The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: safety in Marrakesh

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Things To Know Before Visiting Marrakech.

    Helpful advice for first-time visitors.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I’ve put together a few useful tips to help your trip run smoothly.

    Marrakech is a cash society. Although many cafes and restaurants take cards, cash is often the preferred method of payment. In the main square called Jamaa El Fna, you will need cash to purchase almost everything.There are plenty of 🏧 machines located around the city. I use the one outside the post office where the horse and carriages stand, close to the taxi rank. The exchange rate is good, and it is always working.

    You can get cash at the airport, but the exchange rate isn’t great. There are also plenty of places to exchange money around the city. It’s advisable to carry a small amount of cash with you for tipping, small purchases in the souks, and picking up a bottle of water.

    Ask for your accommodation to organise a taxi when you arrive in Marrakech. The cost goes onto your final bill when you check out, and you won’t have to worry about exchanging money in the airport.

    You will probably need a SIM card. I got an Orange SIM in the airport, and they put it into my phone for me. This saved me any hassle, and I had data from the moment I arrived in Marrakech. Having data gave me reassurance as a solo female traveller.I could use Google maps to find my way around the medina, which was helpful if I got lost. It’s worth noting that Google Maps may not work in some of the denser areas of the souks, though.

    Tipping is not customery in Marrakesh, but the food and service are usually very good, so it’s nice to be nice. I leave a small tip of approximately 20-30 dirhams.

    Allegedly, you can drink the tap water in Marrakech, but I  wouldn’t recommend it. Some tourists use a GRAYL water bottle, which takes out the bad stuff, but it doesn’t change the taste of the water. I prefer to air on the side of caution. There are plenty of places selling bottled water around the medina, and riads or hotels also stock some.

    Non Muslims can’t go inside the Mosques, with the exception of Hassan ll Mosque in Casablanca. However, Koutoubia Mosque has the most beautiful gardens, which are well worth a visit. They are open to everyone, and particularly nice in the evening when they’re lit up. They are well maintained and it’s a peaceful environment to spend some time relaxing.

    Image Freebird Tracey.

    Some tourist attractions get incredibly busy, so try to arrive at opening time for the best experience. Places like Bacha Coffee can have up to 2 hours waiting time to be seated, so come early and join the queue outside before they open. The same applies to Bahia Palace and the Madrasa Ben Youseff. If you want the perfect photo opportunity, get there early. Shopping in the souks early in the morning is more favourable. They are less crammed with tourists, and you avoid the mid afternoon heat.

    Although Marrakech is an Islamic city, it’s fairly relaxed and liberal. However,out of respect for the culture, it’s considered appropriate to cover your shoulders when visiting certain religious places. Aim to dress modestly without exposing too much flesh, and you’ll have a great experience. In clubs around the Gueliz area of the city, it’s  acceptable to wear flimsier clothing.

    Marrakech is a dry city. However, there are bars and clubs that cater to Western tourists. There are a few nice bars selling alcohol and cocktails around the medina, such as La Pergola and Kabana rooftop bar. Gueliz and Hivenage is the newer part of the city with plenty of clubs and bars if you want a night out with alcohol and lively entertainment. It’s forbidden to consume alcohol in the medina unless you’re in a place that is licensed to sell it.

    If you get tired of haggling in the souks, there is an artisans market called Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex. The prices are slightly higher but you can buy beautifully handcrafted items without having to bargain for them. There is also a fixed price store in the Kasbah called Dar Bouchaib.

    People in Marrakesh are often camera shy. It’s best not to take photographs of them unless they specifically say you can. Be prepared to have to pay for the privilege, though.

    Most travellers are discouraged from starting conversations about the King of Morocco. Try sticking to conversations about the history of Marrakech and Amazigh culture. The locals will love telling you all about their heritage.

    There are a few scams going on in the main square, but it’s mainly opportunists trying to make a few dirhams. I haven’t had any problems, but just like anywhere else in the world, it can happen. Just be mindful and keep your wits about you so that you don’t fall prey to anything.

    Marrakech is a safe city. However, exercise caution with your personal belongings in crowded areas. Keep your personal items in front of you, and don’t carry large amounts of money around. Make use of a safe if there is one in your  accommodation or only take out enough money for each day.

