How do you organize a weekend in Marrakech for a group of 18 people? I’ll explain it here 👇
➜ To read the account of the weekend in Cap Ferret, go here:“Cap Ferret: account of a memorable weekend with friends“
➜ The full itinerary for discovering Marrakech in a day is available here: “Marrakech in a day: a discovery itinerary“
➜ A weekend with friends in Marrakech is also about bumps and giggles, which I recount here:“Weekend in Marrakech: Account of a crazy weekend with friends“
Marrakech in a nutshell
Located in central Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is nicknamed the “red city” or “ochre city” in reference to the red color of many of its buildings. An imperial city, along with Fez, Rabat and Meknes, Marrakech was the capital of Morocco for almost 350 years. With just over a million inhabitants, it is now the country’s fourth-largest city, behind Casablanca, Fez and Tangiers.
Marrakech is divided into two parts: the Ville Nouvelle, home to numerous luxury hotels and shopping malls, and the Medina, a historic city designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Covering almost 600 hectares, the Marrakech medina is one of the largest in Morocco and the most densely populated in North Africa. It is surrounded by 19 kilometer-long ramparts, 8 to 10 meters high, erected in 1126 by Ali ben Youssef. The cultural heritage and numerous historic monuments of the medina make Marrakech the undisputed capital of tourism in Morocco.
Until the 20th century, Morocco was known in the Orient as Marrakech. And the leather accessories made in Marrakech were so renowned that they came to be known as marroquinería in Castile. The term stuck and even spread to other languages, like French 🤓
How to get to Marrakech
Several airlines serve the red city, from Paris of course, but also from Brussels. Brussels Airlines, Ryanair and Royal Air Maroc together operate daily flights from Brussels Zaventem or Charleroi to Marrakech-Ménara airport. A direct flight takes around 3h30.
➜ When tickets are booked in March for a September departure, a round trip from Brussels to Marrakech costs €179.5 via Brussels Airlines. Arrival in Marrakech is scheduled for Friday at 8:30 a.m., and return on Sunday at 3:50 p.m., i.e. just over 48 hours on site.
When to go to Marrakech
The climate in Marrakech is pleasant all year round. Under the influence of a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, winters are mild and summers torrid.
From June to September, average temperatures range from 18°C in the morning to 34°C in the afternoon, with record highs frequently in excess of 40°C. Between the crowds of tourists and the discomfort of hot weather, many people prefer to limit their activities in the medina at this time.
The best time to visit Marrakech is therefore in spring and autumn. From March to May and October to November, temperatures vary between 20 and 30°C, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine a day.
➜ Despite some doubts about managing family schedules during the back-to-school period, we headed off to Cap-Ferret in September and haven’t regretted the choice. So we stuck to the same schedule for this second weekend with friends in Marrakech.
Getting around Marrakech
In the medina, you get around on foot. So there’s no need for a car if that’s the only reason to come to Marrakech. If, on the other hand, you want to explore the surrounding area (Ourika valley, Mount Toubkal, Ouzoud waterfalls, Agafay desert) or stay outside the city, you’ll need a car.
In terms of car rental, it’s often advisable to deal with a local rental company, which will be less expensive than the usual rental platforms. However, given the smaller number of cars available, don’t delay in contacting them. Even with 5 months’ notice, I had to contact 3 different rental companies to rent 4 Dacia Dusters! Budget-wise, we paid an average of €50 per day.
Where to stay in Marrakech?
Marrakech offers an impressive choice of accommodation. There’s something for every taste and every budget. The price will obviously depend on the type of accommodation (hotel, youth hostel, apartment or riad), the district chosen and the time of booking.
- Marrakech’s medina is home to numerous riads. No more than two stories high, the riad is the traditional Moroccan dwelling. With no openings to protect it from noise and heat, its exterior appearance is sober, bordering on austere. This contrasts with the green interior patio, often featuring a fountain or swimming pool to cool off in the heat. The riad is often run by a cook and/or janitor, both of whom are responsible for providing attentive but discreet service to visiting guests. Staying in a riad means opting for warm hospitality in a peaceful setting, yet within easy reach of historic sites. With similar architecture, dars are smaller than riads. They are often used as bed and breakfasts.
- Located some ten kilometers northeast of Marrakech, the Palmeraie is home to several resort hotels, some of which are renowned for their golf. Given the distance between the Palmeraie and the medina, it’s not advisable to stay here if you want to enjoy the medina.
- Located southwest of the medina, Hivernage is Marrakech’s chic district. The ambience of palm-lined avenues and modern resorts is very reminiscent of the Emirates. Chic restaurants, private clubs and posh nightclubs are all part of Marrakech’s nightlife scene.
- Located to the northwest of the medina, Guéliz is a recent district that came into being under the French protectorate in the early 20th century. With a clearWestern influence, it’s a less authentic and less charming district. Easily accessible thanks to the main artery running through it, this district is home to a number ofvery affordable hotels.
➜ When you’re in Marrakech to visit the medina, you radiate a lot around Jemaa el-Fna Square. Choosing a riad nearby is therefore a good choice for an authentic experience in the historic heart of Marrakech.
Given the size of our group, we opted for more spacious accommodation outside Marrakech. Here are the 3 nuggets that welcomed us less than an hour from the medina…
Le Petit Hôtel du Flouka
Situated on the shores of Lake Lalla Takerkoust, Petit Hôtel du Flouka offers spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains opposite.
The hotel has 14 rooms with private bathroom (shower), all air-conditioned and equipped with TV. The rooms are divided into small, independent pavilions (sometimes adjoining), nestled in a garden planted with olive, palm and fruit trees.
