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Maryem Kouna

I was born and raised in a small village in Draa valley and grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. I had a strong interest in learning a new language and following my baccalaureate, I moved to Marrakech to continue my education, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in English literature.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"My other passion is cooking (and eating) Moroccan cuisine, so I enjoy sharing our local specialty of couscous with our guests along with other off-the-beaten path locations and cultural experiences. But no matter what you choose to do or what style of vacation you wish to have, I can help you develop a trip plan and itinerary that matches your interests."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My passion towards the tourism field began when I was a kid. Since I am from a region known for its historic kasbahs, I often encountered tourists and dreamed of one day working within the industry. As luck would have it, I met the owners of Morocco Immersion Tours & Adventures through a mutual friend and was hired by them as a sales assistant which was my first step in making that dream a reality.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of the finest and most satisfying trips that I’ve had so far was the time I visited Essaouira. It was an amazing place for quiet wanderings and strolling alongside the city’s high battlements and its calm tight-fitting alleys in the old medina while also discovering its historical and cultural background. Essaouira is still one of my favorite destinations in Morocco even though it is always windy there!"

Maryem is part of the following groups: Morocco Travel Agents, Morocco Luxury Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Maryem

A lovely and relaxing week in Morocco
Morocco | Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2024

O
Okhifo E.
Ireland | Reviewed on Nov 25, 2024
We had a fantastic and memorable time celebrating our anniversary on a week-long trip to Morocco, all thanks to KimKim Travel! This was our second time booking with KimKim, and the experience exceeded our expectations. Maryem, our coordinator, was exceptional—always responsive and attentive to our needs, tailoring our itinerary perfectly to match our preferences. Our Marrakech walking tour with Amnay was a delight; he was knowledgeable, engaging, and friendly, making the vibrant city come... Read more

We had a fantastic and memorable time celebrating our anniversary on a week-long trip to Morocco, all thanks to KimKim Travel! This was our second time booking with KimKim, and the experience exceeded our expectations. Maryem, our coordinator, was exceptional—always responsive and attentive to our needs, tailoring our itinerary perfectly to match our preferences.

Our Marrakech walking tour with Amnay was a delight; he was knowledgeable, engaging, and friendly, making the vibrant city come alive for us. The trip to the breathtaking Ourika Valley was another highlight, offering stunning views and an unforgettable stay at the serene Inara Desert Camp.

The true gem of our journey, however, was Essaouira. The peaceful, picturesque atmosphere of this coastal city provided the perfect ending to our trip, leaving us thoroughly enchanted. Our guide, Hicham, was also outstanding—friendly, professional, and an excellent companion throughout the experience.

We couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate our anniversary. Thank you, KimKim Travel and Morocco Immersion Tours, for helping us create such incredible memories!

Hotel Reviews
Riad al Rimal
Marrakech

A charming riad nestled in the heart of the medina, just minutes from Jemaa El Fnaa Market and key monuments. The staff were pleasant and respectful. While the room was clean, it felt smaller than expected, with a comfortable bed but hard pillows. Breakfast was typical Moroccan fare—decent. The rooftop, however, was a peaceful morning retreat, complete with a jacuzzi we unfortunately didn’t get to try.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inara Desert Camp
Marrakech

From the moment we arrived at this stunning desert camp, we knew we were in for a treat. It was our first time staying in a desert camp, and we only wished we had booked more than one night! The tents were spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with all the amenities of a standard hotel room. The bed and pillows were incredibly comfortable, and air conditioning in the tents added to the comfort. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel truly welcome. While the WiFi connection in our tent was spotty, we had no trouble connecting in other parts of the camp. Dinner was a delightful three-course meal, and the evening concluded with mesmerizing stargazing—a highlight of the experience. Overall, it was an unforgettable stay, and we can’t wait to return for another magical night in the desert.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa Beldi
Essaouira

