The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: Suitable clothing for visitors to Marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • 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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  • The Best Clothing To Take To Marrakech.

    Helpful tips to help you decide what clothes to pack .

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech can get very hot in summer, and temperatures can exeed 40° Celsius.

    Even the cooler months can feel warm and humid, especially walking around the busy souks and popular points of interest.Marrakech is also a conservative city with a majority Muslim population. The locals are extremely hospitable, but respect is a big thing in Marrakech.

    So, what should you wear to feel comfortable yet still appear respectable?

    For female visitors, I would suggest palazzo trousers. These are flowing and elegant, keeping you nice and cool.They pair well with smart cotton blouses and can be worn underneath a silk kimono, adding a touch of glamour.Lightweight cotton or linen trousers also look smart, and neutral colours give a sophisticated, modest appearance.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Silk (including recycled sari silk) maxi dresses are very versatile and keep you cool. They can be worn with a drawstring sari petticoat underneath for modesty if the dress is sheer. Linen is perfect and always looks polished.It can get slightly creased, so I would suggest bringing along a portable steamer. They’re a life-saver and take up very little space in your suitcase.However, most accommodation has an ironing and laundry service at your disposal.

    Cotton tee-shirts and blouses are ideal and can look very flattering with the right accessories. Loose yoga pants are also perfect for a day exploring. They help you to stay cool and comfortable.

    Headscarves look fashionable and can be used as a head covering whilst visiting  religious sites or as a convenient wrap around for covering your shoulders.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I like to wear turbans to cover my locs.They keep my head and neck cool, and at the same time, I feel put together and tidy. Silk scarves can be rolled up really small and fit perfectly in your bag. They are versatile and can be used as a hair tie, head covering, or pretty accessory.

    Marrakech is definitely more liberal than other morroccan cities. However, exposing too much flesh is definitely frowned upon. You may attract unwanted attention from both males and females, spoiling your overall experience and making you feel self-conscious.How you present yourself will determine the kind of experience you have in Marrakesh.

    In your accommodation, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and swimwear for sunbathing, so pack those items of clothing also.

    Males can wear knee-length shorts with linen or cotton short-sleeved shirts to look smart yet casual.Many high-end restaurants won’t accept men wearing sandals, but smart leather sliders or mules are usually acceptable. Linen or cotton long trousers for men are ideal and keep the body cool.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Men’s clothing is definitely more liberal than females. They don’t encourage the same kind of attention, but they are still expected to dress smartly when visiting certain places. I certainly wouldn’t advise a male to walk around without a shirt on, especially when visiting sacred places in Marrakech. That is something I would leave for a beach holiday. Appearing smartly dressed whilst feeling cool and comfortable is the only thing men need to consider.

    On the other hand, women are expected to respect the cultural norms of the country unless they’re going to the clubs in the Gueliz or Hivenage part of the city. It’s acceptable to dress a little more provocatively if you’re having a night out there.

    You can still look and feel good in appropriate clothing. It’s about choosing nice accessories to elevate your outfit. Marrakech has no shortage of beautiful jewellery and handbags.

    Regarding footwear, there is a lot of walking around the medina, so comfortable footwear is certainly essential.Trainers, pumps, or sandals are all acceptable.

    A little tip I found useful is to take  only a couple of outfits in my travel bag, and once I arrived, I bought the rest of my clothing in the souks. It wasn’t too expensive, and I felt as if I blended in with the locals better.I quite enjoyed wearing the traditional Moroccan dresses, kaftans, and djellabas for a change.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I have never needed to take a warm coat to Marrakech.

    Depending on the season and whether you plan a trip into the Atlas mountains or the Sahara desert, a lightweight weatherproof jacket is usually enough. I find that a shawl or cardigan has always been sufficient for cooler evenings.

    Winter in Marrakech is better suited to layers. A thin thermal skin that can be worn underneath a long dress or trousers is usually enough to protect from the drop in temperature. I also wear long sleeved tee-shirts underneath my dresses during the evenings. A comfortable hoodie or sweater can also come in handy. A trip to Agafay desert can get very blustery whilst watching the sunset in the open air.

    Keeping your eyes on the weather forecast before travelling will also help you to plan accordingly for your trip. If part of your itinerary includes a night in the Sahara desert, be aware that nighttime can be extremely cold.

    So, to summarise,

    Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a day exploring the medina and tourist hot spots is the most important thing to consider. You will walk a lot, and it can get humid.

    To discourage unwanted attention from the locals, female travellers might prefer to dress more modestly unless they’re in the bars and clubs, which are more liberally minded. Choosing natural fibres is the best way to stay cool, and long, loose-fitting garments are ideal because they look modest and feminine.

    Lastly, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.You don’t want to walk around looking like a lobster, and you can never underestimate the power of the hot Moroccan sun.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Winter In Marrakech.

    Visiting Marrakech During The Cool Season.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    December in Marrakesh can still be warm and sunny. This time of year can be easier for people who don’t enjoy the stifling heat in the summer months. If you also want to avoid huge crowds of tourists, you might prefer the winter months

    There is a possibility of more rain during the winter, and evenings can get chilly, but packing the right clothing will ensure that you still have a great experience.

    In the medina, riads have air conditioning and will supply their guests with extra warm blankets to keep them warm and cosy.

    When sightseeing,wearing several light layers and carrying a weatherproof jacket and umbrella will make sure you’re equipped for clement weather.

    I went to Marrakech in December, and it was still warm and sunny most days, turning chillier after sunset. I still had a brilliant time.  Vendors in the souks were easier to haggle with because of fewer tourists. I managed to bag a few good deals to take home with me.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    During the low season, the price of flights is often cheaper, and accommodation is easier to find for a good price.

    If you’re planning a day excursion into the Atlas mountains, they do get snow. Check places like Ourika Valley or Imlil are safe to travel to before booking. The train to Casablanca is always operational, and buses to Essaouira still run for an alternative day trip if it’s too dangerous to go hiking in  more remote areas.

    I was surprised at how often I was able to sit outside and people watch in Jamaa El Fna in December. Some days were bright and sunny, and some were cloudy with slightly a cool temperature. I never felt cold.

    Marrakech in December/image by Freebird Tracey.

    Some restaurants I visited, such as The Clock in the Kasbah, had roaring fires during the evenings. This created a cosy atmosphere.

    Occasionally, Marrakech can experience more rainfall than usual. If  you don’t want to get caught out, take an umbrella out with you.

    If it rains, there are plenty of interesting museums, so don’t be disheartened if you’re caught in a storm. There’s always plenty to do. Tailor your itinerary to suit the climate and keep an eye on the weather forecast daily.

    Spend time in places such as the Museum of Photography, the Berber Carpet Museum, and the Museum of Mouassine Music to keep yourself entertained.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I would definitely go again during winter. It helped me to cope with the gloomy, grey days in the UK by breaking up the long winter. I enjoyed shopping whilst it was quieter and shorter queues into most of the attractions. In addition, the airport was quiet, and I got through passport control really quickly.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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