GITEX Africa 2025, the continent’s biggest tech gathering is just around the corner – April 14-16 – returning to the grand and bustling city of Marrakech.
If you are an attendee, you are probably wondering what’s the best way to get around Marrakech and how to get to the event’s venue. Don’t worry, we got your back!
Marrakech, known for its vibrant souks (traditional markets), historic medina, and colorful street life, can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. But with a little local know-how, navigating the Red City becomes not only manageable but enjoyable.
The city offers a range of transportation options, each suited to different needs and budgets. For short distances within the old medina, walking remains the best option. The narrow, winding alleys are often inaccessible to vehicles, and exploring them on foot allows visitors to absorb the city’s unique atmosphere.
Outside the old medina, taxis are the most common way to get around.
Petit Taxis: These small yellow-beige cars are used for travel within the city. These taxis work on a seat-by-seat basis, which means that you are paying for just your place – not a private cab. Do not be alarmed if someone wants to come in and join you, if they are going to place along the route, the driver will pick them up.
Pro tip: Always ask the driver to turn on the meter (compteur) before getting in the cab, or agree on a fare before starting the trip to avoid being overcharged. Intercity short distances should be no more than MAD 20 depending on the time of day.
Grand Taxis: For group travel or airport runs, grand taxis (often white-colored) are more spacious and can be co-hired for longer distances. These taxis are also a collect by seat system, however, within the city they are usually only used on a location to location basis, similar to a bus route, and therefore they may not drop you in the exact location you are going to.
Pro tip: You can hire these out for a private cab experience even for short distances, just make sure you decide on a full price before because this can be a more expensive option.
Inner city public buses are cheaper than petit and grand taxis, but they can be confusing for non-locals due to limited signage in foreign languages. However, the Alsa-operated bus service connects most parts of the city and is gradually becoming more accessible and reliable.
Pro tip: If you want to take one of these buses but don’t know how to tackle how to, ask a local! Moroccans are incredibly friendly and helpful.
There is no Uber. In recent years, ride-hailing apps – specifically InDrive – have gained popularity, offering an alternative to traditional taxis with upfront pricing and GPS tracking. However, this is not a regulated form of transportation and therefore illegal and more risky.
For environmentalists, bicycle and scooter rentals are also on the rise, especially in Gueliz and Hivernage, where the roads are wider and more modern.
How to reach GITEX Africa 2025 avenue
So, you have the transportation down but unsure of how to actually get to the venue? Here is what you have to know:
You can locate how far your position is from GITEX’s venue by clicking here. The event’s site is exactly located at Place Bab Jdid, Boulevard Al Yarmouk, opposite the La Mamounia Hotel.
If you are planning to be there at 10 a.m, GITEX’s launch time, try leaving earlier to avoid traffic jams and congestion caused by heavy traffic due to the event.
People who want to drive their personal or rented cars must know that there is no parking onsite, but there will be ample signs to guide you to nearby parking lots.
By private transport: GITEX’s official travel partner, Airlink, can serve as your private chauffeur service to help you reach the event’s site.
By taxi: Taxi stations, especially near the Koutoubia, Sidi Mimoun, or Bab Doukkala, you can negotiate a ride with a driver. Note: Although grand taxis provide regular connections to different parts in the city, their drive might get you late, as the journey only begins once the taxi is full. Petit taxis are your best option.
Trying to get to GITEX from the Marrakech train station? Here is a guide:
The nearest bus stop is located outside Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa, just a short walk from the venue.
Arriving the morning-of front the airport? Here is how to get to the venue:
Ultimately, getting around in Marrakech means blending flexibility with a sense of adventure. Whether you’re haggling with a taxi driver or hopping on a local bus, a smile and a few words in Darija – the Moroccan Arabic dialect – go a long way in easing the journey through this bustling city.
Now that you know your way, GITEX Africa 2025 awaits!