Our stay at Villa Beldi Essaouira was absolutely fantastic. Located just outside the medina, the peaceful setting adds to its charm, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. The lush garden and inviting pool area are perfect for relaxing, and we often found ourselves tempted to spend the entire day by the pool. Our room was spacious, spotless, and tastefully decorated, with a comfortable bed, soft pillows, and excellent WiFi connectivity. Breakfast was a daily highlight, especially the delicious crepes and amlou, which we eagerly looked forward to each morning. The staff were friendly, attentive, and always ready to assist. Overall, Villa Beldi provided a serene and memorable stay, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Essaouira!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Tour of Marrakech
Guided Tour of Marrakech
Marrakesh

Our tour guide, Amnay, was very patient and knowledgeable. He educated us on the history, culture, and traditions of the Moroccan people. He spent more time than allotted with us, especially in the souks, and made sure that we got everything we needed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Ourika Valley
Explore Ourika Valley
Ourika
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Camel Trek to Desert Camp
Camel Trek to Desert Camp
Agafay

This was such a fun experience! Our camels were well cared for, and the guides were very gentle with them. We took loads of pictures and enjoyed a bumpy ride with stunning views of the desert as we approached our desert camp.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Agafay to Essaouira
Agafay to Essaouira
Morocco
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Exploration of Essaouira
Afternoon Exploration of Essaouira
Essaouira
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 13, 2024

Hi Okhifo,
Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed review. It was a pleasure helping you plan this wonderful trip and we are so happy to hear that you had such an amazing time in Morocco.
Thanks again for trusting us with your trip and just let us know when you wish to come back in the future to experience our side of the Atlas Mountains!
Keep in touch,
Maryem, Hicham and the rest of the Morocco Immersion family

Wonderful Trip in Morocco
Morocco | Nov 13 - Nov 18, 2024

K
KRISTIN T.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2024
My husband and I had a wonderful time in Morocco. Our main guide, Omar, was so friendly and took care of all our needs. He took videos and photos of our adventures that we will treasure. Our transportation was always clean and comfortable during the entire journey.  While in Chefchaouen, we took a private cooking class where we went grocery shopping and made traditional tajine. Our hosts were absolutely amazing and treated us like royalty. While our dish cooked, we were taken on the roof... Read more

My husband and I had a wonderful time in Morocco. Our main guide, Omar, was so friendly and took care of all our needs. He took videos and photos of our adventures that we will treasure. Our transportation was always clean and comfortable during the entire journey. 

While in Chefchaouen, we took a private cooking class where we went grocery shopping and made traditional tajine. Our hosts were absolutely amazing and treated us like royalty. While our dish cooked, we were taken on the roof top to admire the beautiful city which was definitely a trip highlight. 

Fez was a city beyond my wildest imagination and we had the perfect tour guide, Said, to show us around. I can not say enough about how wonderful and knowledgeable Said was during our walking tour. We explored the ceramic factory, tannery, and silk weaver. While weaving through the streets we tasted many local foods. 
We had such an amazing experience and Kimkim was a big part of making that happen. 

Hotel Reviews
Riad El Palacio
Chefchaouen

The rooms are comfortable enough. however, the bathrooms could use some updating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
During breakfast, the woman was rushing around attending to all tables while the men did not help her.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The toilet was off balance and requires fixing
Riad Farouzi Fes
Fes

This hotel is absolutely stunning. The staff are wonderful and helpful. Breakfast is everything you could want. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Absoultely stunning! Everything was so beautiful and perfect
Location
Walking distance to restaurants
Staff
They are all so friendly and helpful! They treated us like royalty
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room and indoor courtyard are stunning. So peaceful and beautiful
Hotel des Oudaias
Rabat
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour
Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour
Morocco

This was the highlight of our trip! Our hosts were absolutely amazing and treated us like royalty. While our dish cooked we were taken on the roof top to admire the beautiful city which was definitely a trip highlight.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
{{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Volubilis
{{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Volubilis
Morocco
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Fes
Guided Tour of Fes
Fes

Fez was a city beyond my wildest imagination and we had the perfect tour guide, Said, to show us the city. I can not say enough about how wonderful and knowledgeable Said was during our walking tour. We explored the ceramic factory, tannery, and silk weaver. While weaving through the streets we tasted many local foods. 

