BOOKSTORE

Shopping Cart My Account Help

Welcome:
Login/Register

 

Chez Ali Review

Read our Marrakesh reviews. Or post your own.

Chez Ali

  • Address: Drive 7 km [4½ mi] north of Marrakesh on Casablanca road, then turn left and continue for about 3 km , Marrakesh
  • Phone: 024/30-77-30

Fodor's Review:

Fantasias are a significant part of several moussems (fairs or festivals) throughout Morocco, closely associated with its horsemen, who are dressed in flowing white robes and turbans, their horses in jewel-encrusted saddles. The climax comes when the horsemen race at full tilt for some 300 feet, then come to a sudden halt and simultaneously fire their rifles in a tumultuous finale.

Held nightly, Chez Ali is the best of them. This Arabian Nights complex north of town might be best described as a sort of Moroccan Disneyland. Despite the crowds that flock here, you may want to make the pilgrimage, because it presents a variety of folk music and folklore from regions of Morocco that you might not otherwise see. Dinner, a rather mad affair served under caidal tents (made of thick white canvas; traditionally used to welcome caids, or local dignitaries), includes the famous mechoui (roast lamb), and is followed by ringside entertainment: a staged camel caravan, a belly dancer, a singer, bareback riding, and, finally, the horsemen and a magic carpet.

  • Cost: 400 DH, including drinks
  • Credit Cards: AE, MC, V

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>



Buy the Guidebook

  • Fodor's Morocco, 3rd Edition
    $22

Get the Fodor's Newsletter

Read the current issue
For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Browse previous issues.

Current Fodor's Newsletter

Copyright © 2008 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.