Coopérative Marjana Argan oil Essaouira
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Marjana Argan Cooperative

4.2
·686 reviews·Essaouira, Morocco

Witness traditional argan oil extraction and support women's empowerment at this Moroccan cooperative. A unique cultural stop.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-day

See the full extraction process

CrowdMedium
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Coopérative Marjana Argan oil Essaouira

Marjana Argan Cooperative

Best Time

Mid-day

See the full extraction process

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness traditional argan oil extraction and support women's empowerment at this Moroccan cooperative. A unique cultural stop. Instagram

4.2
(686 reviews)

"Amazing to see how Argan oil is made; the local honey was also very nice. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🍯 Taste the Local Honey

Don't miss the chance to try the unique honey from argan tree pollens; it's a distinct local flavor.

💳 Credit Cards Accepted

Good news for shoppers: they accept credit cards, making purchases convenient.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Argan Oil Extraction Demonstration

Argan Oil Extraction Demonstration

See firsthand how argan nuts are cracked and processed into precious oil. A truly authentic Moroccan experience.

Instagram
Local Honey Tasting

Local Honey Tasting

Sample unique honey derived from argan tree pollens, offering a distinct and memorable flavor.

Reddit
Women's Cooperative Support

Women's Cooperative Support

Support a women-led initiative empowering local communities through traditional craftsmanship.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Argan Oil Process

Witness the traditional, labor-intensive method of extracting pure argan oil. This cooperative offers a unique insight into a vital Moroccan craft, often highlighted by visitors for its educational value. Instagram+1

Be Prepared for Sales Tactics

While the cooperative supports local women, some visitors report aggressive sales tactics. Be firm if you're not interested in purchasing, and be aware that prices might be higher than elsewhere. Reddit

Best Times

When
Mid-day
Why
See the full extraction process
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime
Why
Support women's empowerment
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ein Besuch bei der von Frauen geführten Cooperative Marjana, wo auf traditioneller Art Bio Argan Öl produziert wird 💛 #morocco #marokko #cooperative #womenforwomen #travel
grenzenlosreisen
16 likes • 599 views

🍯 Taste the Local Honey

Don't miss the chance to try the unique honey from argan tree pollens; it's a distinct local flavor. Reddit

💳 Credit Cards Accepted

Good news for shoppers: they accept credit cards, making purchases convenient. Reddit

I will never again balk at the cost of Argan oil hair products! . This is the Marjana Cooperative—a women’s cooperative for the extraction of Argan oil, on the way to Essaouira. We made a stop here on my small media trip with the United Nations World Tourism Organization. . I learned how Argan oil is made, how much hard work and long hours go into it, and how this cooperative benefits the Morocca...
sunandstilettos
42 likes • 753 views
🌱 Visite de la cooperative Marjana : pour l’extraction de l’huile d’argan Durant une de nos semaines de vacances, nous avons eu l’occasion de partir en excursion direction la ville d’Essaouira. C’est une ville qui se situe en bord de mer🌊 , vous pouvez y voir le sable et l’océan, elle est assez prisé par les surfeurs, mais c’est également une ville chargée d’histoire. Vous avez un marché de pois...
anssy_hair
45 likes • 1.1K views

🚽 Restrooms Available

Conveniently, there are restrooms on-site for visitors. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Moroccan Tea

Visitors often appreciate the complimentary Moroccan tea offered during their visit. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🍯 Taste the Local Honey

Don't miss the chance to try the unique honey from argan tree pollens; it's a distinct local flavor. Reddit

💳 Credit Cards Accepted

Good news for shoppers: they accept credit cards, making purchases convenient. Reddit

🚽 Restrooms Available

Conveniently, there are restrooms on-site for visitors. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Moroccan Tea

Visitors often appreciate the complimentary Moroccan tea offered during their visit. Reddit

⏰ Quick Stop Potential

Many find a 15-45 minute stop is sufficient to see the process and browse. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(686 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Marjana Argan Cooperative educational, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional argan oil production and supporting women's empowerment. However, some report aggressive sales tactics and higher prices compared to other markets, which can detract from the experience. InstagramReddit

"A business place we stopped on our way to Essaouira. So amazing to see how Argan oil is made. The local honey collected from Argan tree pollens tasted very different and nice to others I have tasted before."

Masroor Naveed

"The Women's Aragon cooperative visit was very educational.
The story behind the beginnings and why itveorks are admirable.
The available variety of products is amazing, and the prices seem reasonable.
The Cooperative is well worth the 15 minutes for the stop."

