I have lived primarily in the southwestern United States of America. I have called Colorado, Arizona, California, Washington, and Utah home, and I now reside in Ohio. I joined MOBT Global in 2015 as the marketing coordinator because of my passion for sharing culture and my drive to be part of an organization that has such a strong sense of purpose. I have worked in the hospitality industry for many years and have grown accustomed to social speaking, marketing, and organization. I have a degree in Architecture from Washington State University.
I have visited Morocco numerous times for both pleasure and business, and each time encourages me more to share this amazing country with people who value unique experiences and want to broaden their view of the world. I find joy in bringing people to Morocco and giving them a visit of a lifetime, even if it is their second, third or fourth time visiting. My focus is always to plan the perfect trip for each of our travelers individually since no two trips are alike, just as no two people are alike.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I love sharing my favorite places and activities the most. I find that having been around the country and knowing first-hand different things to do helps me with finding the perfect activities for our travelers. Due to my background in architecture, I'm very interested in the vernacular and modern building techniques used in Morocco. I am also an avid foodie, so finding unique places and foods to eat is a great way to immerse yourself into the culture.
Some of my favorite things to do are:
- Roaming the old medinas to take in all of the traditional culture and get a glimpse of life in these places
- Visiting interesting restaurants and cafes, particularly ones in my favorite coastal town Essaouira that host live music
- Drinking tea in Haffa Cafe in Tangier, and relaxing with the ocean breeze
- Hiking the many mountain ranges of Morocco and meeting the indigenous people who call these places home
- Visiting historical sites, specifically ones that showcase vernacular architecture such as the Roman Ruin in Volubilis"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have always been interested in traveling and learning about new cultures. In 2015, I was introduced to MOBT Global and knew at once that I had found my place. Our drive to create unique and custom experiences along with a focus on culture and immersion aligns well with what brings me joy. Our experienced team is truly world-class, and I wouldn't want to work alongside anyone else. My first visit to Morocco really showed me how diverse and rich the country is, and it has gotten its hooks in me! I look forward to each and every visit and want all of my travelers to find the happiness that Morocco consistently brings to me. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I have two unique travel experiences that are at the top of my list.
The first time I visited Morocco, I went to visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. I was in total awe at this building, both inside and out, and it really gave me a sense of how strong and deep the traditional culture in Morocco runs. The mosque is immense, and the interior exquisitely breathtaking. It is a place that I consistently recommend all visitors to go to when they visit since it is just something so amazing.
On my third visit to Morocco, I went with a local family to help them do their annual olive oil pressings. This was such a treat and unique experience. We went to the local farm, where the indigenous people sold us huge bags of their hand-picked olives. We then went to the press, and once it was our turn, watched as kilo after kilo of olives were dumped into the press. In the end, we took over 60 liters of fresh-pressed olive oil with us home after that. It was the best-tasting olive oil I had ever tasted and was truly a unique experience. It had definitely become a tradition of mine to do when I'm visiting during the pressing season in November to December."
Louis's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Luxury itineraries
Recent trip reviews for Louis
Outstanding Trip Due to Great Individuals and Local Touches
Morocco
|
Dec 26 - Jan 4, 2024
Baiju S.
Calumet City, IL
| Reviewed on Jan 05, 2024
Our first experience using KimKim did not disappoint. Our advisor, Louis, was knowledgeable and responsive in developing our tour of Morocco. The riads were outstanding experiences for a more authentic way to travel through Morocco. The hosts and teams were welcoming and caring, providing their own insights into the areas and culture, and the home-made breakfasts and meals were delicious. Our activities were well-planned and all the guides, classes, and experiences were great. Finally and...
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Our first experience using KimKim did not disappoint. Our advisor, Louis, was knowledgeable and responsive in developing our tour of Morocco. The riads were outstanding experiences for a more authentic way to travel through Morocco. The hosts and teams were welcoming and caring, providing their own insights into the areas and culture, and the home-made breakfasts and meals were delicious. Our activities were well-planned and all the guides, classes, and experiences were great. Finally and perhaps most important, our driver for the trip, Said Misser, was truly outstanding. Morocco was an even more spectacular experience because of our conversations with him throughout the journey, his advice, recommendations, and introductions (including to local eats, hidden spots, and Berber music), and his friendship and care. We highly recommend working with Louis to organize your trip to Morocco.
