Start to Finish - Our Morocco Vacation was more than we hoped for!
Morocco | Feb 17 - Feb 28, 2024

Janet
Janet M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Here are some thoughts about our recent trip to Morocco -

A good vacation in Morocco begins with your driver/guide and Samir was the BEST! He was waiting for us at the airport when we arrived and was on call every minute until we departed. He was reliable (always on time) and a wonderful representative of Morocco. He told us about the country's history and culture and gave us his personal perspective, making it even more interesting. He is an amazing guy! We had some long days of driving - from Marrakesh to Essaouira to Casablanca to Fes to the desert to Boumaine Dades and back to Marrakesh - but they were wonderful. Morocco's topography and scenery are stunning and Samir's driving made us feel safe and in good hands. We laughed a lot and had some terrific discussions. Samir was the key ingredient to making our vacation a special one.

We started vacation planning with some general idea about where to go in Morocco but we needed lots of help. Emailing and texting with Ali was wonderful - he answered every question and gave us suggestions that we were better than the ones we had come up with. We even had a chat on WhatsApp. I can't believe how he transformed our original mixed-up plan into a smooth and well-organized journey.

One of the best things about going with a private driver is that you have control over timing - when to get started in the morning, when to stop, how long to stop, and flexibility about when to eat along the way. So much better than group tours we've been on. We had a chance to meet people during our two nights in the desert and at breakfast in our roads. Along the way, we had a nice encounter with a group of young girls at a pastry shop. Samir saw that they wanted to talk with us and made an impromptu introduction - it was lovely.

The riads! We loved them. They are generally small with around 10 rooms - ideal for the two of us, with no large tour groups to contend with. Breakfasts were abundant and delicious! The riads were utterly charming. Loved the style, staff, and beauty of the riads.

There is so much more to say but simply said Morocco was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! We couldn't have asked for more. One thing for sure - we will use KimKim again. The match they made for us with Original Travel in Morocco was perfect. Now we know we can trust their referrals and relax when we plan our next trip. It was sooooo easy. Here's to many more once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Hotel Reviews
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga

Our review matches those of others - Tiziri Luxury Camp is AWSOME!!! The men who run the camp have perfected the art of welcoming new visitors and making them feel at home. The tents are wonderful - luxurious yet simple. It gets cold in the desert at night but the radiator and 20 lbs. of blankets kept us warm. The heating pads helped, too.

Authenticity & Character
The dunes may be ancient but the accommodations are modern. The guys taking care of us were cool and "authentic" whether dressed with a turban or just wearing jeans.
Location
The middle of the desert is precisely where you want to be :)
Staff
Cool guys who know how to laugh, joke, sing, dance, and take care of guests!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and well-tended grounds.
Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca
Casablanca

I would not recommend this hotel. There was a terrible smell in the hallway, our ac didn't work correctly, the teapot was broken, and the service in the rooftop restaurant was very slow (more than 45 minutes to get our order), and the pizza was terrible. On the good side, the breakfast and the morning staff were terrific.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Le Pèlerin
Marrakech

We loved Le Pelerin!!! This small riad is elegant and welcoming. Every detail is perfect. The style is a modern Moroccan with a sophisticated style. The staff were over-the-top great! I would highly recommend this riad to anyone. It is a sweet oasis in the chaos of Marrakesh. Breakfasts...terrific! Rooftop open for relaxing or a bite to eat. Finding the riad would be a challenge without the help of a driver/guide. Arrangements were made and the staff came to the main road and guided us back into the medina. Walking through the narrow alleyways was daunting for a first time Marrakesh visitor but the dark alley opened into a glowing gem of a riad. The surprise factor made it even more beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the way in which the old structure was maintained and enhanced by the contemporary updates.
Location
Being in the medina was a terrific advantage. Really liked the close yet remote location
Staff
I wish I could remember their names. Each and everyone was excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Meticulously clean!!!
Riad Chbanate
Essaouira

Our stay at Riad Chbanate was memorable - we would definitely stay there again!!! Its central location was great, making it easy to get around - down to the beach and for shopping. In contrast to the activity out of doors, the interior of the riad was calm and lovely. The rooms were very, very large with a swing in the center of the room (it was very comfortable :) The bathroom had a deep tub for soaking and was very separate from the bedroom. Breakfasts were huge and prepared to order. So delicious. We ate dinner in one evening and it was very romantic - roses, a wood-burning fireplace, candles, and excellent food. Loved this place!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Salam Fes
Fes

This large riad is sumptuous! Its furnishings and design are beyond belief beautiful. You feel like royalty. The rooms are huge with charming details. Breakfasts are delicious and the dining room is lovely. Highly recommend staying at this elegant riad. It is a one-of-a-kind!

Authenticity & Character
The riad is the real thing. Makes you wonder what living there was like when it was a home.
Location
Staff
We were warmly welcomed when we entered for the first time. Staff were helpful and attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfect!
Dar Rihana Dades
Douar Aït Ouffi

This was my favorite riad because of the great food!!!! Dinner was a complete surprise - gourmet cooking in the middle of the Dades! The food was traditional but with a contemporary flare that made it amazing. I'd give the chef a 5-star rating!!! Even more for his ingenuity :) The style of the riad is interesting - it retains its authenticity but has a flare with modern elements. The terrace and the pool!!!! Beautiful in the setting of the mountains and greenery of the valley!!! The entry to the riad is simple, giving no hint of what is to come. The welcome of lemon tea was a lovely surprise...an elegant switch from the mint tea. I LOVE DAR RIHANA!!!

