Back from Skoura (Morocco) (page 4 of 18)

Yes, I’d booked quite a while in advance by email, but I think a month ahead is enough—it ensures you get a spot. Skoura has a stunning palm grove and some beautiful kasbahs, including Mohammed’s, but it’s mainly a great base for exploring the region in all directions: the Dades and Todra valleys and gorges, the Valley of Roses, the almond groves, Boutharar, the Draa Valley, etc. It all depends on how much time you have...

Thanks Marie-Claude! We’ll get in touch and let them know we’re coming. We’re planning to spend 2 or even 3 days there—is that enough? Thanks a lot.

hi marie clausde just got the photos, thanks! i'm on leave after cutting my finger, so I'm watching the rain fall... hugs to both of you élo

hi there we’d planned to spend 2 nights there, which turned into 3, then 6... we felt really good in Skoura. There’s so much to do, Mohammed is a fantastic advisor! And most of all, we just settled in, watched people live their lives, and lived alongside them peacefully... I’d imagined doing a lot more—visiting the Valley of Roses, the Todra Valley—but in the end, not at all... We did go to the Almond Valley with Mohammed, wandered around on foot and then by car. I struggled to truly enjoy the car rides, though. Here’s why: it was beautiful, no doubt about it, but I had this strange feeling of voyeurism, like being in a "zoo." It’s hard to explain, but for me, it felt odd to just drive through these places just to say I’d seen them. For me, the week in Morocco was a great vacation, but it also shook me up, and I really didn’t expect to feel that way going there... We went to the souk in Skoura on Monday, and I was stunned by the way people looked at me (I was shocked and, above all, uncomfortable—I felt like I didn’t belong, like I was intruding). Everyone, from teenagers to grandpas... And yet, despite the heat, I was well-covered: I had my black climbing pants, a long-sleeved tee, a fleece, no makeup, no jewelry... I didn’t understand it, and it was tough for me to feel like I was bothering people. Anyway, I’m rambling—this wasn’t the original topic. In my opinion, a week with Mohammed is the best! Enjoy! Elo

Elodie, if you have any lovely photos to share with all of us, please don’t hesitate—an illustrated forum is even more interesting! And thank you for your incredibly heartfelt stories. Have a great evening.

Thanks so much, Elodie, for your account and all this info. Have a great day.

I agree with you—when we travel, we sometimes feel like voyeurs. We try to keep a low profile as much as possible, but we’re inevitably spotted quickly. Still, it’s hard to do things any other way; it’s all part of the game.

It’s almost inevitable! But in Morocco, you can communicate and connect since many people speak a bit of French! As soon as there’s an exchange, you’re less of a spectator. But when you just drive by... well, yeah... it feels like you’re at the zoo...

Hi there; Do you know what to bring for a visit to the hammam? Is it easy to go as a tourist? And how long does it usually last? Thanks.

Hi there, No idea about the hammam... Mohammed's wife offered to take me, but it was too late on the last day. I don’t remember if you mentioned the Palmeraie guesthouse—if you did, I’m sure Mohammed would be happy to take you there! Elo

Good evening; Do you know what to expect when going to a hammam? Is it easy to go as a tourist? And how long does it last? Thanks.

Good evening, swimsuits for everyone, and a wrap for women if needed. I’d recommend men go to a public hammam, while women should try to get invited to a private one where you’ll be pampered by the neighbors. Ladies, be careful—you might end up with henna, which looks pretty but can quickly look "messy," and that might be a bit awkward to explain when you’re back at the office...

You can buy the glove and black soap at the entrance. Bring a towel. Also bring a plastic stool to avoid having to sit on the floor. They provide buckets for hot and cold water.

You should also check which days are the busiest because if it's too crowded, it's a pain!

I got henna done, and I didn’t feel like I was being tricked—it felt like a gift. Natural henna doesn’t last very long on the skin. I didn’t have any issues when I got back.

Thanks to everyone for all this info. We’re interested in the hammam—I didn’t know you could find henna there! Actually, we’ve got everything to discover!

Good evening; Do you know what you need to bring for the hammam? Is it easy to go as a tourist? And how long does it last? Thanks.

Good evening, swimsuits for everyone, and a wrap for women if needed. I’d recommend men go to a public hammam, and women get invited to a private one where you’ll be pampered by the neighbors. Ladies, be careful—you might get tricked into henna, which looks pretty but can quickly look "dirty," and that might not be easy to explain when you’re back at the office...

What’s there to explain? That we were lucky enough to go on vacation?

I was offered henna at the hostel at the end of my stay. At the hammam, it's possible... I don't know!

maybe in the tourist hammams!

We’ll discover all these traditions as our trip unfolds, and we’re already thrilled about it. Thanks and have a good evening.

If you're heading to Skoura, check in at the hostel. They’ll give you great tips—there are little hammams in the palm grove you can book for an evening, plus the public hammam in town. The vibes are totally different, and you’ve gotta try both!