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Guided Tour of Rabat
Afternoon Guided Tour of Rabat
Rabat
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Orientation Walk & Free Afternoon in Chefchaouen
Orientation Walk & Free Afternoon in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Nov 24, 2024

Hi Kristin,
Thanks so much for the great review! We are so happy to hear that you had an amazing experience with Omar and Said.
Thanks again for trusting us with your trip and we look forward to welcoming you back to Morocco in the future to experience our side of the Atlas Mountains!
Maryem, Omar, and the rest of the Morocco Immersion family.

I recently had an incredible trip to Morocco,...
Morocco | Oct 21 - Oct 30, 2024

Elizabeth
Elizabeth K.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024
I recently had an incredible trip to Morocco, and I can’t thank KimKim and Sharon enough for making it all possible. Their exceptional service and careful planning were key in allowing our journey to continue seamlessly, even when one of our group members faced unexpected challenges. Special thanks to Maryem, who crafted a perfect itinerary that balanced the best of Morocco’s culture and landscapes. And an extra shoutout to our wonderful guide, Sallam. His dedication went above and beyond;... Read more

I recently had an incredible trip to Morocco, and I can’t thank KimKim and Sharon enough for making it all possible. Their exceptional service and careful planning were key in allowing our journey to continue seamlessly, even when one of our group members faced unexpected challenges.

Special thanks to Maryem, who crafted a perfect itinerary that balanced the best of Morocco’s culture and landscapes. And an extra shoutout to our wonderful guide, Sallam. His dedication went above and beyond; he not only drove us through the stunning Moroccan countryside but also guided us through the medical system with patience and expertise. Thanks to Sallam, we felt safe and supported throughout our journey, exploring unforgettable places like Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen and Tangiers.

This trip wouldn’t have been the same without this team’s care and professionalism. Highly recommend KimKim for anyone looking to explore Morocco with peace of mind and great company.

Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 10, 2024

Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for your kind words and lovely feedback! It was a pleasure helping you plan this wonderful trip to Morocco, and I’m so happy to know you have enjoyed your time with Sallam—even with your visit to the emergency room.
Thanks again for trusting us with your trip, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Morocco in the future, you and your friends/family who may wish to visit Morocco!
Maryem, Sharon, Sallam, and the rest of the Morocco Immersion family

Amazing tour of Morocco
Morocco | Oct 21 - Oct 30, 2024

RoseAnn
RoseAnn L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024
Thank you for the incredible team you’ve assembled to represent your tour company and Morocco. From the moment we booked with KimKim, the communication was clear, concise, and helpful. Maryem was wonderfully responsive—quick, kind, and always available. Does she ever sleep? Every arrangement at our Riyadh was both comfortable and elegant, offering the traditional Moroccan experience we were hoping for. Our days were packed with sights and activities, and we truly got an exceptional... Read more

Thank you for the incredible team you’ve assembled to represent your tour company and Morocco. From the moment we booked with KimKim, the communication was clear, concise, and helpful. Maryem was wonderfully responsive—quick, kind, and always available. Does she ever sleep?

Every arrangement at our Riyadh was both comfortable and elegant, offering the traditional Moroccan experience we were hoping for. Our days were packed with sights and activities, and we truly got an exceptional guide in Sallam. His knowledge of Moroccan history was impressive, and he had a wonderful ability to engage each of us, ensuring everyone felt heard, involved and comfortable exploring. Our expectations were high, but we came away with far more enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation for your culture and country than we ever anticipated.

When a medical emergency unexpectedly interrupted our travel plans, your team went above and beyond to arrange excellent care for me and smoothly adjusted our itinerary to meet our specific needs. Every response from your organization was outstanding, showcasing remarkable professionalism and genuine care.

The attention to detail you provided ensures the ongoing success of your company. For anyone considering a trip to Morocco, this team is second to none. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 09, 2024

Hi RoseAnn,
We are so happy that you had a great trip with Sallam even with your extra "off itinerary" Emergency Room visit. That is definitely not something we hope to include in our trips, but we are super glad that you felt well-taken care of and still had a magical experience!
Thanks for trusting us with your trip and we look forward to welcoming you back to Morocco in the future.

