Category: Africa

Taliouine, Taroudant, Souss-Massa, Morocco

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Taliouine is a Berber town in the province of Taroudant, in Morocco, in the region of Souss-Massa; region of rural populations of the Anti-Atlas. The village is a large producer of saffron and its production is very important. There is a local cooperative where you can buy the red gold directly, as they name it. Since 2007, there is the International Safran Festival which helps to promote this production every year.

Tips

If you visit the area you will find sellers of saffron next to fields and you will have the opportunity to walk on the fields, drink saffron tea and of course, buy fresh saffron directly from the producer.

This year’s international festival will be held from October, 20th to November, 15th 2017.

Kasbah Valentine, Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco

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Kasbah Valentine is a guest house located in front of the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, 30 km from Ouarzazate. It has 10 air-conditioned rooms spacious enough, decorated in Berber style, with private bathrooms. There is plenty of natural light in all rooms. Upon arrival you will be welcomed in the traditional way with a mint tea and pastries. There is an onsite restaurant that serves the most typical Berber dishes: couscous, tagine, soup, salad, etc. The most valuable area of this house is the terrace from where you have a breathtaking view; it is also the ideal place to enjoy breakfast or a drink while watching the beautiful surroundings and of course with your camera in hand!

Tips

If you really want to be in a typical place, away from the big city, next to the Kasbah, this place is ideal. The owners will do everything to make your stay unforgettable.
It is best to make a reservation in advance because the house also welcomes groups who are visiting the country, whithout reservation, you might be forced to look elsewhere.
You also have an area next to the restaurant, where you can buy some crafts and even beautiful tagines.

Herboriste Marrakech, El Mellah, Marrakech, Morocco

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Herboriste Marrakech is a herbalist shop in the Jewish quarter of El Mellah in Marrakech where many local guides take tourists after visiting the Bahia Palace. They call the store as ‘pharmacy’ and they say that it is a cooperative where women produce Argan oil, so well known these days as it is added to several products; and you can see at the entrance a woman who works with their hands and their feet while the person who welcomes you begins to explain the procedures for obtaining oil. You will be taken to a small room where you’ll find many great bottles with beautiful colors that will seem magical potions and you will be asked to drink something while you attend an explanation of different products on sale, of course. With the demonstration of several products you will have the opportunity to try a few of them while some integrating people of the group will receive massages from a representative of the cooperative to test argan oil.

Tips

If you are not ready to buy, it’s better to take a walk through the souk until the tour continues.
You might find this long but you can leave when you want and wait for the group outside.