Trip to Morocco through Sahara Trek - We planned our trip to Morocco through Sahara Trek and it was perfect. My friend and I, two fifty-something women, had an incredible experience. The country is beautiful,... read more the history is profound, and the people warm and welcoming.
Our driver, Karim Akalai stayed with us for our entire trip, 11 days. He was eagerly waiting for us at the airport. His highly engaging personality kept us laughing throughout the journey. We joked that he knew “everyone” throughout the country. He always made sure we had what we needed and was constantly checking to make sure we were doing well. Even on the days that we did not need a driver, he made sure that we met our guides and made it back safely to the Riads. He provided constant tips and information. He connected us to many local people who provided us with additional information.
The car was new and clean. Karim ensured that the vehicle was in great condition. He constantly wiped down the inside and outside and provided us with water. The vehicle was cool and had internet. He was always timely, a safe driver and professional.
Our tour guide in Marrakesh was Mustapha Karaoui, who was also quite friendly and engaging. His knowledge of both the culture and history was extensive. We toured the Messina with him and gained so much knowledge. He was patient and answered all our questions. He targeted our tour to meet our interests. Marrakesh was exciting and intriguing. Our Riad, Riad Baya, was centrally located, pretty, clean and well kept.
In the Todra Gorge, we toured with a local guide named Jaouad Ourhou. He, too, was quite knowledgeable. We went to the Gorge, played with goats, hiked through an oasis, learned to climb palm trees, and ate delicious dates. This area was truly breathtaking, and the rock formations were impressive. He wove figures for us out of the palm leaves. Jaouad was very friendly and provided a good overview of the area. Our hotel, Relais du Nomade, was modern, neat, and provided incredible views of the valley. At breakfast, we sampled their honey which was delicious.
Our stay in the Sahara, Merzouga, was so much fun and one of the highlights. The camel ride on the dunes at sunset was a “bucket list” experience. We climbed the sand dunes and coming down felt like skiing. It was so much fun. The glamping village at Auberge du Sud provided perfect accommodations that complimented the landscape and experience. At night, there was a band and dancing by a campfire.
Fez was another breathtaking city. The Riad Al Bartal was our favorite accommodation and just beautiful. The tiles, atrium decorations, and doors were truly unique. The food was delicious and dishes were so pretty. Our guide for the city was Mohammed Chahbourne. He, too, provided extensive history of the city and brought us all around the city to the Palace, a lookout of the city, the university, and all over the suq including a pottery coop, carpet coop, leather factory, and various local food vendors. He was warm and personable and helped us better understand the culture. The suq was huge and having a guide certainly helped us to navigate the area.
We also enjoyed Essourira and being so close to the ocean. Our climb up Darhakim was interesting and hot and we had the opportunity to meet with local individuals. Atlas Studios was fun and we were able to stage ourselves on many of the sets. Our visit to the Roman city of Volubilis stood in marked contrast from the rest of the sites. Chefchaouen was quaint, pretty and blue and of course, Rabat and Casablanca were big, modern cities.
I would highly recommend Sahara Trek. Luiza was highly response and attentive to detail. As stated above, the trip was wonderful. We felt completely safe and did not experience any issues. It was truly a trip to remember!!