Maryem, Sharon, Sallam, and the rest of the Morocco Immersion family

A Feast for all the Senses. Morocco Immersion
Morocco | Oct 14 - Oct 27, 2024

L
Lourdes Linden M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 09, 2024
A Feast for all the Senses
Our Morocco Immersion and Adventure Tour was indeed a feast for all the senses.
Thanks to Abdourachman Idrissi, Sharon and Maryem and Hisham and Mustafa,our driver.
A feast of Touch - from the hammam in Fez, the camel ride and the feel of the rugs in Toudhra.
A feast of sights - from the vistas on top of the Atlas Mountains, from the Ksar at Ait Benhaddou, the sea of Date Palms, the olive groves and most specially the amazing sunset at the Saharan Desert.
A...
Read more

A Feast for all the Senses
Our Morocco Immersion and Adventure Tour was indeed a feast for all the senses.
Thanks to Abdourachman Idrissi, Sharon and Maryem and Hisham and Mustafa,our driver.
A feast of Touch - from the hammam in Fez, the camel ride and the feel of the rugs in Toudhra.
A feast of sights - from the vistas on top of the Atlas Mountains, from the Ksar at Ait Benhaddou, the sea of Date Palms, the olive groves and most specially the amazing sunset at the Saharan Desert.
A feast of smell - from the spices at the souk, to the roses at Valley of the Roses, and the seafood at the market in Essaouira.
A feast of tastes - the home cooked meal at the Idrissi home and the food we helped cook at Khadija’s Kuzina were the best.
A feast of sounds - from the drums and Rababs in the restaurant in Fez and the night music at the camp in the desert, the ululation of the women at the Hamamatsu and at the Argan cooperative and the muezzins’ call to prayer.
We are left with an abundance of wonderful memories to last our lifetime. Again Shukran to Morocco Immersion and Adventure

Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Nov 28, 2024

Hi Lourdes,
Thank you so much for the glowing review! We are so happy to hear that you had an amazing experience with Abderrahman and the rest of the Morocco Immersion team. I especially enjoyed meeting you in the Valley of Roses. Our goal is that our guests leave with a little bit of our love of the country, and it sounds like we achieved that for you!
Thanks again for trusting us with your trip! and we, of course, look forward to working with any of your friends and family that decide to visit us.
Maryem, Sharon, Abderrahman, and the rest of the Morocco Immersion Family.

Fantastic Morocco Immersion
Morocco | Oct 14 - Oct 27, 2024

Ronie
Ronie N.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2024
A group of 6 friends just completed an unforgettable two weeks of immersion in Morocco. Starting with the planning stage with Sharon and Maryem, through the airport logistics, (we arrived and left at different times) , through the two weeks guided by our knowlegeable, professional and entertaining guide AbdouRahman and driven skillfully by Mustafa through the amazing Moroccan landscapes and ancient cities, our experience with Morocco Immersion Tours and Adventures more than met our high... Read more

A group of 6 friends just completed an unforgettable two weeks of immersion in Morocco. Starting with the planning stage with Sharon and Maryem, through the airport logistics, (we arrived and left at different times) , through the two weeks guided by our knowlegeable, professional and entertaining guide AbdouRahman and driven skillfully by Mustafa through the amazing Moroccan landscapes and ancient cities, our experience with Morocco Immersion Tours and Adventures more than met our high expectations.

The mix of local life — eating at the markets (buying meat at the butchers, taking them to the grill or Berber pizza “kitchen”) — and high end beautiful luxury hotels in Fez and Marrakesh and our luxurious desert camp gave us a glimpse into the span of real life in current Morocco that is unlikely to be found in other tours. We were very appreciative of our day in Sharon’s and Abdou’s home in the Valley of Roses, especially the opportunity to meet their family and neighbors.

We were very lucky to have AbdouRahman as our tour manager and guide. His deep knowledge and love of Moroccan history and culture and his running commentary and answers to our questions were invaluable. He was also great with coming up with Plan Bs when current events required some adjustments to our itinerary.

In addition, we appreciated the knowledge and experience of the local guides especially in Rabat and Fes. They were also deeply knowledgeable and enthusiastic interpreters of the historical and cutural contexts of the sites we visited. And a special mention goes to Hussein and Khadija for the wonderful day we enjoyed in their home, learning about their lives, while we participated in a hands on cooking class, making two tagines, breads and salads.