Beach Bum Bill

"We visited in our way to Essaouira, maybe 45 minutes there, the lady who gave the explanation was good and showed and explained the process and the process.NOW after oferred the tea, OH boy she and other were so pushing everyone to buy buy buy, and every time you want to buy something cheaper, she would put in your hand something more expensive, buy the end I was exhausted if her following me with products.
Kind of tourists trap.Maybe of ther were less pushy people would enjoy and buy more."

P U

What People Like

Educational argan oil process
Support women's cooperative
Unique local honey

What People Dislike

Pushy sales tactics
Overpriced products

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cooperative is often visited as a stop on the way to or from Essaouira. It's typically accessible by car or as part of organized tours. Instagram

It's a common stop for tour buses, so it's usually well-marked along the main routes towards Essaouira. Reddit

Yes, independent travelers can easily incorporate a stop here if driving between cities like Marrakech and Essaouira. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Typically, there is no direct entrance fee. The cooperative relies on sales of its products. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours when tour buses are expected. It's best to visit during typical business hours. Reddit

No, advance booking is usually not required for a casual visit. It's a common stop on many day tours. Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products

They offer a variety of argan oil products, including pure cosmetic and culinary argan oil, soaps, and local honey. InstagramReddit

Prices can be higher than in some other markets. While some find them reasonable, others consider them overpriced compared to local souks. Reddit

Yes, credit cards are accepted, making purchases convenient for international visitors. Reddit

The cooperative claims to produce authentic, organic argan oil. It's a good place to learn about the traditional extraction process. Instagram+1

🎫 💡 Onsite Experience

You'll see a demonstration of argan oil extraction, learn about its benefits, and often be offered Moroccan tea. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend around 15 to 45 minutes, depending on their interest in browsing and purchasing. Reddit

Yes, a guide will explain the traditional process of cracking argan nuts and extracting the oil. InstagramReddit

Restrooms are available on-site for visitors. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Marjana Argan Cooperative can be an interesting stop for families, offering a visual and educational experience. Children can witness the traditional nut-cracking and oil-making process, which is often more engaging than just reading about it. It's a good opportunity to discuss women's empowerment and traditional crafts. Instagram

Keep in mind that the sales environment can be a bit intense, so be prepared to manage expectations with younger children if they are easily influenced or if you prefer not to engage in prolonged sales pitches. The complimentary tea is usually a hit with all ages. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Marjana Argan Cooperative might be a place to observe rather than shop extensively. While the prices for argan oil and products can be higher than in local souks or other markets, the experience of seeing the extraction process is often considered worthwhile. Reddit

Consider this a stop for the educational value and to support the women's cooperative, rather than for bargain hunting. If you're looking for the absolute lowest prices on argan oil, you might find better deals elsewhere, but you'll miss out on the direct insight into the traditional production methods. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Argan Oil Extraction

The Marjana Argan Cooperative showcases the traditional, labor-intensive process of extracting argan oil, a staple of Moroccan beauty and cuisine. This method involves women meticulously cracking the hard shells of argan nuts by hand, a skill passed down through generations. The kernels are then ground into a paste, and water is added to emulsify it into the precious oil. This hands-on approach ensures the purity and quality of the oil, highlighting the dedication involved. Instagram+1

Visitors often find this demonstration incredibly educational, offering a deeper appreciation for the product beyond its cosmetic benefits. It's a chance to witness a significant part of Moroccan heritage and understand the effort that goes into producing 100% pure argan oil. The cooperative emphasizes its role in supporting women's economic independence through this craft. InstagramReddit

While the process is fascinating, be aware that it's a manual and time-consuming task. This is a key reason why authentic argan oil can be more expensive, reflecting the artisanal production and the direct support it provides to the women working there. Reddit

Navigating the Sales Experience

A common theme in reviews is the sales approach at the Marjana Argan Cooperative. While the cooperative's mission to empower women is admirable, some visitors report feeling pressured to make purchases. Guides who explain the argan oil process may also become quite insistent on selling products afterward. Reddit

It's advisable to be prepared for this. If you're not interested in buying, politely but firmly decline. Some reviewers suggest that if you express interest in a specific product, you might be shown more expensive alternatives. This can lead to an exhausting experience for some, turning a potentially pleasant visit into a high-pressure sales environment. Reddit

Despite the sales tactics, many still appreciate the opportunity to buy argan oil and other local products directly from the source. If you are looking to purchase, it's worth noting that prices might be higher than in other markets, but you are directly supporting the women of the cooperative. InstagramReddit

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