Discover the green heart of Marrakech through its most enchanting gardens — a journey that blends natural beauty, artistic legacy, and traditional Moroccan architecture. From vast cactus plantations to intimate medina oases, this full-day experience is a celebration of landscape, design, and cultural expression. With private transportation, a charming horse-drawn carriage ride, and insightful stops, this tour offers a refreshing escape into Marrakech's botanical soul.
09:45 AM – Hotel/Riad Pick-up
Your day begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech by your private driver-guide.
10:00 AM - Stop 1: Cactus Thiemann Garden – Africa’s Largest Cactus Plantation
Located just outside Marrakech, the Thiemann Cactus Garden is the largest cactus plantation in Africa and the third largest in the world. Founded by German agricultural engineer Hans Thiemann in the 1960s, this vast botanical haven stretches over 7 hectares and boasts more than 150 varieties of cacti — some towering several meters high. It’s a photographer's paradise and a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of desert flora.
11:15 AM - Stop 2: Majorelle Garden – A Living Masterpiece
Step into a world of vivid blues and lush greens at the iconic Majorelle Garden, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. With its cobalt-blue art deco buildings, bamboo groves, exotic plants, and bubbling fountains, Majorelle is a peaceful sanctuary and a symbol of Marrakech’s timeless charm.
12:15 PM - Stop 3: Yves Saint Laurent Museum – Fashion Meets Culture
Just next door, the YSL Museum pays tribute to the legendary French designer who found endless inspiration in Morocco. The museum houses a permanent collection of Saint Laurent’s most iconic pieces, along with sketches, accessories, and multimedia installations. The building itself is a masterpiece of contemporary Moroccan architecture.
01:00 PM - Stop 4: Calèche Ride to the Medina
Next, hop aboard a traditional horse-drawn carriage (calèche) and enjoy a charming ride through the city’s palm-lined avenues to the old medina — a nostalgic and elegant way to travel like the Marrakchis of old.
01:45 PM - Stop 5: The Secret Garden – Hidden Oasis in the Medina
Tucked behind the bustling streets of the medina, Le Jardin Secret is one of Marrakech’s best-kept gems. Originally dating back to the Saadian Dynasty, the garden was recently restored to its former glory. It features two distinct gardens: an Islamic garden with geometric symmetry and spiritual meaning, and an exotic garden with plants from around the world. Its traditional irrigation system (khettara) is a marvel of ancient engineering.
02:00 PM - Optional Lunch Break
Enjoy an optional lunch at a nearby medina restaurant or rooftop café, where you can savor Moroccan specialties while overlooking the bustling souks and rooftops of Marrakech.
03:00 PM - Final Stop: Souks Exploration
End your day by getting lost in the colorful souks and local markets of the medina. Whether you’re looking for hand-woven rugs, aromatic spices, lanterns, or local ceramics, this is your chance to connect with Marrakech’s vibrant artisan culture.
05:00 PM - Late Afternoon: Drop-Off at Your Hotel or Riad
After a rich day of beauty and discovery, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation — your mind full of colors, scents, and memories.
Regarding Activity: Marrakech Garden Trail: From Majestic Cacti to Medina Secrets
