With NO brand sponsorships or points used either:)
Yes, you read that right – we flew from Washington D.C. to Marrakech, Morocco, and back without spending a dime on flights!
Hey there, new friends to our blog – glad to have you! We spilled the beans on this awesome deal in our earlier post about our trip to Barcelona. Quick recap – we had a record-breaking three delays on that trip. But when we told TAPS airline every little detail, they hooked us up big time with two free round-trip tickets!
If you have been following us, we are not new to international travel but our trip to Marrakech was our first time visiting Africa and our first time visiting a Muslim country where homosexuality is illegal.
Our top priority during travel is always returning home safely.
With that being said, and after watching many LGTBQIA safety videos on Youtube, we decided the safest option was to refer to one another as Sisters if/when asked and to dress modestly (for me that means not too butch and for Simone, no cleavage or skirts/dresses above the knee) and to refrain from all PDA as it is frowned upon in public for both gay or straight couples in Morocco.
Despite some challenges, this trip will never be forgotten. Leading with the positives, this was the first time Simone visited Africa, and experiencing that together is a memory we will always treasure.
The food? Incredible! Each meal was a feast of flavors and not a crumb was left behind. Our stay in a traditional Riad, our amazing drivers, and the folks who guided us around Marrakech and Casablanca showed us so much kindness, making our 5-day journey smoother and much more enjoyable.
Trip Highlights
We booked several excursions on this trip, and all were enjoyable and rich learning experiences. On the first night, we went on a walking Street Food Tour in Old Medina, which ended with a traditional rooftop dinner in Old Medina overlooking the souks.
The next day we took a private half-day city tour, booked through Viator. We saw the beautiful Jardin Majorelle, marveled at the Koutoubia Mosque, wandered around Jemaa el-Finaa and Bab Agnou, and stepped inside the impressive Bahia Palace.
On day three, we took a day trip to Casablanca, also booked through Viator, where we got to enter the magical Hassan II Mosque and view the Holy Heart Cathedral with time to walk the beach/waterfront before departing.
Last but not least, on day four we had an Argan Oil tutorial at a Woman-Owned compound, a Camel Ride in the Afgay desert, and dinner to follow. This entire experience might have been the highlight of our trip because visiting the compound was one of our only opportunities to interact and engage with Arab women, and they also taught us the Argan Oil preparation and pressing process. Then we went deeper into the Afgay desert where we were provided with matching headscarves and traditional attire before riding Camels during the sunset and enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner spread of couscous, steamed vegetables, chicken, and beef tagine. Riding through the breathtaking Afgay Desert, and watching the Sunset behind the mountains in the distance, is an indescribable experience that is now a part of our core memory collection.
Of note, each excursion included round-trip transfers, and we felt safe and comfortable on all of them.
Traveling to Africa, as LGBTQIA+ Identified African American Women
Our trip to Marrakech was the toughest in terms of feeling at ease with who we are. This was the first time I felt myself shrinking as the days progressed to avoid stares or snide remarks – like the first we received on day 2. On day two, while shopping in the Souks, a man shouted out to Simone ‘You need a husband’ after which he then turned to me, pointed, and said ‘Half Man Half Woman.’ Both of us found this deeply upsetting. From then on, we avoided that area.
Anyhow, if you have read any of our articles on this blog specifically the travel articles, you know we are becoming experts at adapting and managing expectations to preserve the integrity of an experience. And even if a particular experience can’t be salvaged, we always try to learn something from it -even If it’s rooted in hate.
After that incident, we had the wonderful staff at our Riad handle our taxi rides in and around Medina. They were even kind enough to walk us to the taxis. Their warmth and thoughtful care saved our trip, making everything so much easier than it would’ve been on our own.
Final Marrakech Recommendations
Lack of Rideshare
Keep in mind that Morocco doesn’t have ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Plan for transportation by arranging tours that include return trips or prepare to flag down a taxi. When you do, negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Recommended attire for Women and LGBTQIA persons
When it comes to what to wear, if you’re a woman, you should dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. For LGBTQIA+ gender non-conforming individuals, be aware that you might encounter unfriendly stares or harsh words. It’s best to stay calm and not react; after all, the most important thing is to return home safely.
ADA Accessibility
Regarding ADA accessibility, Marrakech, particularly the area where we stayed in the old Medina, is not very accommodating. The streets are uneven and there are lots of stairs without any elevators or escalators. If you or someone you’re traveling with needs accessible facilities, consider staying in the New Medina where buildings are more modern and likely to have elevators.
Housing
If crowded spaces and persistent street vendors aren’t your thing, you may want to rethink staying in the Old Medina. Alternatively, you could split your time between Old and New Medina to avoid feeling swamped. We wish we had done this because while Old Medina is great for experiencing local life and the markets, New Medina has many modern eateries and bars that would have been nice to visit without relying on taxis.
Final Thoughts Upon Returning Home to North America from North Africa
Marrakech is not an entry-level travel destination. Getting around Marrakech means being ready to change plans on the fly because some tour guides can’t pick you up or drop you off right at your door if you are staying in Old Medina. You have to get used to finding your way with Google Maps, asking folks for directions, and standing your ground with taxi drivers who might try to charge too much.
Upon our return to the States, we couldn’t help but reflect on American privileges that we consistently take for granted, specifically the freedom to love and marry who we want. In many ways, as American citizens, we are richly blessed and the freedoms associated with our birthright are a privilege many will never experience.
And on that note, an opportunity to be exposed to another culture, (regardless of how different it is) is never a burden – but an opportunity to develop a broader perspective, which in turn makes us more empathetic. With every destination, we are humbled in ways that make us better humans, and Marrakech was no exception.
But in the future, we’re leaning towards visiting places that treat everyone, no matter their background, gender, or who they love, with the same level of warmth, respect, and fairness.
LGBTQIA Travel-Friendly Rating
Scale 1 -10, 1 being accepting/affirming/safe – 10 being not accepting/illegal/unsafe
Marrakech -10
Happy Traveling Friends, until our next adventure!
Recommended Restaurant
La Trattoria
Recommended Excursions & Link
Marrakech: Street Food Tour by Night
https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/marrakech-street-food-tour-by-night-t348096
Marrakech: Private Guided Half-Day City Tour
https://www.viator.com/tours/Marrakech/Private-Tour-of-Marrakech/d5408-90460P1
Day Trip To Casablanca from Marrakech
https://www.viator.com/tours/Marrakech/Private-Tour-of-Marrakech/d5408-90460P1
Dinner and Sunset Camel Ride at Desert Marrakech Afgay
Recommended Riad
Riad Dar Yasaman
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39134117?source_impression_id=p3_1709646334_1iBx9wDLmmsknDPe
The SIMS IRL 
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