A Magical Morocco Experience ✨
Morocco | Nov 16 - Nov 27, 2024

Sarah
Sarah W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2024

My husband and I recently did a 12-day tour with Wanderlust Voyages in Morocco. It was incredible -- and I do not have sufficient words to describe how strongly I recommend Wanderlust. We had a positive experience from the initial inquiry through to our drop-off at the airport.

We chose to do a custom itinerary, starting and ending in Marrakech (where I was traveling for work). We visited Marrakech, the Boulmane Dades, Erg Chebbi, Fes, Chefchauouen, Rabat, Casablanca, and then back to Marrakech. We began our inquiry with Wanderlust with a detailed survey and Megan and her team did an amazing job of pulling together an itinerary that captured everything we were interested in, making recommendations about when/where to do certain activities, and identifying absolutely incredible riads and lodging. They were also incredibly quick in responding, making adjustments that we were interested in, and providing additional detail and information when we asked.

Our itinerary was perfect -- and complete kudos go to Megan and the team for pulling together such a stellar trip! The only thing I would change would be to add another night at Erg Chebbi (giving us two total) so that we could have a full desert day -- but that would have required a longer trip. Everything from the riads they selected, to the balance of guided tours, free time, activities, and sight-seeing was perfect. This was the first trip I've booked through a travel agency, and I would 100% do it again.

I also want to give a special shout-out, thank you, and note of appreciation to our incredible driver, Hassan Amraoui. Our experience would not have been the same without him. Hassan went out of his way to give us an amazing experience. He doubled as a tour guide, kept everything running smoothly, on-time, and hassle-free, and did it all with such positive energy & a smile on his face. We left Morocco feeling like we gained a true friend during our stay! Hassan, thank you!

Our trip highlights included:
- Marrakech & the many sights and activities that the medina has to offer. The detailed architecture is truly breathtaking, and each stop in Marrakech presents something special and unique.
- Erg Chebbi. INCREDIBLE. The rolling dunes of sand are breathtaking, and the desert luxury camp is a must-see!
- Fes was such a fun city & so, so different from Marrakech. We were very grateful to have a guide in the medina -- it's not an easy one to navigate! But, a must-see!
- Chefchaouen. A beautiful town, and wandering through the medina spalshed in hundreds of shades of blue was phenomenal.
- Hammam. A must-do! We did ours at Riad Kniza in Marrakech and it was the perfect way to relax, and wind down after a long trip.
- We particularly loved our two riads in Marrakech: La Maison Arabe and Riad Kniza. They were absolutely stunning.

Thank you Megan, Winnie, Hassan, and the many guides and riad staff who gave us such an unforgettable, magical experience in Morocco. We would love to return!

Hotel Reviews
La Maison Arabe
Marrakech

La Maison Arabe was one of our absolute favorite stays in Morocco. It was stunning. The attention to detail throughout each room in this riad -- including hallways -- is phenomenal. The service was amazing, the staff were friendly, helpful, and attentive, and our suite was beautiful. We have nothing but positive reviews for La Maison Arabe, and highly recommend! It's also very close to the main square in the medina and easy to walk -- both during the day and at night -- to so many of the nearby sites.

Authenticity & Character
The authenticity and attention to detail throughout the riad is incredbile!
Location
The location is excellent -- so close to many of the major sites and the medina, and easy to get to/from. I felt safe walking around both during the day and at night.
Staff
The staff were friendly, helpful, and attentive!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ksar Sultan Dades
El Hart

The lodging options & stays in the Boumalne Dades are limited, and the Ksar Sultan definitely seemed to be among the better options. We enjoyed our stay there, but it definitely wasn't as nice as some of the other places we stayed. The room was simple, but very clean. The hot water didn't work well in the evening, but seemed to work in the morning. The food -- both dinner and breakfast -- was excellent, and the staff were very warm and welcoming!

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is authentic and has a lot of nice touches!
Location
The hotel is very far from the town center. I would plan on staying at the hotel for meals (the food is excellent!). I think that if we had more time in the area, we would have ventured out more, but we were just there for the night.
Staff
The staff were incredibly helpful and attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel was very clean, but definitely lacking on a few comforts that we had in other areas. The bathroom, for example, is a fully glass room, with a curtian that doesn't fully separate the bathroom from the main room, making privacy a bit awkward. Hot water came & went, but that's to be expected when travelling!
Riad Madu Premium Camp
Merzouga

Riad Madu Premium Camp is absolutely incredible & I cannot recommend enough. The camp is stunning and the experience is one of a kind. The staff were incredibly attentive, welcoming, and kind and we loved our stay here. My only wish is that we had another day so that we could have done more of the activities & exploration of the dunes during the day! Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
The special touches at the camp were amazing -- from the desert lounge area to the bonfire & music to the tent, we loved it all!
Location
Absolutely one of a kind!
Staff
The staff were all kind, attentive, and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This was the most comfortable camp I have ever been to. The rooms are stunning, and have amazing amenities -- especially for being out in the desert!
Dar Victoria
Fez

We loved Dar Victoria! It had such a unique, authentic character and layout, and the staff were all incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful. The suites are spacious and beautiful, and the food at the hotel -- both the dinner and the breakfast provided -- is amazing.

Authenticity & Character
It's clear that a lot of attention to detail went into the design. Beautiful!
Location
The location is great! The hotel is in the medina, but towards the edge, so you can easily walk out to the main roads. For the medina, consider a guide! It's tricky to navigate alone, and the maps/online apps aren't accurate. We were grateful to have a guide!
Staff
The staff were so helpful, attentive, and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Puerta Azul
Chefchaouen

Puerta Azul is beautiful, but we found ourselves missing the typical Moroccan Riad at this one! The hotel staff are incredibly kind and welcoming, but you definitely get more of a hotel feel rather than the riad (e.g., with the welcome tea, tailored staff, etc.). But, Puerta Azul is clean and comfortable, and easy to navigate to the medina from.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel really embraces the 'blue city' vibe and has gone above & beyond to decorate and fit the blue feel of Chefchaouen.
Location
The hotel is near the medina, but a bit of a walk (10-15 min). Depending on the experience you are looking for, riads within the medina might be a better fit!
Staff
The staff were excellent - very attentive, helpful, and welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Kalaa 2
Rabat

Riad Kalaa was excellent! The staff were welcoming & helpful, and the riad is in a great location -- very easy to walk through the medina and navigate. The rooms and courtyard are stunning -- we loved our stay here! We also ventured to Riad Kalaa 1 for dinner -- hands-down one of the best meals we had in Morocco. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
The authentic feel and detail of Riad Kalaa 2 is amazing.
Location
Easy to find and navigate through the medina!
Staff
The staff were very helpful & welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Kniza
Marrakech

There are not enough stars or words to capture how much we loved Riad Kniza. WOW. This riad is stunning and the service from the staff is unbeatable. The riad is beautiful with such intricate, amazing detail throughout & the food is phenmonal -- you must do a dinner while you stay here. We also loved the hammam - highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
It doesn't get better than this! The character, the authenticity, and the experience created here are unmatched.
Location
Riad Kniza is in such a fun part of the medina, and it's very easy to navigate through/around the medina from here. We felt incredibly safe and comfortable walking around, including at night.
Staff
Incredible. The staff are warm & wecoming and go above and beyond. They are super attentive and willing to help in any way.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Megan Lower