Authenticity & Character
Great blend of old and new.
Location
So close to the glades! Perfect for hiking or just roaming around.
Staff
Abdul and his brother seem to do everything with ease yet pay attention to every detail. Abdul handles the front desk, and serves the meals. His brother is the chef and he works with a young woman in the kitchen. They are all incredibly modest. I had to congratulate the chef and his assistant directly and peeked into the kitchen and saw that it scrupulously maintained.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Absolutely perfect!
Activity Reviews
Casablanca Odyssey: Explore Casablanca with your driver
Casablanca Odyssey: Explore Casablanca with your driver
Morocco

The mosque is an amazing structure but having to stay over in Casablanca to see it was not pleasant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Path of Beauty: Southern Kasbahs to Marrakech via the Majestic Atlas Mountains
The Path of Beauty: Southern Kasbahs to Marrakech via the Majestic Atlas Mountains
Morocco

The gorges were amazing! A big surprise to find such beautiful cliffs and valleys. Would recommend staying longer. The trails look wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mystical Marrakesh: Unveiling the Allure of Morocco's Vibrant Jewel
Mystical Marrakesh: Unveiling the Allure of Morocco's Vibrant Jewel
Marrakesh

Great overview of Marrakesh! Terrific guide. Felt more comfortable roaming around the medina after the tour.

Quality of Experience
Our tour guide! He was cool, good sense of humor, and was flexible about how long we spent at each location and took us where we wanted to go.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coastal Beauty Awaits: Transfer from Marrakech to Enchanting Essaouira
Coastal Beauty Awaits: Transfer from Marrakech to Enchanting Essaouira
Morocco

It was a nice, simple orientation to the city.

Quality of Experience
Going to the Jewish area and learning more about Jews in Morocco was interesting.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nice gentleman.
Transport
Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque
Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque
Morocco

The mosque was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to Dades Valley via Todra Gorge: Enchanting Valleys, Kasbahs, and Villages
Transfer to Dades Valley via Todra Gorge: Enchanting Valleys, Kasbahs, and Villages
Morocco

A beautiful drive through the high Atlas mountains. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tasting Marrakesh: A Private Gastronomic Adventure
Tasting Marrakesh: A Private Gastronomic Adventure
Marrakesh

Fun roaming the main square and trying street food. Felt safe that the food would be good based on our guide's recommendations.

Quality of Experience
Food
All of the food was great!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Essaouira Revealed: An Immersive Guided Experience of History and Heritage
Essaouira Revealed: An Immersive Guided Experience of History and Heritage
Morocco

The guide was a very nice gentleman.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coast to Metropolis: Essaouira to Casablanca
Coast to Metropolis: Essaouira to Casablanca
Morocco

The scenery along the coast is interesting, however, it is flat, and little to see other than the ocean. It was good that about halfway through the trip our guide/driver took the highway. It made the trip faster and I don't think we missed anything along the way.

Quality of Experience
Scenery was not as interesting as the rest of the country.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fes Unveiled: Unravel the Riches of Morocco's Ancient City
Fes Unveiled: Unravel the Riches of Morocco's Ancient City
Fes

We took the tour on a Friday and much of the medina was closed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A Taste of Tradition: Sharing Stories and Savory Delights at a Moroccan Home
A Taste of Tradition: Sharing Stories and Savory Delights at a Moroccan Home
Morocco

This was a terrific experience. Being welcomed into a local family's house was an honor. After the family warmed up to us (and we to them), the visit was fun. We were joking and laughing. Couldn't have been better.

Quality of Experience
Food
The visit wasn't really about the food. It was about meeting a Moroccan family.
Transport
The son of the family picked us up and dropped us off.
 Fez to Merzouga Desert - The Road to Serenity
Fez to Merzouga Desert - The Road to Serenity
Morocco

This is a must-do when in Morocco. We drove into a snow storm in Morocco's "little Switzerland" and we saw monkeys there. The Roman ruins in Volubilis are not to be missed!

Quality of Experience
Transport
Sands and Adventures: Exciting Desert Activities in Merzouga
Sands and Adventures: Exciting Desert Activities in Merzouga
Merzouga

Going into the desert is an amazing experience. The tents at Tizeri camp were beautiful, clean, and well-maintained. The desert experience was at the top of our list of adventures in Morocco.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ali Moujane
Ali
Ali Moujane
Local specialist in Atlas Mountains | Replied on Feb 29, 2024

Hi Janet,

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience of your recent trip to Morocco! Reading about your adventures with Samir and your journey through the stunning landscapes of Morocco was truly heartwarming.

Knowing that we played a part in facilitating your once-in-a-lifetime adventure brings us immense joy. We look forward to helping you plan many more unforgettable journeys in the future.

Here's to endless wanderlust and countless more once-in-a-lifetime adventures!

Warm Regards,
Ali