A guide through Marrakesh

Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Amazigh, Arabian, and European cultural influences, making it one of the most popular places to travel to escape the gloomy weather.  

This country has recently grown in popularity among Warwick students, especially after the Warwick Travel Society hosted a trip to Marrakesh and the Agafay Desert. The trip gained significant traction due to its affordability, only £150, covering flights, accommodation, and tours of the Agafay Desert.  

One reason for this growing interest is that Morocco offers university students a budget-friendly destination that is accessible to most passports. Most travellers can enter visa-free or with an electronic visa (please refer to passport index to view if your country has any requirements). This ease of access makes Morocco particularly appealing to international students, often more so than many European destinations.  

Among Morocco’s many cities, Marrakesh stands out, despite not being the country’s capital. It is home to various historical sites such as the El Badi’ Palace, which is over five centuries old, and the Al-Koutoubia Mosque, dating back more than eight centuries. Furthermore, there are direct flights to Marrakesh from Birmingham Airport, making it convenient and affordable for Warwick students looking to travel.  

Among Morocco’s many cities, Marrakesh stands out, despite not being the country’s capital.

When considering accommodation in Marrakesh, many travelers choose to stay in Riads, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden. These vary widely based on budget. While some Riads offer pools and a traditional Moroccan breakfast right at your doorstep for around £65-£90 per night (often split between two guests), more affordable options can be found for as little as £20 per night. While they may not have the most amenities, they still have the charm of Moroccan architecture and the interior garden. You can book Riads easily through Airbnb or Booking.com.  

As beautiful as Marrakesh is, it’s important to be cautious in certain areas, especially the old market. To begin with, you may have people offer you “free” souvenirs as you’re walking through only to demand payment after you’ve agreed to take them. Similarly, they may invite you to take photos with animals like monkeys or cobras and again ask for payment afterward.  Tourists should also be prepared to haggle with vendors, as it’s not just expected but part of the cultural experience. The process of negotiating prices is more fun than you would expect as you feel like you are immersing yourself in the local customs. A bonus tip would be to haggle in Marrakesh’s three languages: Arabic, French, and Spanish, as the locals would appreciate the effort of speaking three of their languages.  

A bonus tip would be to haggle in Marrakesh’s three languages: Arabic, French, and Spanish, as the locals would appreciate the effort of speaking three of their languages.

For those interested in exploring beyond the city, one of the most popular days trips from Marrakesh are to the Agafay Desert. Many tours include camel rides, dances with indigenous Amazigh people, an authentic Moroccan buffet, and a fire-dancing show to end the tour. Most tours to the Agafay Desert also stop at Argan Oil factory where visitors can learn about the traditions behind Argan Oil in Moroccan culture. Once in the desert, you can choose to join the Amazigh dances or simply watch the ceremony until the touring agency has the camel rides ready for you. The camel rides through the mountainous deserts paired with the sunset makes it a once in a lifetime experience because of all the scenic views. The evening continues with a traditional Moroccan buffet under the stars, offering a diverse range of food. The night concludes with a fire dancing performance for all tourists to watch before heading back to Marrakesh.  

As for dining in Marrakesh more generally, food is remarkably affordable, most breakfast buffets cost around £4.50, while lunch and dinner typically range from £3 to £12. 

All in all, Marrakesh is a must-visit destination, celebrated for its cuisine, historic significance, and the beauty of the Red City.