Profile photo for Abdellah El Asely
20376 messages
active 34 mins ago

Abdellah El Asely

Hey, I’m Abdel, born and raised in a small Berber village under the Atlas Mountains. Growing up surrounded by Morocco’s rich traditions, I always knew I wanted to share my homeland with others — but in a way that goes beyond the usual tourist spots.

Starting out as a tour guide, I realized my dream could be bigger. That’s how Original Travels came to life. For me, it’s not just about showing Morocco’s beauty. It’s about helping you experience it the way we do — connecting with local communities, honoring our traditions, and preserving the incredible culture we have here.

At Original Travels, we focus on meaningful, sustainable journeys that respect both the land and the people. We’re all about creating experiences that go beyond the surface and invite you to truly discover Morocco’s soul.

This is my story, and my invitation to you. Let’s explore Morocco together, in a way that stays with you long after the journey ends.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"At Original Travels, we focus on showcasing Morocco's rich landscapes and cultures through tailored experiences in:

Cities: Exploring the vibrant streets of Marrakech, the serene blue alleys of Chefchaouen, and the coastal charm of Essaouira.
Mountains: Trekking in the Atlas Mountains, visiting traditional Berber villages, and enjoying the natural beauty of Morocco’s highlands.
Deserts: Venturing into the Sahara for camel treks, luxury desert camps, and unforgettable star-gazing sessions under the clear, vast sky.

Activities include:

Cultural Immersion: Family meals, traditional ceremonies, and artisan visits.
Luxury Travels: Top Notch stays, private Trips, honeymoons
Culinary Tours: Cooking classes and market tours.
Historical Explorations: Guided visits to ancient sites and landmarks.
Wellness: Yoga retreats and traditional hammam experiences."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I was drawn into travel by my Berber heritage and the natural beauty of my hometown in the Atlas Mountains. Wanting to share Morocco's rich culture and landscapes with others, I started as a tour guide. This passion led me to establish Original Travels, where I could offer more authentic and meaningful experiences to travelers, deeply rooted in local traditions and sustainability. My journey into travel is a reflection of my love for my homeland and its stories."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"A night spent in the Sahara Desert remains an unforgettable travel experience for me. Riding camels at sunset, we ventured deep into the dunes, where the vast silence and the blanket of stars overhead offered a profound sense of solitude and connection to the universe. Away from the campfire, under the dense, starlit sky, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe and humility. This moment, stark and beautiful, underscored the transformative power of travel, revealing the earth’s magnificent scale and mystery in an instant. It’s a vivid reminder of the world's wonders, forever etched in my memory."

Abdellah is part of the following groups: Morocco Travel Agents, Morocco Family Travel Agents, Morocco Luxury Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Morocco Family Adventure from Fes to Marrakesh via the Desert - 12 Days
For a trip that allows your family a genuine chance to connect with another culture, this 12-day Moroccan trip is ideal. Starting in Fes, you'll ride, cook, camp, and soar...
Morocco Family Discovery Tour - 14 Days
Discover the wonders of Morocco on this two-week family tour. Your journey begins in the port city of Tangier, where you'll ride camels on the beach and explore the mythical...
Morocco Grand Tour for Families - 14 Days
See the top highlights of Morocco on this immersive 14-day family tour. Start in historic Casablanca to explore the twisting alleys of its medina alongside fresh sea air. Then,...
Luxury itineraries
Highlight Luxury Tour of Morocco - 10 Days
This highlights tour checks off Morocco's top cultural and natural sites. Explore medieval architecture in Rabat, wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and see the famous...
Luxury Morocco: Casablanca to Marrakech via the Desert - 8 Days
This all-encompassing 8-day tour introduces you to the treasures of Morocco in grand style. Starting in Casablanca, you'll loop your way through ancient cities, arid deserts,...
Honeymoon itineraries
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Morocco
Morocco can offer newlyweds one of the most unique honeymoon experiences on earth, thanks to this country's distinct culture that sets it apart from any other destination in...

Recent trip reviews for Abdellah

The best way to see Morocco!
Morocco | Mar 15 - Mar 21, 2025

M
Mary Kate C.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025
Where do I begin?! Our trip to Morocco started off amazing with our driver, Samir, waiting for us outside the airport. He immediately started telling us all about Morocco and the cities we would be visiting - it was so nice to see how excited he was for us to discover his country. We didn’t have a lot of time in the country, so we drove a lot to try to fit as many places as possible into our itinerary. Abdel and Said were so accommodating to help us plan our trip. I’ve traveled a lot in my... Read more

Where do I begin?! Our trip to Morocco started off amazing with our driver, Samir, waiting for us outside the airport. He immediately started telling us all about Morocco and the cities we would be visiting - it was so nice to see how excited he was for us to discover his country.

We didn’t have a lot of time in the country, so we drove a lot to try to fit as many places as possible into our itinerary. Abdel and Said were so accommodating to help us plan our trip. I’ve traveled a lot in my life, and this was one of the easiest vacations I’ve ever planned — and one of the most enjoyable. We never had to fret about any details, and the itinerary was customized exactly for us.

We had an amazing guide in Fez, Shamir, who took us to all the good spots in the Medina and taught us about life in the old city. He knew the neighborhood baker, the man who kept the fires burning for the hammam, and all kinds of shopkeepers. We truly would have been lost without him.

