Morocco news
Marrakech Film Festival
This year’s Marrakech International Film Festival (2010) is set to be one of the most exciting yet. The 10th edition of festival which runs 3-10 December 2010, is set to see a host of stars attending, which will add to its global profile.
John Malkovich will be acting as the President of the competition jury, which includes Gabriel Byrne, Maggie Cheung, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benoit Jacquot, Eva Mendes and Faouzi Bensaidi.
The renowned director Francis Ford Coppola will host a Master Class for both film students and festival-goers.
Sigourney Weaver, will also be attending as President of the festival’s first ever short film jury and will hold the honours of awarding the contest winner will be a 300,000 dirham prize (about $37,200), with all the proceeds to go to the funding of a second short film that will have to be completed within three years.
So if you are interested in film and are planning a trip to Morocco, early December will be a good time to choose. Just make sure you don’t leave it too late to book a Marrakesh riads or hotel – for a selection click here.
An exciting future for tourism in Morocco
Morocco.com the Moroccan Tourist board official website recently reported on a state investment fund set-up to develop the tourism industry in Morocco. This investment fund called “The Caisse de Depot et de Gestion” has been created to invest €1 billion to boost the Moroccan tourism industry over the next 5 years. But what does it mean to the average visitor to Morocco?
Tourism is already the second most important contributor to the Moroccan economy, so quite rightly the Moroccan state is taking its development seriously. King Mohammed recently launched Vision 2020 a project to attract foreign investment into Morocco and particularly Moroccan Tourism.
It is likely that investment fund has been partially created in response to the global economic crisis which will have reduced the amount of foreign investment available to Morocco. Meaning that the Moroccan state is needing to fund more of its plans for the development of its tourism industry than it had initially hoped.
The most likely beneficiaries of the fund will be large luxury resorts, infrastructure and attractions. Morocco already has a number of world class visitor attractions including Bab Rouah in Rabat and the Menara Gardens in Marrakech, as well as countless other unique attractions and a wide variety of stunning landscapes.
Creating more world class resorts will certainly add to the appeal of Morocco to a wider cross section of potential visitors. Currently the majority of visitors to Morocco are Spanish, Italian and British. We are sure that with this investment the Moroccan state are hoping to broaden the appeal of Morocco and a tourist destination.
It is unlikely that the boutique hotels and riads we feature on Morocco Gateway will directly benefit from the fund - but hopefully they will receive the knock on benefits of the investments in the tourist infrastructure and increased marketing of Morocco as the wonderful tourist destination it is. We are excited to watch for the developments.
Royal Air Moroc extends its reach through a codeshare with Etihad
Morocco is now even easier to reach from the rest of the Middle East and the Far east through the recently extended code share agreement between Eithad Airways and the state-run Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc, giving customers access to more destinanation in the Morocco and West Africa.
The codeshare deal will allow Etihad passengers to travel from Casablanca to the Moroccan destinations of Agadir, Laayoune, Fez and Marrakech, as well as Nouakchott in Mauritania and Dakar in Senegal.
In return, Royal Air Maroc will offer travellers access to Etihad Airways services to Abu Dhabi as well as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Singapore.
Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer James Hogan, said: ‘An important part of Etihad’s growth strategy is to offer customers access to as many global destinations as possible, whether this be through opening up new routes on our own or through strategic agreements with other airlines, adding breadth and depth to our network.
‘The expanded cooperation with Royal Air Maroc will significantly enhance access to destinations for our customers flying beyond Casablanca throughout Morocco and to West Africa.’
Chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Air Maroc, Driss Benhima, said: ‘This new agreement confirms the confidence we have in each other’s operations and services, and helps meet our aims of enhancing the travel experience for our customers and providing them with new destination choices.’
Moroccan treats – argan oil
One of Morocco’s most famous products, argan oil is now a staple ingredient in many kitchens. Produced from the kernels of the argan tree, which is only native to Morocco and Algeria although it used to be prevalent across North Africa, argan oil has a distinctive, nutty flavour and is used in cookery and as a dip for breads, drizzle for couscous or dressing for salad. When visiting Morocco you’re sure to encounter argan oil, or ‘Moroccan gold’ in a range of dishes.
Argan trees are very well adapted to arid, desert-like conditions, which means it grows well in drought prone areas such as south west Morocco
The trees have been harvested since Berber times and they are also popular with the free-roaming goats, which like to climb them to feast upon the leaves. An entertaining sight for visitors to Morocco is that of the goats balanced precariously in
This, combined with an increasing demand for wood, means that the trees have become increasingly rare, and are now protected by UNESCO.
The oil itself is extracted from the kernels of argan nuts, and in certain areas of Morocco you can see Berber women bashing the kernels with stones to prepare them for oil extraction. These women’s co-operatives are vital to the economies of many parts of Morocco and help keep the villages alive.
Argan oil is such in vitamin E and fatty acids, and can be used in such products as soap, massage oil and anti-ageing cream, as well as for cookery.
You can pick up argan oil throughout Morocco at a fraction of the price you’d get it for in the UK. Therefore, it’s well worth stocking up before your trip home.
