CURRENTLY BEING REFURBISHED FOR REOPENING IN SEPTEMBER 2024! On the edge of the Toubkal National Park, a gorgeous eco super stylish 19th Century Berber house, fully restored, in its own large plant filled garden at the end of a private path, private yet not at all remote. Very cosy and comfortable with constant hot water. You will be looked after like kings (should you wish) by my neighbours with whom I have arranged room service to include delicious home cooked Berber recipes using home organically grown ingredients.
A short stroll will plunge you into fields and on rural paths, where a centuries old life style still carries on. The views as you wander further up the village are stunning. Groves of almond, olive and pomegranate are interspersed with general small holdings, with blossom and scent filling the air for a significant period of the year.
A perfect base to explore the region, where history and nature combine to enrich your trip, or to simply relax.
Swimming is usually available in nearby hotels.
TRANSPORT :
Marrakech Airport 37 miles (1 hour by taxi). Taxis can be arranged in advance for 600 Dh one way. This is much cheaper than at the airport. Car hire is available at the airport. The journey is for the most part spectacular as you head southwards towards the Atlas and then wind your way up to Ouirgane, which lies at 1000 metres above sea level. Buses to Marrakech or shared taxis go through the village daily. Private taxis can easily be arranged in house for day trips.
EXPLORING ON FOOT:
A guide is available by arrangement there at short notice, the cost for a guide is 250 Dh for 3 hours or 350 Dh for 5-6 hours.
Asni 8 miles. Marigha 2 miles. Marrakech 40 miles. Tin Mal mosque (1 hour). Taroudant (4 hours) through the Tizn Test mountain pass, the highest in Morocco. Stunning scenery all the way!
Day trips can be arranged in house to all these locations and many more, including Oukaimeden. Treks can also be arranged as well.
FOOD AND DINING:
Delicious home cooked Berber recipes using home grown ingredients are available delivered to the house. The food is authentic and delicious, using mostly organically grown ingredients. Half board (breakfast and one other meal) : 125 Dh per person per day (75 Dh for child of 5 - 13). Full board (3 meals) : 175 Dh per person per day (100 Dh for child of 5 - 13). Mineral water 15 Dh per large bottle, other beverages are also available such as orange juice and tea, at extra cost. Tea and coffee are included in the meal price at mealtimes.
Restaurants are further available within the main hotels, as well as bars. La Roseraie, a luxury hotel, is a wonderful place to have an aperitif in the afternoon and make the most of its stunning setting. It is approximately 5 minutes walk away.
Full or half board at the house is the best option locally by far, the food is delicious and mostly home grown, cooked by Khadija, Mohamed's wife. You pay Mohamed at the end of your stay, please keep a tab. All proceeds go to the family.
CLIMATE IN OUIRGANE:
The climate in Ouirgane is ideal from early Spring to late Autumn. The Summers are much more gentle than in Marrakech and the plains, and although it can get hot in July and August, it is rare for it to become uncomfortable. The Winters are gentle in the day when the sun is shining but can be cold in the mornings and evenings. In December and January the nights can be very cold. There are electric radiators in the main rooms to fight the winter chills. It must be noted that due to the Moroccan design of houses there is an internal courtyard that is open to the sky and therefore the heating is not like in centrally heated properties In the UK! If you are adverse to some chill then December and January are best avoided.
The night skies can be stunning, with very little light pollution. Shooting stars are a regular occurrence!
The house is perfect for those who want to experience a different side to Morocco without being isolated, and for those who love to wander in nature and admire a centuries old social and agricultural landscape. It is an ideal base to explore the varied surroundings and to combine it with a stay in Marrakech or Taroundant.
Free WiFi is provided.
HOUSE INFORMATION:
Mohamed is my house manager. Mohamed’s what's app number is +212 639293059. He speaks fluent French and Arabic.
DO NOT PUT anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Do not flush anything else down the toilet, such as nappies, wet wipes etc. Please replace toilet paper if possible, of course there will be a supply of this for your arrival. Local shops sell this readily.
HEATING AND HOT WATER: Please do not leave the heaters on when you are out of the house. Please be aware of water use as it is a valuable commodity in these regions. Your understanding is appreciated.
Mohamed will furnish you with a smart phone. Please use your phone or tablet to access the free WiFi via the hotspot on the smartphone that is supplied. This wifi is intended to access email and information, not for streaming films or downloading large files, the credit may run out as it is not unlimited, extra credit may be available for a charge, ask Mohamed.
Take your personal toiletries, but basic soap and shampoo is provided. Towels are also provided.
Mohamed can arrange for a a guide to take you hiking or walking, and for a taxi to take you sightseeing, all at fairly short notice. He knows the area better than any guide book. Please DO NOT use guides you do not know or that are not recommended by Mohamed. The cost for the guide is 350 Dh for a full day (5-6 hours) or 250 Dh for half a day (3 hours).
Swimming may be available locally to outsiders in some hotels in Ouirgane or Marigha, for a small charge usually, where meals and alcohol are also offered in some places.
If you wish to bring alcohol, please purchase this in Marrakech as this is not sold in shops in the village.
The nearest ATM and bank is at Asni.
ONLY THOSE BOOKED TO STAY IN THE HOUSE are allowed onto the property, please do not invite other people into the house or anywhere else onto the property.
Please do not feed or allow any cats or dogs onto the property.
For fire safety no candles are to be used in the house or anywhere on the grounds.
No parties are allowed. Please respect the local surroundings. Absolutely no illegal activities on the premises. It is your responsibility to respect local and Moroccan law.
DISCLAIMER: The owner and his house manager (and all staff) cannot be responsible for any injury sustained on or off the property, for whatever reason. In booking the retreat, you are accepting those terms and conditions as explained here.
Thank you for choosing my house! Enjoy your stay and do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions.
All the best,
Peter
