Marrakech

Marrakech lies on a large plain at the foot of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. This makes staying in Marrakech the perfect city to begin your visit to Morocco and an ideal base for exploring the country, particularly the High Atlas and Atlantic coast, even the Sahara region if you have a little more time. Surrounded by its original fortified walls Marrakech entices you into its midst - allow it to absorb you into its soul and we are sure that, like us, it will become one of your absolute favourite places.

Riads are incredibly popular and continue to grow in number, they are traditionally refurbished houses of various sizes in the centre of Marrakech's mediaeval medina. These fabulous properties are designed to be cool in the Moroccan heat and inward-looking so will surround a private courtyard or garden which is most often open to the Marrakech sky.

Rediscover the World was one of the first UK tour operators (back in the 1990s) to offer riads as part of a different holiday experience; we now continue this with similar properties across the whole of Morocco. At least one of us here at Rediscover has visited each of the riads featured on our website so please feel free to discuss your requirements and budget and we will be happy to make recommendations - naturally such properties are likely to be a matter of personal taste and preference but we are confident that there is a riad to suit everyone.

Alternatively there are many excellent hotels in the city that we would recommend for those who wish to have the wide range of facilities that only hotels can provide such as large swimming pools, gardens, a choice of restaurants, gym, parking, etc. If you just want a good hotel prior to departing on a tour of Morocco then we are confident that one of our personally selected hotels will be ideal.

Sightseeing in Marrakech

Marrakech has many faces to offer the visitor - the fabulous historic and labyrinthine Medina of the Almohads, the more recent majesty of the Bahia Palace, the tranquility of its many famous gardens and the sophistication of its modern boulevards, cafes and luxury riads. Today Marrakech has become a thriving metropolis with chic night spots, top restaurants and a very modern atmosphere in places, all of which emphasises the immense historical context of the Medina and its focal point, the Djemma el Fna.

Any tour of Marrakech should begin by exploring the Medina followed by a visit to the Djemma el Fna (Marrakech's main square - translates as "assembly place of the dead") in the shadow of the Koutoubia Mosque. Enter further into the labyrinthine souk for some serious haggling and you will be immersed in the sights, sounds and aromas of this mediaeval market place. In the evening the Djemma el Fna changes quite dramatically and comes alive with a plethora of al fresco dining stalls such as those selling spicy sausages, fresh fish and chips, traditional Harira soup and even snails, all washed down with plenty of sweet mint tea of course - sheep's heads are perhaps only for the very hearty traveller though. All the time you will be surrounded by acrobats, snake charmers, fortune tellers and entertainers of all kinds.

Head straight to the Ben-Youssef medersa, a Koranic school and don't miss the Marrakech Museum which is close by in the medina; it can be found in the 19th century M'Nebhi Palace. You will be able to admire eight centuries of Moroccan arts and crafts - the Chrob or Chouf fountain is a must-see. This impressively sumptuous work has a wooden front dating from the 16th century. Take in the tanners' quarter which is situated a little to the east. There you will leave for an exotic journey to a world where the smells and colours will carry you away.

You can find foodstuffs, fabrics and handicrafts in the medina and its souks which are enclosed by the fabulous 12th century ramparts. Here everyone attends to their affairs, as they have for centuries. You can find some calm in the Arabo-Andalusian garden which houses the Saadian Tombs. You should visit the richly decorated rooms of these two mausoleums which are just below the superb minaret of the El-Mansour mosque. There is an unrestricted view of the rooves of the city from the terrace of the El-Badi Palace which is nearby. From the northern corner you can admire the ancient minbar (pulpit) of the Koutoubia mosque. This pulpit is beautifully ornamented with delicate sculptures and marquetry.

Modern places of interest

The Marjorelle Gardens house a collection of plants from the four corners of the earth flourishing among elegant ornamental lakes and an Art Deco villa. You may leave this enchanted spot in one of the many horse drawn carriages available in the city and take a trip to the Palmeraie; from there, continue to the Menara, one of Marrakech's symbolic places - this elegant building is surrounded by an immense ornamental lake (Marrakshi families come here to enjoy this cool spot during heat waves). You can enjoy an ice cream, a pastry or a cool drink in one of the establishments in Gueliz, the modern part of Marrakech. Luxury shops, banks, tearooms and cafes. Marrakech is a city full of life and enthusiasm.

Nearby sightseeing

The Lalla Takerkoust Lake is just 20 minutes from Marrakech and you can explore its 7km by pedal boat, motorboat or even jet ski. The Oukaimeden ski resort in the Atlas gives you access to one of the most extensive ski domains in Africa. You can climb Mount Toubkal (4167m), situated to the south of Oukaimeden. It isn't a particularly difficult climb provided you are in good physical shape, have hired a certified guide and have done the necessary preparation. You can visit the Ourika Valley which is about 30km from Marrakech: the granary for the area, with its fields of different crops laid out like a draught-board; its waterfalls punctuating the beautiful unspoilt scenery. Asni village, with its very beautiful red kasbah, should be seen.  Ouirgane is a very popular spot for Marrakshis. Don't hesitate to take a break for lunch in one of the many restaurants in the area: another opportunity to savour the delicious local cooking.

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