The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: safety

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • When Is The Best Time For Visiting Marrakech?

    Advice about the climate and tourism.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is an all year round destination. It has a high desert climate, so it has pleasant weather most of the time.

    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.

    The best time to go is during the spring, from March till May or in autumn, from September till November. Springtime sees warm, sunny weather, and you can still dine on the rooftops in the evening. However, I would recommend taking a lightweight jacket or jumper to throw on because the temperature can drop after sunset.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    March is the wettest month experiencing 12mm of rain over a day and the occasional storm. Be prepared by carrying an umbrella and wearing sensible footwear.

    June is the driest month with 1mm of rainfall over one day, but temperatures in June and July do soar, and it can become exceedingly hot. This  makes excursions and sightseeing activities more uncomfortable if you’re not used to walking around in that kind of heat.

    Suncream is essential whichever time of year you decide to visit because you can not underestimate the power of the hot Moroccan sun. Carrying bottled water with you is important too so that you don’t become dehydrated.

    If you prefer going when there are fewer tourists, I would suggest January to February. The climate is still warm and sunny, with average highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C in the evening. This would be an ideal time to visit if you’re put off by huge crowds of tourists and long queues at popular sightseeing destinations.

    Another thing to consider is that Ramadan takes place between February and April, so some stores and restaurants may be closed. Many do stay open, but the vibe can feel different due to the locals fasting throughout the day.

    I choose to visit in March, late September, or early October.

    In springtime, the Jacaranda trees along the main roads in Gueliz look really beautiful, and the air is really fragrant at this time of year. March can be quite hot, and heavy thunderstorms are also frequent. The sky can look very dramatic and holds its own kind of beauty just before a storm breaks over the city.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Springtime can still be very busy with tourists, and the souks are bustling with life. For me, that is part of the fun, but for some people, the crowds can be too much.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    September can be humid. I found it challenging to walk around the palaces and stand in long queues between 3.00pm and 7.00pm, when it becomes particularly warm and sticky, so try to get most of your sightseeing done in the early morning. Afternoons can be a good time to relax by the pool or take a nap until the temperature cools down.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you do decide to visit during the summer months, here are 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. You don’t have to rush around. Many places stay open quite late in the evening. Alternate between sightseeing and finding places in the shade to have a long rest with a cool drink to avoid too much sun exposure. There are plenty of beautiful spots with banana trees and beautiful tall palms to relax beneath.

    Wear natural fibres like cotton or linen clothing. They 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.

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

    Plan to do more during the evening when it’s cooler. Some of the tours begin later in the day, and trips to Agafay desert begin just before sunset, and it’s a wonderful experience at this time of evening. The square comes alive at dusk, so most of the souks are still trading until late.

    Wear high factor sunblock and keep your head covered. The sun can be pretty fierce, even as early as March.

    Visit the water slides of Oasiria. It’s a fun activity and the perfect way to stay cool. Visiting the Sahara desert will be blisteringly hot in summertime.  Consider going in the cooler months when days are still warm but not unbearable, but remember, evenings get cold in the desert.

    Marrakech is a wonderful city all year round. If you follow these simple tips, you should have an enjoyable visit whichever time of year you decide to travel. It’s about carefully planning your trip.

    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 as you? Can you handle the extreme heat, or would you prefer cooler temperatures in December or January?

    Whichever time you decide to travel to Marrakech, the locals are always smiling and friendly. There’s always lots do and see, including a day trip to Essaouira on the coast, visiting Ouzoud to see the second largest waterfall in Africa and many other exciting places.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Is Marrakech Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

    Safety tips for women travelling alone to Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is safe for women who travel alone.

    The overall crime rate is low, and most female travellers have a wonderful experience. However, there are certain things to take into consideration to help you feel confident and comfortable during your visit.

    Women in Marrakech dress modestly. How you want to be treated will depend on how you present yourself. Although Marrakech is a Muslim city, it is quite liberal and used to tourists, but showing too much flesh would be considered inappropriate.Whilst you’re not expecting to adopt the hijab, you will certainly be regarded favourably if you dress slightly more conservatively especially in religious places sacred to the Islamic faith.

    Wear dresses below the knees. Silk, rayon, or cotton dresses are perfect and keep you cool at the same time. Palazzo trousers are also very comfortable and elegant. I like to wear turbans, I love the fact that my hair is tucked away, keeping me cool and looking modest at the same time. Many tourists continue to wear the same style of clothing that they would back at home, so it’s really a matter of choice. I would certainly encourage dressing appropriately if you’re visiting religious sites, just as a matter of respect. You’ll notice how much a small gesture like this makes the locals happy.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The people in Marrakesh are friendly and hospitable. However, there may be times when you will be asked if you need help to find your riad or the main square. Simply decline the offer politely and go about your business.