Hotel Reviews
Kasbah Isfoula
Ait Ben Haddou
The best staff. Definitely take them up on the home-cooked dinner with local foods and eats. Our most outstanding meal experience in Morocco.
Hilton Garden Inn Casablanca Sud
Casablanca
Luxury Camp Chebbi
Merzouga
Activity Review
Traditional Cooking Class
Morocco
Local specialist: Louis Shannon
Louis Shannon
Local specialist in Cleveland, Ohio
| Replied on Jan 08, 2024
Hello Baiju, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm thrilled to hear that your first experience using KimKim and your tour of Morocco were so enjoyable. It's heartening to know that the riads provided an outstanding and authentic experience and that the hosts and teams went above and beyond to make your stay memorable. I'm glad the activities were well-planned and that you enjoyed the guides, classes, and experiences.
Said is a gem, and I'm delighted that he added so much to your...
Read more
Hello Baiju, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm thrilled to hear that your first experience using KimKim and your tour of Morocco were so enjoyable. It's heartening to know that the riads provided an outstanding and authentic experience and that the hosts and teams went above and beyond to make your stay memorable. I'm glad the activities were well-planned and that you enjoyed the guides, classes, and experiences.
Said is a gem, and I'm delighted that he added so much to your journey—providing insights, and recommendations, and creating a truly spectacular experience. I appreciate your kind words about my assistance in organizing your trip. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to assist you in creating more amazing travel memories in the future! Please stay in touch! Best regards, Louis
Phenomanl trip. Highly recommend.
Morocco
|
Oct 5 - Oct 14, 2023
Tom H.
Jollyville, TX
| Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023
We had a phenomenal trip to Morocco. Louis designed a thorough itinerary for our ten days. Our driver, Youniss, was an excellent informal guide as well as driver. Perhaps the highlight of the trip was spending the day in Fez with Zara, our guide. Her enthusiasm and pride in her city, as well as her friendship with so many in the souk, made for a memorable trip. Even the long drive out to the desert was relaxing, with stops along the way. Highly recommend for any first-time or experienced Morocco visitor.
Local specialist: Louis Shannon
Our trip to Morocco has been truly pleasant!
Morocco
|
Jul 15 - Jul 24, 2023
Zishuai C.
Brookline, MA
| Reviewed on Jul 25, 2023
Our trip to Morocco has been truly pleasant! Our specialist, Louis, has been very attentive, detail-oriented, and transparent from the beginning, which gave us a balanced journey that showcased the different charms of Morocco. A big shout-out to our driver, Yassine, who not only made us feel safe and comfortable the entire journey but also went beyond his way to show us the hidden charms. Thanks for a great trip!
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Our trip to Morocco has been truly pleasant! Our specialist, Louis, has been very attentive, detail-oriented, and transparent from the beginning, which gave us a balanced journey that showcased the different charms of Morocco. A big shout-out to our driver, Yassine, who not only made us feel safe and comfortable the entire journey but also went beyond his way to show us the hidden charms. Thanks for a great trip!
Hotel Reviews
Wonderful vibe with great brerakfast
Wonderful vibe with great brerakfast
Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Centre
Tangier
Activity Reviews
Day Trip to Imlil: Hike the Foothills of Mount Toubkal
Marrakesh
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Evening Food Tour in Marrakesh
Marrakesh
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Exploring the Medina and Historical Sites Of Marrakesh
Marrakesh
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He decided to cut the trip short into a half day trip without advanced notice.
Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina of Fez
Fes
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Louis Shannon
Overall, we were incredibly impressed by KimK...
Morocco
|
Jun 28 - Jul 8, 2023
Peter G.
Manhattan, NY
| Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023
Overall, we were incredibly impressed by KimKim. We were quite uncertain about using a travel service as we're active adults accustomed to booking all of our own travel arrangements domestic or foreign. That said, working with Louis on our trip to Morocco was remarkably easy and efficient. He listened well to our wants and needs, and designed an itinerary that really allowed us to move throughout the country and enjoy not only the cities but the varied landscapes Morocco has to offer. We...
