Marrakesh by motorhome
It’s April and we’re heading out to Marrakesh from a campsite about 9km away. We’re hoping Marrakesh by motorhome won’t be too difficult and can’t wait to see what this famous Morocco destination has to offer.
We’re expecting it to be busy, as we’ve been driving across Morocco for a few weeks and already know how busy it can be. So, we have our eyes and ears fully focused on the road.
Needing to be alert to everything going on around us is nothing new, as there’s so much traffic, and everything in-between, from bikes to donkey’s and pedestrians.
It’s a great experience overall, being amongst the hussle and bustle and not quite knowing what will happen next.
Motorhome Parking in Marrakesh
We know there’s motorhome parking in Marrakesh where you can stay overnight. We’re just hoping we can find it!
Thankfully, we arrive at the entrance to Parking Kokobua without too much trouble, it’s been relatively straight forward despite the traffic.
Unfortunately we’ve run out of Dirham – the currency in Morocco and cash is king here. Luckily we have some Euro’s though which the attendant agrees to accept.
It’s €11 for the night, a fair price and hopefully ideal for walking into the centre.
At the end of the large parking is a section where motorhomes can park up. It’s quite busy, with several other motorhomes parked. Thankfully, we manage to fit into a vacant space between them.
Currency exchange
We’re eager to explore, so leave the campervan to set off on foot into the centre. It’s only a short walk from the motorhome parking, which is ideal for visiting the sights.
The ornate facade of Koutoubia Mosque is in sight, with its beautiful architecture. Just beyond is a very busy road which we cross and arrive at one of Marrakesh’s most famous areas – the square of Jemaa El Fna.
Before we do anything though, we have to find a foreign exchange to change some money into Dirham.
We know relying on our cards is no use here in Morocco, so have to join a very large queue at the currency booth. There’s so many tourists here of all nationalities, the first we’ve seen in any number since starting our Morocco tour.
Eventually our turn comes and we walk away with Dirham in hand to set about the sights.
Coffee at the famous square
Jemaa El Fna square is a huge. Lining the approach are numerous horse and carriages tempting tourists to a ride through the city. The aroma from the horses fills the air, it’s a little too strong to linger for long.
There’s few punters today, perhaps it’s a little early in the day for day-trippers.
For us, it’s coffee time and nowhere better than one of the many cafe bars and eateries surrounding the vast square.
During this daytime visit, the Jemaa El Fna is rather empty, with just a few juice stalls beginning to set up shop.
We choose the Cafe de France for our coffee stop. It’s interior staircase leads to balcony areas overlooking the square, a timeless classic in a bustling location.
A balcony table awaits with a fine view across the square where a waiter greets us and takes our order. Of course, it has to be traditional Mint Tea and a coffee too, all served with a smile from its iconic position.
As taxis, scooters and pedestrians rush through the square below, we sit back and enjoy the view.
Medina and mopeds
Trundling on across the square brings us to the Medina and Souqs of Marrakesh. These vast alleys of stalls are a labyrinth of crafts, clothes, foods and just about anything and everything else.
This is the oldest area of Marrakesh and we’re hoping we don’t get lost inside its colourful streets.
It’s not long before we feel lost within this maize like area. It’s so tricky to get any sense of direction, but we keep walking and know we’ll eventually find some sort of way out.
Mopeds ride through, their fumes strong and trails fill the air. Stepping aside and watching them pass, hoping our feet are clear of wheels becomes part of the experience.
The quest for fresh air ends our time in the Medina and souqs, holding our breath is exhausting – pardon the pun!
Once out into the open again, a rest at a cafe brings time for a break from this lively city. As hunger pangs strike, a bakery selling fresh cakes is an invitation to quell the tummy rumbles.
Although we’re a little lost again, somehow we make it back to the main square. We pass by all the main sights of Marrakesh, ensuring we’re covering all ground, or at least trying to!
Our heads are heavy and legs even more so. This means it’s a good idea to retreat back to the camper for respite.
Returning by night – Marrakesh by motorhome
After putting the feet up in the camper and freshening up, it’s time to check out Marrakesh by night.
Walking back the same route into the centre brings a totally different perspective in the darkness. This city has come alive, with the square of Jemaa El Fna now bursting with people, stalls and the smells of cooking.
Smoke fills the air from a vast mix of dishes cooking to order from visitors queuing to try the food delights on offer.
Long tables line the square beside food stalls, mostly full with people eating and stall holders stand, awaiting to tempt passers by to their counters with menus in hand.
There’s so much choice, it’s difficult to decide and we’re too indecisive to choose between the skewers of meats, tempting tagines and aromatic spices.
A restaurant with a view
Instead, we opt for a square view, from the 1st floor terrace of a busy restaurant. The tables are full, but luckily one becomes available. Now we relax, with a great view, the hustle and bustle stretching across the square below.
There’s plenty of restaurants to choose from, all are really busy and our choice is one of just pot luck.
We order a tagine each and soak up the atmosphere amongst our fellow diners. There’s music, singing, taxis, pedestrians, motor scooters and bikes dashing across the night. It’s a lively mix of city life under a haze of food smoking on the stalls below.
Our senses are in overdrive, with so much going on to keep us entertained our heads are heavy and ready for bed.
Retreating back to the campervan, we leave the lively centre behind for a quiet night at the parking area.
It turns out to be a great little place to stop, so handy for walking into the centre, yet relatively quiet for sleep.
Tomorrow we’ll leave the city behind and head for one of our most anticipated drives of this Morocco tour.
More on that next time!