Next, we went to the desert and took a camel ride over sunset to get to our camp. This was a very unique experience as we don’t have dunes like this in America. The stargazing was epic, and the Amazigh men working at the camp put on a nighttime drumming show for us. Youssef, Hamid, and Hassan were delightful!

In the mountains, our guide Said took us on a very cool hike where we wound up climbing trees and he showed us all of the plants (thyme, oleander, olives, figs, rosemary) in the region. After the hike, we had the most incredible dinner at the hotel, Dar Rihana Dades.

We then made it to Marrakech where we had a fantastic female guide, Hanan. She was the best, telling us about how she came to be a guide and showing us all parts of the city and palaces. Hanan told us about what its like to be a women in Morocco, which was an interesting perspective that we hadn’t heard yet - and as two female travelers, that was important to us.

My only regret on this whole trip was that we didn’t have enough time. We desperately want to come back, and when we do, we want Samir! I have to praise him one last time because he was such a big part of our trip and we loved having him with us.

Hotel Reviews
Palais Sebban
Marrakech
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Riad was very clean, but both nights there was a lot of yelling in the street outside our window which woke us up.
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga

We spent one night here and loved the service, food, and the stargazing! The trip to the camp via camel was a very fun experience that I’d like to do again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dar Rihana Dades
Douar Aït Ouffi

We are the best dinner at this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Salam Fes
Fes
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Marrakesh

Hanan was incredible. I only wish we had more time with her!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Marrakech
Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Marrakech
Marrakesh

The actual balloon experience was fun, but it seemed like the company was not well-equipped with the wind. It was already quite windy when we arrived and the team had not started to inflate the balloon. After an hour of waiting and getting into the balloon basket, the team decided it was too windy to go up. We then moved to another spot and went up fine, but it seemed like they should have made the call to move spots earlier in the process. This made us late to our next activity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver was uncommunicative and didn’t get us back in time for our next activity despite us telling him when we needed to be back.
Transport
The driver spent a lot of time talking to his friends while we stood around waiting for him. He also never gave us any updates with the wind situation.
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Photo taken by Mary Kate C
Photo taken by Mary Kate C
Photo taken by Mary Kate C
Photo taken by Mary Kate C
Photo taken by Mary Kate C
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Mar 22, 2025
Hi Mary, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re delighted that your trip to Morocco was so enjoyable and that our team could help make it special. It’s wonderful to hear that Samir made such a great first impression and played a key role in your journey. His passion for Morocco and dedication to travelers set him apart, and we will ensure he knows how much you appreciate his guidance. We’re also happy that Said and I made planning easy and ensured your itinerary was... Read more

Hi Mary,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re delighted that your trip to Morocco was so enjoyable and that our team could help make it special.

It’s wonderful to hear that Samir made such a great first impression and played a key role in your journey. His passion for Morocco and dedication to travelers set him apart, and we will ensure he knows how much you appreciate his guidance.

We’re also happy that Said and I made planning easy and ensured your itinerary was perfectly tailored to your needs. Your time in Fez with Samir, meeting local artisans, and learning about life in the medina, sounds like a true highlight!

We’re especially pleased that Hanan in Marrakech provided an insightful and meaningful tour, giving you a unique perspective as a female traveler.

We appreciate your honest feedback about the accommodations and activities. We’re sorry to hear that the street noise at Palais Sebban disrupted your stay and that the hot air balloon experience wasn’t as smooth as it should have been. We’ll share your comments with our partners to ensure a better experience in the future.

Most importantly, we’re so glad you had a fantastic trip and that you’d love to return. When you do, we’ll be more than happy to arrange another journey with Samir!

Thank you again for choosing us, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Morocco.

Best regards,
Abdel

Morocco- so much more than just the desert!
Morocco | Mar 15 - Mar 21, 2025

A
Andie M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025
We had a great trip to Morocco with KimKim via local company Original Travels. They helped us figure out our itinerary based on what activities we were looking for and took care of all the coordination, but remained flexible if we wanted to do additional activities on the trip. We were able to add on last minute tours and hammam experiences just the day before and all the logistics were seamless. We were running late from one activity on our last day, contacted the company and everything was... Read more

We had a great trip to Morocco with KimKim via local company Original Travels. They helped us figure out our itinerary based on what activities we were looking for and took care of all the coordination, but remained flexible if we wanted to do additional activities on the trip. We were able to add on last minute tours and hammam experiences just the day before and all the logistics were seamless. We were running late from one activity on our last day, contacted the company and everything was immediately shifted around to fit everything in on an updated schedule. Their help saved us so much time and stress in terms of trip-planning, and the stops along the drives were more helpful in understanding local culture and life and we would have missed them if not for the agency.

Further, as two single female travelers, our driver Samir was wonderful and made us feel extremely safe and also helped teach us about Moroccan culture as we drove. He was wonderful in terms of both information and tips about where to eat and best practices for shopping and exploring. Our guides were so knowledgeable and friendly at every stop, tailoring information and recommendations to our interest while ensuring we got a full experience despite a condensed time schedule. We loved our tour with Hanan in Marrakech because it was informative but also was so wonderful having a female tour guide for an all-female group! We last minute asked for a guide (just the night before) for Fez and were lucky enough to tour with Sharif, who he was funny, informative, a cat-lover much like ourselves. We also hiked in Boumalne Dades with Said, who taught us about use of plants/herbs growing along the trail. The hike was quite unique, somewhat Arches-meets-the-Narrows and was a nice change of pace after a few long drives.