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Overall, we were incredibly impressed by KimKim. We were quite uncertain about using a travel service as we're active adults accustomed to booking all of our own travel arrangements domestic or foreign. That said, working with Louis on our trip to Morocco was remarkably easy and efficient. He listened well to our wants and needs, and designed an itinerary that really allowed us to move throughout the country and enjoy not only the cities but the varied landscapes Morocco has to offer. We hiked to the peak of Mount Toubkal and even somehow spent a night in the Sahara while finding time to enjoy Marrakech too. Louis was instrumental in helping to make this happen during our planning stage. And, while we were traveling in Morocco, our driver, Said, was an incredible guide, ambassador and friend to us. He not only taught us so much about Moroccan culture but was generous enough to invite us into his mother's home to observe and celebrate the rituals in the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. We can't say enough positive things about our experience. That said, our one piece of feedback is that if you're choosing to do the two day trek to summit Mount Toubkal (4167 meters) be sure to pack clothing for the cold temperatures you'll encounter during your ascent to the peak. Our local guides, Idriss, saved us by helping us rent ski jackets, hats, and gloves to ensure we were properly clothed for the experience. We do wish this was better communicated. That said, it's moments like these - the unforeseen - that also allow the kindness of strangers to come forward. We loved our time in Morocco and using KimKim.
Hotel Review
Les Jardins De La Medina
Marrakech
Cleanliness & Comfort
A/C is on but it's still hot.
Local specialist: Louis Shannon
Had a great time in 100-115 deg. F heat. Our...
Morocco
|
Jun 18 - Jun 27, 2023
Gilles T.
Berkley, MI
| Reviewed on Jul 09, 2023
Had a great time in 100-115 deg. F heat. Our driver, Younes, was always available to help us, make great reservations, and ensure that we did not over-extend ourselves.
He was low-key and very professional, which was a welcome reprieve from the always-on bargaining of the Medinas.
Salah, our guide in Marakesh, was knowledgeable and able to discuss historical and societal differences, culture, and many other topics from a mix of experiential and studied aspects of Moroccan life.
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Had a great time in 100-115 deg. F heat. Our driver, Younes, was always available to help us, make great reservations, and ensure that we did not over-extend ourselves.
He was low-key and very professional, which was a welcome reprieve from the always-on bargaining of the Medinas.
Salah, our guide in Marakesh, was knowledgeable and able to discuss historical and societal differences, culture, and many other topics from a mix of experiential and studied aspects of Moroccan life.
Hotel Review
Inara Desert Camp
Marrakech
Nicely appointed, rugged yet comfortable tent. Great service. Enjoyed the dîner and great service.
Authenticity & Character
Remote though not far
Local specialist: Louis Shannon
Trio of a lifetime
Morocco
|
Jun 8 - Jun 14, 2023
Diana E.
Fort Myers, FL
| Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023
Fantastic trip to Morocco, we chose luxury accommodations and loved every one. Our driver Ali became part of our family and we had a fantastic guide in Fez. Fez and chefchaoen were our favorites and Tangier was a fantastic modern city. I would skip asilah as the accommodations were not up to par so we moved on. I would definitely use Kim Kim again.
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Fantastic trip to Morocco, we chose luxury accommodations and loved every one. Our driver Ali became part of our family and we had a fantastic guide in Fez. Fez and chefchaoen were our favorites and Tangier was a fantastic modern city. I would skip asilah as the accommodations were not up to par so we moved on. I would definitely use Kim Kim again.
Local specialist: Louis Shannon
Morocco - trip of a lifetime!
Morocco
|
Jan 21 - Jan 31, 2023
Wayne H.
United Kingdom
| Reviewed on Feb 01, 2023
Wow what can I say - this was the best holiday experience we have had. Coming from London we usually book with UK based companies but I decided to try kimkim based on the exceptional reviews and individualised tour options. My wife and I were not dissapointed and Louis delivered a tailor made itinerary that met all our expectations and more. A huge thank you to Louis for this and his excellent communication throughout the process.
