What persuades all these well-known film makers to come and shoot their movies in Morocco? They simply know that, whether their movies are talking about events happening today or deep in a distant past, be they set in cities, mountains or the desert, Morocco film locations will fit wonderfully, as if tailored just for their stories. They also know that, by filming all or part of their projects in Morocco, they will surround their characters with a certain exoticism they wouldn’t find anywhere else.

One of the major benefits is the proximity of Morocco to Europe and to the USA. In addition, Morocco has the most developed cinema infrastructure in the region, with experienced film companies providing production services, location scouts, hiring of crews, shooting permits, equipment rental in Morocco or abroad, transport, catering, accommodation and more. Location fees are arguably the lowest in Africa and annual sunshine levels are more than 8 hours a day at the most wanted filming locations, such as Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Erfoud, Essaouira and Agadir.

The following list covers most of the major films entirely or partially shot in Morocco:

1897: Le Chevalier Marocain, directed by Louis Lumière
1930: Morocco, directed by Josef von Sternberg, starring Marlene Dietrich
1949: Othello, directed by, and starring Orson Welles
1953: Flight to Tangier, directed by Charles Marquis Warren
1955: The Man Who Knew Too Much, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart and Doris Day
1962: Lawrence of Arabia, directed by David Lean, starring Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif
1970: Patton, directed by Franklin Schaffner, starring George C Scott
1975: The Man Who Would Be King, directed by John Huston, starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine
1981: Rollover, directed by Alan Pakula, starring Jane Fonda and Kris Kristofferson
1985: The Jewel of the Nile, directed by Lewis Teague, starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito
1987: The Living Daylights, directed by John Glen, starring Timothy Dalton and Maryam D’Abo
1988: The Last Temptation of Christ, directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Willem Dafoe
1994: Highlander III: The Sorcerer, directed by Andrew Morahan, starring Christopher Lambert
1997: Kundun, directed by Martin Scorsese
1998: Hamilton, directed by Harald Zwart
1998: Hideous Kinky, directed by Gillies MacKinnon, starring Kate Winslet
1999: The Mummy, directed by Stephen Sommers, starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah
2000: Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, starred Russell Crowe
2000: Rules of Engagement, directed by William Friedkin, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson and Guy Pearce
2001: The Mummy Returns, directed by Stephen Sommers, starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah
2001: Spy Game, directed by Tony Scott, starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt
2001: Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott, starring Eric Bana, Josh Hartnett and Ewan McGregor
2002: Live from Baghdad, directed by Mick Jackson, starring Michael Keaton
2002: Astérix et Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre, directed by Alain Chabat, starring Gérard Depardieu and Jamel Debbouze
2004: Hidalgo, directed by Joe Johnston, starring Viggo Mortensen and Omar Sharif
2004: Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer
2004: Les Temps Qui Changent, directed by André Téchiné
2004: Exorcist: The Beginning, directed by Renny Harlin, starring Stellan Skarsgård
2005: Sahara, directed by Breck Eisner, starring Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, Penélope Cruz and William H. Macy
2005: Kingdom of Heaven, directed by Ridley Scott, starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green and Jeremy Irons
2005: Syriana, directed by Stephen Gaghan, starring George Clooney, Matt Damon and Amanda Peet
2006: Babel, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett
2006: The Hills Have Eyes, directed by Alexandre Aja
2007: Arn – The Knight Templar, directed by Peter Flinth
2007: The Hills Have Eyes 2, directed by Martin Weisz
2007: Charlie Wilson’s War, directed by Mike Nichols, starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman
2007: In the Valley of Elah, directed by Paul Haggis, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, and Susan Sarandon
2007: The Bourne Ultimatum, directed by Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen and David Strathairn
2007: Rendition, directed by Gavin Hood, starring Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, Peter Sarsgaard and Jake Gyllenhaal
2008: Arn – The Kingdom at Road’s End, directed by Peter Flinth
2008: Body of Lies, directed by Ridley Scott, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe
2009: Pope Joan, directed by Sönke Wortmann, starring John Goodman and Johanna Wokalek
2010: Green Zone, directed by Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear
2010: Of Gods and Men, directed by Xavier Beauvois, starring Lambert Wilson and Michael Lonsdale
2010: Sex and the City 2, directed by Michael Patrick King, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon
2010: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, directed by Mike Newell, starring Jake Gyllenhall, Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley
2010: Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo De Caprio, Ken Watanabe and Ellen Page

Dirham cash can be withdrawn from ATM machines.  Although generally reliable in Marrakech, like anywhere in the world, they can be out of use – especially on weekends and public holidays. Where possible, for better security, use machines that are located inside a bank, supermarket or building.  For further information check the Visa ATM locator, the MasterCard ATM locator or the American Express ATM locator for the addresses of ATMs in Marrakech.

