lifetime.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It’s important when visiting Marrakech to make sure you’re purchasing a genuine Berber rug.
There are a few scams, so be mindful before you get whisked away to a shop by a friendly local, promising you the best quality and prices.
Les Nomads de Marrakech has a great reputation and can ship rugs back home for you.
One thing that is central to Morroccon culture is the Hammam.
A Hammam is similar to a Roman bath and dates back centuries in morrocco.
It was a ritualistic cleansing ritual that people did before prayers, and many Hammams can be found near a mosque.
Before homes had plumbing, a Hammam was a place local people could come to get cleansed.
Seperated by gender, they were a space for people to socialise, relax, and detoxify.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The treatment always begins in a dry steam room.
Relaxing in the heat opens the pores and prepares the body for the scrubbing.
Morroccan black soap is used to scrub the body.
It is a grainy soap made from olive oil and macerated olives, perfect for exfoliating the dead skin cells.
The scrubbing is quite vigorous, and many tourists are not used to it.
This is followed by buckets of water being thrown over you to wash off the black soap.
Some hammams alternative between buckets of cold water and buckets of hot water.
In more luxurious hammams, Rassoul clay from the Atlas mountains is used to cover the body.
It’s rich in minerals like silica, magnesium, and calcium.
After this procedure, your whole body and hair are lathered thoroughly with a gentler soap or gel.
The next treatment is an all-over massage using fragrant oils like rose oil and argan oil.
Once the treatment is finished, you can relax in a separate area with mint tea and morroccan pastries.
The fragrance of incense wafting around the room adds to the relaxing ambience.
There are two types of Hammam in Marrakesh.
Public or private hammams.
The public Hammam is a true taste of Morroccan life, with many local people bathing together and chatting in their native language.
In a public Hammam, you have to take your own soap, towel, and oils in.
These are much less expensive.
The private Hammams provide you with everything you need, including disposable underwear, a bathrobe, and sandles.
Treatment options vary, including the length of the treatment and the type of massage and oils you prefer.
These are more like spa treatments.
You can relax for as long as you want to after the treatment has finished.
It’s worth noting that the underwear for women is very flimsy, and some women ask for male underwear instead.
Nubies can feel slightly vulnerable being exposed with just a disposable thong hiding their modesty.
The rooms are dimly lit, and the women known as Kassalas working in the hammam are very discreet and professional.
Most women get over their initial shyness pretty quickly.
Hammam Mouassine is the oldest Hammam in Marrakesh.
It opened in 1562 and can be found by the Mouassine fountain, close to the secret garden.
Many riads have a Hammam room and offer this service to their guests.
Other popular hammams are,
. Hammam de la rose.
. Mamounia Hamman..
. Les Bains Ziani.
. Les Bains Kenaria.
Palm oil is often used to wash people’s hair, so if you don’t agree with the use of it, make sure to check beforehand.
Experiencing a traditional Hammam is a welcome break from the chaotic souks and Jamaa El Fna.
It’s a relief from the baking heat of the morroccan sun and a chance to slow down the manic pace for an hour or so.
Many tourists feel unsure about wearing virtually nothing in front of strangers, but this is an ancient ritual that has been part of Morroccan culture for centuries.
Visitors to Marrakech have said that they experienced the most invigorating and relaxing time in a hammam and would definitely do it again.
Some tourists are hooked, despite saying it was an unusual experience.
I would recommend paying a little bit more for a private Hammam if it’s your first time.
However, if you want a taste of authentic Marrakechi life, go for a public hammam.
You can buy Morroccan black soap and other toiletries you’ll need inside the souks, or in the spice square.
You can book a Hammam through Get Your Guide or Viator.
Don’t forget a towel, bathrobe and fresh underwear.
Inside the beautiful Majorelle Garden, there are over 300 stunning plant species from all over the world.
Mexican agave, Chinese windmill palms, African date palms, coconut, and banana trees amongst a labyrinth of pathways.
The incredibly tall bamboo and exotic Cacti species coexist together to create one of the most beautiful gardens in marrakech.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
These stunning gardens were originally designed by Jean Majorelle in the 1920s.
After he was forced to abandon his home because of divorce, the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent took it over with his partner Pierre Berge to save it from hotel development in 1980.
Together, they restored it and made it their home, bringing the garden back to it’s former glory.
For many years the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours – Yves Saint Laurent
There is a memorial to Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge in the garden.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Majorelle Garden attracts over 900,000 visitors each year, making it one of the most touristic attractions in Marrakech.
I would have loved to have sat in quiet contemplation amongst the lush green vegetation, admiring the pop of colour from the bougainvillaea, but I was never alone for too long.
It’s a busy place, and tourists queue to enter constantly throughout the day.