In sum, our eye opening and enjoyable experience with Morocco Immersion was superb. From planning to execution, they were, professional, flexible, responsive, and informative . Choukran!!

Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Nov 26, 2024

Hi Ronie,
Thank you for the fabulous review. We are so happy to hear that you had a great time in Morocco and that you got to experience so much of what makes the country unique and beautiful with Abderrahman.
Thanks for trusting us with your trip! and we, of course, look forward to working with any of your friends and family that decide to visit us.
Maryem, Sharon, Abdou, and the rest of the Morocco Immersion family

Kimkim was great from the start. Maryem and S...
Morocco | Oct 21 - Oct 30, 2024

J
Jim S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024
Kimkim was great from the start. Maryem and Sharon were so helpful in the planning of our trip. They listened closely to give us the trip we were looking for, an immersion into Morocco and its culture. They suggested a zoom call as our group included sisters from different parts of the country. This call was most helpful.
I cannot say enough of our guide Sallam. He was not only extremely knowledgeable, but anticipated and took care of all our needs and requests. He included sites and...
Read more

Kimkim was great from the start. Maryem and Sharon were so helpful in the planning of our trip. They listened closely to give us the trip we were looking for, an immersion into Morocco and its culture. They suggested a zoom call as our group included sisters from different parts of the country. This call was most helpful.
I cannot say enough of our guide Sallam. He was not only extremely knowledgeable, but anticipated and took care of all our needs and requests. He included sites and experiences that only a Moroccan would know of. His knowledge of Moroccan history was exceptional. He told us of many traditions and nuances of the people in Morocco. He shared the background of Morocco and its history. He taught us thru his actions that Moroccans truly want to bring happiness and inclusion to all people. Tourists of all nationalities are most welcome.
We had an unfortunate medical emergency, totally unexpected, of one of our travelers. Sallam was quick to get us to the hospital and stayed with us endless hours to help interpret the doctors and staff recommendations. He traveled around the city and hunted down a medical device needed by the doctor. He found the device hundreds of miles away and paid for and arranged its delivery to town, delivering it to us quickly. The doctor was skilled and even made a house call to the hotel once my sister was released from the hospital. I cannot say enough about the care that Sallem offered to us. He Brought water and food, medical devices and always manage to bring a nice atmosphere to our situation.
I highly recommend Sallam and the KimKim team. Their expertise is great. They know the places and people that can give you the true Morocco experience.

Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Dec 09, 2024

Hi Jean,
Thanks so much for the great review! We are so happy to hear that you had an amazing experience with Sallam (and the rest of the local guides) in Morocco.
Thanks again for trusting us with your trip and just let us know when you wish to come back in the future to experience our side of the Atlas Mountains!
Keep in touch,
Maryem, Sharon, Sallam, and the rest of the Morocco Immersion family

Morocco is a beautiful place to visit with Morocco Immersions
Morocco | Oct 14 - Oct 27, 2024

Mark
Mark F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024
Our Morocco Immersions 14 day tour of Morocco was great. Our visits were generally well planned and organized. The driver, Mustafa, was excellent. Abdu, our tour manager, did a consistently very good job guiding us, keeping us informed, and organizing our days. The local tour guides were all good to very good. Our guides in Rabat and Fez were the strongest. Some of the most enjoyable experiences were ones where we engaged with Moroccans more closely. Lunch at Volubilis was very... Read more

Our Morocco Immersions 14 day tour of Morocco was great. Our visits were generally well planned and organized. The driver, Mustafa, was excellent. Abdu, our tour manager, did a consistently very good job guiding us, keeping us informed, and organizing our days. The local tour guides were all good to very good. Our guides in Rabat and Fez were the strongest. Some of the most enjoyable experiences were ones where we engaged with Moroccans more closely. Lunch at Volubilis was very enjoyable. Couscous at Abdu and Sharon’s home was fantastic. Our cooking lesson in Essouaria was great fun. Hussein and Khalidya were wonderful hosts at that cooking lesson. Camping in the desert was great. Finally be sure you get a Berber pizza! What’s a Berber pizza? Visit and you will see 😎