Our guides Said (Marrakesh) and Mustafa (Fes) were both...
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Wow what can I say - this was the best holiday experience we have had. Coming from London we usually book with UK based companies but I decided to try kimkim based on the exceptional reviews and individualised tour options. My wife and I were not dissapointed and Louis delivered a tailor made itinerary that met all our expectations and more. A huge thank you to Louis for this and his excellent communication throughout the process.
Our guides Said (Marrakesh) and Mustafa (Fes) were both knowledgeable, friendly and adapted our tour so that we interacted with the local community so much better than we could have managed by ourselves. We particularly enjoyed the food tour provided by Said on our first day experiencing the culinary delights of real Moroccan food at local places including the legendary snail soup!!
Our driver was Amine and by the end of the trip I can honestly say we became true friends. He was exceptional and I cannot fault him in any way. He is both knowledgeable but can also engage with his clients and adapt to any circumstances thrown at him. His driving was considerate and we felt very safe travelling with him.
There were so many highlights but I think the Camel ride and night in the Sahara Desert topped everything.
I will have no hesitation booking with kimkim for our next trip. Thank you kimkim and the entire team.
Hotel Reviews
Fantastic Riad. Loved the decor and the staff were all very attentive and helpful. Good quite location just next to the Medina.
Fantastic place in the middle of nowhere! Had a superb evening meal here. Great staff.
Luxury Camp Chebbi
Merzouga
Wow. Incredible set up. Tents were warm and comfortable. Enjoyed the evening campfire Berber music and the starry night sky!
Beautiful Riad in the Medina. Fantastic breakfast with homemade cardamon honey. Musk shower gel was amazing - we bought 2 bottles to take home. Breakfast was on the terrace so needed to wrap up as cold in Jan but in the summer would be amazing.
Another fantastic location. Local staff which added to authenticity. Great views from our room which was on the 3rd floor terrace area.
Barceló Casablanca
Casablanca
Modern hotel in the city which was a welcome change. Lovely spacious room and wide breakfast selection.
Stunning Riad. The rooms are amazing. We were upgraded as they were quite. Best room of the trip. Incredibly nice staff and dinner/breakfast excellent.
This was the worst accommodation of the trip. Although the Riad is in the Medina it was run more as a communal with no locks on the outside of the bedroom doors and breakfast set up on a large table shared with other guests. Although we did not mind it is worth noting if you want time as a couple. The staff were not as attentive or accessible as in the other places we stayed. Considering everywhere else we stayed this was a dissapoitment for our last night.
Activity Reviews
Evening Food Tour in Fez
Fes
Ate just about everything local. Our guide Said was incredible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Overnight in the Sahara Desert
Morocco
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Louis Shannon
Louis Shannon
Local specialist in Cleveland, Ohio
| Replied on Feb 27, 2023
Wayne, thank you so much for the great review! I was truly over the moon to meet you and your wife in person in Ait Ben Haddou and to hear that you were having a good time. I really enjoyed working with you and planning your Morocco adventure. I'm so happy to hear that you have a great time with Amine and that you felt safe the entire time you were with him. He is indeed a great driver and we are very thankful to have him working with our team. I'm glad to hear that you found Mustafa and Said...
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Wayne, thank you so much for the great review! I was truly over the moon to meet you and your wife in person in Ait Ben Haddou and to hear that you were having a good time. I really enjoyed working with you and planning your Morocco adventure. I'm so happy to hear that you have a great time with Amine and that you felt safe the entire time you were with him. He is indeed a great driver and we are very thankful to have him working with our team. I'm glad to hear that you found Mustafa and Said knowledgeable and flexible about the guided medina tours. We really want our travelers to enjoy their tours and that's why we make sure that they're flexible. I love the snail's soup so I'm glad you liked it as well, something that nobody should miss when visiting Morocco :). Merzouga desert is indeed a great place to visit and it makes me happy that it topped the whole experience. Thank you again for everything. Please stay in touch and let us know if you ever decide to return to Morocco we will be more than happy to welcome you again!