We loved all of our stops, highlights of the trip included bargaining for a rug in the Fez medina, seeing the local pottery collective in Fez, sunset over the Merzouga dunes and then stargazing, hiking in Boumalne Dades, and our tour with Hanan in Marrakech. I did not fully know what to expect going to Morocco and exploring beyond the major cities, but was truly so impressed by the welcoming people we met and look forward to coming back. Kimkim/original travels made our trip so seamless, stress free, and safe. I definitely look forward to coming back in the future for a deeper exploration of north Morocco and the mountains.

Special thanks to the people who made our trip amazing- Abdullah, Said, Samir, Sharif, Said, and Hanan.

Activity Reviews
Transfer from Fes to Merzouga via Erfoud & Camel Ride
Transfer from Fes to Merzouga via Erfoud & Camel Ride
Morocco

Long drive but so glad we went! The dunes were so beautiful, camels were amazing and glad to be able to talk to the guide a bit about nomad culture. Wish we could have stayed longer to get a bit more time in the dunes and a longer visit with the nomads, but our trip was on a tight schedule.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
I have nothing but amazing things to say about Samir, our driver! He was so helpful and informative, and I like that the drives were always broken up with a few interesting stops.
Hike with a Local Guide in Dades Valley
Hike with a Local Guide in Dades Valley
Morocco

This hike was beautiful and so nice after a long day of driving! Our local guide Said taught us about local herbs along the way and talked to us about life in smaller towns.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Marrakech
Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Marrakech
Marrakesh

The actual ride was very beautiful, but the logistics of the company that morning were a bit off, taking two hours to get the balloon up and then delaying in the return to Marrakech. Luckily our guide in Marrakech was flexible and we got a full day of touring and hammam in even with the delay.

Quality of Experience
Experience took 5 hours from pick up to drop off due to delays with the balloon and transport from the balloon company
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We missed Samir who had always been punctual and cognizant of the next activity.
Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Marrakesh

Hanan was amazing! Loved having a female guide as our other guides had been men, and she was so informative and fun to hang out with!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to Marrakech via Roses Valley, Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou & Atlas Mountains.
Transfer to Marrakech via Roses Valley, Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou & Atlas Mountains.
Morocco

I like that the drive was broken up a bit. Loved that the rose co-op was all female run. The movie tour was a little long but overall cool to see. Loved Ait Benhaddou and great place to grab lunch before the drive to Marrakech. I also am so glad we stopped at the argon oil co-op as the products were reliable!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Mar 21, 2025
Hi Andie, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful and detailed feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your journey with us was seamless, enriching, and filled with unforgettable moments. We’re especially pleased that our team could provide a well-organized yet flexible itinerary, allowing you to enjoy additional experiences stress-free. It’s wonderful to know that Samir ensured your safety and comfort throughout the trip while sharing his deep knowledge of Moroccan culture. We’re also... Read more

Hi Andie,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful and detailed feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your journey with us was seamless, enriching, and filled with unforgettable moments.

We’re especially pleased that our team could provide a well-organized yet flexible itinerary, allowing you to enjoy additional experiences stress-free. It’s wonderful to know that Samir ensured your safety and comfort throughout the trip while sharing his deep knowledge of Moroccan culture. We’re also thrilled that Hanan, Sharif, and Said contributed to making your experience even more special with their expertise and personalized guidance.

Your insights about the hot air balloon experience are truly appreciated, and we’ll be sure to share your comments with our partners to enhance the logistics for future travelers.

It was an absolute pleasure organizing your trip, and we look forward to welcoming you back for an even deeper exploration of northern Morocco and the mountains. Thank you for trusting us with your adventure—we can’t wait to create more incredible memories with you in the future :)

Best regards,
Abdel.

Morocco family trip in March
Morocco | Mar 2 - Mar 9, 2025

R
Roselyne V.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025
We had a sensational 8 days Morocco tour with Karim as our driver and Original Travels. We arrived at Casablanca and traveled to Fès, Middle Atlas, Sahara Desert (Eerg Chebbi), Dades Valley, High Atlas, Marrakech. All the organized activities, visits and accomodations were perfect for our family of four with two kids (10 and 12 years old). The flow of our journey was fluid and easy. The food was just great and tasteful everywhere. Our week favorite was the desert expedition on dromaderies... Read more

We had a sensational 8 days Morocco tour with Karim as our driver and Original Travels. We arrived at Casablanca and traveled to Fès, Middle Atlas, Sahara Desert (Eerg Chebbi), Dades Valley, High Atlas, Marrakech. All the organized activities, visits and accomodations were perfect for our family of four with two kids (10 and 12 years old). The flow of our journey was fluid and easy. The food was just great and tasteful everywhere. Our week favorite was the desert expedition on dromaderies and the guided tour around the erg chebbi dunes. For the food, the dinner at Dar Rihanna at Boulmane Dades was gastronomic. Our local guide in Fès (Shafic) and in the desert (Amady) were excellent. Thanks for everything Karim and your team !

