Hamza EL Asely

Our trip to Morocco was 9 days. I found the initial interaction with Hamza to be easy and helpful. However, eventually our trip was turned over to Said and I found getting all of our questions answered before arrival to be extremely difficult. Our driver Reda was excellent and we enjoyed all of our time together. All the hotels recommended by Kim Kim were excellent. Areas for improved communication would be as follows: Morocco as a country requires you to have a lot of small coins and small bills. The county culture is based on tips. When you go to the restroom there is an attendant you should always tip them. We were not aware of this custom and therefore did not have the correct type of currency to tip appropriately. Our driver Reda provided us with the correct coins. Which was greatly appreciated. We would have liked to know this when we exchanged our money so that we could have been prepared to tip correctly. Obtaining small bills was a challenge. Most places do not take credit cards. So you must be prepared to have enough currency to tip everyone and pay for all items in cash. Even when we had cash they could not take the large bills we had been given when we exchanged our currency. We had six additional guides during our trip. Four were arranged by Kim Kim and two were arranged by our driver when we arrived at the site we were touring. We found two of the guides assigned to us not to meet our standards. The rest of the guides were exceptional. We did address this during the trip.
We found the local specialist to always be available via text throughout our trip. I also felt that even with thorough research I still did not really understand our day to day plans. For example our only full day to explore Fes was on Friday with is the day that the majority of the town is not open. This was extremely disappointing. Had we known this we could have easily switched our itinerary. Make sure when you are planning ing your trip that you understand which days most merchants will be closed for religious reasons or holidays. Overall we enjoyed our trip very much and loved exploring the country.

Hotel Reviews

Les Jardins De La Koutoubia

Marrakech

This was the largest hotel we stayed during our trip. The location is excellent. We just preferred a smaller hotel. The staff was very helpful and the rooms were very nice.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Eden Boutique Hotel

Boumalne Dades

This was the Best hotel of the entire trip. I hotel is so well designed. Every space is curated from local artisans. The entire experience from the moment you walk into the hotel is a masterpiece. The gardens are breathtaking. The food is Michelin. quality. The rooms are well appointed. When we arrived I did not want to leave. I was disappointed we did not have more time. I would highly recommend that you spend as much time as you can at this hotel and enjoy all the experiences they have to offer. This is by far one of the top hotels in the country and should not be missed.

Authenticity & Character

Every space is so well designed

Location

Staff

Above and beyond excellent

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

This was a great location. We appreciated the smaller size. The tents were very well appointed. The Camel ride is over an hour so be prepared. We enjoyed our ride. I would make sure to ask that your group is separate during the ride so that you can enjoy your time together. Unfortunately, another group caught up with us and was extremely loud and talkative. The experience is so unique I think everyone should be able to enjoy however they wish without distracting from others. The music after the meal is wonderful. We now have a new genre of music we love! Desert Blues.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palais Amani

Fès

This is a great location and a beautiful hotel. Our room required a lot of steps to reach our fabulous suite. Once again this was fine for us but if you have concerns regarding steps make sure you state that in your room request. The service for breakfast and dinner was excellent. The Haman was very nice and we would highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dar Jasmine

Chefchaouen

Excellent location. The decor could be updated. The beds are extremely hard. We personally loved the steps up to the hotel. I read a lot of reviews that complained about the steps. You should definitely not stay at this hotel if you can not climb 160 uneven steps many times a day. The staff is great. Make sure you have money to tip the people who carry your bags up the steps. They work very hard:)

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful view of the Blue city

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were to hard for me personally

Activity Reviews

Sand-Boarding in Erg Chebbi (Free of Charge)

Merzouga

We did not do this

Quality of Experience

Guided Exploration of the "Blue City" Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen

We had a terrible guide. I found Chefchaouen to be extremely touristy and not an authentic destination. While our hotel was great I honestly did not enjoy this city. Might have been that our guide was so terrible.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They should ask you what you want to do and discuss with you what might interest you to learn

Fes to Merzouga via Midelt & Erfoud & Sunset Camel Ride

Morocco

Sunset camel ride is a must. Make sure you ask that your group remains separate from the other groups so that you can enjoy the experience however you decide too.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Hike to the Akchour Waterfall.

