What to pack for an African Safari

What to pack for an African Safari

Packing for an African safari isn’t as straight forward as some people think it is! Africa is hot, so just shorts and t-shirts right? Nope! What a lot of people do not realise is that certain African countries get very cold at night and in in the mornings, and if you are heading out on safari before the sun rises or out on a game drive after the sun sets, if you are wearing shorts and a t-shirt you will get very chilly.

So, to help you with your packing, I have included a list of things to pack and also thrown in some info about what not to pack!

What to take on a Safari

• The best way to get close to the wildlife and make them feel as relaxed as possible is to blend in with your surroundings by wearing neutral colours such as greens, browns, and khakis.

• Light-weight, breathable fabrics reduce the noise when you are walking, especially on a walking safari. Layers are a great way to pack light but stay warm. Temperatures can be chilly on morning game drives, hot in the afternoon and cold at night. Layers allow you to remove clothing to make yourself comfortable as temperatures change.

• Airy, long-sleeved shirts with a collar will keep the sun off your arms and neck.

• A light jacket or fleece is great for an extra layer of warmth in case you need it. A fleece is a great idea because it dries quickly too.

• If you are going on safari in the middle of the African winter, you might want to pack gloves and a warm hat - crazy right?

• If you are going in the rainy/green season then a lightweight rain jacket is a must! Make sure it is light so that it doesn’t take up too much space in your bag but also because it can still be very warm.

• Comfortable trainers are suitable for most safaris, even for walking safaris. You will be climbing in and out of the safari vehicle frequently and doing some light walking around the bush, so closed shoes will be more comfortable and avoid your toes getting pricked by the sharp grasses.

• Sandles or flip-flops for when you are relaxing around the lodge and not out on an activity.

• Hats are a fantastic way to protect your head and face from the sun in an open-top safari vehicle.

• Sunglasses are a must.

• A swimsuit for if your lodge has a pool or you are heading to the beach afterward.

• For your evening meal, light colours are recommended to not attract mosquitoes. Linen trousers are the perfect way to look smart, stay cool, and prevent mosquito bites.

• A camera! Make sure you bring your charger as well as spare memory cards as I can guarantee you will be taking lots of pictures and you don’t want to run out of space!

• Any necessary plug adapters.

• Binoculars for those animals and birds that are a little trickier to spot.

• Suncream for any part of your body that isn’t covered whilst on a safari. Even though it can be a little chilly, the sun can be sneaky and burn you when least expected.

• Mozzie spray is likely to be at most of the camps, but it’s a great idea to have some of your own to keep with you. Bite relief might also be a good addition.

• A light bag or backpack to take everything you need with you on activities.

• Any personal medications such as malaria tablets etc…

What not to take on a Safari

• No bright-coloured clothing or crazy patterns. This will likely scare off the wildlife and could possibly draw unwanted attention.

• You must avoid camouflage clothing as some African countries reserve this pattern for military personnel only.

• Dark colours attract Tsetse flies, so stay away from dark blue or black clothing – they have a painful bite!

• White coloured clothing will get dirty very quickly so try and stay with the neutral colours instead.

• Formal wear is not necessary as most lodges and camps have a relaxed dress code. Most people end up wearing the same clothes to dinner as they wore in the day…with a few extra layers.

• Heavy hiking boots take up too much room in your suitcase, are super heavy and aren’t necessary for most safaris unless you have been told that your itinerary includes walking through the rainforest or harsh terrain.

• Too much clothing! Pack light – most safari lodges offer laundry facilities. You can also save space with convertible clothing like zip-off trousers that turn into shorts or a zip-off fleece that turns into a gilet. It is likely that you will wear the same sort of clothes every day anyway, so don’t worry!

• Toiletries such as shampoos, shower gel, and hair conditioners are normally provided by the camps and are usually environmentally friendly. Obviously, it is worth checking that your camp supplies these, but there is no need to take these items when they are already there!