    The Souks close at 10.00 pm, so be careful if you’re walking around the medina after that, especially if you’re a solo female traveller. I haven’t experienced anything unpleasant, but it can still feel rather unnerving walking back to your riad through the dark alleyways late at night.

    I hope these nuggets of advice will help you to have the best experience possible during your visit to Marrakech.

    Happy Travels.

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  • Scams In Marrakech.

    A few tourist traps you should know about.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For first-time visitors to the red city, there are a few scams to be aware of.

    I have compiled a list of potential scams that you may encounter during your travels to Marrakech. These are simply opportunists trying to make a few dirhams from unsuspecting tourists who may be first-time visitors to the city. Once you become aware of these popular tricks, you will know how to avoid getting fleeced and what to do in the event of being approached by someone hoping to take advantage of you.

    1.

    The road is closed.

    This is a regular scam that can leave tourists confused.You’re trying to locate your riad or a point of interest, and someone (usually a young male) tells you that the road ahead is closed.He asks you your destination and offers to escort you via an alternative route.Before you know it, you’re wandering endlessly through the souks until you arrive at his friends shop.You’re still lost, and now you’re being offered mint tea whilst his friend brings out a multitude of exotic spices or rugs.The male who took you there gets a commission for safely delivering you there. Slightly more if you buy.

    If you’re approached in this way, a firm no thank you or La shoukran usually does the trick. If he is very persistent, head to a nearest trader, and ask their advice about whether the road is closed or not.Make your boundaries clear but remain polite and try not to get too impatient.It can be difficult if you’re tired or overwhelmed, but showing your weakness will only show how vulnerable you are feeling, and you may become a target for more opportunists.

    2.

    I can take you to your riad.

    When you first arrive in the medina, you are faced with a maze of alleyways and tunnels. Often, your riad will be tucked away inside the souks or down one of these alleyways, hidden from view. A tourist who looks as though they’re lost will invite the so-called ‘ helpful guide’ to your side who can show you exactly where you need to go. He will escort you, taking the long route to your riad, and then demand a payment from you.He may become quite persistent and insult you if you refuse to cough up.

    I was taken off guard seconds away from my riad. A young male basically nudged me along the narrow alleyway shoulder to shoulder. He demanded a payment, holding his hand out as I knocked on the door of my riad.I told him I wasn’t lost and knew where I was going and that I hadn’t requested his help. I stood my ground and ignored him until, eventually, the door opened, and I was let inside my riad.This can feel somewhat intimidating, but don’t give in. If you didn’t ask for help, you don’t need to give anyone any money.

    There are occasions when friendly locals really do want to genuinely help you find your way, and you will be grateful for their knowledge of the area,especially after a long flight.However, this is a common problem and can become irritating, to say the least, if you have luggage with you. Marrakech has a strong police presence, and all you need to do is remind pests about it. That often does the trick, and they soon back off.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    3.

    Over inflated prices for tourists.

    There is a price for the attractions around the medina for tourists and a price for Moroccan residents. This happens in many countries nowadays and you can’t protest much about it. On the other hand, prices for street food and things you might wish to purchase in the souks are often much higher than they should be. Learn to bargain with the vendors and try dropping the asked price to around 25% to begin with. Eventually, the pair of you will reach a price you’re both happy with.Haggling is an art form, and it takes time to feel confident, but it’s a way of life in Marrakesh and can be quite a rewarding experience when you manage to buy something for a fair price. If you’re not happy, shop around. There are plenty of places selling exactly the same goods around the souks. There is also a fixed price store called Dar Bouchaib in the kasbah and Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex near Cyber Park.

    4.

    Gambling games in Jamaa El Fna.

    During the evening, when the square comes to life, there are a few pockets of entertainment where gambling games take place. These are scams that involve winners working with the person in charge of the game.They impersonate curious onlookers and ask to take part. They obviously win, and a prize is exchanged. These are not genuine participants, and the likelihood of you winning a cash prize is virtually nil.

    5.

    Unofficial tour guides.

    Some tourists mentioned being approached by unofficial tour guides whilst visiting some of the attractions around the medina. Males who begin by asking where you’re from, then following you around telling you a brief history about attraction you’re visiting.After some time, they will ask you for a fee for their time and knowledge. If you want a genuine tour guide, check the website of the attraction you’re visiting or consider booking an activity through Get Your Guide or Booking.com, ayment is upfront, and the guides are registered and you also reserve the right to cancel. Your accommodation can also help you to book tours and activities.