Reiki and yoga at Marrakech riad
Feeling stressed? Under pressure? Just a bit down? If you’re keen to get away from it all for a while to relax, recharge and rebalance your life, a four-day retreat of self-exploration, relaxation, yoga and reiki in a riad in Marrakech could be just what the doctor ordered.
Journey of Awakening is a chance to find your inner magic at the heart of Marrakech’s walled medina.
The four-day treat is a chance to find yourself in one of North Africa’s most beautiful and historic cities.
Taking place at Zamzam Riad, a three-star hotel in Marrakech’s central area, Journey of Awakening offers Ashtanga yoga and reiki.
Aisha Barzaghi will teach the dynamic practice of Ashtanga yoga, bringing strength and vitality to mind and body through breathwork and pranas. She is based in Marrakech and currently teaches yoga classes at Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s Kasbah.
Reiki attunements and group practice will be led by Rebecca Hutley, a master of Usui and Tibetan Reiki for more than ten years.
To compliment the retreat you will also enjoy a tour of Marrakech medina, the places of the 7 Saints and will take a mule trip into the Atlas mountains.
Zamzam Riad is a beautifully complimentary location for this chilled out course. Originally the home of a fortune teller, the Marrakech riad has been lovingly resotred by Emma and Marcus Joyston-Bechal.
A hammam and plunge pool are available for use by guests and there is a lounge full of board and card games for evening entertainment.
Prices are all inclusive (except for flights). You will get:
All classes (Ashtanga Yoga and Reiki)
Spa – 1 Hammam, 1 massage, 1 Reiki session
Reiki Practitioners course
Medina Tour including the Seven Saints of Marrakech
Walking in the Atlas Mountains with a guide and mule, afterwards lunch at Kasbah Toubkal
Accommodation, food, drinks (not alcohol), transport, trips, guides & airport transfers.
Prices: £800 per person (based on two people sharing)
£700 per person (based on three sharing – men only or women only if you don’t know your room mates)
A £500 surcharge applies for the five nights if your require your own room.
Book the course here.
Morocco Gateway can offer special rates for Zamzam Riad throughout the year. To make an enquiry, contact Morocco Gateway.
Visiting Marrakech in May
Coming in to land at Marrakech Menara airport in May, the view from the plane’s window is one that will take your breath away – especially if this is the first time you’ve visited Morocco in Spring.
First to catch your eye is the unique, complex and beautiful colour palette made up by Marrakech’s earth, fields and buildings – sun-faded oranges, ochres, dusty browns and nuanced pink and ivory hues.
But overlaid on this palette – both in irregular, mottled brush-strokes and geometric designs of agricultural fields – can be seen verdant springtime greens. At angles from the tilting aircraft these become luminous under the fixed gaze of the North African sun.
Once you’re on the ground you will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of springtime flowers that seem to have rushed themselves into life as if aware of the daily-increasing power of the sun, which will soon exhaust Morocco over the baking summer months ahead.
Whites and pinks of the lauriers, iridescent reds, purples, oranges of the bougainvilleas, royal yellows of the hibiscus, to the ice blues and violet pinks of the clematis – colours heightened by the backdrop of a mid-blue azur sky that is unblemished except for a few drifting, whispy cloud flourishes.
Take a moment to stand back and breathe in the cool springtime air of Morocco – lightly and intermittently perfumed by the smell of the flowers, a change from the heavier spice and fruit aromas that suffuse Marrakech air at the end of summer and autumn when the sun has relentlessly strained, sweated and squeezed the oils and fragrances out into the air.
For information on hotels and riads in Marrakech and beyond, visit Morocco Gateway.
Ash cloud shuts Moroccan airports
Five Moroccan airports have been closed today due to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.
Casablanca, Rabat-Sale, Tangiers, Tetouan and Essaouira airports are expected to remain closed until at least 18:00 GMT as the ash that has casued so much trouble in European air space moves on to North Africa.
The Eyjafjallajokul volcano erupted in mid April, causing five days of chaos for European travellers.
If you are travelling too or from any of the affected airports, we advise you check with your airline before setting off. Flights to Spain, Turkey and the Canary Islands have also been affected by this latest cloud.
Things to do in Fez
Fez is Morocco’s third largest city and is a hotbed of culture, the cultural and intellectual heartland of the country. There are so many things to see and do in the city that it would easily be possible to spend a month or more there without experiencing everything.
Of course, many travellers don’t have the luxury of a month to spend, so we’ve collected together some of our favourites – with a little help from our friends at Riad 9. If you’re travelling to Morocco soon, be sure you don’t miss out with our essential guide to things to do in Fez.
1 Dar Adiyel
Dar Adiyel was built in the 17th century as the house of the governor of Fez. It then became the city’s first bank before being transformed into a museum that showcased traditional Moroccan crafts and then a place to hear Andalousian music, before falling into disrepair and being abandoned. However, it has recently been restored by the Italian government and is once again a venue to hear traditional music. Visitors are welcome when classes are not taking place; just knock on the door and ask the guardian if it’s possible to come in.