    When shopping in the medina, stand your ground when negotiating for something. Show the vendors that you are confident and not be afraid to walk away if you’re not happy with the price. They may try to drive a harder bargain if they see a woman unaccompanied and you don’t have to put up with this. Shop around or visit a fixed price store or Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex, and you won’t have to bargain.

    Some men will cat call you or make comments, which may feel slightly intrusive. Ignore them and move away. They are usually harmless, but if anyone trys to follow you, find the nearest shop vendor or closest restaurant to sit in. If they still persist, threaten to find a police officer. It’s rare that this happens, and there are police everywhere around Marrakech, making sure that tourists are not hassled in any way.

    Knowing a few words in Arabic or French is always useful. Non merci or La Shukran means no thank you and will automatically bring a smile to the locals’ faces. It also comes in useful for shaking off food sellers and henna ladies in the main square.

    I have never felt uncomfortable as a solo female traveller in Marrakech. There are plenty of us about wandering through the souks and enjoying the tourist hot spots.

    Consider joining a guided tour of the medina if you’re feeling anxious about exploring by yourself, especially if it’s your first time. There are evening tours, street food tours, and plenty of registered guides available for visiting the local attractions.

    Marrakech is a great place  for a solo female traveller to visit. In fact, I consider it much safer than many other countries I have been to. The locals can’t wait to tell you all about their fascinating city, and they’re some of the most hospitable people I have ever met. Just educate yourself a little about the cultural norms and differences in Morocco and respect the local customs and traditions, and you should be perfectly safe.

    Marrakech is very touristy, so there are always crowds of people wherever you go.Just be extra vigilant in busy, congested areas with your belongings, the same way you would be anywhere else in the world.

    If you want to feel less isolated as a solo female traveller, there are a few excellent hostels in Marrakech that attract a lot of solo travellers. They are great places to stay and they can organise tours where you will meet other like-minded people.

    Lastly, relax and trust that the people of Marrakech are helpful and kind. You will definitely have an exciting time.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Five Things I Love And Hate About Marrakech.

    A list of some of my likes and dislikes.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is my happy place. It’s a city of contrasts. From the ancient walls of the medina to the plush bars and clubs of Gueliz and Hivernage. Visitors may find Marrakech to be an assault on the senses. The sights, sounds, and smells of Jamaa El Fna can be overly stimulating for the most seasoned of travellers. However, it’s part of the charm of the city, and it’s just as exciting as it is chaotic.

    Although I love visiting Marrakech, there are things that frustrate me. I have to give a realistic, balanced opinion. Like anywhere else in the world, things can not be all perfect. Therefore, I have decided to share some of the things that I have struggled with versus the things I adore about the city of Marrakech. I have made a list of 5 things that I love and 5 things I don’t like.

    Here are the 5 things I don’t like about Marrakech.

    1.

    If you’re an animal lover, you might find the hustlers in the main square too much to cope with. The monkeys on chains and the snake  charmers encouraging you to have your photo taken with them were hard for me to see.  The monkeys have been brought down from their natural habitat in the Atlas mountains. I accept that local people need to make a living, but they clearly don’t look happy chained up all day. They are dressed in tutus and nappies, and it just feels wrong to me.

    There are horse-drawn carriages taking tourists through the chaotic traffic into the newer part of the city. The donkeys pulling heavey laden carts through narrow alleyways full of motorbikes and tourists. I’ve witnessed accidents where they’ve been clipped by passing motorists. The donkeys look as though they’re overworked and appear neglected.

    I appreciate it’s the culture of Marrakech, and I have no right to criticise anyone’s way of life or impose my own beliefs onto another culture. However, I did struggle with it the first time I visited Marrakech. I avoided eye contact with the snake charmers and monkeys on chains, and eventually, they stopped approaching me. I would feel happier if a separate lane was implemented just for the horse-drawn carriages to use. For now, they are taken through some of the worst traffic I’ve ever seen, and I found that difficult to watch.

    There are also a lot of stray dogs and cats in Marrakech. They are looked after by the locals, and many of the cats have been rehomed by owners of the riads. They are regularly fed, and the local people try their best to look after them.  However, I found it difficult to see the sheer volume of strays to begin with.

    Finally, there are chickens in tiny cages and caged tortoises, If you are an animal lover like me, you may find all the above a bit shocking.

    2.

    Queueing at the airport.

    Be prepared to stand in line for up to 2 hours on arrival. The process is slow, and all you can do is accept it. Take a snack and keep a drink with you. It is possible to pay extra for the fast- track service, but it may cost you around €230 for the first person and €190 for the second person.

    Tip: Try to visit the bathroom before the aircraft lands and consider choosing a seat near the entrance and exit. This way, you can get to the front of the queue quickly.

    3.

    Marrakech is touristy.