    6.

    Overinflated taxi fares.

    A common scam that tourists mention is taxi drivers charging far too much. It’s a good idea to check with your accommodation how much you should be expected to pay and don’t accept the first price a driver offers you. Be prepared to bargain with him and try a different taxi driver if you’re still not happy. Grand taxis are shared taxis and much cheaper. If you are going further than Gueliz or back to the medina, consider a grand taxi instead. There is no Uber in Marrakech, and although they do have In Drive, you still have to bargain online with the driver, and more importantly, it’s actually illegal to use In Drive.

    I’ve covered all of the scams I’ve come across, but new ones may pop up as tourism continues to grow. Marrakech is an amazing destination with so much to see and do, and you may not experience any of the things I have mentioned.

    I have been incredibly lucky with taxi drivers. I have had positive experiences with and felt very safe whilst travelling back to my hotel in a remote area several times. The drivers have been very friendly and driven me straight through the gates so that I’ve not had to walk alone in the dark.

    As a rule, the locals in Marrakech are very friendly towards tourists, and they are  made to feel very welcome. However, poverty exists, and some people see tourists being much better off financially than they are and an easy target for extracting a few dirhams out of. My advice would be to make your boundaries clear from the beginning, get yourself some data by buying an Orange SIM for negotiating your way around the medina, and learn a few words of Arabic or French to help you to say no thank you.

    Like anywhere else in the world, keep your wits about you in crowded places, and try to stay patient, and you will have an incredible time in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Jamaa El Fna At Sunset.

    Experience the heartbeat of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you think that Jamaa El Fna  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, to be replaced by open-air restaurants, gnawa musicians, gambling, and exotic 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 as the main square takes on the image of a huge fair ground.

    Thousands of people from all over the city and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold. The exciting atmosphere is electric and pulsates with energy.

    Street vendors looking for potential customers pursue you with menus as you try to navigate your way through the crowds. They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are taking part in some sort of assault course.

    Images by Freebird Tracey

    The aroma from camel heads cooking on a spit drifts across the square, and fresh snails being plucked from their shells becomes a familiar sight.

    Although the scene is very intense, it is also magnetic and exciting. I love the energy in Jamaa El Fna after dusk, but some people find it too overwhelming. They prefer to sit at the edge of the square, away from the crowds, and watch everything from a safe distance with a drink.

    Jamaa El Fnaa at dusk is unlike anything else you may have experienced. There is so much to see.There are games being played, and a few little scams are taking place to try and trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.

    Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee. Families wander around the stalls that are brightly lit up and open until late. Young men enjoy kicking a football against the walls of the medina, and couples sit on benches chatting to each other in the warm evening air.

    Sugarcane and fruit juice are sold by lively vendors, and the banter is all done in high spirits. Tourists dine on rooftop terraces 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 is possible and everything appears to take place at the same time. It’s an incredible experience.

    Dazzling bright lights from the open air food vendors and Morroccan lamps for sale on blankets give off a warm, inviting glow. The heady fragrance from incense cones competes with the smell of food cooking, each wafting through the air on a gentle breeze.

    Henna ladies sit waiting for unsuspecting tourists and then grab their arms in an attempt to sell them a tattoo. They tell you,”It’s a gift,” but don’t you dare to walk away without paying once they’ve applied it.

    You can hear the sound of the gnawa musicians playing dressed in their brightly coloured clothing, belly dancers perform, and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd of curious onlookers, you can’t escape the mayhem. After all, the famous Jamaa El Fnaa is the heartbeat of the city, and it draws you in because it’s a special place and there’s nowhere else quite like it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Jamaa El Fna magnetises you. The chaos that surrounds you is an assault on the senses. It’s an experience, an education, and a head-first dive into the rich culture of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Although there’s so much going on after dusk, please be mindful when stopping to take photos. Someone in the thick of the action will be eagle eyed enough to catch you. They are continuously on the lookout for tourists who have stopped to watch. They will pounce upon you from out of nowhere, with a cap in their hand expecting 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’s a sight to behold, lively, energetic, colourful, aromatic, and incredibly loud. Be sure to visit this remarkable place and witness what it is that makes Marrakech so magical. 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 any obvious scams.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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