Hotel Reviews
Riad Braya
Fes Medina

The staff was very kind and helpful. The breakfeast was very good also.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Orient Desert Camp
Merzouga

The full experience was perfect! Even when we were the only guest, they did everthing as intense as if the camp was full.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dar Rihana Dades
Douar Aït Ouffi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sand-Boarding in Erg Chebbi
Sand-Boarding in Erg Chebbi
Merzouga

We only did sand board on a small dune close to the camp. We didn't have the chance to go on bigger one because there was nobody to come with us, even if we had time to do it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
No one helped us with this. We asked the camp.
Transport
Quick Tour of Casablanca with your Driver-guide
Quick Tour of Casablanca with your Driver-guide
Morocco

We did not do this activity, we went directly to the Mosque.

Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque
Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque
Morocco
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very interesting
Transport
We took pictures outside of the Mosque to have on overall view and Karim bring us straight to the entrance after.
Transfer to Dades Valley via Todra Gorges
Transfer to Dades Valley via Todra Gorges
Morocco
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Karim did great stops during the trip.
Transport
A Family's Guided tour of Fez
A Family's Guided tour of Fez
Fes

The different sites visited were great: outside and inside the medina. Keep this as it is.

Quality of Experience
Food
Good restaurant
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Sharif was very good. He responded very to all of our questions.
Transport
We never had to wait for our driver, Karim was always there.
Family Desert Adventures in Erg Chebbi
Family Desert Adventures in Erg Chebbi
Merzouga

Good trip in the desert. We learned a lot of things.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amady was very good and experimented. He background as nomad and as rally staff were very appreciated.
Transport
Private Transfer from Boumalne Dades to Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains
Private Transfer from Boumalne Dades to Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains
Morocco
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer from Fes to Merzouga via Erfoud & Camel Ride
Transfer from Fes to Merzouga via Erfoud & Camel Ride
Morocco

Even if we had 8 hours of drive, our driver Karim made it look quicker! We did interesting stops: Ifrane, forest and Monkeys, restaurant, snowball fight in the Atlas, and multiples views. The end of our day was perfect and fluid with the camels in the desert for the sunset.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exploring Marrakech's Wonders: A Family-Friendly Guided Tour
Exploring Marrakech's Wonders: A Family-Friendly Guided Tour
Marrakesh

Except for the visit of the palace, we only visited the medina with the market (souk). Because we already had this kif of visit in Fès, we would have appreciated to visit more quickly the medina and focus on other specificities of Marrakech.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He did the same tour as he probably do everytime, he did not adjust his explanations even if we had visited a similar place in Fès.
Transport
By walk
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Mar 11, 2025
Hi Roselyne, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really happy to hear that you and your family had such a great time in Morocco with Karim and our team. It’s wonderful that everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the activities, food, and beautiful places along the way. The desert adventure and guided tour around Erg Chebbi sound like amazing highlights! We’re also glad you loved the dinner at Dar Rihanna—it’s definitely a special place. Karim, Shafic, and Amady will be so... Read more

Hi Roselyne,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really happy to hear that you and your family had such a great time in Morocco with Karim and our team. It’s wonderful that everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the activities, food, and beautiful places along the way.

The desert adventure and guided tour around Erg Chebbi sound like amazing highlights! We’re also glad you loved the dinner at Dar Rihanna—it’s definitely a special place.

Karim, Shafic, and Amady will be so happy to know they helped make your trip unforgettable. We truly appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you again in the future! 😊

Best Wishes,
Abdel

Beautiful Morocco
Morocco | Dec 26 - Jan 4, 2025

L
Luisa T.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025
We want to express our deepest gratitude for the outstanding service we received during our tour of Morocco. Karim, our guide, and Ikhelf, our driver, not only fulfilled their duties but consistently went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience. Tangier was our first stop, and Karim introduced us to the city’s rich history with great enthusiasm. He guided us through the Medina, Cape Spartel, and the Hercules Caves, sharing fascinating anecdotes and historical facts... Read more

We want to express our deepest gratitude for the outstanding service we received during our tour of Morocco. Karim, our guide, and Ikhelf, our driver, not only fulfilled their duties but consistently went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience.

Tangier was our first stop, and Karim introduced us to the city’s rich history with great enthusiasm. He guided us through the Medina, Cape Spartel, and the Hercules Caves, sharing fascinating anecdotes and historical facts that brought these places to life.

In Fes, Karim led us through its impressive Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, helping us appreciate the city’s ancient traditions. His patience and attention to detail were remarkable, especially during our visit to the Chouwara tannery, where he explained the intricate processes of traditional leatherwork.
Chefchaouen felt like a dream in blue. Karim not only showed us the city’s iconic spots but also took us to local artisans’ workshops, allowing us to engage with their craft and learn more about their work. This personal touch made the visit even more special.

At the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Karim amazed us with his knowledge of ancient history. Every mosaic and column had a story behind it, and he ensured we fully understood and appreciated them.

In Casablanca, we visited the Hassan II Mosque, and thanks to Karim’s explanations, we were able to grasp both its architectural brilliance and its cultural significance. We also enjoyed a stroll along the Corniche, where he shared excellent local recommendations.

Rabat allowed us to discover landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Karim highlighted the historical significance of each site, connecting the dots of Moroccan history in a clear and passionate way.