• Towels are usually very big and bulky and unless stated otherwise, the camps usually provide them. No need to fill up your small luggage with these big items.

• Please don’t take hairdryers and straighteners with you! Most of the camps will either have a hairdryer you can borrow or the camp runs on limited or solar power so will not be able to handle the appliance. If you feel like you must take it with you, please check first that the camp will be able to support it. You do not want to be that person who blows the fuse at the camp!!

Whilst on safari it is a must to pack as light as possible. Most safari operators will ask that you only bring one small, soft sided suitcase and this is usually down to space either on the vehicle or light aircraft which have very tight restrictions. Large, hard suitcases don’t easily fit on the light aircrafts, which means that your luggage is likely to be refused.

You might think you need more, but you won’t. Less is more on safari and you won’t even feel like you are roughing it – you will be well looked after at your lodge. Most lodges even offer laundry services!

So I hope that this has given you some ideas for your safari and of course, if you have any suggestions, send them over and I will get them added in!

As always, happy travelling!!

Ile Aux Nattes, Madagascar

Ile Aux Nattes, Madagascar

If you want the definition of an island Paradise then Ile Aux Nattes (also known as Nosy Nato), is it! It is the most stunning and untouched paradise you will experience and the good thing about it, is that not a lot of people know about it.

Why visit?

Good question. Other than it having the most stunning beach going, the island is pure paradise and if you are wanting to get away from every other human being then this is the place to be. There isn’t a huge amount to do on the island and you can literally walk all around it in a couple of hours but it is gorgeous and there is enough to keep you busy for a few days. I definitely wouldn’t recommend spending your whole two week holiday here but if you are already in Madagascar or are thinking of somewhere to spend a few days at the end of your trip, this little island is perfect.

How do I get there?

Well…the island is stunning but it is quite a mission to get to and unless you do your research a lot of people would have never heard of it before. The main airport to fly into to get to Madagascar is Antananarivo (TNR), however, you wouldn’t want to fly all the way to Madagascar just to visit Ile Aux Nattes. Madagascar in itself is the most wonderful country and deserves at least a good few weeks of your time. There are a few ways to reach this little island paradise and one of them would be to fly from TNR to Ile Saint Marie (SMS) which is a slightly larger island that Ile Aux Nattes is part of- there is usually one flight a day (if Air Madagascar decides to work that day). Another way to get to Ile Saint Marie is to drive up north to Foulpoint from Antananarivo and then get the ferry across which tends to run twice a day if the weather is decent. There are also three flights a week from Le Reunion Islands.

Once you reach Ile Saint Marie, you will then need to make your way right to the south of the island and you can do this by jumping in a tuk tuk (from the airport it’s not far at all, however, it’s a little further from the Ambodifototra ferry port). From the main town of Ambodifototra it is likely to cost around 15,000 Ariary.

Once you reach the bottom of the island you will then need to jump in a local canoe which will either have a very small motor on it, or there will be a guy using a pole to get you to your destination. These boats are super cheap and can range from 2,000 Ariary to 10,000 Ariary and can take you to anywhere on the island.

The water is very shallow and is protected by a reef a little further out so is very easy to make your way around it in one of these little canoes. Once in the canoe, you can literally take a short ride over to the tip of the island and then walk to your hotel depending on where you are staying, or if you are staying at a hotel right on the south coast, which we were, you can get the boat to take you all the way. This then saves you carrying all of your luggage for an hour.

What there is to do?

The main thing to do here is to appreciate the beaches and enjoy the weather! If you are not the type of person that can sit still and sunbathe then there are still activities to keep you busy. The clear blue sea is wonderful for snorkelling and there are some wonderful dive sights in the area for you to enjoy. There isn’t a dive shop on the island, only on Ile Saint Marie, however, the lodges will be able to help arrange this for you.

September is whale watching season and you can arrange whale watching tours from mainland Ile Saint Marie, or your hotel can arrange these tours for you.