2 Moulay Idrriss zaouia
This is the mausoleum of the son of the founder of Fez. There is a mosque in the grounds and you have to follow the Muslim faith to be allowed to enter – non Muslims won’t be able to view the tomb or the inside of the shrine, but you are able to look inside from the door and the outside of the shrine is well worth a look.
Wooden beams bisect the entrances to the holy area, originally put in place to indicate the sacred part that Christians, Jews and donkeys were forbidden to enter”
If you’re Muslim, you’re welcome to come inside and view everything. Outside there is some of the best zellij (patterned tiling) in Fez and the souk is interesting, too. You’ll see wooden beams bisecting the entrances to the holy area – they were originally put in place to indicate the sacred partthat Christians, Jews and donkeys were forbidden to enter.
3 The Mellah and Ibn Dan Synagogue
Fez’s Jewish quarter is a feast for the eyes with some stunning Art Deco and fascinating overhanging balconies. Originally, Fez’s Jewish population lived here and received special protection from the Sultan. The synagogue was built in the 17th century and has recently undergone restoration work. With a painted wooden beamed ceiling and blue tiled wainscotting, plus intricately carved plaster work above the Torah Ark, the interior of this synagogue will take your breath away.
4 Nejjarine Museum
This museum used to be a fundoq – an inn frequented by travelling merchants, who stayed upstairs and kept their animals and sold their wares down below. The building is impressive with amazing wood carving work inside and has been lovingly restored in the traditional style. The museum itself hosts exhibits of traditional Moroccan woodwork and outside you have the chance to see craftsmen in action as the carpenters’ souk and entire Nejjarine Square have been restored.
5 Glaoui Palace
The Glaoui family were once the rulers of Southern Morocco, and this is their Fez residence. While the building is not open to the public, Abdou, who is in charge, is usually happy to show you around. His family has lived there for three generations, and he is very knowledgeable about this beautiful palace. Simply knock on the door at Ziat, and be sure to give Abdou a contribution to help with the upkeep of the palace.
While the building is not open to the public, Abdou is usually happy to show you around – just knock at the door”
These are just a few of the things that you must do when visiting Fez. If you’re staying in the city for a few days, there are also several excursions that it’s well worth making, including the hot springs at Moulay Yacoub, the former Moroccan capital of Meknes, and the Gouffre du Friouato, North Africa’s deepest cavern.
For more tips on what to do in and around Fez, visit the excellent Riad 9 blog, written by Stephen di Renza.
For exclusive discounts and detailed information about riads and hotels in Fez, visit Morocco Gateway.
Tasting Morocco – experience the treat for the tastebuds that is Moroccan cookery, and learn the art yourself
Because of Morocco’s long history of trading with countries across the world, Moroccan cuisine is sumptuously diverse and varied, with influences from both East and West. We’ll take a look at some of the highlights of Moroccan cookery, and explain how you can learn how to make some of the dishes yourself.
When you visit Morocco, you’ll be bowled over by the cuisine. The first thing you’ll notice about Moroccan food is the multitude of multicoloured spices that populate every Moroccan souk and kitchen. Spices are used extensively in Moroccan cookery and many are locally grown. Just step out to a market and you’ll see the reds of paprika and pepper, browns of cinnamon, cumin and coriander, striking yellow turmeric and golden saffron stacked high in a rainbow of seasoning.
Olives, oranges and lemons are also popular ingredients in Moroccan dishes, indeed fruit is very popular, with prunes and apricots a feature of many savoury meals. Lemon pickle is a popular flavouring device.
Beef, lamb and poultry are the most popular meats in Moroccan cooking, and there are a good range of seafood dishes too. Vegetarian dishes are also popular and couscous, chickpeas and fresh vegetables – especially aubergine and tomatoes – feature extensively on the menu.
For those with a sweet tooth, kaab el ghzal (translated as gazelle horns) is an almond filled pastry, while honey and sesame cakes also feature prominently. These sweets are not usually served as desserts at the end of a main meal, when you will instead enjoy fresh fruit.
Many Moroccan riads and hotels offer cookery courses as part of your stay. Morocco Gateway has a range of hotels offering cookery lessons to guests.
Couscous, chickpeas and fresh vegetables – especially aubergine and tomatoes – feature extensively on the menu”
Alternatively, you can arrange a cookery course for yourself. Fez Food enables you to book cooking lessons and culinary adventures and celebrates the shared language of delicious food. You can travel from Fez to the village of Khoukhate and learn from the women there how to roll couscous by hand, as well as sampling delicious jams that include some surprising flavours such as watermelon and carrot.
Fez’s Clock Kitchen is the area’s first dedicated cooking school, and here you will have the whole cooking experience in one day. You’ll begin by choosing your own personal menu (so if you’re vegetarian or have allergies, for example, you’ll have nothing to worry about). Then you take a trip to the souk, accompanied by a chef, to purchase ingredients, before returning to the school to cook your meal under your chef’s guidance. Afterwards, you will enjoy your self-cooked food in the Clock Cafe.
For details of Moroccan riads and hotels that offer cookery courses, contact Morocco Gateway today. Morocco Gateway can offer special deals on Moroccan hotels and riads.