Chefchaouen

This was a highlight of our trip. We had the best guide. Make sure you are able to do the hike and have the appropriate clothes and shoes. If it is in the summer you can get in the water.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

We had a great guide for the entire day in Marrakech. I would recommend a full day with a guide. The city is hard to get around by yourself.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Over the Atlas to Marrakech

Morocco

This drive was way too long and I would highly suggest you limit your stops so that you can arrive on Marrakesh before nightfall.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Merzouga to Boumalne Dades

Morocco

This was long day in the van. I wished we had arrived at our hotel in the Dades earlier so that I could enjoy the space.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Fez Medina

Fes

This was not a great day because we were scheduled to be in Fes on a Friday which is their holy day of the week. Therefor the majority of the city was closed. We had a private guide and he did not ask us what we were interested in seeing nor did he share with us that the majority of the town would be closed. This was a very disappointing day:(

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Drive from Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes

Morocco

I felt Chefchaouen as a town was a disappointment. Maybe it was because we had a bad guide. Volubilis was great and should. It be missed. We had an excellent guide that was arranged when we arrived. It is very hot and does require sunscreen and lots of water. The guide is a must to make sure you understand what you are looking at. The other two locations could have been skipped.

Quality of Experience

Food

It’s a long day

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wonderful helpful guides. Answered any questions, made adjustments

Hotel Reviews

Barceló Casablanca

Casablanca

Authenticity & Character

more modern than I expected

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Braya

Fes Medina

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sahara Eden Camp

Merzouga

We arrived late but were given option of longer camel ride in the morning. Excellent food and atmosphere.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Tamdakhte

Ait Ben Haddou

Helpful staff, engaged employees

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Atrium & Spa

Marrakesh

Beautiful hotel, helpful staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Casablanca in a Few Hours: A Driving Tour

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

An Evening Food Walk in Marrakech

Marrakesh

Superb!!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from Fes to Casablanca via Rabat

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Fez Medina

Fes

Very beautiful

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from Merzouga to Fes: From Sahara Sands to Imperial City

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from Ait Benhaddou to Merzouga Desert (Jeep Transfer to the Camp)

Morocco

Very long ride. I was unaware of how long it would take. Guide made numerous stops as requested. Very impressed with the stop where the tiles were made

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou via the Atlas Mountains

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

Lots of information. Beautiful city

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jamal was THE best guide I’ve ever had in all my years of traveling. If I were his managers I’d promote him in a heartbeat. He was more than just a guide, he was a great friend to all of us on our trip. He went above and beyond, faced difficult situations, and made sure we were satisfied each day of our trip.

The trip was overall good but I was a bit surprised we didn't have a guide on board but it would have worked out fine if our driver was able to communicate clearly to us. Unfortunately Mustafa couldn't communicate well with us and it frustrated not only us but him.

The hotels were generally fine with slight hiccups here and there. Hotel Mimona at Essaouira however should never be recommended, thankful Said rectified for us much to our relief.

The Riad in Fes and Boumalne Dades was exceptionally good. The staff were very helpful and kind. The dinner at Dar Rihanna was absolutely delectable and the experience was delightful.

Thanks for making the trip memorable and enjoyable.

Cheers
Annie

Jamal is the best guide I’ve ever had! From the moment we arrived, he went out of his way to make us feel comfortable and safe. We ended up going out the wrong door at the airport, and he called us to figure out our location and find us. We didn’t have to stress at all, especially since it was late at night.

Every day he came to pick us up, he was punctual and friendly. When we needed more time to get ready, he was patient while also making sure we had enough time to enjoy our day full of activities.

Jamal was honestly one of the highlights of the trip! He went above and beyond by taking photos for us, making sure I had snacks and plenty of bathroom breaks (which I especially appreciated since I’m pregnant), sharing his knowledge of the different cities, and keeping us entertained during the long drives. We’ve been telling all are friends and family about his amazing hospitality!

