Morocco Reviews
Review 1
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The visit to the Western Sahara and stting around the campfire, eating beef tagine with a bottle of red wine, you can't get much better than the Sahara for a restaurant! I would also like to say that the group I was a part of was one of the best groups I have ever travelled with - what a brilliant and funny gang!
What did you think of your tour leader?
Jamal did a fantastic job and was very informative about everything from culture and history to where to get the best meals from etc. I would also like to mention our drive Yussef as he was always very friendly and helpful too. They both helped make the trip really enjoyable.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Remember to take your thermals and a high rated sleeping bag for the camping overnight in the Western Sahara (especially in the winter months) as it is absolutely freezing! It was almost so cold that I did not enjoy it.
Reviewed by Lynne Morris who travelled in December 2011 on the Backroads of Morocco trip
Review 2
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Really everything! it's a lovely first impression of the country. It does go very fast so don't forget to enjoy it! Highlights are: Souks in Fez, the history told by the local guides, Atlas mountains, traffic in Marrakech, meeting the local people, Food like Tangiya in Marrakech, dancing under the stars in the Sahara, smoking shisha in Todra Gorge (and everywhere else)
What did you think of your tour leader?
Jamal did a wonderful job. He listened to our questions and focussed on the wishes of the group. Behind the scenes he arranged a lot for us. So, a big thanks to Jamal. There was one person in the group who was a bit selfish, but Jamal handeled it perfectly.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Try to forget your camera and talk to the locals. They are the most lovely people with a great sense of humour. Of course in the souk they try to sell you something, but be polite and smile and have a bit of fun with them. Let go of your beliefs and open yourself to this beautiful country, culture, people and food
Reviewed by Carola Van Der Horst who travelled in October 2011 on the Backroads of Morocco trip
Review 3
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Great Mosque at Cassablanca.
What did you think of your tour leader?
They were all excellant. They told us all that we wanted to know and advised us about the going rate for things at the SOuks. They all displayed an excellant knowlege of the area and in two cases we were being welcomed by their friends when we walked past.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. We were told which businesses to avoid and where had a good record of behaviour towards staff and animals. We were advised about what to give people as a thank you and local guides were employed in Fez, Rabet, Volubius and Marrakech.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I did. People were willing to talk and not just to get something from me this time!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
If somebody want to visit an African country, Morocco should be the first. It has the interesting buildings and markets from Africa, but the standard of cleanliness and tidyness is more to Spainish standards than African.
Reviewed by Matthew Wyatt who travelled in November 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 4
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Great Mosque at Cassablanca.
What did you think of your tour leader?
They were all excellant. They told us all that we wanted to know and advised us about the going rate for things at the SOuks. They all displayed an excellant knowlege of the area and in two cases we were being welcomed by their friends when we walked past.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. We were told which businesses to avoid and where had a good record of behaviour towards staff and animals. We were advised about what to give people as a thank you and local guides were employed in Fez, Rabet, Volubius and Marrakech.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I did. People were willing to talk and not just to get something from me this time!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
If somebody want to visit an African country, Morocco should be the first. It has the interesting buildings and markets from Africa, but the standard of cleanliness and tidyness is more to Spainish standards than African.
Reviewed by Matthew Wyatt who travelled in November 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 5
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I loved Essaouira - it's a very pretty town with very friendly and hospitable people and the seafood was excellent. I also enjoyed the drive through the High Atlas - amazing scenery. The camel trek and sleeping out under the stars in the desert was a lot of fun.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent. Atika, being a local from Marrakech, explained many things relating to Moroccan culture, food and beliefs and was able to give us an insight into Morocco which we would not otherwise have had. It was useful to have a tour leader who spoke Arab and Berber as well as English and French.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. Tourism is one of Morocco's main sources of income. Most Moroccans are fairly poor and staying in local hotels and inns, eating in local restaurants and buying souvenirs to bring home is the best way of supporting and providing employment for the local people. Remember to tip as this is an important part of a Moroccan's income.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Unfortunately I broke my ankle 6 days into the tour so I was not able to walk around the towns and cities as much as I would have liked to. However, it gave me the opportunity to talk to local people and learn more about their way of life. In Essaouira I spent several hours talking to one of the men in a shop over several cups of mint tea - it was a wonderful experience. We exchanged email addresses and I hope we will keep in touch.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Politeness is an essential part of Moroccan culture. If you are polite and ask nicely, the Moroccan's will go out of their way to help, but if you are rude they will turn away and ignore you. Remember you are a guest in their country. Learn some French before you go; very few Moroccan's speak English. Make sure you obtain and read the country dossier before you go. Take some good stuff for diarrhoea.
