About Marrakesh
Set west of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, though the city itself was founded in the 11th century. While possessing a fascinating history, Marrakesh gained acclaim in the mid-20th century due to an influx of western visitors, as well as its frequent appearance in popular movies and books. This vibrant city is often the first stop in a trip to Morocco.
Places to visit in Marrakesh
Marrakesh, colorful and vibrant, features narrow streets, traditional Moroccan courtyard houses called “riads”, and lively markets. Especially during the hot summers, life begins in the evening. The market stalls in Jemaa el Fna Square offer a variety of street food, while souvenir vendors, fortune tellers and musicians ply their trades. The streets and lanes that lead to the Square provide glimpses of the past and present, as tourists mingle with residents wearing traditional djellabas and caftans. Let’s start exploring!
Le Jardin Majorelle
Created over a forty-year span, the 9,000-square-meter Le Jardin Majorelle (the Majorelle Garden) was designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. In the Garden’s center is a Moorish art deco style villa in a striking cobalt blue. Surrounding the structure are gorgeous gardens that host 15 different bird species. Majorelle died in 1962 and the property was bought by French designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. The two men restored the gardens and lived in Majorelle’s former house. In addition, the pair established a foundation to support the education of Moroccan children. The property now also houses the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, with a collection of more than 600 Berber pieces, along with a café.
Jemaa El Fna Square and Koutoubia Mosque
Included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the Medina of Marrakesh dates from the 11th century. Inside the old city’s walls are a number of fantastic structures and sites, including the Koutoubia Mosque. A symbol of the city, the Mosque is believed to have been built in the early 12th century, replacing an earlier structure. The current Mosque features a 77-meter-high minaret tower distinguished by its square – rather than cylindrical – shape and it is topped by a spire and metal orbs. It is said to have inspired the famous Giralda (bell tower) of Spain’s Seville Cathedral.
Adjacent to the Koutoubia Mosque is Jemaa el Fna Square, the meeting place of the city. At any time of the day, the Square resembles a movie set: vendors selling everything from souvenirs to fresh fruit juices; snake charmers and magicians; women mixing henna…and so much more. The snake charmers are especially picturesque – it is impossible not to pause to watch a snake rising from a basket to the tune of a flute. Do be aware that it is appropriate to tip the snake charmer, particularly if you take pictures or videos.
Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh to Sahara
From Marrakesh, we drive to Zagora, the first stage to reaching the Sahara Desert. By road, the trip takes between six and eight hours, and involves traveling through the Atlas Mountains (High Atlas), renowned for long and seemingly endless bends. The Atlas range extends through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. In Morocco, the highest peak is the 4,167-meter Toubkal, in Morocco’s Toubkal National Park. Although visiting Toubkal adds a few hours to the trip, we’re willing to take the detour. According to studies, the Atlas Mountains formed millions of years ago, when the American and African continents were still one land mass.
Even for visitors who aren’t headed to Zagora, the Atlas Mountains are a magical destination – the first step into the desert from Marrakesh. You can see the Ourika valley and the river, and go to the villages where Bedouins still live, where you can purchase handwoven rugs, drink mint tea and sample tagine. There are many sights on this road but one of the best spots for photos is Ait-Ben-Haddou , a film location for countless movies.
Ait-Ben-Haddou
I mention Ait-Ben-Haddou as one of the best places to visit on the road leading to the Sahara Desert and I think you’ll agree. The village – included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 – was a caravan stop on the route between Marrakesh and the Sahara; it is considered an exemplar of southern Moroccan architecture and consists of clay structures surrounded by defensive walls. Today, most people live outside the old city in modern dwellings, but the earthen village is still open to tourists, who can shop for paintings, rugs and other souvenirs in the many small shops.
You’ll find that most of these shops have lists of the television shows and movies shot here: the first was Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, released in 1954. Other notable pictures include Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. In addition, scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed at Ait-Ben-Haddou. Quick note: The colosseum battle set from Gladiator still stands in Atlas Studios, one of the world’s largest film studios, in Ouzazate. Ait-Ben-Haddou is about a three- or four-hour drive from Marrakesh.
Zagora
If your time is limited but you still want the desert experience, Zagora is a terrific option. We can’t technically call it a desert, but there are definitely sand dunes. In fact, you can stay in a Bedouin-style desert camp outside the town.
To reach the camp, you will most likely travel via camel after a certain point. The camping is relatively plush; most tents have electricity and some feature private bathrooms. The sand dunes, on the other hand, are not enormous and are somewhat rocky, but you can still climb to the top of one to watch the sunrise and sunset. It’s not the full desert landscape with rolling golden sands, but it does provide a taste.
The endless golden sand dunes of the Sahara: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi
A more comprehensive Sahara Desert experience starts here: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi, featuring the infinite golden sand dunes of your dreams. Merzouga and Erg Chebbi are just 15 minutes’ drive apart but the trip from Marrakesh generally takes at least eleven hours. This is a two- or even three-day excursion.
There are numerous campsites in this area, accessible via ATVs or camels after a certain point, with the most preferred option being camels. You’ll definitely go with a local guide; it is incredible to me that they are able to navigate these endless sands without getting lost. The desert and sand dunes have a dramatic beauty, but they can be dangerous for those who don’t know the terrain.
The Merzouga and Erg Chebbi deserts are close to the Algerian border. As a note, Algeria is also a popular destination for Sahara Desert treks. Almost unbearably hot during the daytime, the Sahara is cold at night – and one of the best locations in the world for night photography, far away from light pollution. Wouldn’t you love to spend a night under the stars in the desert? It’s the perfect setting for a Bucket List realization. As mentioned, unless you’re intimately familiar with the terrain, it is best to travel with a guide. And don’t forget that both nature and desert are home to different animal species.
Some tips for a desert excursion
- Bring a long shawl or scarf. You’ll need it to protect your face and ears from the burning sun and from sandstorms. The Tuareg and other North African nomads wear a tagelmust, a woven scarf also known as a mouth veil. Typically, the tagelmust is worn by men.
- This scarf is often an indigo color and is identified with the Sahara Desert. You can buy one before you set out or bring a scarf from home.
- Wear sunscreen. Even with protective gear, the sun is hot and shade is rare.
- Wear comfortable, loose and light colored clothing with long sleeves.
- Bring sandals
- Bring sunglasses
- Bring warm clothing! The desert gets extremely cold at night.
- Anti-nausea/motion sickness tablets may be helpful, especially if you tend to get carsick.
Planning
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul to Manera Airport in Marrakesh. The flight takes around five hours. Below is a list of the average time you’ll need to visit the places we’ve discussed.
- One or two days for Marrakesh
- A night for Zagora
- A day or a one-day trip for Ait-Bin-Haddou and Ouarzazate
- Two nights for the Merzouga and Erg Chebbi deserts
When planning your trip, think about how you want to spend your time in Morocco. If you want to extend your travel beyond Marrakesh, you’ll need more time. Also, considering that these routes go through the Atlas Mountains – and that some of the travel involves camels – you’ll probably want to allot extra time in case of poor road conditions or other mishaps.
The traditional courtyard house of Morocco: Riad
The question of where to stay in Marrakesh is less important than “what type of riad should I choose?” These traditional homes often feature a Moroccan/Andalusian-style courtyard or garden – similar to areas within the Alhambra Palace in Grenada. The most elegant and upscale riads sometimes have expansive roof terraces and courtyards, along with pools or fountains. Many old riads have been restored and are now lovely boutique hotels.
We hope you have a delightful trip