Major international currencies such as Euro, US Dollars and GBP Sterling are widely interchangeable at banks and bureau de change office in the Medina, Gueliz and Hivernage.  The process can often be slow and tedious due to queues.  Banks normally close mid-afternoon.

Credit cards are accepted in most large stores, larger restaurants and hotels in Marrakech.  Remember to keep all receipts, and before signing check that the amount is correct. Credit cards and debit cards should always be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity.

Travellers’ cheques are one of the safest ways to carry money in Morocco. Be aware though that not all banks will cash these and it can be time consuming finding one that will. Travellers’ cheques are accepted in some large stores, restaurants and hotels in urban areas – however it is always best to check with the individual establishment beforehand.

Moroccan dirhams cannot be exchanged outside of Morocco. Any unused dirhams can be reconverted to hard currency at the airport exchange desk upon departure (provided the exchange desks are open and you have kept the receipts for the dirhams you purchased or withdrew).  It is therefore recommended to exchange only as much money as is required.

Great fun for kids in the Souks

If you are searching for a family friendly riad in Marrakech then look no further than Riad Africa.

There are many riads in Marrakech that don’t accept kids or apply a minimum age, usually because of room size, lack of overall space, concerns over noise or perhaps failing to meet basic industry guidelines on hotel safety. None of these apply to Riad Africa.

Located in a safe and peaceful neighbourhood Riad Africa has 4 Grande Suites which can each sleep 3 people plus a Family Apartment which can sleep a family of 4. With great savings on offer for family groups with children sharing with parents, a stay at a beautiful Marrakech family friendly riad needn’t cost the earth.

At Riad Africa kids can also burn off some energy in one of the largest dipping pools in the medina or get active on a family hike in the Atlas mountains.

Hotel La Renaissance – Sky Bar

Open from 11 AM to 1 AM the Sky Bar sits high above Geuliz with a breathtaking view along Avenue Mohamed V to the Koutoubia and old medina.

Whilst the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains offer a memorable daytime vista, evenings reveal the vibrancy, life, soul and energy of one of Africa’s greatest cities.  Although drinks are a little pricey, you’ll be amply compensated by the views.

At night take a seat in one of the restaurants that overlook the square and watch the scene unfold. With numerous sounds from musicians and singers, and thousands of tiny white lights illuminating swirling smoke that rises from the food stalls, you can expect a real feast on your senses!

Djemaa el Fna square was once the scene where criminals were tortured by the Sultans of the Almoravides, whose empire stretched from Andalusia to Sudan.  It has become an area for dialogue where cultures meet.  It has inspired many artists and the perpetual agitation provoked by storytellers, sellers and musicians gave it the nickname of “Crazy Square”.

Djemaa el Fna has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 in order to preserve an essential and irreplaceable expression of the Moroccan imperial city art of living.  Guests of Riad Africa are only 400 metres walk from this magical place!

bmi, Heathrow’s second largest airline, launched its new service to Marrakech on 1 April 2011 and is the only airline to offer a direct service from London Heathrow. Economy return fares start from £169 including taxes. Flights are operated using an Airbus A319 with full service Business Class and Economy cabin.
Joerg Hennemann, Chief Commercial Officer, bmi, commented: “Marrakech has proved to be an extremely popular destination since we launched in April 2011. Adding extra services from London Heathrow will enable us to meet the increasing demand from both business and leisure customers this winter.”

The airline recently introduced a free sports equipment allowance for customers travelling to Marrakech and Casablanca.  Passengers in Economy or Business Class can now travel with golf clubs, bicycles and other sports equipment for no additional charge as part of bmi’s free hold baggage allowance of 30kgs for Economy and 40kgs for Business customers.

Under a newly created Moroccan hotel management group, Moivaro Morocco, UK tour operator Specialist Morocco, in association with the Moivaro Lodge & Tented Camp group of Tanzania have taken on the overall management, sales, marketing and operations of Ryad Lora et Kenza.  

A stunning 8-bedroomed property located just five minutes’ walk from Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech, the riad joins Maison Africa and the Sahara Safari Camp to form an exciting group of mid-market properties in prime locations.

After completion of renovation works and improvements, refit of bathrooms and updating of soft furnishings the riad will be re-launched in December under the name of Riad Africa.

The traditionally-built property has been carefully restored using the finest local materials and decorated with African artefacts.  Its central palm-filled courtyard also boasts one of the largest dipping pools in the Medina (some 16 square metres) plus there is a tropical roof terrace with sun beds for relaxation.

The property also has its own hammam and massage room with a range of bookable treatments.

Each of the individually-African themed rooms has air-conditioning, iPod docks and guests have free access to high-speed wireless internet.  On arrival, guests are also loaned a local mobile phone free of charge which comes pre-programmed with useful numbers including the riad manager, local taxi companies and popular venues.