Chat Now
Visit an Argan Oil Cooperative
Adventure, Nature & World-Class Comfort
Morocco
Adventure, Nature & World-Class Comfort
Visit the local markets in Marrakesh
Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
Spectacular architecture in Morocco
Walking the maze-like Streets in the Blue Village
Visit an argan oil cooperative - Grovetobottle tradition, ethical sourcing, and handson tasting in Morocco’s argan country
- What will I see during a visit to an argan oil cooperative? A stepbystep demonstration: fruit drying, handcracking the shell, stonegrinding kernels into paste, coldpress extraction, and filtration. You’ll also taste culinary oil and amlou and can sample cosmetic products.
- How do I tell real, coldpressed argan oil from touristmarket imitations? Check for 100% pure argan oil on the label, harvest and pressing dates, a batch or lot number, and a cooperative’s certification. Pure oil has a light, nutty scent, absorbs quickly, and comes in dark glass to protect from light.
- Is there a difference between culinary and cosmetic argan oil? Yes. Culinary oil is made from lightly roasted kernels for a deeper, nutty flavor used in salads and dips. Cosmetic oil is coldpressed from unroasted kernels to preserve skinfriendly compounds and has a milder aroma.
- How long should I allow for a cooperative visit, and do I need to book? Plan 45–75 minutes for a demonstration, tastings, and unhurried browsing. Booking through your driver or guide helps ensure you visit a reputable cooperative with Englishspeaking hosts and transparent practices.
- What should I buy, and how should I store it once home? Choose small bottles you’ll use within 6–12 months. Store in cool, dark places; keep caps tightly sealed. For culinary oil, look for recent pressing; for cosmetic oil, prefer unscented, singleingredient bottles.
- Can I see the argan trees and the famous “treeclimbing goats” responsibly? Yes—ask your guide for a brief stop by natural groves. Ethical operators avoid staged, stressful setups and focus on photographing trees from the roadside or at farms that prioritize animal welfare and environmental care.
A visit to an argan oil cooperative opens a window onto a uniquely Moroccan craft. In the coastal and foothill regions between Essaouira and Agadir, women’s cooperatives gather, crack, and coldpress the kernels of the argan tree to produce culinary and cosmetic oils prized for flavor and skincare. On a guided stop, you’ll see each step—from drying the fruit to handcracking the nut, stonegrinding the paste, and filtering the golden oil—while learning how cooperatives support local livelihoods and preserve this slow, meticulous process. Tasting is part of the experience: nutty amlou spread with honey, culinary argan oil for dipping, and a comparison with olive oil to appreciate the differences.
For older travelers, reputable cooperatives offer a polished, informative visit with clear provenance and quality standards. Demonstrations are relaxed and interactive, with opportunities to sample, ask questions, and purchase smallbatch oils and derivatives like serums, soaps, and amlou jars. Authenticity matters—look for transparent labeling, harvest dates, coldpress methods, and fairtrade practices. A cooperative stop pairs naturally with coastal drives, argan groves where the trees dot rolling hills, and, in season, the sight of goats climbing branches—best appreciated as a brief, respectful photo moment arranged by a responsible guide.
Morocco in pictures
Ready to Explore Morocco?
Experience the best of Morocco with insider knowledge
Suggested Morocco Tour
$544 a month for 6 months, 0% interest (ask for details)
Dates & availability for the next 12 months: any date w/ 7-day notice (some exceptions are made). Luxury Guided Tour to Morocco for over 50s travellers
Featured on 
Popular places to visit in Morocco
Marrakesh
Maze-like souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa performers, palaces and gardens, artisan quarters, historic mosques, designer boutiques, rooftop views, and timeless medina energy.
Essaouira
UNESCO seaside medina with ramparts, cannons, fishing port, art galleries, breezy beach walks, European-influenced grid streets, and relaxed coastal cafes.
Ouarzazate
Gateway city with Atlas film studios and cinema museum, desert architecture, palm groves, kasbah heritage, and cinematic landscapes stretching toward the Sahara.
Fez
Living medieval medina with tanneries, madrasas, artisans pounding brass, historic gates, panoramic tomb viewpoints, and dinner hosted in a local home.
Chefchaouen
Blue-washed alleys, mountain backdrops, stair-step lanes, photogenic doorways, relaxed plazas, artisan shops, and golden-hour light that glows on indigo walls.
Casablanca
Oceanfront Hassan II Mosque tours reveal soaring minaret, intricate craftsmanship, Atlantic views, and a modern urban counterpoint to Morocco’s ancient medinas.
Rissani
Living medieval medina with tanneries, madrasas, artisans pounding brass, historic gates, panoramic tomb viewpoints, and dinner hosted in a local home.
Tangier
Blue-washed alleys, mountain backdrops, stair-step lanes, photogenic doorways, relaxed plazas, artisan shops, and golden-hour light that glows on indigo walls.
Merzouga
Oceanfront Hassan II Mosque tours reveal soaring minaret, intricate craftsmanship, Atlantic views, and a modern urban counterpoint to Morocco’s ancient medinas.
Recommended Travel Seasons
Seasons in Morocco
Morocco’s prime seasons are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), bringing warm, sunny days—ideal for city exploring, desert journeys, and coastal breezes. Summer can be very hot inland around Marrakesh and the Sahara, while Atlantic towns like Essaouira stay cooler and windy. Winter is mild in most cities, with chilly nights in the desert and snow possible in the Atlas. Here, you can see more about Morocco’s highlights, routes, and seasonal tips. “best time to visit Morocco“.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild, colorful, and comfortable—ideal for cities, coast, and light Atlas treks. Sweet spot for pleasant temps and blooming landscapes.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot inland and in the south; cooler with breezes on the Atlantic coast. Beach time is great; plan desert and cities for mornings/evenings.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm, golden days with the sea still swimmable. Prime for Sahara trips, trekking, and sightseeing without peak heat.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild on the coast, chilly inland, snowy in the High Atlas. Fewer crowds, clear desert skies, and good Atlantic surf.
Exciting activities for every traveler
Useful information for planning your Morocco trip
What language is spoken in Morocco?
Arabic (Darija/Moroccan Arabic) and Amazigh (Berber) are the official languages. French is widely used in business, menus, and signage; English is increasingly common in major cities and tourist areas. Many guides are multilingual.
What’s the currency of Morocco?
The Moroccan dirham (MAD). ATMs are common in cities and larger towns. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels and riads, but carry cash for souks, small shops, and rural areas.
What food and drink should I try in Morocco?
Start with tagine (slow-cooked stew), couscous on Fridays, and pastilla (sweet–savory pie). Try zaalouk (eggplant salad), harira soup, fresh-squeezed orange juice, mint tea, and pastries like chebakia. In coastal towns, don’t miss grilled sardines and seafood.
How much should I tip in Morocco?
Rounding up is appreciated. In cafés, leave a few dirhams; in restaurants, 5–10% is common if service isn’t included. For guides and drivers, tipping is customary based on service and trip length. Small change helps for porters and hammam attendants.
Can I drink alcohol in Morocco?
Alcohol is available in many hotels, bars, and some restaurants, especially in larger cities and resort areas. It’s not typically served in traditional medina eateries, and public drinking is discouraged. Purchase from licensed shops or hotel bars, and be mindful of local norms.
What should I wear to visit mosques and religious sites?
Most mosques in Morocco are not open to non-Muslim visitors (Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is a notable exception with guided tours). Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; bring a light scarf for extra coverage when appropriate.