The island is very small and there are few different hotels you can go to for lunch. There is the ‘White House’ which is located on the highest point of the island and has stunning 360 degree panoramic views-  it is also a hotel which you can book to stay at. If you want to enjoy the panoramic views, you will need to either buy a drink or pay 3,000 Ariary- I vote drink!

There is also the old lighthouse where you can wander up to and enjoy views over the southern part of the island. Please excuse the AWFUL hairstyle….I got my hair braided and it was an instant regret…

At the tip of the island where you will cross over from Ile Saint Marie, is the Lucky Dube Pizza Bar! It is a reggae themed bar and has music blaring from it. You can enjoy pizza, sea food, soft drinks and cocktails! It is a great way to mix with the locals and other tourists in the area.

Getting around the island

As I mentioned above, if you are arriving or departing, it is definitely recommended to take one of their canoes, however, if you are just wanting to explore the island then it is best by foot. There are some little walking trails around the island that all connect together and run through some villages and this is a great way to get an insight to local culture.

There are no cars on the island, only a few beaten up motor bikes so walking is your best option. From the south to the north it will probably take you around an hour and if you walk around the whole island it will probably take you a couple of hours. The island has beautiful white beaches but the middle of the island is covered in lush green forests so there is plenty of shade to keep you protected.

Keep an eye out for the lemurs as there are some black and white ruffed ones hanging around.

Where I Stayed

I stayed at a beautiful little lodge called Les Lemuriens on the south coast of the island! There is not another lodge in sight and if you wish to go anywhere else it is around a 20 minute walk to the next lodge. There is a little village around a five minute walk away, and because of this you often see a few locals wandering around.

All of the rooms are named after different species of lemur and we were in the Sifaka Room. There are different standard of rooms from the simple, the standard, the comfort and the family room, but all are beautiful and have thatched roofs.

The main area is beautiful and has some lounge areas for you to relax in. There is also a spa treatment room where you can get a number of different treatments.

The hotel offers a few activities and these can all be booked on arrival at the lodge. You can take part in Whale watching, scuba diving and tours around the island. They also have kayaks which you can use to go and explore the island.

The food here is quite tasty but VERY expensive. Having just spent four weeks in Madagascar and paying very cheap prices for food, coming here was a shock. The food was very overpriced and we were paying around 25,000 Ariary for the main course. Now, that only works out at around £5.50, however, this usually paid for both myself and my boyfriend to have a three course meal on the mainland. Most of the time the menu was the same for lunch and dinner and there were usually only a few options to choose from! The annoying thing about this hotel is that they do not take card and there is no cash machine on Ile Aux Nattes. My boyfriend and I thought we were well prepared but we ended up having to make a couple more trips back to Ile Saint Marie to visit the cash machine.

Why not eat somewhere else I hear you ask? That would have been a great option if we were not in the middle of nowhere! It got dark pretty early and for us to try and get ourselves around the island in the dark on tiny little paths would have been impossible. We loved our little lodge but we did think that choosing a hotel nearer to the north of the island would have been more cost-effective in regards to meals. With that being said, we did wander around in the day and most of the hotels were charging the same sort of prices.

One evening my boyfriend asked the hotel if there was going to be lobster on the menu- for some reason he got a huge obsession with eating lobster. The answer to that question was no, but they said that they would go and fish for one. An hour later they came back with a huge lobster one of the fishermen found and asked us if it was ok! My boyfriend was over the moon and they said they would prepare it for the next night’s dinner. It was delicious!

The staff at the hotel were great and made sure our stay was memorable!

My thoughts 

This island is an absolute paradise and is perfect for people wanting to get away from the busy world for a few days. There is very limited wifi or connections to the outside world and very few other people around. It is an ideal place for a digital detox and a way to build your connection with the earth. I would go back here in a heartbeat!

A brief guide to the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

It is highly likely that a lot of people have never heard of the Makgadikgadi Pans let alone know how to say it (it definitely took me a while)- a few might of heard of it from Top Gear when they drove beaten up cars across the pans but other than that it isn't very well known- which can actually be a good thing. To most it looks like a wide open flat with nothing to do. That is where you are wrong. I have travelled all over Africa and this is by far one of my favourite areas due to its sheer beauty, its fantastic animals and incredible star gazing.

