Vital information – Do not leave home without!

Marrakesh is not for everyone. Much like a toxic relationship, my feelings towards this unique city were love/hate all mixed together.

To start, Marrakesh is ALIVE. No where else on earth has a hustle bustle of interconnected stalls, spice vendors, alleys, mopeds, snake charmers and traders like Marrakesh. If you were to observe electrons at a subatomic level, they would be firing around slower and less sporadically than the components of Marrakesh.

Its alleys and streets wind, wiggle and intersect like a toddlers drawing you pretend to appreciate. Some alleys are indistinguishable form residents living quarters. Paths snake around and re-join. It is truly amusing watching your smartphone maps try to get to grips with this labyrinth. Spoiler, it won’t.

Flanking the streets are vendors of all persuasion. Common products include argon oil, carpets, lanterns, mint tea, musical instruments, tea, henna, and bags of overflowing with a rainbow of spices and everything inbetween.

Marrakesh is a sensory overload of sound, taste and smell.

And here lies the beast.

Vendors from Marrakesh have a reputation for being pushy, and I have to say it is deserved. Locals will approach and offer to do small services for you. Carry your bags, direct you to your accommodation, take you to a restaurant, sell you their merchandise.

In other cultures many of these acts could be seen as passing politeness from passionate locals, however, in Marrakesh everything has a price. Some of these sales tactics border on harassment. Traders will follow you down the street continuing to pester you long after you have politely declined their offer.

I have heard stories of girls having to literally run away from pushy salesmen. While not driven to this extreme, there were times I felt very uncomfortable.

Having  to constantly ignore pushy salesmen and repeat that you are “not interested” is draining. Especially when you are just trying to enjoy your trip.

For this reason, I would say go to Marrakesh for two days, take in the business, buy some cheap hash and move on. Importantly, don’t assume the rest of Morrocco is the same its not.

That being said Marrakesh does serve as a good base as there are a lot of truly great activities to be done surrounding it.

I went on a two day, one night, desert excursion with a group that included a camel ride, dinner in traditional Berber fashion. Staying in berber tents. In the middle of the dunes, camping there, I have never seen so many shooting stars. That being said the “special cigarette” they gave me may have had something to do with that.

There are also hot air balloon rides, waterfall trips, mountaineering treks, and so much more.

TOP TRAVELL TIP: Haggle, Haggle, Haggle and Haggle some more. In Morocco, with a few exceptions, the price you are given is very much up for negotiation. Its not a coincidence that items in shops don’t have prices on them. I defaulted to asking how much something was, then offering half (or less) of the vendor’s answer. Then be willing to walk away if they refuse.  They always come down. This may seem rude but haggling is expected, and the Moroccans get plenty of practice, so stay firm!

A restaurant meal is about the only private sale that it is not in the haggle acceptable bracket. Same goes for bus tickets and other official set prices. Taxi’s on the other hand, Haggle like hell. In the moment it is pretty obvious when to haggle and when not to.