Despite its beauty, there are swarms of people who flock to spend time here, and it’s not particularly peaceful.
The attractive art deco pavilion with its striking colours of blue and yellow is a popular place for visitors to get their photographs taken.
Tourists queue for the perfect instagrammable shot.
Images by Freebird Tracey
There is also a cafe and shop on site.
I purchased some postcards of Yves Saint Laurents’ yearly ‘Love’ drawings.
They are a small souvenir from my visit.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The gardens open daily at 8.00am and close at 6.00pm, the last entry is at 5.30pm.
I would suggest getting there before 10.00 am, preferably at opening time if you want a more peaceful experience.
Luckily, I had prebooked online, so I didn’t have to queue.
I recommend booking online to guarantee entry.
I’m thankful that I did because the queues were already really long, and it was a very hot day for standing around without any shade.
The YSL museum is also part of the visit, along with the Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Arts.
It’s worth a look around if you are interested in the history of Amazigh culture.
Photography is not allowed inside these museums, though.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Opening times for the museum are from 9.00 am until 5.30 pm with the last entry at 5.00pm.
The price varies depending on where you purchase tickets from but you can expect to pay approximately €24 to visit everything.
There are plenty of nice restaurants outside the gardens, and I decided to get something to eat and drink in one of those instead.
It was much quieter.
I recommend My Kawa for a nice salad.
There are a few shops across the road from Majorelle Garden selling souvenirs and a few attractive boutiques.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Stuff was a bit pricey being a touristic area, but I picked up some nice jasmine oil.
Overall, Le Jardin Marjorelle was absolutely beautiful.
It is colourful and lush with several spots to sit and take in the splendid surroundings.
However, the number of tourists detract from the calm sense of serenity you’d expect to get from such a delightful setting.
It was worth visiting to see the beautifully landscaped gardens with their wonderful trees and plants and to get some great photos.
Unless you go very early during the quiet season, though, you won’t find a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
Le Jardin Marjorelle is located to the north west of Marrakech medina.
It can be reached by taxi from the main square, Jamaa El Fna, or is a steady 30-minute walk.
Camels, sunsets, and a fire show that left me speechless.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
We met our tour guide near Jamaa El Fna at 6.00pm and boarded our air-conditioned mini bus.
The journey took around 45 minutes from Marrakech in total in an air-conditioned mini bus with a small group of about 8 people.
Agafay desert is a gravelly desert, composing of stones, rocks, and dunes where some vegetation is able to survive.
As we approached, there were camels with their calfs looking fairly nonplussed at the convoy of tourists driving slowly past.
On arrival, we could hear music playing from our camp a short distance away from where we were parked.
Our guide led us to our tables that overlooked the vast expanse of the desert that lay before us.
The panoramic view was absolutely breathtaking..
We could see for miles.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Our camp was really pretty, with colourful seats and rugs scattered everywhere.
There was a Berber tent for us to shelter in, and we could also eat inside there since it was becoming slightly windy.
After a hot, sweet mint tea, we all took the optional camel ride.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Much to everyone’s amusement, my camel came untied and got a bit frisky with the one in front.
After he was reattached, we continued a bit further for a short while before turning around and heading back to disembark.
That was also something of an experience.
I wobbled about on my camels back as he dropped down to the ground in the most undignified manner.
Immediately after we got off the camels, our food was presented to us.
It was a three course meal consisting of vegetable soup with traditional Morroccan bread, a delicious tagine followed by cakes and fruit for dessert.
Image by Freebird Tracey
We ate our dinner watching the beautiful golden sun go down. The sky was fiery red.
It was absolutely stunning.
I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Traditional musicians played their instruments around the tables, entertaining us as we finished our meal.
It was a lot of fun.
Traditional musicians entertaining visitors.
As soon as dinner was over, more merriment commenced.
Dubious tourists were pulled into a circle and were soon snaking around the campfires and attempting to mimic traditional Berber dancing.
The atmosphere was incredible.
Everyone was out of their seats, clapping and enjoying themselves.
The stars came out, and the campfires roared.
The temperature had cooled down, but we were soon nice and warm again.
After the lively display of Berber dancing had finished, we all sat down to catch our breath once more.
The air was full of laughter, and spirits were high.
Soon, the grand finale was about to begin..
A spectacular light show in the middle of the desert.
It was completely dark by now, and the visual effects were totally hypnotising.
Everyone looked on in awe at the amazing pyrotechnic display taking place on the dune in front of us.
It was the highlight of the whole evening.
We were completely blown away, watching the flames leaping about against the back drop of the vast dark desert.
I certainly wasn’t expecting anything quite as fantastic as that!
The fire display brought the evening in Agafay desert to a close.