Don't get me wrong, it isn't the cheapest place on earth and it is definitely not the most accessible of places- but once you make it there it is 100% worth it.

Some quick fun facts

The pans make up around 20% of the Makgadikgadi Pans national park and they are actually remains of a super lake that covered a huge part of Southern Africa many thousands of years ago. When the water evaporated it left the salt pans which does not allow any plants or vegetation to grow. Despite the limited water and food, this area is still called home by many species of wildlife and the very interesting and traditional San Bushmen.

What activities are there to do?

So what is there do to down in the Makgadikgadi Pans I hear you ask?

Meerkats- To me this is the most important and most exciting activity. Not only do you get to see meerkats, you have the opportunity to get right up close and personal with them. There are several families that are habituated in the area meaning that there is a very high chance you will get this fantastic experience. There is actually a guy who gets to track them and spend most of the day following them around- I'm keeping a close eye out in case this job becomes available! Thats what you call a job right??

I was extremely lucky enough to spend a few hours with a family of meerkats and it really was one of the most amazing mornings. I got to spend time with babies and watch the whole family hunt. Then, to top it all off, I had a couple of them climb on me!! The main reason they do this is so that they can get to the highest point to look out for creators- I mean if thats what they want to use me for, they can do this all day as far as I am concerned. These meerkats are completely wild so to be able to get this close to them really is a once in a lifetime experience.

Nature drives- These drives are truly a breathtaking experience! It allows you the opportunity to see animals in a very different landscape and environment. There are even some unusual and rare animals that you may be lucky enough to spot, such as aardwolves, brown hyenas and aardvarks.

Drives along the pan- This is a wonderful way to see and really appreciate how large the pans are. It also allows you to get some fantastic pictures- especially is animals decide to be part of the photoshoot.

Quad biking- Now this is a very cool activity! You can only quad bike in the dry season which is their winter and our summer. Depending on the rains, this time period is usually from about June to October. If there is still water in the pans, it will not be possible as it will be too slippery. There is also the opportunity to quad bike into the pans to Kubu island and then sleep out under the stars!

Star gazing- Only one thing needs to be said here- the stars are out of this world! It will probably be the best you will ever see- particularly in their winter.

The migration- Most people are not aware of this, but this is one of the biggest and most spectacular migrations in Africa. Everyone knows about the migration in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara but not many people know about the one in Botswana. As soon as the rains arrive in December the Zebras begin their journey down South to the pans as they fill up with water. They usually arrive in the pans around January time and start to head back up north in early March when they start to dry up. This is truly a spectacular sight and one that often gets forgotten about. You will also have the opportunity to spot predators as they follow closely behind. This is also the time of year that the migratory birds are in the pans and also when you will have some wonderful sightings of the flamingo as they turn the pans pink!

The San Bushmen- This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and spend some time with the San Bushmen. They will introduce you to their way of life and show you how they survive. It is a fascinating experience and makes you appreciate their culture. It is worth bearing in mind that although these guys are wearing their traditional clothing and using their tools, it is not to be forgotten that most of them no longer live like this.

When should I visit?

This is a very interesting questions and also a difficult one to answer. When you should go to the pans very much depends on what you want to get out of your experience.

November to April- This is Botswana's summer so it is going to be very hot- especially down in the pans where it can creep up into the 40's. It is also worth noting that the accommodations only have fans and no air con so the evenings can be quite uncomfortable. Although it is their summer, it is also their rainy season so you are likely to get rain- with the rain you get very impressive thunderstorms which creates a photographers dream! As the rains arrive in December the zebra migration heads down south to the pans and arrive around January time- they usually stay until March time. This is a stunning time to visit as you will have the opportunity to see the migration as well as the pans in full flood which bring beautiful birds as well as predators.