Hotel Review
Kasbah Tiziri
Kelaat Mgouna
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour
Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour
Morocco
Morning Guided Tour of Rabat
Morning Guided Tour of Rabat
Rabat
Local specialist: Maryem Kouna

Moroccan immersion definitely shows the depth, breadth and warmth of Morocco culture and people.
Morocco | Oct 14 - Oct 27, 2024

R
Ruth F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024
Nourjaddin was an exceptionally well spoken and informed guide in Rabat. Said was a wonderful information source since he grew up in old Fes. The home hospitality offered by Abdou and Sharon was exceptionally kind and generous and offered a nice view and personal introduction into Moroccan family and relatives. (We wish for a heathy delivery for Aziza and baby!) Kazbah Tiziri and Michelle were a a unique treat. She was amazingly attentive to our food habits and a fabulous interpreter of... Read more

Nourjaddin was an exceptionally well spoken and informed guide in Rabat. Said was a wonderful information source since he grew up in old Fes. The home hospitality offered by Abdou and Sharon was exceptionally kind and generous and offered a nice view and personal introduction into Moroccan family and relatives. (We wish for a heathy delivery for Aziza and baby!) Kazbah Tiziri and Michelle were a a unique treat. She was amazingly attentive to our food habits and a fabulous interpreter of Moroccan cuisine. She noticed we were not eating raw fruits and parboiled the grapes so we would feel comfortable eating them! Michelle was also very open to our suggestions about improvements in the rooms. We hope for her success. The introduction to ancient to modern Moroccan water management (khettaras) was important to learn for today’s climate stressed world. Moustafa was an exceptional driver; careful and experienced. He did an amazing job navigating the high Atlas mountain passes. Thank you Abdou for recommending the pigeon pastilla and for an amazing and unique birthday cake in Palais de Fes. I will never forget “Berber Pizza”. - shopping for it as well as eating it. What a fun experience. Kadijha and Husseine helped us make the finest tagines we ate over the whole trip. They represent the finest and kindest of Moroccan citizens. A wonderful finish to the trip.

Local specialist: Maryem Kouna

Cultural Immersion at its Best
Morocco | Sep 26 - Oct 7, 2024

Marcia
Marcia B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 12, 2024
Our group of 4 had a magical encounter with Morocco. Our tour guide, Omar Daoudi, set the tone: welcoming, hospitable, knowledgeable, a fabulous driver, full of pride for Morocco - particularly Berber - culture. We quickly became a group of 5. All of our accommodations were excellent; Riad El Amine and Kasbah Tiziri were standouts. Maryem put together a balanced itinerary of urban and rural. We learned a lot about local history and culture from our many tour guides, yet it was Omar who was... Read more

Our group of 4 had a magical encounter with Morocco. Our tour guide, Omar Daoudi, set the tone: welcoming, hospitable, knowledgeable, a fabulous driver, full of pride for Morocco - particularly Berber - culture. We quickly became a group of 5. All of our accommodations were excellent; Riad El Amine and Kasbah Tiziri were standouts. Maryem put together a balanced itinerary of urban and rural. We learned a lot about local history and culture from our many tour guides, yet it was Omar who was able to pull the local particulars into a broader context and level of understanding. Morocco has a rich and varied culture…there’s a lot to process! It was a special treat to meet Sharon and Maryem from Morocco Immersion. The woman who took us to the market, had us in her home in Marrakech, and prepared the most delicious meal of our trip is especially memorable. There were so many highlights. I loved the desert camel ride!

Hotel Reviews
Riad El Amine Fès
Fes

A gorgeous read with outstanding service.

Authenticity & Character
Everything about its architecture and decor was sumptuous.
Location
It was easy to get to from our parking.
Staff
Welcoming, attentive, respectful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate, spacious, elegant
Kasbah Tiziri
Kelaat Mgouna

The owner purchased this kasbah in bad condition and spent 7 years restoring it to magnificent condition. The owners are super hospitable; the rooms are beautiful, with Berber rugs; the outdoor courtyard has many features, including a beautiful fountain, garden and dining area; there is great detail to indoor and outdoor architectural elements; the food is delicious!

