PATHS FOR MOROCCO AND THE DESERT AGAFAY. TIPS AND EXPENSES.
TO THE PREVIOUS TWO TRAVELOGUES ABOUT MOROCCO:
– Buggy rides through the sand dunes near Agadir – See HERE
– Travelogue about Marrakech + trip itinerary – See TUK
The next morning, around 8:00, we got on a bus. from Agadir to Marrakesh this time we paid cash at the bus station. Arriving at the bus station in Marrakech We used the InDrive app again for a transfer to our accommodation, and once again, it was difficult to find where the driver had stopped.
ORGANIZATIONAL DISARRAY – PART TWO
Shortly after that, we went on an organized tour featuring buggies, camels, dinner, and a fire show – again booked through GetYourGuideThe start was nerve-wracking (nothing new there!)—we had supposedly agreed on a meeting point and departure time via WhatsApp. Sure enough, we were at the right place at the right time, and we were ushered into a minibus and set off. Just when we thought everything was fine, we were told that we were actually supposed to be with a different guide and a different agency. They said they would drop us off on the main road, where the other agency would pick us up. Just great! About half an hour later, the right person arrived, and we set off in the right minibus. Not that we weren't all heading to the same place anyway—but hey, why get hung up on the details…
MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL
The tour began with a visit to a women's cooperative where argan oil was produced, processed and sold. The largest producer of argan oil in the world, it is precisely Morocco, because argan trees naturally live here - in the southern part of the country. The oil is obtained by cold pressing argan nuts, which look very much like peeled almonds. Argan oil has many benefits for hair, nails and skin of the face and body and is widely used in the cosmetic industry. Therefore, the most suitable gift for a souvenir from Morocco ...is a product containing argan oil. Or green tea with fresh mint and lots of sugar—something that is also super popular in these parts.
Organized Tour of the Agafay Desert
After that, we headed to a Berber camp located in the middle of the desert, where we spent the rest of the evening. First, we spent an hour riding buggies—again, two people per vehicle—though this time there was an immense amount of dust, unlike the sand we encountered the previous day. The Agafay Desert is a rocky desert rather than a sandy one, which explains all the dust. Next, we hopped on camels, and our guide led us around the area for about 20 minutes. By then, it was already twilight, so the photos didn't turn out well at all. Afterward, we entered a large tent—shared with at least 100 other people—where we were served a traditional Moroccan dinner: a hearty Harira soup, followed by couscous with vegetables and chicken, accompanied by plenty of potatoes and carrots. During the meal, we "enjoyed" some live Berber music—thankfully, it only lasted half an hour! 🙂 The evening concluded with a short fire show outdoors.
–> Browse and book unique accommodations in Morocco at a discount. See HERE!
The next morning we went to the airport where we had to line up at the check-in counter to give us a paper native card, even though we were only hand luggage. This was necessary because at the airport in Marrakech they do not accept mobile boarding passes - people keep their paper 🙂
Only 4 hours later we were in Sofia and we were preparing not to go home in the warmth, but to go to the charity concert "This is a Christmas", in which popular singers such as Lyubo Kirov, Miro, Anelia, Maria Ilieva and others participated. We can safely check that we have seen them live together. tick!
Some places and sights in Marrakech we didn't have time for:
- Gueliz - the new neighborhood of Marakesh - a more European look, familiar European shops and brands
- Black Chich venue offers camel burgers
- Recommended restaurants in Medina: Kui-Zin Restaurant a la Medina de Marrakesh, Terrasse des Epices U Atay Cafe
- Café Glacier - Grand Bazar view from above
- Uzud waterfall is located 150 km away. from Marrakesh and is the highest waterfall in all of Africa (110 meters)
If you're still looking for some other useful advice...
the currency
The local currency is the Moroccan dinar as roughly 10 dinars is 1 dollar. Dollars and euros accept without any problem. In many places, there is no possibility to pay by card, so the cache is mandatory. If you haven't stocked up with dirhams from Bulgaria or you don't use a Revolut card that offers free local currency withdrawals, then your best option to get local money is Al Barid Bank ATMs, which are located both at the airport terminal in Hall "takeoff" (not "landing") or in the area of the large bazaar.
Internet in Morocco
Morocco is not part of the EU and logically every megabyte of the Internet costs ungodly a lot. Therefore, instead of buying a SIM card at the airport, for example, which is often an annoyingly long procedure with showing various documents, I decided to use GlobalYo, from there with various loops I got a free e-Sim card with plenty of enough gigabytes. Link to the site - here here.
Transfer from airport to hotel in Marrakech
There are 4 options:
- The most expensive - a prior arrangement with the hotel or directly to board a taxi in front of the terminal - 200 dirhams.
- Decent - with the Indrive application, as you need to move about 300-400 meters from the terminal beforehand. Price: about 50 dirhams.
- By public transport 1 - in the parking lot in front of the terminal there is a bus stop from which a specialized ALSA airport bus departs, which drives all over the city (medina, center, railway station, etc.). Price: 30 dirhams. Cash only.
- By public transport 2 – on the boulevard outside the airport (7-8 minutes walk from the terminal) there is a public transport stop. The bus drives to the center. Price: 4 dirhams. That's how far the tickets for all bus lines in Marrakech are worth. Only cash is paid.
Something like a summary
We loved this short trip to Marrakech and Agadir! Even our children, who generally have a problem with the Arab world. We met the typical Arab gypsy, lack of organization and hygiene, or rather the lack of it, although there were fountains everywhere. However, nature is very beautiful and the food is delicious. At no point did we feel threatened. The bus station and restaurant service staff really did their best to make us feel special. They expected tips, but they didn't get rough if you didn't give them. If a person has decided to travel on a budget, then Morocco is a perfect destination for the purpose - here a person can pass very cheaply if he travels by public transport and does not eat in restaurants.
–> Browse and book a budget hotel in Marrakech at a discount. See HERE!
Expenses for 2 adults + 2 children (14 and 10 years old)
- 1 night at Atlas Hotel in Marrakech - €3 + surcharge €16 for breakfast (4x4)
- 2 nights in a private apartment in Agadir (ANZA) – 75 euros
- 1 night in a private apartment in Marrakech - 35 euros
- Transfer airport - hotel that left us at the beginning of Medina - 20 euros
- Dinner at the traditional modern restaurant LR Grand Bazar Marrakesh - €65
- Dinner at La Bargue Gourmande Gourmet Restaurant in Agadir – €45
- Organized buggy and sandsurfing tour at Tifnit Dessert Dunes near Agadir - €120 in total
- Organized tour with buggies, camels, dinner and fire show in the Agafay desert - a total of 75 euros
- 2 surf sets + neoprene suits - €20 in total
- Shopping in Carrefour for dinner, breakfast and fruit items – €40
- Abundant lunch at a small fastfood restaurant Anza Gourmet - 20 euros
- Transfers with InDrive or with a recommended driver - a total of 30-40 euros (several times in amounts from 5 to 13 euros)
- Bus Marrakesh - Agadir - total for all 35 euros
- Bus Agadir - Marrakesh - 30 Euro
- Souvenirs in the form of dry perfumes and cosmetics with argan oil - 120 euros
