Magnificent Morocco: Top Things and Top Tips!

Last month, I headed off to an exciting country that I been wanting to go. I mean it was eventful as it took 2 hours to come out of the airport, as I felt sorry that our driver waited for 4 hours..I mean I remember experiencing cab drivers who couldn't even wait for a minute.. and also it did kind of suck when my luggage was lost...maybe I totally misread the signal in London when I was outside the airport and a bird decided to do a dropping on my luggage (It's very handy to bring some baby wipes!). But that didn't stop me from having a blissful holiday and I did get compensation for it!

So I checked into the Riad where I was staying, and the owner of the hotel was exceptional. The room was amazing, traditional and spacious which is unique...And I must not forget to mention the hotel had one of the best continental breakfasts. It was a range of omelettes, various types of breads, jams, the coffee was strong and sweet, just exactly how I like it and the natural freshly made orange juice was a good morning boost too!

Ok so let's get going...

The top spots to visit:

1. The fabulous Jema El Fna in Marrakech.

This place is located in the city, opposite the Koutobia Mosque. They have amazing markets ranging from sweets, spices, light bites, soaps, fragrances, Jilbahs (Traditional long dress) and much more. Shopaholics, you would not be dissapointed! I must not forget to mention ARGAN OIL! I spend about £18.00 on a 15ml bottle of Argan Oil and it's not even pure, but the one in Morocco is 100% natural, even the soaps too.

Top Tip: * If you want to know how to spot 100% Argan Oil, take a look at

the bottom of the bottle, there should be a cloudy surface formed. And also it is cheap, you can buy 3 bottles for £5.

*.If you purchase more than 2 items in any market, negotiation is key as the seller will more likely give a good price!

*The evening and night is the best for roaming around the city, as it gets live and busy!

2. Koutoubia Mosque

Located in the heart of Marrakech. Beautiful building and listen to the wonderful call for prayers. 

3. Essaouira

This place should be planned for a day. They have a nice beach and seating area where you can relax and do some cheeky shopping, as there are various markets too! It's great if you can hire a car, but it would be better to go on a tour with a group as you may get a chance to visit the Argan Oil Factory on the way!

4. 3 Day Sahara Desert Experience in Merzouga

This is a MUST!!! The cultural experience is one to never forget... It takes around 9 to 11 hours

to get to the desert, but along the way, you can see the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, drive across the High Atlas Mountains, the Dades Canyons, see Ouarzazote, Ride across the Erg Chebbi on a camel (This was my favourite part!) And you can also enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars. (The chicken tagine was divine!)

Top tips for booking Marrakech:

1. Ideally you'd want to be in a hotel where it is a good walking distance to the City. A 10 to 15 minute walk would be a good location. 

2. If you book in advanced, it is cost-effective to book flight and accommodation altogether. However, I booked this trip literally a month before and prices went up, but I found a cost-effective way to do this and the only way is to book flight and accommodation separately. 

3. It is convenient when the hotel provides a service where they can help you organise excursions to the Desert or various trips. 

4. Definitely get a taxi transfer to your place of stay, it makes your journey easy, since Google Maps don't work in some areas of Marrakech, unless you fancy walking for 3 hours..

5. Lastly for the Desert experience, it would be ideal to go in a group as you save a lot...£60 for a 3 day experience which includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner and a driver is a very good deal!

Enjoy.

#Morocco #Travel #Summer #Marrakech #Camel #Culture #Sahara #Desert