Reviewed by Patricia Grove who travelled in September 2010 on the Highlights of Morocco trip
Review 6
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Camel ride in to desert and night spent in desert.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Quiet good - Yousuf was very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable about the country/culture etc
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Somewhat.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Somewhat.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be prepared to spend most most mornings travelling for 3 to 4 hours on a mini-bus.
Reviewed by Mohammed Masoom Patel who travelled in October 2010 on the Backroads of Morocco trip
Review 7
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Camel ride!
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes - especially with foreign currency and exchange of ideas to gain mutual understanding.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - this type of trip enables much of the geography of the country to be explored and many locals to be met!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Advise that food here often causes upset stomach and to eat "wisely".
Reviewed by Peter Edmead who travelled in August 2010 on the Backroads of Morocco trip
Review 8
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting a Berber Market/Eating in a local restaurant with Moroccans.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent service from tour leader and local guides. Could not fault them.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, as the group spent money in local shops and restaurants. Also taught us about their culture and religion. I undrstand the country better now.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
More definitely.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go with the flow and don't compare things with home. Respect the culture and ways of the locals. Be open and friendly and you will be welcomed as a friend.
Reviewed by Jane Malcolm who travelled in June 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 9
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting a Berber Market/Eating in a local restaurant with Moroccans.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent service from tour leader and local guides. Could not fault them.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, as the group spent money in local shops and restaurants. Also taught us about their culture and religion. I undrstand the country better now.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
More definitely.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go with the flow and don't compare things with home. Respect the culture and ways of the locals. Be open and friendly and you will be welcomed as a friend.
Reviewed by Jane Malcolm who travelled in June 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 10
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The complete tour was memorable though if I was to narrow to one thing it down the highlight would have been visiting Fes. I enjoyed travelling in a small group as well and experiencing the culture of Morocco and its people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour leader (Samir) was excellent and could not be faulted and was a great embassador for his own country, Morocco.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Most definitely. This was obvious with the use of local guides in the different cities/areas we visited.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes. I enjoyed the culture of Morocco, its people and the food (we eat mostly where the locals eat which was great; if you eat where the locals are eating you know it is good!).
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go with no pre conceived ideas and just embrace the culture of the country you are in.
Reviewed by Fiona Nielsen who travelled in June 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 11
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The complete tour was memorable though if I was to narrow to one thing it down the highlight would have been visiting Fes. I enjoyed travelling in a small group as well and experiencing the culture of Morocco and its people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour leader (Samir) was excellent and could not be faulted and was a great embassador for his own country, Morocco.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Most definitely. This was obvious with the use of local guides in the different cities/areas we visited.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes. I enjoyed the culture of Morocco, its people and the food (we eat mostly where the locals eat which was great; if you eat where the locals are eating you know it is good!).
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go with no pre conceived ideas and just embrace the culture of the country you are in.
Reviewed by Fiona Nielsen who travelled in June 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 12
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I especially liked the Saadian Tombs in Rabat, the Medina and the Bath Museum in Fès, the ruins in Volubilis. In his turn, my husband enjoyed walking around Casablanca, the Bath Museum in Fès and the Medina. In Marrakesh we both loved the ruins of the Baadi Palace (great place to watch the sunset) and the El Bahia Palace, where we were lucky to find an interesting exhibition of contemporary art.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour leader was great, very attentive to our requests and needs. We would like to suggest though more free time in each place. Most often we took longer routes which were more picturesque. Since travelling in a car is somewhat tiresome I think it would have been best to take faster highways and have more time in each place we stayed. Other than that, all of our restaurants were pre-selected by our guide. I think it would have been best to have more freedom in our choice of food at mealtimes. Though we liked Moroccan food, being vegetarian there was never a wide variety of choice for us in these restaurants.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. We stayed in local hotels, ate in locally owned restaurants, and all ours guides were Moroccan. We also tipped generously.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, amazingly so. Especially walking around and loosing ourselves in the Medina of Fez, and in Casablanca, where we could really observe the bustle of everyday life. We also managed to buy some Moroccan literature in the "Librairie Française" in our first day in Casablanca, and read it along the tour, which gave us interesting insights into the local culture.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
We have already highly recommended Morocco and the Imaginative Traveller Tour to friends and family. We would advise other travellers to lose themselves in the old cities, to relax in the beautiful courtyards and gardens, and to try the delicious pastries.
