Marrakech Gardens Tour: A Botanical Journey Through Time - Andalusian, Drought-Tolerant and Riad Gardens
Marrakech, often nicknamed "the rose among the palms," harbors a secret treasure trove of gardens and green spaces. This one-day tour is ideal for garden enthusiasts, designers, artists, and architects seeking inspiration from
Marrakech's splendid green heritage. Our journey will take you through centuries-old Andalusian, Art Deco, and Moorish gardens, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and botanical wonder.
Tour Overview
- Duration: One full day
- Start/End Point: Your hotel in Marrakech
- Transportation: Luxury vehicle and traditional horse-drawn carriage
- Guide: Expert in Moroccan horticulture and garden history
Marrakech Gardens and Green Spaces Visited
- Majorelle Gardens
- El Bahia Palace Gardens
- El Badi Palace Sunken Gardens
- Koutoubia Gardens
- La Mamounia Gardens
- Private Villa Garden
- Cactus Gardens at the Palmeraie
- Harti Gardens & Cyber Park
Tour Highlights
Begin your day at the world-famous Majorelle Gardens:
- Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s
- Features bold Majorelle blue paint, revolutionizing garden aesthetics
- Houses over 1,800 species of cacti and 400 species of palms
- Includes Moorish and Art Deco inspired structures
As you wander through the gardens, observe:
- The interplay of light and shadow
- The elaborate system of canals connecting planted areas
- The bold color palettes set against exotic plant collections
- Book Here or Call (800) 787-8806 / Email: alecia@travel-exploration.com
El Bahia Palace: 19th Century Grandeur
Next, visit the El Bahia Palace and its surrounding gardens:
- Built in the late 19th century
- Exemplifies Eastern Architecture of the wealthy during that era
- Features an eight-hectare garden showcasing traditional Moroccan landscaping
El Badi Palace: Sunken Gardens of the Saadian Dynasty
Explore the historic Sunken Gardens of El Badi Palace:
- Commissioned in 1593 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour
- Original complex took 25 years to build
- Today, features a vast esplanade with orange trees and high walls
- Offers panoramic views of the Medina and Atlas Mountains
Koutoubia Gardens: A Green Oasis in the City Center
Take a guided walk through the Koutoubia Gardens:
- Surrounds the largest mosque in Marrakech
- Dotted with palm trees, providing a perfect picnic and relaxation spot
- The mosque's minaret inspired the Giralda of Seville and Hassan Tower of Rabat
La Mamounia: A Landmark Garden
Arrive at
La Mamounia in a traditional horse-drawn carriage:
- Built in 1929, this historical landmark is maintained by 40 gardeners
- Features 60,000 annuals planted twice a year
- Includes citrus and olive orchards, a desert garden, rose garden, and tropical garden
- Houses a 200-year-old avenue of olive trees
- Historically significant: Alfred Hitchcock wrote "The Birds" here
Enjoy Moroccan mint tea in the garden pavilion while soaking in the ambiance.
Private Villa Garden: Lunch Among the Palms
Experience a three-course lunch in the serene setting of a private villa garden.
Palmeraie & Cactus Gardens: A Botanical Wonder
Journey 15 kilometers outside Marrakech to visit Abderrazzak Benchaabane's Cactus Garden:
- Created by renowned Garden Designer and Ethnobotanist Abderrazzak Benchaabane
- Features 40 species of cacti from Morocco, South Africa, USA, South America, and Mexico
- Adjacent Palmeraie Museum houses one of Morocco's most significant Modern Art collections
Harti Gardens: A Modern Green Space
Conclude your tour at the Harti Gardens in the new city of Gueliz:
- Dates back to the Almoravid dynasty
- Features an Olive Avenue, Desert Cactus Garden, and Rose Garden
- Popular among locals for its serene atmosphere
Book Your Marrakech Gardens Tour
Immerse yourself in the lush green heritage of Marrakech. This tour offers a unique opportunity to meet local gardeners and botanists, gaining insider knowledge of Moroccan horticulture.
To reserve your private Marrakech Gardens Tour, call (800) 787-8806 or book online. Let us be your guide to the hidden green treasures of Marrakech.