Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: africa

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • Does Marrakech Cater For Vegetarians And Vegans?

    Whilst it’s true that Marrakech is a meat eaters’ paradise, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes serving vegetarian and vegan food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Not being a meat eater myself, I was initially concerned that I’d spend my time in Marrakesh living off the delicious olives on sale in the souks.

    I was pleasantly surprised.

    There are a number of restaurants popping up that serve only vegetarian and vegan food.

    One I highly recommend is La  Famille.

    Run solely by women,and in an outdoor setting, the food was incredibly good.

    Lunch at La Famille.

    There are also plenty of choices for non meat eaters on the menu in most eateries around the medina.

    Sumptuous vegetable tagine, vegetable couscous, salads, and pasta dishes, to name just a few.

    I never had a problem sourcing tasty and beautifully prepared meals whilst staying in Marrakesh.

    The little cafes tucked away in the souks were slightly less accommodating, but if it’s a quick snack you’re looking for, the fresh olives and delicious pastries are a wonderful treat.

    The abundance of seasonal vegetables, freshly cooked, were mouth wateringly delightful.

    Vegetable tagine with olives and egg plant.

    Harissa soup was also a favourite, deliciously tasty, served with traditional Morroccan bread.

    Harissa soup.

    I highly recommend trying the soup.

    Some restaurants serve healthy brunch, I loved the avocado toast at La Ferme.

    Avocado toast beautiful presented at La Ferme Medina.

    Please don’t be put off visiting Marrakech because you consider it to be a meat eaters paradise only.

    By doing a little bit of research before travelling, you will find a good selection of fine restaurants and cafes serving authentic and traditional Morroccan cuisine that don’t include animal products.

    A few I recommend are;

    La Famille

    La Ferme

    Enjoy your meal, veggie lovers.

    Mandala Society.

    Broc The Kasbah.

    Palais Donab also does a lovely vegetable tagine, and it’s a beautiful place to have lunch or dinner.

    NB. See my separate post about Palais Dar Donab.

    Write down the restaurants you wish to try before travelling, including the address and opening times to save wandering around in the heat and getting tired.

    Bon appetite.

    Colourful, healthy salad in the medina.
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  • Shopping In The Marrakech Medina.

    Browsing around the busy souks in the medina is an exciting experience.

    Berber jewellery in the souks.

    There is everything that you could possibly dream of.

    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.

    Traditional Morroccan Babouches.

    The craftsmanship is astonishing, and you can find areas that are dedicated to certain products, such as leather goods and handmade Berber rugs or cushion covers.

    It’s a lovely experience watching the locals making 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 to take home.

    Berber rugs are beautifully displayed, and the assortment of colours and patterns are a feast for the eyes.

    Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float on the gentle breeze.

    Oils and perfumes for sale in the souks.

    Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys tempt you for the perfect souvenir to take back for family and friends.

    Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries.

    Traditional sweets for sale in the souks.

    The olives and exotic fruits.

    The medicinal herbs and spices, a cacophony of colours and fragrances.

    Paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors and Berber people.

    Hand painted pictures for sale.

    For the person who loves shopping, Marrakech is an absolute delight.

    The souks are crowded and busy.

    You have to dodge motorcycles and donkeys, vendors with carts, and tourists looking for the perfect gift.

    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, if you’re coming to Marrakech for the vibrant abundance of enticing goods on sale around the medina, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute.

    It’s an unforgettable experience, one which will envoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago.

    A few helpful tips to make the most of your shopping experience:

    Pace yourself.

    The souks are very busy with motorcycles, donkeys, and tourists. It can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.

    Stop for a drink and rehydrate.

    Rest for a while, try a spot of lunch on the rooftop of a cafe.

    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, try to use Google maps or look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.

    If you need help or advice, ask a shop vendor or try calling the riad you are staying in.

    They may offer to collect you.

    Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so they can get commission.

    You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.

    Colourful spice drums in the medina.

    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 good price 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.