Finally, Marrakech was a vibrant burst of colors and culture. From Jemaa el-Fna Square to the Majorelle Gardens and Bahia Palace, Karim made every corner meaningful. He even took the time to personalize our experience by suggesting additional activities and places based on our interests.

Ikhelf, on the other hand, was an incredible professional. He always greeted us with a smile and ensured that our journeys between cities were smooth and safe. His kindness and willingness to assist us at every moment were truly exceptional.

What truly impressed us was how both Karim and Ikhelf exceeded our expectations at every turn. Whether it was sharing personal stories, offering local insights, or ensuring every detail of the trip was flawless, they were always one step ahead.

We are deeply grateful for their dedication and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to explore Morocco in an authentic and enriching way. Thank you for making this journey truly special!

Hotel Reviews
Inara Desert Camp
Marrakech
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dar Jasmine
Chefchaouen

Beautiful Hotel, not suited for people having trouble with stairs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kech Boutique Hotel & Spa
Marrakech

We did not have the best experience at this hotel. Lacks upkeep and maintenance. The hotel itself is beautiful and the rooms spacious, but the showers were not comfortable as you could not adjust the height and direction of the water, (all due because the shower base was not properly installed. Also, our party had to be changed of their room as they found cockroaches on the one they had been assigned. The lady on the front desk should not be in a customer facing role, you can see she does not enjoy her role. She will rarely smile and got in a heated argument with our guide as he was asking for help. On the other hand the staff in the restaurant was all very pleasant and was attentive to keeping everything clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Restaurant good, front desk lady not.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel lacks maintenance and upkeep.
Palais Medina & Spa
Fès
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Mokhtar Tanger
Tangier

Beautiful Riad

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Barceló Casablanca
Casablanca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Jan 17, 2025

Hi Luisa,

Thank you so much for your heartfelt feedback—it truly means the world to us! Karim and Ikhelf will be thrilled to hear how much you appreciated their efforts ;)

Your kind words about the thoughtfulness and passion they brought to every moment reflect exactly what we strive for. It’s also lovely to hear how much you enjoyed their personal touches and dedication.

Thank you again for choosing us to be part of your Moroccan adventure. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you plan to visit again—we’d be delighted to welcome you back!

Warm regards,
Abdel

Perfect trip to Morocco!
Morocco | Dec 13 - Dec 21, 2024

G
Gitanjali P.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2025
I want to thank Original Travels for planning an amazing trip to Morocco for our family of 3.Communication was on point and they delivered a 100% on everything from booking the Riads, Sahara camp to organizing knowledgable tour guides in different cities for us. Our driver Mustafa was friendly , sociable and took very good care of all our asks. Our tour guide Sharif in Fes gave us a great insight of the old city life ! Overall we came back with warm memories and would definitely recommend... Read more

I want to thank Original Travels for planning an amazing trip to Morocco for our family of 3.Communication was on point and they delivered a 100% on everything from booking the Riads, Sahara camp to organizing knowledgable tour guides in different cities for us. Our driver Mustafa was friendly , sociable and took very good care of all our asks. Our tour guide Sharif in Fes gave us a great insight of the old city life ! Overall we came back with warm memories and would definitely recommend this company to anyone!

Hotel Reviews
Palais Sebban
Marrakech
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Ksar Ighnda
Ait Benhaddou
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga

We had a great time at this camp. The tents were clean and well decorated and equipped. The food was amazing and in the eveneings there was live Berber music performances around a camp fire! The sunset camel ride is a must!

Authenticity & Character
The staff consisted of Berber peole and we got to learn about their culture
Location
Staff
Very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Salam Fes
Fes
Dar Jasmine
Chefchaouen
Barceló Casablanca
Casablanca
Staff
The staff was not friendly, must be big city attitude
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Guided Tour of Fez Medina
Guided Tour of Fez Medina
Fes
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Jan 07, 2025

Hi Gitanjali,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re happy to know you enjoyed your trip and that our team contributed to making it special. Your kind words motivate us to continue delivering exceptional experiences.

We hope to welcome you back to Morocco in the future for more unforgettable adventures!

Warm regards,
Abdel.

Amazing time exploring beautiful Morocco including cities, mountains, and the desert
Morocco | Dec 21 - Dec 28, 2024

Stephen
Stephen L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024
We had an amazing time on our 9-day trip exploring all the major highlights of Morocco! Huge shoutout to our incredible local private driver for the whole trip, Lahcen, who was truly the best - not only very knowledgeable but also a really great guy who always went above and beyond to ensure we were having the best time possible. The rest of the local specialists / Original Travels team were also great throughout the planning process. The best part of booking with kimkim is that the itinerary... Read more

We had an amazing time on our 9-day trip exploring all the major highlights of Morocco! Huge shoutout to our incredible local private driver for the whole trip, Lahcen, who was truly the best - not only very knowledgeable but also a really great guy who always went above and beyond to ensure we were having the best time possible. The rest of the local specialists / Original Travels team were also great throughout the planning process. The best part of booking with kimkim is that the itinerary is fully customizable to your preferences and you don't have to worry about transport or booking hotels / activities during your trip so you can fully enjoy the experience. Highly recommend visiting this beautiful and unique country with so many diverse landscapes and interesting cities to explore, and doing so with kimkim / Original Travels (and if you're lucky, Lahcen)!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Dar Mounir
Chefchaouen
Dar Ahlam Dades
Boumalen Dades
Riad Bayti
Marrakech
Riad Ghita
Fes
Riad Villa Midelt
Midelt
Orient Desert Camp
Merzouga
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 31, 2024

Hi Stephen,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re so happy to hear you had an amazing 9-day trip exploring Morocco. It’s great to know that Lahcen made your journey even more special with his knowledge and kindness. He’ll be very glad to know you enjoyed your time with him.

Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we’re delighted you’d recommend visiting Morocco with our company. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure someday.

Warm regards,
Abdel

Yasser was the best guide / driver we could h...
Morocco | Dec 21 - Dec 29, 2024

martin
martin g.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024
Yasser was the best guide / driver we could have hoped for, so warm and welcoming. Highly recommend him Read more

Yasser was the best guide / driver we could have hoped for, so warm and welcoming. Highly recommend him

Hotel Reviews
Les Jardins De La Koutoubia
Marrakech

Perfect location and great staff… spa is awesome

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to souk
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Salam Fes
Fes
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Le Casablanca Hotel
Casablanca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Marrakesh Evening Food Tour
Marrakesh Evening Food Tour
Marrakesh
Quality of Experience
Food
Great insight into local cuisine
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 31, 2024

Hi Newark,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re happy to hear that Yasser made your trip memorable with his warmth and professionalism. It’s amazing to know that you also enjoyed your stay at Les Jardins De La Koutoubia and had a great time on the private evening food tour in Marrakech.

These moments are what we aim to create for each of our guests, and your feedback truly inspires us to keep delivering exceptional experiences.

Warm regards,
Abdel

This review comes a little late yet is so deserving it had to be told.
Morocco | Oct 21 - Oct 27, 2024

L
Leah L.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2024
This review comes a little late yet as it is so This review comes a little yet as it is so deserving we wanted to ensure to share our gratitude and appreciation of the Kim Kim team: Siad, Ilyace, and Hanan who helped to make our trip of a lifetime in Morocco an amazing experience in our lives we will forever cherish and remember.
We arrived at midnight in Morocco to be greeted with a warm welcome by Ilyace who shared a bit of the history and culture of Morocco as he drove us to our first... Read more

This review comes a little late yet as it is so This review comes a little yet as it is so deserving we wanted to ensure to share our gratitude and appreciation of the Kim Kim team: Siad, Ilyace, and Hanan who helped to make our trip of a lifetime in Morocco an amazing experience in our lives we will forever cherish and remember.
We arrived at midnight in Morocco to be greeted with a warm welcome by Ilyace who shared a bit of the history and culture of Morocco as he drove us to our first Riad of the stay. Ilyace literally went above and beyond; diligent about accommodating our needs and ensuring we got the most out of our experience. We spent a good portion of the travel with him touring all of Morocco as he was our driver to our destinations, that he came to feel like part of the gang. He was very courteous, knowledgeable, informative and a pleasure to spend our time with. Thank you Ilyace for making us feel at home in your amazing and wonderous country. And getting unforgettablely getting us the airport on time while being stuck in a gridlock for a marathon in Casablanca.
Hanan heightened our taste buds to an exotic Moroccan food tasting experience. We spent the evening exploring local taste sensations and sharing recipes and fun times. Because of her we now want a tagine! And bring home the new food traditions we’ve learned. We’ve tried to find it here and boy do we miss the Moroccan tea.
And finally Siad who was our master planner of our enjoyable and eventful trip. Siad was very attentive and informative. He provided us with all the information whenever we needed. We didnt need to contact him while there and Ilyace always there to instantly take care of anything. Thank you for your great, custom planning to our needs. You truly made our experience in Morocco surreal.
We are now happy travellers promoting Kim Kim Tours and the beauty of Morocco. Definitely a company we would highly recommend with their courteous team and personal touches to make this experience magical and forever in our hearts.
With all our gratitude from your Canadian friends: Khrysta, Jacob, Kirk, and myself Leah.
Trip date: Oct 20-27, 2024

Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Photo taken by Leah L
Photo taken by Leah L
Photo taken by Leah L
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 17, 2024
Dear Khrysta, Jacob, Kirk, and Leah, Thank you for your incredible review! We’re glad to hear your journey through Morocco was unforgettable and that Siad, Ilyace, and Hanan helped make it so special. Ilyace will be happy to know his warm hospitality, knowledge, and dedication made you feel at home, even navigating marathon traffic to get you to the airport! Hanan will love hearing how much you enjoyed the culinary tour and are bringing a taste of Morocco home. And Siad’s thoughtful... Read more

Dear Khrysta, Jacob, Kirk, and Leah,

Thank you for your incredible review! We’re glad to hear your journey through Morocco was unforgettable and that Siad, Ilyace, and Hanan helped make it so special.

Ilyace will be happy to know his warm hospitality, knowledge, and dedication made you feel at home, even navigating marathon traffic to get you to the airport! Hanan will love hearing how much you enjoyed the culinary tour and are bringing a taste of Morocco home. And Siad’s thoughtful planning clearly created a seamless and memorable experience for you all.

We’re so grateful for your kind words and recommendation. It was a privilege to share Morocco with you, and we’d love to welcome you back someday!