Authenticity & Character
It gave us a sense of the importance of a kasbah in a small rural village.
Location
Very much tucked away. It was a surprise to find it in a small rural village.
Staff
Very hospitable and welcoming. Offered to do some laundry, which was a special treat.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate, both in and outdoors. Very comfortable, beautifully decorated room.
Riad Madu Premium Camp
Merzouga

The desert camp near Merzouga was a beautiful location, providing a peaceful camel ride experience under clear blue skies. However, one employee's demeanor was off-putting, lacking hospitality. The camp was smaller and offered a more intimate desert atmosphere compared to some larger camps we passed.

Activity Reviews
Morning Guided Tour of Rabat
Morning Guided Tour of Rabat
Rabat

Omar said our tour guide was not Morocco Immersion’s regular tour guide, but I would rate him as our best local tour guide. The gardens and museums inside the kasbah were wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Our riad was in a convenient location, and we got our first glimpse of the royal life of the King.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Outstanding local guide.
Transport
Omar navigated the varied stops and traffic effortlessly.
Hike to Cascade d'Akchour
Hike to Cascade d'Akchour
Chefchaouen

The ride to and from the hike was scenic and we got to see lots of traditional wood burning bread ovens along the way.

Quality of Experience
The many stops along the hike where there are sitting areas beside small waterfalls and get food and drinks. There is no need to go to the top of the trail to enjoy the hike.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Omar was our guide…the best!
Transport
It was a fairly long ride to and from Chefchaouen, but it was lovely, green scenery.
Guided Tour of Fes
Guided Tour of Fes
Fes

I enjoyed both the pottery and leather/fabrics tours. Fès-Meknès is rightly proud of its work in these fields.

Quality of Experience
Fes is a very large city with a lot to see.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Omar knows all of the local guides used by Morocco Immersion, so there are easy handoffs. Our tour guide was a lifelong resident of Fes. He shared a lot of information about the Islamic faith.
Transport
Our time in Fes was mostly on foot. No vehicles are allowed in the Medina.
Fes to Merzouga via Ifraine and Azrou -  Camel Trek to Desert Camp
Fes to Merzouga via Ifraine and Azrou - Camel Trek to Desert Camp
Morocco

We had beautiful weather for our camel ride so we didn’t need any scarves, but still it was fun to wear a scarf Berber style. The camels were docile and obedient to our leader. I loved the beauty and peacefulness of the desert. I thoroughly enjoyed the camel ride.

Quality of Experience
Well-trained camels and a perfect day to be in the desert.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A sweet young man.
Transport
I loved the camel ride.
Merzouga to Dades Valley Via Todgha Gorge
Merzouga to Dades Valley Via Todgha Gorge
Morocco

We had beautiful accommodations at the Desert Camp, but the lead staff person was a bit snarly.

Quality of Experience
We arrived at the desert camp a bit late, which may have compromised the hospitality of our arrival.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The staff who checked our passports and was our dinner and breakfast server was unfriendly, truly the only unfriendly person of our entire trip.
Transport
We had pretty wild 4 wheel drive rides to the desert. It was rough but good-spirited.
Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour
Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour
Morocco

It was lovely being in a private home with a master chef of Moroccan cooking. Her college-age daughter helped with cooking, spoke good English, and added to the experience.

Quality of Experience
Every aspect of this, from market to being in the kitchen helping a bit, to eating in a private home, was wonderful.
Food
Amazing! The best meal of the trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The hostess is an amazing cook and in particular focused on the spices.
Transport
Omar knew the neighborhood well, so it was easy. It was nice to have an experience outside the Medina
Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Oct 16, 2024

Hi Marcia,
Thank you so much for the glowing review! We are thrilled that you had an amazing trip with Omar. Our goal is for our guests to leave with a little bit of our love of Morocco, and it sounds like we achieved that for you! You are welcome back anytime. Keep in touch!
Thanks again for trusting us with your trip! 
Maryem, Omar, and the rest of the Morocco Immersion family