The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: tips for choosing when to visit

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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  • 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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