Hamza of Original Travels was an amazing guide. He was punctual, friendly and always pointed out new experiences for us to stop and try and shared insider traveler information, like amazing restaurant suggestions. He was receptive to our needs and questions about the area and was a great mediator for working out our needs and plans, like moving our camel ride to an earlier time in Agafay. Having a local guide made the trip much more memorable and fun! It is the best way to get introduced to all of the best spots in Morocco. It was my second time with Hamza and we would love to return and use him as our guide again. He is simply the best!!

Additionally, the accommodations selected by Kim Kim were perfectly located and appointed. I would also like to mention how much we enjoyed the help and kindess of Muhammed at Palais Sabban- he was the best at transporting our bags and answering to our needs while on the property. This riad is a crowning gem and we loved everything about it.

Our tour guide in Essaouria, Hussan, was an extrememly knowledgeable historian and we appreciated all of the details of the area's history and sights that he took time to share with us.

I wish I could remember the name of our camel guide, he was so much fun and was the best photographer!

Again, many thanks to Kim Kim and Said for putting together an amazing itinerary for us. Our local guide Hamza made the trip so memorable and fun, it would not have been the same experience without him. We look forward to returning to Morocco!

Hotel Reviews

Palais Sebban

Marrakech

This was my second time staying at this riad and I loved it even more this time. It is in a perfect location, and a peaceful oasis from the hullabaloo of the city. It is so beautiful and each detail displays the depth of gorgeous Moroccan architecture and detail. We loved the peaceful rooftop with the pool and bar and many comfortable places to sit and relax. Muhammed was our baggage help/doorman, and he made the experience enjoyable for us with his attentiveness and kind conversations.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa MGallery

Essaouira

A wonderfully appointed oasis of a hotel. The location was unbeatable, with the beach and beach restaurant and the sounds of the ocean just steps from the building. Very good breakfast!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Yes We Camp

Marrakech

This was such a special and unique experience. The grounds and rooms were nicely appointed and it was such a curated and special place. The food and the service were spectacular.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Ease of access from Marrakesh for a desert experience. Having been to Merzouga, it could never compete with the Sahara, but it provided and unique and fun desert adventure that was easy to get to within our time frame.

Staff

Attentive and kind, every one of them!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Free Afternoon in Marrakech

Marrakesh

We loved wandering and exploring on our own, especially within the souks and the medina at night was fabulously alive!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Essaouira

Essaouira

Hussan was a fabulous guide. His historical knowledge of the area shined throughout his tour and we learned so much from him. This was a very worthwhile and greatly enjoyable activity. We loved that it was a small, private tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset Camel Ride in Agafay

Morocco

Although it could not compare to the experience I had in the Sahara desert, it was a great experience for it's proximity to Marrakesh. Our camel guide was so kind and the best photographer! The tour company was kind enough to move our time up by an hour so that we would not miss the dinner and performance of the camp.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Marrakech Airport to Agafay

Morocco

Hamza was prompt and waiting for us when we arrived. We love Hamza!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This trip was a breath of fresh air. Our group was able to experience all of the wonders of Morocco and felt truly accommodated for during every tour and with every city that we visited. The true highlight was our driver, Jamal. He went above and beyond to ensure that we not only arrived to our destinations timely, but provided so much insight into every city we visited and made us feel like family. Jamal was incredibly kind, patient and thorough, which was much appreciated; especially during long travel days. I know that when we visit again, we will be requesting Jamal, personally! We can’t thank him enough.

From start to finish, the experience was incredible. Hamza helped me put together a tour that included outdoor exploration, desert adventures, cityscapes, waterfalls, gorges and great food. Mustapha was our driver and he was prompt, prepared for our questions and knew exactly what routes and times for the next stops. We had amazing city guides who took us through the main sites and trusted shopping areas.

My only complaint is that the vacation had to end! If you are considering a vacation to Morocco, the services here planned for seamless travel. I highly recommend!