How to Purchase a Berber Carpet in Morocco
Who are the Berber People?
Before I get into how to purchase a Berber carpet in Morocco, I feel like I need to take a few moments to tell you about the Berber people. The term “Berber” is sort of controversial as it means “Barbarian.” During my visit to a Berber Village, our guide told me that despite the controversy about the use of the word Berber, it is still the correct term to use.
The Berber people have lived in Northern Africa since the beginning of time, long predating the arrival of Arabs. Throughout their history, the Berbers have excelled at farming in the harsh Northern African Climate. There are almost 20 million Berbers in Morocco and over 12 million in Algeria. The Berber people have their own language, culture, and flag. Today, most Berbers follow the religion of Islam.
How to Purchase a Berber Carpet in Morocco - Table of Contents
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How to Visit a Berber Village
There are many Berber villages that tourists can visit in Morocco. During my December 2022 trip to Marrakech, Morocco, I took a three-day tour of the Sahara Desert. One of the stops on our tour was a Berber Village near Ouarzazate, Morocco.
Our tour group was met by a local Berber who took us on a tour of his village. He requested that we not take any photographs in his village, so I don’t have any village photos to post on this page.
After touring the village, we had the opportunity to learn about Berber carpets. Our guide explained that the carpets were for sale, but we shouldn’t feel obligated to buy a Berber carpet unless we wanted one. I wish someone would have explained the process of buying a Berber carpet before my visit. If I had known how to purchase a Berber carpet, it would have made the process much easier.
How Berber Carpets are Made
Our guide explained that Berber carpets are made as a hobby by Berber women. A Berber woman typically works on making carpets for one to two hours per day. To complete a complicated carpet, it can take three to six months.
Berber carpets are all handmade, with local wool from the Berber’s sheep and camels. Our guide explained that many of the carpets are made with a blueprint or pattern and are the unique designs of the creator of the carpet.
We were warned by our guide about fake Berber carpets that are frequently found in the markets nearby. Many of these carpets are made by machine, sometimes in other countries such as China. He told us that if there is fringe on both ends of the carpet, it is likely, not handmade.
We were also told that Berber carpets are indestructible and that animals such as cats and dogs are unable to damage them. I assumed this was a sales ploy, especially when he said that even a tiger would not destroy the carpet.
After learning how the carpets were made, we had a chance to look at a variety of carpets in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. I was amazed by the detail that went into making these works of art and decided I wanted to purchase one.
I carefully examined each of the carpets and eventually decided which carpet I wanted to purchase.
Purchasing a Berber Carpet - How to Barter
There are no prices on Berber carpets, and the price is decided through bartering. For many people, bartering can be an uncomfortable experience, but the Berbers view it more like a game to see who will give in first.
Before I visited the Berber village, I was not planning on buying a Berber carpet. Had I planned on buying one, I would done some research on the going price.
The carpet I chose to purchase is the one in the photo below. Once I told our guide that I was interested in purchasing the carpet, he told me to go into the office with one of the Berber elders. The Berber elder told me that the carpet would cost $1200 and that I could pay with cash or credit. I told him that $1200 was way out of my price range and that I was hoping to only spend $100 to $200.
He lowered the price of the Berber carpet to $600, and I still said that was way out of my price range. I asked to see some carpets that would cost $200 or less. He said that I should make a reasonable offer, and I told him that the very most I could spend was $300.
He thought about it for a minute, said $400, and held out his hand. I said no, I couldn’t afford to spend that much money, and he replied that $400 was the best he could do.
I said that although it was a beautiful Berber carpet, I had to pass, as I couldn’t afford $400. Upon hearing that, he quickly agreed to $300. I paid by credit card, the price of 3,000 Moroccan Dirhams, which actually came out to $280.
I am still not sure if I got a good deal on my Berber carpet. Another member of our tour group bought a similar carpet for $200. As I think back on it, the best advice I can give when buying a Berber carpet is to think of how much you are willing to pay and stick to that amount. I was happy with my purchase and felt that $300 was a fair price.
I was given the option of shipping my carpet home for an additional $50 or having it wrapped up tightly in plastic. After considering both options, I chose to have it wrapped in plastic. Our guide not only wrapped it tightly but also taped a handle to the top of the rolled-up carpet. This handle made it easy to carry it on the plane.
The photos below show some of the other carpets that were for sale.
Moroccan Tours that Include a Visit to a Berber Village
I visited a Berber Village on my way to Merzouga to tour the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Moroccan Sahara. Below, I have listed multiple tours that include a visit to a Berber Village. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a package using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate of November 2023.
Some tours may be temporarily unavailable due to the Marrakech, Morocco, Earthquake.
 Atlas Mountains Day Tour from Marrakech Explore The Berber Village & Waterfalls - $19.17 Atlas mountains and berber villages from Marrakech is a highlight multi activities day trip to explore the unique berber culture and atlas mountains lifestyle, guided by your local mountain tour guide. After picking you up from your accommodation in Marrakech, your professional local guide will take you in adventure to discover the hidden secrets of Berber lifestyle while enjoying a cup of mint tea. These locals occupied Northern Africa for 4000 years BC. |
 Berber Village & 3 Valleys Day Tour from Marrakech - $19.03 Discover the Berber settlements of the High Atlas Mountains on a scenic trek through hamlets such as Ait Mizan, Targa and Imoula. Stop off in Tamatert and marvel at the views of the fields and fruit trees. Enjoy lunch in a Berber house in Ait Souka. |
 Trekking in high Atlas mountain and Berber village 2 day - $134.40 This tour offers a seamless, simple way to tour the High Atlas Mountains |
 3-Day Desert Tour to Fez: Ouarzazate and Berber Village from Marrakech - $216.91 Leave Morocco’s souks and medinas behind and step off the beaten track on this 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fez. Travel through the city of Ouarzazate to the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou kasbah; watch local workers blending scented perfumes at a rose-growing plantation at Kelaa Mgouna; take the 'Road of 1,000 Kasbahs' through the Dadès Valley to Tinghir; and discover desert oases and meet Berber villagers along the banks of the Todgha River. You'll also trek into the Sahara Desert on camelback and enjoy dinner under the stars. |
 Quads Biking excursion in mini sahara & Berber Village - $64.41 Biking Quad is an adventurous daily activity consists with Two shifts of morning period and afternoon one, as it is enjoyable experience for those who are looking for amusement and exciting for their exceptional holiday, exploring the beauty of the Berber Village with an experience of Amazigh breakfast. |
 High Atlas Mountains and Berber Village Day Tour including Lunch from Marrakech - $102.90 Take a journey along the Berber Trail as you venture high up the Atlas Mountain range. Lunch is included. |
 one day with the locals in a berber village + Tagine cooking class - $47.16 A getaway at the foot of the High Atlas to discover a breathtaking and Beautiful landscape, olive trees, almond trees, palms and mountains ,thaVillage built in Pisa offering an incursion into Berber life. |
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