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 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.
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