Warm regards,
Abdel

Everything we hoped for & more!
Morocco | Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2024

Allison
Allison S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 02, 2024
Cannot say enough about how well this trip was organized and the thoughtfulness of each and every person who helped us. Noureddine - was the driver extraordinaire! We told him as well but he is a young man his parents should be very proud of. He was a safe driver in addition to thoughtful and funny. We were particularly grateful for his driving skills going to and from the Agafay Desert (those were questionable "roads") and while in Casablanca. We were genuinely sad to part company with... Read more

Cannot say enough about how well this trip was organized and the thoughtfulness of each and every person who helped us.

Noureddine - was the driver extraordinaire! We told him as well but he is a young man his parents should be very proud of. He was a safe driver in addition to thoughtful and funny. We were particularly grateful for his driving skills going to and from the Agafay Desert (those were questionable "roads") and while in Casablanca. We were genuinely sad to part company with him.

Marrakech
Hanan - was a terrific guide both for our walking tour of Marrakech as well as the food tour. She was knowledgeable, kind and showed us some very special places. She also introduced us to our new favorite cookie - the chebakia. She set the bar very high for the rest of the guides in Morocco.

La Maison Arabe Hotel was lovely. They graciously fed us when we arrived later than planned (thanks to flight delays). The room was perfect and breakfast was very filling. We enjoyed eating by the pool and hearing the birds.

Agafay Desert
Inara Desert Camp - never did I think our one night in the desert would involve a significant rain storm and thick clouds which meant no glorious sunset or stars. The one bright spot was our sunset camel ride was rescheduled to a sunrise ride the next morning. Our dinner was DELICIOUS! We were honestly floored by how yummy it was. The Inara staff were fun and charming.

Essaouira
Hassan - was a knowledgeable and considerate guide. He made the history come alive and told wonderful stories.

Heure Bleue Palais - was stunning. Our room was well appointed and we loved that the room looked out on the grand courtyard. It was pretty magical hearing from our room the little trio play into the evening. They sang Beseme Mucho which is one of our favorite songs.

Casablanca
Noureddin - handled driving us around very well and ensured we got to the Hassan II Mosque in time for our tour (which was tricky due to road closures) as well as a walk around the Medina.

Le Casablanca Hotel - a lovely hotel. Dinner and breakfast were very good and reading by the pool was a surprisingly quiet considering the city was just outside the walls.

Rabat
Noureddin - once again handled the driving with care for our day trip to Rabat. We are still talking about our visit to Chellah. It was fascinating and not what we expected.

We definitely felt that our requests were heard and expectations met. Thank you to all - both who we interacted with but also who managed "behind the scenes" - for a truly awe-inspiring trip.

Hotel Reviews
Le Casablanca Hotel
Casablanca

A stellar hotel with excellent food. Our room was very comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Definitely a different experience than one in a riad but it was grand in a modern way.
Location
Casablanca is so big it isn't clear if there is a great location. Not a fault of the hotel but we appreciated where it was located.
Staff
Everyone was attentive and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was all well done.
La Maison Arabe Hotel
Marrakech

A beautiful hotel that was very accommodating when we arrived late due to flight delays. They ensured we were fed that first evening in Morocco. The room was lovely and eating by the pool was very pleasant especially with the birds chirping away.

Authenticity & Character
Nicely decorated and highlighted its history.
Location
It was very easy to walk from the hotel to the Medina.
Staff
All thoughtful and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inara Desert Camp
Marrakech

They honestly made what could have been a disappointing stay (it was a hard rain for a good part of our afternoon and evening) fun and comfortable. The dinner was delicious and the staff were fun and charming.

Authenticity & Character
We are not into camping so this was the perfect type of stay in a tent for us. The extra touches (e.g. the shop, fun sculptures) were fun.
Location
A reasonable drive from Marrakech. The next day's drive to Essaouira was very reasonable as well.
Staff
Charming and made us laugh out loud. They made us feel very welcomed.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was amazingly clean considering we were in the desert with whipping winds that night.
Heure Bleue Palais - Relais & Châteaux
Essaouira

Heure Bleue was marvelously grand. Breakfast was yummy and they took care of some laundry for us which we desperately needed. Probably our favorite moment was hearing the trio playing in the courtyard while in our room play Beseme Mucho which is a song we love.

Authenticity & Character
It wonderfully retains the glamour of old school travel without sacrificing comfort.
Location
It was incredibly convenient to all we wanted to do in Essaouira.
Staff
Everyone we encountered was helpful and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was very clean and well tended.
Activity Reviews
Marrakesh Evening Food Tour
Marrakesh Evening Food Tour
Marrakesh

We ended up having to take this tour our second evening and after our walking tour because of flight delays. It was all delicious. Our guide, Hanan, took us to a variety of places which was fun. We particularly liked chebekia and sought them out during the rest of our stay in Morocco as well as in Barcelona.

Quality of Experience
Food
Chebakia, harira soup, snails and the sfenj.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hanan was an excellent guide who shared her love of food. We could've spent days and days with her.
Transport
We walked so this is a bit of an odd question.
Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Marrakesh

This was our first tour and Hanan was an incredible guide. She was knowledgeable and had wonderful things to share. We particularly enjoyed getting to see a neighborhood oven (and help with some bread) as well as the underground heat source for the baths.

