SASSY IN MOROCCO: MY 13 HIGHLIGHTS

I went to Morocco earlier this year to celebrate by birthday. Rather than bore you with an essay on Morocco, I have decided to put together the 12 best of my bests. These 12 highlights were moments/places that were memorable for me and hopefully will inspire you to visit Morocco. Hope you enjoy!

1. MAJORELLE GARDEN

This is a stunning botanical garden in Marrakech. The garden is owned by Yves Saint -Laurant. It contains a lovely cafe which allows you to take your time to soak in the beauty of this garden. This garden is a stunning place and a must for all especially those looking for a great photo opportunity.

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2. SHOPPING AT THE MEDINA

You get a chance to step back in time at the medina where you can find alleys that make you think you are in a different era. It can be very hectic in the medina so ensure to mentally prepare yourself and dress appropriately as there will be lots of walking and haggling.

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3. SPICE SHOP

If you’re into spices, I ask that you go to a spice shop. You will act like a kid in a candy store and leave with more candy than you prepared for.

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4. THE LEATHER TANNERY

If you able to withstand the smell of animal poop then you’re prepared. I spent a few hours watching how leather was produced. I think this is also a must for Morocco.

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5. CAMEL RIDING

Why not?

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6. LUNCH AT THE ROYAL MANSOUR HOTEL

What an hotel! What a lunch! STUNNING STUNNING AND DELICIOUS!!…please go and spend an afternoon there.

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7. TAKING OVER AN OLIVE STALL IN THE MEDINA

You know I had to do this lol

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8. VISIT TO THE SPA AT THE ROYAL MANSOUR

In number 6., I already told you to visit this hotel. The hotel spa is worth a visit but you don’t necessarily have to book a treatment as the price may be off putting but if money is no option, by all means book one and let us know how it went.

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9. DINNER AT THE JAD MAHAL

Ok I loved this place that I went twice, maybe thrice in a space of a week. In the evening, you get the works from belly dances to fire dances. The food is also stunning. Please book here in advance  as the restaurant can get full very quickly. Did I mention that it turns into a mini nightclub after dinner?

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10.  DAY TRIP TO ESSAOUIRA

What a perfect day out. I booked this trip with my hotel and oh my, it was a perfect seaside day.

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11. WALKS IN THE MAIN SQUARE

Walks in the main square were eventful especially at night when the snake charmers were in operation. So many unique entertaining sites to see.

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12. VISITING A WOMEN’S CO-OP WHERE ARAGAN OIL IS MADE

It was nice watching the production of aragan oil which is a highly seeked oil across the world.

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13. SIGHTING GOATS STANDING ON TREES

On my tour bus to Essaouira, I thought I was going crazy when I say about 15 goats on top of one tree. Apparently they feed off the tree. This is worth checking out.

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To be honest I had many more bests but I guess with these things, you can over do it. Are there other bests that you feel I have missed? Let me know if you have any questions for me!!

How to haggle in Marrakech

Marrakech is a major city in Morocco here in our beautiful continent of Africa. I went to Marrakech and I realized that everyone that visits Marrakech leaves with a degree “A Phd in Bargaining”. Moroccans make Nigerians look like they only got taught bargaining at primary school. Here are my top tips on how to haggle/bargain in Marrakech.

1. Vendors Price

Pay zero attention to the First price the vendor calls out. You can laugh as a sign of acknowledgement to let him know that that price was certainly a joke…an expensive but very funny joke. To let let this price anchor you or affect your final price.

2. Ask for the Vendor’s final price

As in (1) above, pay zero attention and laugh

3. Your Offer

Your next offer has nothing to do with the first offer by the vendor. On average your offer should be between 5-10% of offer in (2)

4. Digress

Start paying attention to another product in the vendor stall and start pricing that instead

5. Leave

Tell the vendor how much you like the products but too expensive but you will be back tomorrow.

6. Shop post 6pm

Try and make purchases in the evening when vendors are worn out from all the haggling degrees they gave out during the day.

7. Say You’re African

Tell the vendor you are also African hence family so he/she shouldn’t give you the price for foreigners as we all know the deal.

Perhaps you have also been to Marrakech and have some bargaining tips to offer, Do share xx