Things to do in Morocco – interview with a tour guide
Pete Reed worked as a tour guide and driver in Morocco. Here he shares his recommendations for things to see and do on a trip to the North African country.
“The souks in Marrakech have to be seen to be believed,” says Pete. “They’re full of food, colourful spices and artisans selling leather goods and metal lanterns. These metal lanterns are very popular, you’ll see them all over Morocco.
“One of the best places to go in Marrakech itself is the Djemaa el Fna square, an open-air festival with drummers, storytellers, musicians and so on.”
Marrakech has a myriad attractions, including the amazing architecture of the Ben Youssef Medersa, the unmissable Koutoubia Minaret, the Jewish quarters and the Saadian Tombs. Especially in the summer, finding good refreshments are also essential.
“One of my favourite places is the grass Place et Mourabitoune,” Pete adds. “Here you can hire horse carriages and get your hands on the best ice cream in Morocco.”
Many visitors to Morocco will want to see not only the city but also the surrounding countryside.
“If you’re taking a driving holiday, the Tizi-n-Tichka pass from Marakech to Ait Benhaddou is a real drivers’ road,” comments Pete. “Be careful if you’re traveliing in the winter, though, it can get snowed up.”
Ait Benhaddou is a ksar or fortified city on the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. A World Heritage Site, Ait Benhaddou will be familiar to film buffs – many movies have been shot there, including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Time Bandits, The Mummy and Gladiator.
“For a more challenging drive, there’s the Tizi-n-Test pass, which is far smaller and windier,” Pete continues. “There’s an old mosque here that everyone – not just Muslims – is allowed inside, because it’s no longer in use. Though it’s abandoned, it’s fascinating for people who are into history and architecture.”
Care should be taken on this road as it is very narrow and windy in places, and local truck drivers travel at speed because they know the route very well. It’s best to proceed with caution as a tourist.
The journey is worth making, however. You’ll pass Mount Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa.
“Another place you should take a trip to from Marrakech is the Cascades D’Ouloud, the stunning tripple waterfall just a few hours from the city,” says Pete. “The falls are amazing and you can swim if you like.”
Travel down the coast and you will come to a city with a very different atmosphere.
“You have to go to Essaouira,” Pete enthuses. “It’s like a chilled-out version of Marrakech, about 100 miles down the coast.”
Essaouira means “image” and is certainly a picturesque location.
“It’s a walled city on the coast, with a crescent shaped beach where you can ride camels,” says Pete. “From there you can take a place on either a small or large boat to the islands off Essaouira; there’s a bird sanctuary there where you can see the Eleanor’s Falcon [an endangered species}.”
As for where to stay on your journey, Pete is clear:
“I recommend staying in Moroccan riads,” he says. “Essentially family homes, they are small and comfortable.”
For information on Moroccan riads in Marrakech, Essouira and beyond, visit Morocco Gateway.
Picture credits, from top – CCA: Mararkech, by reservasdecoches, Tizi-n-Tichka by zongo69, Sea at Essaouira by chigle