The restaurant area opens onto a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. On one side, a pétanque court. On the other, a nice bar with plenty of places to relax. Not before taking a dip to cool off in one of the two pools.
➜ Charming, relaxing, a change of scenery… We’d almost run out of words to describe this gem 🤩 And what about the fact that we were able to privatize the hotel and organize a dance party on the terrace? Lots of good stuff! I tell you more in the article“Marrakech | Behind the scenes of a crazy weekend in the red city” 🥳
Good to Know
- Le Petit Hôtel du Flouka is located at BP 45 Barrage Lalla Takerskoust, 42000 Marrakech. The 40-kilometer drive from the hotel to the medina takes 50 minutes.
- The 14 rooms can accommodate a total of 32 people.
- Prices for double rooms start at €75, breakfast included.
In privatization mode, we opt for menus (starter, main course, dessert) at €18/person. - It’s better to book directly on the hotel website!
- Jet Atlas offers several activities on the lake, but we didn’t get the chance to try them out.
Banana, buoy, water skiing – 60€ for 15 minutes
Flyboard, hover board – 100€ for 20 minutes
Selina Nomad Camp Agafay
After a night by the lake, we head to the Agafay desert for a night of glamping. Initially, the plan was to privatize the Oxygen Lodge Agafay camp, but due to a communication problem, this option fell through. With just a few weeks to go, replacement options are few and far between, and none of them are within budget(same scenario when organizing the weekend in Cap Ferret, hello déjà vu 😂).
A little disappointed, I settle on Selina Nomad Camp Agafay. With almost 50 tents in the camp, we’re a long way from privatization, but the budget is a little lower, and no couple will have to share a tent, which is always nice…
Nestled in the heart of the Agafay desert, 30 kilometers south of Marrakech, Selina Nomad Camp Agafay offers a range of tent types, from standard double tents to glamping loft tents with private pools, and two bedouin tents, each sleeping 20. Also available on site: a restaurant, a bar, two swimming pools, a CoWork area, a communal kitchen, massage tents and a yoga tent.
➜ When we arrive at the camp, the Selina group has just taken over the management of an existing camp. Everything is beautifully decorated, perfectly designed for the “digital nomad” clientele accustomed to Selina offers around the world. Basically, it wasn’t what we were looking for, but the glamping experience was there, as were the splendid landscapes of the Agafay desert. In terms of on-site management, however, there were several more or less amusing hiccups at the time… Read the article “Marrakech | Weekend of madness in the red city” 😅
Good to Know
- Selina Nomad Camp Agafay is located Route des Camps Désert, 40272 Agafay. It takes 40 minutes to drive the 30 kilometers from the camp to the medina of Marrakech. Same journey time from Petit Hôtel du Flouka, for a 25-kilometre drive.
- Prices for double tents range from €70 (Micro Tent) to €320 (Glamping Loft) per night. A bed in one of the dormitory tents (Beduin Tent) costs 28€ per night.
Breakfast costs 15€/person, and meals 35€ excluding drinks. - Several activities are offered in the vicinity of the camp (quad, buggy, camel ride). They can all be booked directly via Selina.
Domaine de Tameslothe
Before getting back on the plane at 4pm on Sunday, I wanted to round off the trip with one last change of scenery. Located 25 minutes from Marrakech, Domaine de Tameslohte is a 12-room hotel nestled in a lush 1.5-hectare garden. However, hotel accommodation is out of the question. We’re just here to take advantage of their Day Pass formula: lunch combined with a dip in the pool. After the desert, here comes the oasis…
➜ The abundant vegetation gives the Tameslohte estate the air of an oasis lost in the middle of nowhere. The pool is large and very pleasant. We enjoy an aperitif by the water while some of you take advantage of the treatments on offer. Lunch is served in the shade of the terrace, and the menu is varied and truly delicious. The perfect water-based lunch break to take your mind off the return trip 😍
Good to Know
- Domaine de Tameslohte is located in Douar Laaouina, Route d’Amizmiz Km 15, 42312 Tameslohte. It’s 25 minutes from Marrakech, 20 minutes from the airport and 35 minutes from Selina Nomad Camp Agafay.
- The Day Pass package, which includes lunch and pool access, costs €25 per adult and €15 per child, excluding drinks.
What to see in Marrakech
Markets, gardens, palaces, mosques, there’s so much to see in Marrakech… But we only had a day to get the gist. In just a few hours, our chosen tour took us to the El Badi Palace, Jemaa el-Fna Square, the souks and the Secret Garden.
Budget
Individual budget for a 3-day weekend from Brussels, based on 18 people > 438€
Airline tickets > 179,5€
Dacia Duster rental > 34,5€
Parking in Marrakech > 0,5€
Breakfast at Café Zeitoun Kasbah > 6€
Privatization of the hotel Le Flouka for 1 night with breakfast > 67€
Evening meal and subsequent lunch at Le Flouka restaurant > 36€
Rental of a professional sound system for the evening dance > 4,5€
1 night’s glamping in a double tent at Selina Nomad Camp Agafay > 50€
Evening meal at the Selina Nomad Camp Agafay restaurant > 35€
Lunch with pool access at Domaine de Tameslohte > 25€
➜ The full itinerary for discovering Marrakech in a day is available here: “Marrakech in a day: discovery itinerary.“
➜ A weekend with friends in Marrakech is also about bumps and giggles, which I recount here:“Weekend in Marrakech: Account of a crazy weekend with friends“
