Marrakech: Berber Garden Moroccan Cooking Class & Farm Lunch

Summary

Moroccan flavors in a Berber garden just outside Marrakech

You’ll swap city noise for birdsong as you pick vegetables in a Berber garden near Marrakech, learn real Moroccan recipes with local guidance, and share a relaxed lunch under the trees. Expect laughter over spice choices and maybe even take home a certificate—plus memories that linger longer than any recipe card.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell so green. One minute we were weaving through Marrakech’s traffic, and then suddenly—quiet. The car doors shut behind us, and it was just the sound of birds and someone laughing somewhere behind the citrus trees. Our guide, Tarik, waved us over with a grin and handed me a basket that still smelled faintly of mint from whoever used it last. He joked about my city shoes (fair enough), and then we wandered into the vegetable beds to pick tomatoes that were warm from the sun.

The kitchen wasn’t fancy—just bright tiles and a long wooden table—but the spices hit you right away. Tarik showed us how to rub ginger and turmeric into chicken for tajine (“use your hands, not a spoon!” he said), and I tried not to sneeze when he tossed in black pepper. There was this moment when everyone got quiet, focused on chopping or smelling something new. Even Li, who barely cooks at home, looked like she was having fun trying to pronounce “couscous” the way Tarik did (she didn’t quite nail it, but close). The best part? We actually picked most of our ingredients ourselves—never thought I’d care about which pepper is crispest until today.

Lunch happened under some shade, plates full of lamb tajine with prunes and this salad that tasted so much brighter than anything I’ve had back home. Someone brought over caramelized bananas for dessert—sticky fingers everywhere—and Tarik handed out these little certificates he’d printed himself. I kept mine; it’s already creased from my bag. The drive back to Marrakech felt slower somehow, like nobody wanted to leave that quiet garden just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Organic Moroccan cooking workshop

• Travel to countryside garden
• Stroll around organic farm
• Collect fresh produce
• Learn Moroccan cooking techniques
• Prepare Moroccan salad starter
• Cook lamb and chicken tajines
• Make vegetable tajine with couscous
• Prepare caramelized banana dessert
• Receive cooking certificate

Top questions

How far is the cooking class from Marrakech?

The Berber garden is about 29 km from Marrakech.

Is hotel pickup included for this Moroccan cooking class?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels.

What dishes do you cook during the class?

You’ll prepare dishes like lamb tajine with prunes, chicken tajine with spices, Moroccan salad, Berber couscous, and caramelized banana dessert.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation are wheelchair accessible.

Who leads the cooking workshop?

The class is led by Chef Tarik along with local guides.

Do I need cooking experience to join?

No experience needed—the guide helps at every step.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels), all guidance from Chef Tarik and his team as you gather fresh produce on site, hands-on Moroccan cooking lessons in the garden kitchen, beverages throughout the day, plus a homemade lunch featuring your own creations before heading back to Marrakech.