Reviewed by Gabriela Guimar^es Gazzinelli who travelled in January 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 13
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I especially liked the Saadian Tombs in Rabat, the Medina and the Bath Museum in Fès, the ruins in Volubilis. In his turn, my husband enjoyed walking around Casablanca, the Bath Museum in Fès and the Medina. In Marrakesh we both loved the ruins of the Baadi Palace (great place to watch the sunset) and the El Bahia Palace, where we were lucky to find an interesting exhibition of contemporary art.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour leader was great, very attentive to our requests and needs. We would like to suggest though more free time in each place. Most often we took longer routes which were more picturesque. Since travelling in a car is somewhat tiresome I think it would have been best to take faster highways and have more time in each place we stayed. Other than that, all of our restaurants were pre-selected by our guide. I think it would have been best to have more freedom in our choice of food at mealtimes. Though we liked Moroccan food, being vegetarian there was never a wide variety of choice for us in these restaurants.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. We stayed in local hotels, ate in locally owned restaurants, and all ours guides were Moroccan. We also tipped generously.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, amazingly so. Especially walking around and loosing ourselves in the Medina of Fez, and in Casablanca, where we could really observe the bustle of everyday life. We also managed to buy some Moroccan literature in the "Librairie Française" in our first day in Casablanca, and read it along the tour, which gave us interesting insights into the local culture.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
We have already highly recommended Morocco and the Imaginative Traveller Tour to friends and family. We would advise other travellers to lose themselves in the old cities, to relax in the beautiful courtyards and gardens, and to try the delicious pastries.
Reviewed by Gabriela Guimar^es Gazzinelli who travelled in January 2010 on the Classic Morocco trip
Review 14
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking REAL hammams, rather than tourist ones. Seeing the stars from the middle of the mountains, unencumbered by light pollution. The sense of achievement each day as my dust-covered, sweat-encrusted body relaxed with a mint tea and some broken biscuits. Nuts (don't ask!).
What did you think of your tour leader?
On this tour - functional but uninspiring. On my last tour (Sri Lanka Discovery) - absolutely amazing.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Sort of. I feel that I physically saw parts of the country that I would never have otherwise visited, but the interaction with local people was almost non-existent. I think this was cultural - we were provided with everything we needed, so I didn't feel like our presence was resented or unwanted in any way - we were just not there to socialise, I guess.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
DO IT!!!! Imaginative Traveller make everything so easy, without losing any of the integrity of travel. You'll see and do more than you ever could in the time availble if you were organising it yourself and get more out of every trip. I will never use another company to undertake this sort of trip.
Reviewed by Karen Nicholson who travelled in August 2007 on the High Atlas Trails trip
Review 15
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking REAL hammams, rather than tourist ones. Seeing the stars from the middle of the mountains, unencumbered by light pollution. The sense of achievement each day as my dust-covered, sweat-encrusted body relaxed with a mint tea and some broken biscuits. Nuts (don't ask!).
What did you think of your tour leader?
On this tour - functional but uninspiring. On my last tour (Sri Lanka Discovery) - absolutely amazing.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Sort of. I feel that I physically saw parts of the country that I would never have otherwise visited, but the interaction with local people was almost non-existent. I think this was cultural - we were provided with everything we needed, so I didn't feel like our presence was resented or unwanted in any way - we were just not there to socialise, I guess.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
DO IT!!!! Imaginative Traveller make everything so easy, without losing any of the integrity of travel. You'll see and do more than you ever could in the time availble if you were organising it yourself and get more out of every trip. I will never use another company to undertake this sort of trip.
Reviewed by Karen Nicholson who travelled in August 2007 on the High Atlas Trails trip
Review 16
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The tour had a lot of variety - markets, culture, music, camel treks, history, etc. Also, it helped that it was only a small group (9 people).
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour was all very well organised, and the tour leader was professional throughout.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, definitely. Most accommodation seemed to be owned by local people (although this is sometimes hard to tell).