May to October- May is when the pans are still wet but have very little water in them. As the winter approaches the pans completely dry up, the days cool and are a lot less humid. There is very little chance of rain and you are likely to get very clear days and nights- giving you a fantastic opportunity to star gaze. This time of year is fantastic for the meerkat sightings as well as heading out on the quad bikes.

Where should I stay?

There is a very limited number of lodges that you can visit down in the pans and even fewer where you can enjoy all of the activities. The beauty of this, is that there are very few people in the area so you aren't likely to run into anyone else out there. You will feel like you have the world to yourself!

Jacks Camp

Jacks camp is the flagship property and is named after Jack, the founder himself. The camp offers a very unique style of decoration and has a very old safari explorer feel to it. The camp is the height of luxury, although a very unusual style. The camp is made of dark green draping fabric so is a little dark in some areas- particularly the large pool area which is covered. The main area is also home to a registered museum of old artefacts and animals collected by Jack from the area. The camp was designed by Jack and was very specific in his decor choices. His son has now taken over the family business and keeps Jack in mind when it is time for refurbishments. Unfortunately Jack was killed in a tragic plane crash and is buried not too far away from the camp.

San Camp

This is a very beautiful camp which is located right on the edge of a pan so has stunning views! This is a very traditional style safari camp with draping white fabric in the main areas. The camp is very open and airy and has a very zen like feel to it. There is a yoga tent where people can enjoy some alone time as well as the main area which has lots of interesting artefacts in it. Like Jacks camp, the decor is chosen very specifically to keep up with Jacks taste.

The camp is currently undergoing some refurbishments which will result in a couple more rooms, larger tents and will eventually introduce a pool as it does not currently have one.

Camp Kalahari

Camp Kalahari is my favourite of the camps in the area as it is a lot simpler and less over the top than Jacks and San camp. Although it is further away from the meerkats, it is still in a fantastic location to enjoy all of the activities. All three camps are just a short drive between each other and are all part of the same family. The camp has a small plunge pool and relaxing area around it which is perfect for a dip on a hot day.

Planet Baobab

Planet Baobab is a very large and simple property. It is more suited to people on a budget and who enjoy backpackery style accommodation. It does have a very large pool open pool which is very inviting. The rooms have quite strange layouts and is not suited to people who are wanting a romantic getaway or any form of luxury. It is also worth noting that this accommodation is very far away from the meerkats and to get close to them you will have to travel into the pans and spend a night camping out under the stars- which doesn't sound too bad at all really does it?

Meno A Kwena

Meno A Kwena is based in a different location than the other four accommodation's I mentioned above. It is based on the edge of the pans and the main focus here is game drives in the national park and boat trips along the river. Unfortunately you cannot visit the meerkats from here but it could be a nice combination to stop off at before heading to one of the other properties. Out of all of the accommodations I have stayed in, this has by far the most incredible view!

How do I get to the Makgadikgadi Pans?

Getting to the Makgadikgadi Pans isn't as hard as you think it will be- but yes it can be expensive so put those pennies in your piggy banks.

Driving- Driving to the Makgadikgadi Pans is the cheapest way to get to them. You can pick up a car in Maun and drive around four hours to get to them. It is very important that you do your research before picking up your car as you will need to ensure that you have a very good map and adequate driving directions/instructions. It is very important to speak to people who have travelled the roads recently as there are sometimes points where it says the road is closed, but in fact you can ignore the sign and continue driving- if you detour then you may not make it to where you need to be. As an example, we followed the map and came across the above- luckily we spoke with our friend who directed us and got us back to where we need to be. It is also worth bearing in mind that unlike places such as Namibia and South Africa, this is a VERY boring drive. You may be lucky enough to spot some wildlife on the journey but it definitely isn't the most thrilling of drives I have ever done in Africa. Mostly the roads are tar but there are A LOT of potholes which can slow you down so please be careful!

Please note that depending on your onward plans after the pans, you may miss out on your last morning activity due to needing to get back no on the road.

