Everything & anything you need to know before going to Marrakesh
Here is some tips for your next holidays in Morocco 🐫
I can say that I have finally set foot on the African continent for the first time. I have visited South America, North America, Europe & Asia… and now finally Africa!!
Morocco is considered a safe destination and in my opinion it must be a primary obligatory stop for anyone who wants to start visiting the continent.
Yes… a stepping stone.
Now I will give you some of my traveler and backpacker advice.
I found Morocco to be very organised, but it has a flaw that I have read on many blogs on the first page of Google searches: THE ENDLESS PASSPORT CONTROL.
Well yes, to check my passport I was in line for about 1 hour and 25 minutes (I recommend having a paper hotel reservation to simplify the procedure) — take this into account if you book a private transfer.
1. Change at least 50 Euros at the airport
Yes, maybe the exchange rate is worth it, but we’re talking about cents. Marrakech is cheap, you can spend the days without that 10 cents difference ; ) Here you need cash…always.
2. TAXI: from the airport you already know how much you will pay
From Marrakech -Menara RAK international airport, there are taxi booking booths. You report the destination and it tells you the price, you accept and pay, and it prints out a receipt with your destination to deliver to the taxi rank. The taxi driver will already know where to take you without any extra charge.
3. Watch out for tourist food markets
If you arrive late you will find the major chains closed. Near every hotel there is always a “life-saving” market… but once is fine. Two no.
A pack of dried fruit and 2 bottles of water 54 MAD approximately 5 Euros.
This is something I do EVERYWHERE, always look for chains — and shop on the first day — such as water, wholemeal bread, cola, fruit juices and small snacks to always have with you during the day, to leave in the hotel fridge .
At Carrefour — for example — a bottle of fresh water costs 1.85 MAD 0.17 Euros and a coke 0.45 Eur.
With what you spend in a “trap-market” in the chain you have water for 2 weeks… if not more…
4. Virtual SIM and subscription
If you don’t want to be left speechless abroad, activate 7 or 14 day e-Sim packages in advance for a modest sum of 8 Euros.
I used SIM-IBO from MarketiBo.
5. The medina: The main attraction of the city
The first image that comes to mind of Marrakech is inevitably the Medina which in Arabic means city, refers to the ancient city. Surrounded by fortified walls and characterized by intertwined alleys (where getting lost is a must), the medinas are the refuge of Moroccan traditions, culture, architecture and craftsmanship.
It is a magical place that contains the essence of trade, as in ancient times, where sellers offer the best prices in order to win the sale to the buyer!
BEWARE of scams, many who approach you start talking to you without putting money into it — or “in friendship” — and convince you to follow them to craft workshops where the craftsmen themselves will want to sell you their artefacts.
I as a trader appreciate this marketing move (I can’t despise it) and elegantly give a 10 MAD coin to the craftsman and tell him “thank you for your time, I appreciate your work. But today I don’t want to buy anything. Here it is (coin) for your time” and trust me it is appreciated, compared to sending them to hell and leaving them nothing. It is a cordial and respectful gesture towards those who work.
6. You haven’t gone to Marrakech if you don’t eat in the medina in the evening
It is a unique magic of an African country. Food markets like those found in the Middle East and Asia.
These stalls where you have a starter, first course, bread and water for 3–5 Euros per person. The smells, the fumes of the roast, soups of various kinds, barbecues and here too they will compete to see who offers the best price!
Many people have entrepreneurship in their soul.
TIP: before going there, take lactic ferments for the stomach for better digestion and to avoid spending the next day in the bathroom instead of in the city! :D
7. Paper map… ALWAYS!
Okay, we’re in 2024… But as you may have already read from my other blog posts, I don’t have a good relationship with technology… on the contrary.
Always have a paper map and study the area and the main streets before leaving the hotel.
On every trip, the first half of the first day I arrive at my destination, I walk around the city along the main street and memorize the landmarks such as stations, theaters, parks and landmarks and then always take the same route automatically without maps or gps.
At most I can advise you to download the map of the city of arrival with Google Maps and use it even without internet (but it will only give you routes by car and not on foot).
8. Medicines more than cosmetics and toothpaste
Medicines always and in any case. Especially for fever, headache, digestion, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Leaving without it is a gamble.
If you can add a little health insurance it is better. You could also afford private rather than public hospitalization (sometimes lacking).
9. Passport always with you!
Many say to leave it at the hotel and take a photocopy with you. NO!
On the original one there is an entry visa stamp and a police officer can tell you “How did you get here?” — Where is the entry stamp? — Where do you come from?… etc
Always better to have it with you!
Now that you have a general overview of Marrakech you can prepare your trip and use my post as an organizational guide for your next trip to Morocco!
I’ve created a small design for you with the most important points to survive in Marrakech…
LORENZO DE DONATO
Marrakech — Morocco — North Africa -11/04/2024