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think so. Considering the tour was two weeks, you wouldn't expect to cover everything (for instance, I would have liked the chance for a lengthy hike on a day or two), but given the timeframe, it was the best the tour could do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Morocco, being a Muslim country, is not the sort of place to go to for wild drunken parties. If that's what you want with travel, then go elsewhere. Otherwise, if you're interested in something a bit more in-depth and cultural, it's worth a look.
Reviewed by Bruce Robinson who travelled in June 2006 on the Deserts and Kasbahs trip
Review 17
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The tour had a lot of variety - markets, culture, music, camel treks, history, etc. Also, it helped that it was only a small group (9 people).
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour was all very well organised, and the tour leader was professional throughout.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, definitely. Most accommodation seemed to be owned by local people (although this is sometimes hard to tell).
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think so. Considering the tour was two weeks, you wouldn't expect to cover everything (for instance, I would have liked the chance for a lengthy hike on a day or two), but given the timeframe, it was the best the tour could do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Morocco, being a Muslim country, is not the sort of place to go to for wild drunken parties. If that's what you want with travel, then go elsewhere. Otherwise, if you're interested in something a bit more in-depth and cultural, it's worth a look.
Reviewed by Bruce Robinson who travelled in June 2006 on the Deserts and Kasbahs Oct 11th trip
Review 18
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The tour had a lot of variety - markets, culture, music, camel treks, history, etc. Also, it helped that it was only a small group (9 people).
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour was all very well organised, and the tour leader was professional throughout.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, definitely. Most accommodation seemed to be owned by local people (although this is sometimes hard to tell).
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think so. Considering the tour was two weeks, you wouldn't expect to cover everything (for instance, I would have liked the chance for a lengthy hike on a day or two), but given the timeframe, it was the best the tour could do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Morocco, being a Muslim country, is not the sort of place to go to for wild drunken parties. If that's what you want with travel, then go elsewhere. Otherwise, if you're interested in something a bit more in-depth and cultural, it's worth a look.
Reviewed by Bruce Robinson who travelled in June 2006 on the Deserts and Kasbahs trip
Review 19
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The market place in Marakesh - the noise, the colour and the people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very helpful in giving pointers and information, out going and friendly.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Finacially yes...
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Definitely worth going on tour with a small group - more flexibility but also get to see things that you wouldn't if you were travelling solo.
Reviewed by Elisabeth Hobbs who travelled in April 2008 on the Moroccan Highlights trip
Review 20
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The market place in Marakesh - the noise, the colour and the people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very helpful in giving pointers and information, out going and friendly.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Finacially yes...
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Definitely worth going on tour with a small group - more flexibility but also get to see things that you wouldn't if you were travelling solo.
Reviewed by Elisabeth Hobbs who travelled in April 2008 on the Moroccan Highlights Trip - 4th Oct departure trip
Review 21
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The market place in Marakesh - the noise, the colour and the people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very helpful in giving pointers and information, out going and friendly.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Finacially yes...
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Definitely worth going on tour with a small group - more flexibility but also get to see things that you wouldn't if you were travelling solo.
Reviewed by Elisabeth Hobbs who travelled in April 2008 on the Moroccan Highlights trip
Review 22
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The market place in Marakesh - the noise, the colour and the people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very helpful in giving pointers and information, out going and friendly.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Finacially yes...
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Definitely worth going on tour with a small group - more flexibility but also get to see things that you wouldn't if you were travelling solo.
Reviewed by Elisabeth Hobbs who travelled in April 2008 on the Moroccan Highlights May 30, 2009 trip
Morocco Forum Feedback
Moroccan Highlights May 30, 2009
I'm travelling solo on the Moroccan Highlights trip starting on May 30, 2009. It would be nice to get to know somebody beforehand! Sugi
Moroccan Caravan june 2009
Hello everybody! Are there people going on the Moroccan Caravan trip on the 6th of June? I AM! I'm going by myself so I would like to know what my group is like. How many people are booked on this tour already? Looking forward to it! Greetz, Esmay
SAHARA Camel Trek
I am doing the Camel Trek in Feb/ March 2009. Please advise on approxamitely how much money will be required per day once trekking in the desert.
Sleeping pads?
I have to get a sleeping pad for my desert trek. I know a lot of it is personal preference. I was wondering if there is a particular favorite type. Manual inflate, self inflating or solid? Thanks.
Star of David
I'm going on the 15 day Sahara trek in Morocco. I have a Star of David tattoo on my upper arm. I don't intend to wear tank tops or anything like that. But I was wondering if there are any precautions I should take? Thanks.
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