Scheduled road transfer- If you want to save some money and have the experience of travelling by road, then you can arrange a road transfer from Maun to the camp, however, please note this will be a long drive.

Flying- This is the most effective but most expensive way to get down to the pans. If I am being honest, it is definitely worth the extra money as it saves a lot of hassle and time! The planes are light aircrafts and the journey can take around an hour from Maun- the camp you are staying at can book this for you.

Useful tips

Language- Luckily the national language is English, however, there are lots of local and tribal languages that you will discover! Ask your guide to teach you some!

Currency- The local currency is Pula, which means rain in SeTswana. However, if you are just visiting safari camps USD is the preferred currency

Luggage- If you are planning on taking light aircraft to get around, please be aware that you will need to limit your luggage to 20kg per person in soft sided bags.

Happy travels!

I hope that this post has given you some insight as to what the pans are about and why you should visit! They are truly a wonderful experience and a place that I would 100% recommend visiting. If you have any questions or wish to book your trip please don't hesitate to get in touch!

Riad Djemanna, Marrakesh

This beautiful little riad is built from two older riads and each has its own rooftop terrace. It is located in the heart of the medina in Marrakesh which means you are easily within walking distance  to all the main sights. It is perfectly positioned for getting everywhere in Marrakesh without having to take any public transport.

The riad is around 20 minutes (3.1 miles) from Marrakesh airport and they can arrange arrange transfers if you like. The last part of the journey needs to be completed on foot and is around a five minute walk through tiny little windy streets. At first it was quite daunting but at the same time it felt like a great adventure.

Our arrival

We were greeted by the wonderful staff at the riad and we were made to feel really welcome! The main area is was beautifully decorated and had a plunge pool in the centre of the room with some comfy sofas.

We were given mint tea and snacks whilst we settled in and filled in all the documentation. The staff were extremely friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. The whole riad has free wifi and it even stretches up to the roof top terrace. We were then taken upstairs and shown to our beautiful room. We stayed here for four nights which was a perfect amount of time to explore the city.

The rooms

The riad has air conditioned rooms which are all decorated individually but with a lovely Moroccan style. Some rooms can accommodate three people or a family. Our room was gorgeous and had a lovely large bathroom with everything we needed for our stay. We also had a safe in our room which was hidden away in our wardrobe. The only negative I can think of it that any loud noises can be heard throughout the hotel- we had a few giggles and could be heard from downstairs.

Breakfast

Our mornings were always put off to a good start as we had a very yummy and traditional Moroccan breakfast included. It was served up on the rooftop terrace which overlooks Marrakesh. The rooftop terrace also includes lots of lounge areas where you can spend time relaxing and enjoying the wonderful Moroccan sun.

Hammam and spa treatments

The riad also offers spa treatments and has a hammam which you will have access to- this is a local Moroccan bath which scrubs off old dead skin. You will need to book these in advance and you can reserve your spot by speaking to the staff. It is a great opportunity to relax and experience some local culture. As well as the one the riad offers, there are also plenty other Hammams in the area. We chose to not use the riad’s hammam and opted for a larger one so the three of us could enjoy more of a spa and experience it together- the riad’s one only takes one at a time.

The area

The riad is located in heart of the Medina and is perfectly located for you to be able to walk to almost all of the main sights without having to take public transport. To walk to the main square it will take you around 10-15 minutes. The souks are a one minute walk away which will allow you to make the most of getting lost in all the windy streets and markets.

For more ideas on what to see in Marrakesh please read my blog ‘Magical Marrakesh’ for some more hints and tips.

HAPPY TRAVELLING!

Magical Marrakesh

Wow…what a city! I fell in love with Marrakesh the second I arrived and it did not disappoint! It was everything I had hoped for and more. Initially I had my concerns as I know it can be a very busy city, especially within the souks (the local markets) and I have heard horror stories of people being massively hassled and shop owners not letting them out until they buy something. I am very well travelled and have been in many different situations but from my experience, I don’t cope well with too many people- especially if they are hassling me. So naturally I was a little nervous! There is also the clothing issue- we had been told that you need to cover up and not show anything so I made sure I had packed my long skirts, scarfs and sleeved t-shirts- I was prepared for what Marrakesh would throw at me.

