More about: 6 Best Things to Do in the Palm Grove of Marrakech
It is known as the Beverly Hills of Marrakech because its grounds are home not only to fabulous palm trees and breathtaking landscapes, but also some of the best luxury hotels and spas in the country. Comprising several hundred thousand trees, the Palmeraie de Marrakech covers an area of approximately 8 square kilometres.
1. Don't miss the traditional camel ride through the Palmeraie of Marrakech
A different way to discover the Palmeraie de Marrakech is to explore its trails on the back of a camel. This natural environment, far from the city centre, allows you to calmly explore an area full of palm trees, where local traditions are still preserved. The ride, which lasts about an hour, is accompanied by a local guide who will explain the cultural and landscape features of the area. This camel ride through the Marrakech palm grove includes transport, a guide and a brief cultural visit.
During the tour, you will also visit a small Berber village, have the opportunity to dress in traditional Saharan clothing and enjoy a cup of mint tea at the end of the tour. This activity is suitable for all types of travellers, including young children, and is designed to allow you to discover this part of the city in a simple and comfortable way.
- Price of the experience: from £14
2. Enjoy tea at sunset in the Marrakech Palm Grove
If you want to experience the Marrakech desert in a day like a true Moroccan, sign up for a sunset in the Marrakech Palm Grove with a delicious traditional mint tea. This unique experience can be easily complemented with a camel ride among the palm trees to watch the sun set over the desert landscape.
If you book a tour with a camel ride from Marrakech, the company will pick you up in Marrakech and take you by private vehicle to a typical Berber village to enjoy tea as the locals do.
From there, you will go to the Palmeraie, where the camel ride among the lush palm trees will begin as the sun sets on the horizon. This landscape is truly amazing, so make sure your camera is the first thing you pack in your backpack before you leave.
These types of tours are usually done in small groups, which allows the guide to pay attention to each of the travellers. The only downside is that during busy periods it can be difficult to find space for certain excursions, so if you can book in advance, don't think twice.
- Price of the experience: around £40.
3. Sign up for a quad bike adventure through the Berber villages and the Palmeraie
If for some reason animal rides such as camel rides don't appeal to you, you have the option of exploring the Marrakech palm grove by quad bike. This is an exciting adventure that will take you out of your comfort zone to experience the tranquillity of the desert in a completely different way, as driving a motor vehicle will allow you to cover a larger area in a shorter period of time. In addition, the routes designed by the guides include stops at some traditional Berber villages to appreciate the local culture, have a mint tea or simply chat with the locals.
If you are travelling to Morocco with children, it is good to know that most companies offering quad bike tours in thedesert allow children over the age of 6 to participate, always as second passengers. The excursions are organised in small groups, which allows the guide to have greater control.
- Price of the experience: around €35 per person (depending on the company and service you choose).
4. Experience a traditional hammam
Enjoying the Palmeraie of Marrakech means discovering one of Morocco's most impressive luxury destinations. Here, five-star hotels and spas converge, offering treatments and experiences that are a little out of the ordinary, such as the traditional Moroccan hammam.
The hammam is an oriental ritual of physical and mental cleansing. In the Moroccan spas located in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, you will find the complete experience surrounded by luxurious surroundings and with expert therapists on hand to ensure that your visit is as relaxing as possible. In most of these spaces, you can enjoy a sauna, accompanied by additional treatments such as a full-body black soap exfoliation followed by a massage with argan oil.
- Price of the experience: £50 to £100. Many of these packages may include return transport to your hotel in the city.
See the horseback rides in the Marrakech Palmeraie
5. See the horse rides in the Marrakech Palmeraie
Another interesting alternative for enjoying a tour of the Marrakech Palmeraie that does not involve camels is a peaceful horse ride among palm trees. Highly recommended if you are a horse lover and the idea of meeting a beautiful Moroccan horse appeals to you.
Many tour companies offer horse riding activities in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, which begin with a talk by the instructor on basic safety measures. Then, a small group consisting of the guide, the horses and their respective riders set off for the incredible landscapes of arid hills, often stopping at the Tensift River before finally arriving at the Palmeraie.
- Price of the experience: from £60
6. Play golf on the most exclusive courses in Morocco
Although it may come as a surprise to many, the Palmeraie of Marrakech is one of the most exclusive and sought-after destinations in Morocco for golf lovers. If you love this sport and you are on holiday in Morocco, you should seriously consider visiting some of the luxury hotels located in the palm grove and pay special attention to those that have their own luxurious courses.
The golf courses located here take advantage of the beauty of the Palmeraie and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains to offer their visitors the most impressive views and significantly enrich the experience of playing golf in the desert. The design of the courses promises the most experienced players a challenging and exciting test, while less experienced players can take their first steps in this discipline with ease.
- Price of the experience: the green fee is around £50. Please note that the price varies depending on many factors such as the course you choose, the number of holes and whether or not you opt to hire a golf cart.
How to get to Palmeral from the city of Marrakech?
Due to its proximity to the city, a short drive will take you to the Palmeraie. Some of the best transport options are:
On a tour
Many guided tours and excursions to the Palmeraie of Marrakech include transport to and from your hotel. This is possibly the most convenient option, as it avoids the need to plan every little detail of the trip. In addition, the organisers of these types of excursions know where to take tourists who want to enjoy the best of the country.
By taxi
From anywhere in Marrakech, you can hire a taxi to take you directly to the Palmeraie. Due to the short distance , you shouldn't have to pay a very high fare, but it's always best in Marrakech to negotiate the price in advance before getting into the car.
By private car
Marrakech has a wide range of vehicle rental options, so if you prefer to travel on your own and at your own pace, this is an interesting alternative. A small vehicle will cost around €8 per day, to which you will need to add the cost of fuel.