Quality of Experience
Hanan ensured that the Medina didn't feel overwhelming.
Food
We got a little snack which was yummy.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hanan set the bar very high for all guides for the rest of the trip. She was thoughtful and gave us really interesting as well as useful information that helped us throughout the rest of our trip in Morocco.
Transport
Again - odd question. We walked.
Le Jardin Secret Gardens Tour
Le Jardin Secret Gardens Tour
Marrakesh

A lovely little garden.

Guided Tour of Essaouira
Guided Tour of Essaouira
Essaouira

We learned so much about Essaouira from our guide, Hasan. He was knowledgeable and very enthusiastic to share his city with us.

Quality of Experience
Food
We got a yummy little snack.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was really wonderful and gave us terrific insights into the city.
Transport
We walked.
Essaouira to Casablanca via Eljadida & Safi Coastal Route
Essaouira to Casablanca via Eljadida & Safi Coastal Route
Morocco

Our driver did a great job driving us along this route and we got to stop and see some wonderful views.

Quality of Experience
A nice way to get from Essaouira to Casablanca.
Food
We had a good lunch along the way.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Noureddine was a great driver and pointed out interesting things to see.
Transport
Noureddine was a thoughtful and contentious driver.
Quick Tour of Casablanca with your Driver-guide
Quick Tour of Casablanca with your Driver-guide
Morocco

Seeing the mosque was beautiful. It is truly an inspiring place in a stunning location.

Quality of Experience
It would have been nice to have a smaller tour. Being part of a very large group, after days of very thoughtful guides for just us, was a bit jarring. We did see other very small groups and wished we could have had that experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver could not come in with us but he dropped us off and picked us up right at the entrance despite all the other buses and cars.
Transport
Noureddine was terrific.
Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque
Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque
Morocco

A beautiful location and stunning experience.

Quality of Experience
Wish we had a smaller group or even a private tour. After all the wonderful private tours it was jarring to be in a very large group. We had been trying to avoid large groups for this trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Noureddine made sure to get us to the entrance and picked us up.
Transport
Day Trip from Casablanca to the Capital City of Rabat
Day Trip from Casablanca to the Capital City of Rabat
Casablanca

We had no expectations for Rabat and were surprised. We particularly enjoyed Chellah. That was a marvelous site to visit with the different structures from various time periods.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Noureddine was a terrific driver and super helpful. He couldn't be a formal guide and we respect that.
Transport
Noureddine was thoughtful and made sure the drive was smooth.
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 04, 2024
Hi Allison, Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review of your trip! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience and that the entire team, from Noureddine's excellent driving to the personalized tours with Hanan and Hassan, made such an impact. We’re especially pleased that the Inara Desert Camp and your stay at Heure Bleue Palais were highlights of your journey. We truly appreciate your kind words, and we’ll be sure to pass them along to all... Read more

Hi Allison,

Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review of your trip! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience and that the entire team, from Noureddine's excellent driving to the personalized tours with Hanan and Hassan, made such an impact. We’re especially pleased that the Inara Desert Camp and your stay at Heure Bleue Palais were highlights of your journey. We truly appreciate your kind words, and we’ll be sure to pass them along to all those involved, as well as to Noureddine and Hanan, who will be thrilled to hear your feedback. It was a pleasure helping you create such an awe-inspiring experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Morocco soon!

Best Wishes,
Abdel

Drive and guides made our trip
Morocco | Nov 7 - Nov 20, 2024

Nancy
Nancy M.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Nov 23, 2024
Our driver Samir was fantastic. An excellent navigator of Moroccan roads, mountain curves and city traffic. He was responsive to requests to stop for pictures, full of information about Morocco and good company for 10 days. Our guides in Fez - Sharif, in Marrakech- Hannan and in Essaouira - Rashid were all excellent - knowledgeable and provided a wonderful day of exploring the Medinas. Read more

Our driver Samir was fantastic. An excellent navigator of Moroccan roads, mountain curves and city traffic. He was responsive to requests to stop for pictures, full of information about Morocco and good company for 10 days. Our guides in Fez - Sharif, in Marrakech- Hannan and in Essaouira - Rashid were all excellent - knowledgeable and provided a wonderful day of exploring the Medinas.

Hotel Reviews
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga

We spent two nights in the desert. It was a wonderful small camp and the owner and staff went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. The food was food, the musical entertainment fun and the day spent visiting a nomad family and other sites in the dessert very interesting.

Authenticity & Character
Their commitment to sustainability.
Location
In the desert
Staff
Their priority was for us to have a memorable experience.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The tents are well furnished and have heat, electricity and plumbing.
Riad Bayti
Marrakech

My stay at Riad Bayti in Marrakesh was quite disappointing. The location was in an area affected by recent construction due to an earthquake, leading to scaffolding, dust, and noise from hammering and drills. The management was notably absent and unresponsive during our stay, causing communication issues with the staff. Our room needed to be updated from the towels to the carpeting.

Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Nov 24, 2024

Hi Nanci,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're glad to hear you had such a positive experience with Samir and our local guides. We're also delighted that Sharif, Hannan, and Rashid helped you uncover the charm and history of Morocco's medinas. Your kind words mean the world to us, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!

Best Wishes,
Abdel