    After all, they too have mouths to feed..

    Although the souks can be overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience.

    You will be dazzled by the vast 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.

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  • WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MARRAKECH?

    Marrakech is an all year round destination.

    I’ve put together a few helpful tips to help you decide when you should travel.

    Jamaa El Fna when it’s quiet

    Marrakech has a high desert climate so it is pleasant all year round.

    During the summer months, temperatures can reach a staggering 45°C or higher, which a lot of visitors find unbearably hot.

    The Winter months can be moderately warm and sunny, feeling chillier in the evenings.

    I suggest the best time to go is during the spring, from March till May or in autumn, from September till November.

    March sees warm, sunny weather, and you can dine on the rooftops in the evening. However, I would recommend taking a lightweight jacket to throw on if it feels a bit chilly.

    It gets warmer as the month progresses.

    March is the wettest month experiencing 12mm of rain over a day, so it is worth bearing this in mind also.

    June is the driest month with 1mm of rainfall over one day but temperatures in June and July do tend to soar.

    This might make excursions and activities more uncomfortable.

    If you prefer going when there are less tourists, I would suggest January to February.

    The climate is sunny, with average highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C during the evening.

    This would be the ideal time to visit if you’re put off by crowds and long queues.

    Another thing to consider is that Ramadan takes place between February and April, so some stores and restaurants may be closed.

    I choose to visit in late March and late September.

    The Jacaranda trees along the main roads in Gueliz look really beautiful, and the air is really fragrant at this time of year.

    Gueliz in September

    The last time I went during March, it was quite hot, and I actually got sunburnt.

    It was Ramadan, but it didn’t have a negative effect on my trip. Most places were still open as usual, and the service was excellent.

    The tours and excursions still went ahead, and I had a good shopping experience.

    In the souks

    September was very humid.

    I found it more challenging to walk around the palaces and stand in long queues.

    The humidity was rather draining, and I found between 3.00pm and 7.00pm particularly warm and stuffy.

    Marrakech is an all year round destination, so if you do decide to visit during the summer months, I have a few suggestions to help you cope with the heat..

    Plan to visit tourist attractions in the morning as soon as they open.

    If you pre book, you will avoid waiting in long queues in the heat, and there will be fewer people around.

    Pace yourself.

    Alternate between sightseeing and finding places in the shade to have a long cool drink and avoid too much sun exposure. There are plenty of beautiful spots with banana trees and beautiful tall palms to relax beneath.

    Wear cotton or linen clothing.

    Natural fibres are breathable and perfect for wearing in hot weather. Choose loose clothing that covers your arms and shoulders. They allow the air to circulate and help to evaporate sweat, keeping you cooler.

    Stay hydrated.

    Carry bottled water at all times to keep yourself from dehydrating.There are plenty of little kiosks dotted about selling reasonably priced water. Check the seals before purchasing for peace of mind.

    Plan to do more during the evening.

    Some of the tours begin later in the day, and trips to Agafay desert begin before sunset. The square comes alive in the evening, and most of the souks are still trading until quite late.

    Wear high factor sunblock and keep your head covered.

    The sun can be pretty fierce, and it’s easy to burn when you’re up on the rooftops, even in March.

    Visit the water slides of Oasiria or bathe in the pools around the city.

    Take advantage of the air conditioning available and consider taking an afternoon nap.

    Don’t attempt to visit the Sahara unless it’s in the cooler months.

    It’s important to remember that Marrakech is worth visiting all year round. However, it’s a personal choice, and you have to decide whether you can handle certain weather conditions or not.

    If you follow these few simple rules, you should have an enjoyable visit whatever time of year you decide to travel.

    It’s about planning your trip wisely.

    Consider what it is you want from your experience.

    Are you put off by crowds of tourists all crammed into the souks at the same time?

    Can you handle the extreme heat, or are you happy to pack some clothing for cooler temperatures in January?

    Whatever time you decide to go, I can tell you that the sun always shines in Marrakech, and the locals are always smiling..

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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