    The narrow alleyways in the Souks can be very crowded. You and hundreds of other tourists will be browsing around the shops at the same time. Marrakech is one of the most visited destinations, and it may feel as though everyone is there at the same time as you.

    Tip: Plan to visit in January or November when it’s quieter. There are fewer people around the main attractions, so you will get the perfect photo opportunity. Queues will be shorter also. Consider  sightseeing and shopping early in the morning. It’s less crowded, and bargaining is easier.

    4.

    The smell of fumes in the souks.

    The souks are full of motorcycles and tuk-tuks, giving off clouds of fumes as they hurtle past. The fumes can get stuck in the back of your throat, making you feel  nauseous. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to change this. There are a lot of vehicles on the main roads around Marrakech, and they can be chaotic at times. Pollution can be bad in Marrakech. Just be aware of this if you struggle with asthma or other breathing issues.

    5.

    The vendors in the main square can be persistent.

    During the evening, the main square opens up becoming a meeting place for thousands of people. The food stalls are all in competition with each other.  Vendors will try to shove a menu in your face to get your custom. Some of them can be very persuasive, occasionally pushing the boundaries. It can become overwhelming, and it’s often difficult to remain calm in those situations

    The henna ladies also vy for your custom. It’s not uncommon for them to take hold of your hand and begin applying henna, telling you that it’s a gift. After they’ve finished, they’ll ask for money from you, and it can get quite heated if you refuse.

    Tip: If you’re not interested, try not to show interest by avoiding eye contact. Politely saying “La Shukran” meaning no thank you in darija, is a good way to discourage unwanted harassment.

    Marrakech was badly affected by the devastating earthquake in 2023, and many people lost their livelihoods and homes. Whilst it was sometimes difficult to cope with the constant barage of vendors. I had to remind myself that their struggle to survive is very real.

    Marrakech is certainly a culture shock to many first-time visitors, and I was no exception.

    I’ve shared 5 of the things I find challenging about Marrakech. I would now like to tell you about what it is that keeps me going back time and time again.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Here are 5 things I love about Marrakech.

    1.

    The people.

    You can expect to meet the friendliest, most welcoming people you have ever met in Marrakech. They are constantly smiling and can’t wait to tell you all about their fascinating city. They are multi-lingual, and many people speak up to 5 different languages. They love to teach you about the Amazigh culture, the indigenous tribes of North Africa. Many of the people of Marrakech identify as Amazigh, and the history of their culture is really interesting. Moroccans are some of the most hospitable people in the world, and I  always feel welcome.

    2.

    The vibrant colours and craftsmanship in Marrakech.

    If, like me, you are drawn to colourful things, you will be in your element in the Souks. You will find jewellery, Berber rugs, wood carvings, and an array of other  handcrafted items. Wherever you look, you will notice something that catches your eye. You will see skilled artisans creating Moroccan lamps and women demonstrating carpet weaving. The souks are a cacophony of colours. Lively and energetic. It’s a sight to behold.

    3.

    The food is delicious.

    There are plenty of great restaurants in Marrakech, and the food is excellent. There are vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and many cater for people with gluten intolerance. The food is diverse, and you can find dishes to suit everyone’s palate. I would need years to work my way through all the exciting menus in Marrakech.

    I enjoyed every meal I ordered, especially tagine and couscous. The deserts in Marrakesh are incredible. My favourite was the Japanese souffle pancakes in Fluffys.

    4.

    The Islamic architecture.

    Islamic architecture, with its symmetry and attention to detail, is beautiful and had me spellbound. I recommend visiting the places below to see some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture and craftsmanship.

    . Bahia Palace.

    . Madrasa Ben Youssef.

    . The saadian Tombs.

    . The Koutoubia Mosque.

    . Bacha Museum.

    . Marrakech Museum

    I loved the large wooden doors around the medina.  The intricately carved cedarwood  was a pleasure to see.

    5.

    Marrakech is central for visiting other places

    I took a trip out to Agafay desert, and it was magical. There are trips to Ouzoud to see the second largest waterfall in North Africa. You can take a train to Casablanca or visit Essaouira on the coast for the day. There are shared taxis to Imlil in the Atlas mountains and domestic flights to Tangier. If you have three days to spare, you can venture further into the Sahara desert. If not, you can take a camel ride at sunset in the Palmerai. There are plenty of excursions that are accessible from the city, and the transport system is developing rapidly. Supratours and CTM buses can take you to many places, including Essaouira, in three hours.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are so many reasons why I love Marrakech. I have featured only a few.

    If you’re looking for a place that combines ancient and modern. A place that is diverse. Somewhere that can sometimes feel like organised chaos yet functions perfectly. A place that will transport you to the tales from Arabian Nights, Marrakech, is all of those things and more. However, do not be under any illusion that you won’t see things you find difficult. Go with an open mind and compassion. That way, you will be prepared for the things you find different from what you’re used to.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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