Quickly we realised that Marrakesh was a very busy and bussling city with thousands of people, cars, crazy motor bikes and even crazier people on push bikes. The main thing we learnt was to stay calm, walk in a straight line and do not panic. One of the friends I went with had not travelled very much so to her it was a HUGE culture shock- it took her a while to settle in so if this is your first major trip please just bear this in mind. After a while she settled down and relaxed enough to enjoy everything Marrakesh.

We stayed in a beautiful little riad down a very narrow and out of the way side street. We were picked up from the airport and our driver walked us to our riad which was a major godsend otherwise I don’t think we would have ever of found it. At first I was a little concerned as I had no idea where he was taking us but as soon as we walked into the riad it was like a whole new world. If you are visiting Marrakesh, PLEASE make sure you stay in a riad. There are so many of them, in different shapes and sizes but it really does give you a wonderful insight into their culture and 100% better than staying in a normal hotel.

We were greeted by a lovely French lady who spoke perfect English and we were given mint tea which is one of the locals favourite drinks- it is poured into small glasses from a large hight to ensure that you get as many bubbles as possible- it tastes better this way. We gave it a go and it is very difficult to keep the tea pot high whilst still getting the tea in the glass- better off leaving it to the professionals!! It was a wonderful welcome! We quickly realised our riad was in a wonderful location in the Medina, giving us easy access to the main square and the souks- which is very important.

Must do’s in Marrakesh

Main square

The main square is where the hustle and bustle in Marrakesh is. In the day, there are a few market stools around along with a few snake charmers- which is definitely an interesting site.However, as interesting as the main square is in the day, in the evening it is when it comes alive. The square gets flooded with people, market stools and places to eat. It is perfect for buying souvenirs and a great place to eat some local food.

Souks

The souks are my favourite place in Marrakesh! It is like my dream destination- I am a huge sucker for buying souvenirs to decorate my house with interesting things from all around the world. The souks are such an interesting place as it is like a maze! You have to try and navigate your way around to get from place to place. To help us get around we started naming areas such as ‘brass land’ and ‘shoe kingdom’! Although even by us naming the places, we still ended up wondering around in circles most of the time.

When in the souks you MUST be prepared to barter. It is the culture in the markets and they expect you to haggle with them! At first it feels quite uncomfortable but the more you do it, the more natural it feels. They will give you a price, you then have to go in super low and then you can start haggling. Try and aim to have a price in your head that you are prepared to pay and if they don’t agree, then be prepared to walk away. A couple of times they even came running after us. The one thing I struggled to get my head around was feeling like I had ripped them off, however, I had to remind myself that they would not agree to the price if they weren’t happy to sell it. Enjoy the experience as it is definitely a fun one- plus you come away with some amazing goodies.

Jardin Majorelle

The Jardin Marjorelle is one of the most visited sites in Marrakesh and took a huge 40 years to complete. It was gifted to Marrakesh by Yves Saint Laurent and is also home to the Berber Museum. The garden is filled with over 300 species of plants from five continents. There are lots of beautiful pools filled with water and to top it off, the colours are stunning- particularly the very royal blue that very famously claims the gardens. They are beautiful and they are definitely worth a visit in Marrakesh.

Get a Hammam

You must have a hammam! This is a local bath where you are pampered and scrubbed and come out feeling revived and relaxed. We chose to have our hammam at La Maison Arabe as we read it was the best! Our bodies were lathered with creams and oils and our skin felt as good as new! After our experience we spent 20 minutes relaxing at the spa drinking our mint tea. The three of us went in together but we agreed to this before we knew that all we would have on was a piece of fabric that nearly covered anything down below. It was all worth it!