It had been a wonderful evening.
We had tasty food, the entertainment was a lot of fun, the fire display was incredible, and the camel ride was interesting!
Everyone was able to participate in what turned out to be a very enjoyable time.
Once the evening had drawn to a close, we were taken back to our meeting point near Jamaa El Fna.
The cost of the excursion was well worth the money, and I would highly recommend it.
I booked my trip through Get Your Guide, and most of the accommodation in Marrakech will also organise the trip for you.
Apparently, there are a few different desert camps to choose from.
Some have better facilities than others, and some include a different itinerary. The cost varies, so do check what activities you are getting before you book.
It is also possible to book an overnight stay at Agafay luxury camp.
There is a swimming pool and other amenities with a more luxurious touch, such as rather grand tents with showers and bathtubs.
Check Booking.com or look for reputable online sites for details about staying there.
Here are a few things to consider if you plan to visit Agafay Desert.
Take a warm sweater or blanket, the evenings drop cooler, and you may find the wind is a little bit blustery.
There are plenty of toilet facilities but take some tissue with you in case there isn’t any. You may also want to take some hand sanitiser.
There are vegetarian options available. I had vegetable tagine, and the other people in my group had chicken.
The guides are excellent at their job.
I have been several times, and they always find us at the end of the evening if we get separated.
No one gets left behind.
Some tours visit an Argan Cooperative on the way to the desert.
I really enjoyed this and purchased some argan oil for my skin. It was a decent quality oil and lasted me ages.
The tour usually finishes around 9.30-10.00.
I think I may take a journey to the Sahara desert next.
For a great day out, take a trip to Ouzoud to see the spectacular waterfall.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Ouzoud Waterfall is the second largest waterfall in Africa.
It is well worth the three hour drive through the stunning Atlas Mountains to see it.
I met my driver at Cafe de France, and after picking up a few more passengers, we were on our way.
The mini bus had air conditioning and was pretty comfortable. We drove for around one and a half hours, then stopped for a toilet break and a drink.
There was a small cooperative selling Argan oil, and a few tourists in the group purchased some to take home with them.
Soon, we were on our way again, and the views of the Atlas Mountains were breathtaking.
It was a really scenic drive, and time passed quickly.
When we arrived at Ouzoud, we were introduced to our guide, who spoke several different languages, and we set off walking.
We rambled through the olive groves as the cheeky wild Barbary macaque monkeys played hide and seek in the trees with us.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The waterfall was visible from different angles with plenty of viewing points to take photographs or rest for a few moments.
The waterfall plunges 110 metres into the canyon below, making it a breathtaking sight.
It was a warm day, so we stopped for a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice before continuing our way down to where the boats were.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
A boat ride up against the waterfall is part of the itinerary if you book a tour.
The boats are colourfully decorated, and we were taken right up to the waterfall, allowing us to get some great photos.
It was an amazing experience.
The feeling of the cool water spraying our faces was a welcome relief from the heat.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
We were dropped off on the opposite side and then had quite a steep climb up to the restaurants.
I was able to get a table overlooking the waterfall, and the view was amazing.
I had a three course meal consisting of a starter, which was a small salad with fresh bread and olives, followed by a vegetable tagine and fruit for dessert.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The meal was finished off with a glass of Morroccan mint tea.
The meal cost around 150 dirhams and was fairly good value.
It was very tasty and filling enough for a light lunch.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
After lunch, we made our way up some more steps, stopping off to feed the monkeys at the top.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Finally, we were reunited with our driver, and it was time to set off back to Marrakech.
We stopped again on the way back for a toilet break and to pick up a drink or snack for the remainder of the journey.
It was early evening when we arrived back in Marrakech.
Overall, the trip to Ouzoud was well worth the six hours of travelling.
It was absolutely beautiful. Sitting above the waterfall looking down at it whilst eating my lunch was the highlight of the trip for me.
The monkeys were also very amusing, I had to keep hold of my sunglasses to stop them stealing them.
The guide was so helpful and looked after everyone really well.
He spoke five languages, and it was very impressive that he was able to communicate with the whole group.
I highly recommend going to Ouzoud if you visit Marrakech. It’s a wonderful day trip.
If you have mobility issues, it may be challenging for you. There are a lot of steps, and it’s a bit of a steep climb from where the boats are up to the restaurants.
There’s also a fair amount of walking involved to see all the vantage points.
Some people were taken back up on Donkeys, so that’s an option.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I booked my trip with Get Your Guide, and it was good value for money for such a great day out.
It included the drive in an air-conditioned vehicle, the tour, and the boat ride.
The lunch was separate.
Your accommodation can also organise visiting Ouzoud and other popular day trips for you.
Sounds Of The Souks 