Food tour

We took part in an amazing food tour whilst in Marrakesh! Now, I’m not a foodie (YES, I know I’m strange) but this was an incredible experience. Our guide game to meet us at our riad around 4pm and took us on this magical tour! We started off eating at a small food stall where a lady made us some sort of savory pancake that I believe had olives in. It tasted amazing and to wash it down, we had some more mint tea- of course!

We then proceeded to wonder through the streets where we visited a local bread oven and the place where they heat the water for the hammams, however, they use the ash and heat from the fire to heat up their tangiers- basically a ceramic container that locals but all kinds of meat, couscous and spices in to create a yummy meal. It basically acts as a slow cooker.

We then wondered through the souks where we passed some of the food stalls, where we collected nuts, olives and other local delicacies before sitting down at a small restaurant to eat what we had picked up whilst ordering and trying a tangier.

After all that I was getting super full, however, the night was definitely not over yet! Our guide then walked us into the local square where we tried snails- this took a lot of convincing on my part. I am quite fussy when it comes to food but I promised my friend that I would try everything! I am proud to say I kept my promise.

We were then taken over to a soup stall where we all each had our own bowl of soup! I was starting to really struggle to fit everything in. Our final stop was sitting down at one of the local food stalls int he square. Our guide then ordered so many different kinds of dishes for us to try! There was so much food! We were so full but we ate as much as we could.

It was an incredible evening and it opened my eyes to all kinds of different foods and flavours!

Palace Bahia

The palace is beautiful and is definitely worth a visit whilst in Marrakesh. The architecture is stunning and there are so many different areas to explore, including different rooms of the palace as well as the gardens. There are some amazing colours around the palace, particularly some of the ceilings so you can get some great pictures!

Ben Youssef Madrasa

This is an old Islamic colleague which you can now explore and learn about. It was so interesting to learn about the students way of life and see and hear about the way they live. The architecture is incredible and I was obsessed with all the detailed markings in the wall arches- there must have been so much work going into them.

Sunset drinks on a rooftop bar

I don’t think this one needs much explaining! Get yourself up on top of any rooftop terrance to enjoy the beautiful views of Marrakesh! They can get particularly busy just before sunset as everyone wants to watch the beautiful colours appear over the square. Get your spot early, grab a drink and enjoy the sunset!

Safety in Marrakesh 

Like all places in the world, you need to have your witts about you. Just because you are on holiday it doesn’t mean that you can forget your common sense back home. I think the main thing to remember is to remain relaxed and confident and don’t carry too many valuables around with you- this will just make you an easy target. When I went out for the day, I took a small bag and all I had on me was my phone and whatever money I needed for that day- and of course some hand sanitiser and suncream! I kept my bag in front and around me at all times- limiting the possibility of anything happening to it.

As much as I hate to admit it, as a woman travelling with two others there is always the thought ‘is it safe?’. And the answer to that is YES but again, just make sure that common sense is packed and with you at all times. I was very shocked to see women and young girls walking around Marrakesh with very short shorts on as well as all kinds of other body parts on show. Now, this is fine but for your own sanity and self respect please cover yourself. It is a muslim country and as a sign of respect it is decent to cover up- and when I say cover up, I mainly mean your chest, your bum and the majority of your legs. I found myself wearing a scarf most of the time and this made me feel a lot more confident. We got a lot of attention and comments anyway and I feel that if I had been less covered up then I would have felt very uncomfortable.

Useful tips

Language- French or Arabic- English is not widely spoken but it is still possible to get by.

Currency- Moroccan Dirham (although annoyingly they do not accept Dirham at Marrakesh airport!!)

Getting around- If you are located centrally, in Marrakesh walking around the medina to the main square and the souks is definitely possible, however if you want to travel further afield then taxis are easily available from the street, if you are uncomfortable then ask your accommodation to help you.

Overall Marrakesh is a fantastic city, with culture, food, history, shopping and spas its a great place for a long weekend!

HAPPY TRAVELLING!