Profile photo for Maryem Kouna
470 messages
active 2 hours ago

Maryem Kouna

I’m a Moroccan travel specialist born and raised in a small village in the historic Draa Valley; once part of the ancient trans-Saharan salt caravan route. Growing up in a family that valued education and hard work, I developed a deep appreciation for culture, history, and connection. My passion for languages led me to Marrakech, where I earned a Bachelor's degree. Today, I combine my local insight with a love for Moroccan cuisine, traditions, and hidden gems to craft personalized, travel experiences for visitors from around the world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"One of my greatest passions is Moroccan cuisine, both cooking and savoring it! I love introducing guests to our beloved local dishes, while also guiding them to hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences beyond the typical tourist path. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into Moroccan traditions, I’m here to craft a personalized itinerary that reflects your unique travel style and interests."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My passion for tourism began in childhood. Growing up in a region renowned for its historic Kasbahs and million palms, I frequently encountered travelers and was inspired. I always dreamed of being part of the travel industry, sharing the beauty and culture of Morocco with others. That dream began to take shape when I was offered a role as a sales assistant through a connection with a travel company, an important early opportunity that allowed me to turn my passion into a career."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of the finest and most satisfying trips that I’ve had so far was the time I visited Essaouira. It was an amazing place for quiet wanderings and strolling alongside the city’s high battlements and its calm tight-fitting alleys in the old medina while also discovering its historical and cultural background. Essaouira is still one of my favorite destinations in Morocco even though it is always windy there!"

Maryem is part of the following groups: Morocco Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries
Honeymoon itineraries

Favorite experiences

Merzouga Sunset Camel Ride & Desert Overnight

One of the most quintessential Moroccan experiences is a sunset camel ride through Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, combined with an overnight in the desert. Most visitors enjoy this experience when traveling to the Sahara from one of the country's imperial cities, such as between Merzouga and Marrakech...

Explore the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech

Discover the natural beauty and culture of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains. As you zip into the scenic hills, you'll make several stops to enjoy impressive panoramas of small villages, enchanting scenery, and interesting landscapes. After leaving Marrakech, you'll head toward the Atlas Mountains...

Recent trip reviews for Maryem

Wonderful trip all around. All of the logist...
Morocco | Jan 23 - Jan 26, 2026

S
Stacie J.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026
Wonderful trip all around.
All of the logistics were planned and executed perfectly. I loved Dar Rihana (excellent service!!), Merzouga and Caravane. I wish I had thought to fly to an airport closer to Merzouga because there was a lot of driving, but I also enjoyed the scenery on the drive.
Read more

Wonderful trip all around.
All of the logistics were planned and executed perfectly. I loved Dar Rihana (excellent service!!), Merzouga and Caravane. I wish I had thought to fly to an airport closer to Merzouga because there was a lot of driving, but I also enjoyed the scenery on the drive.

Hotel Review
Dar Rihana Dades
Douar Aït Ouffi

I had the best service, meals and accommodations of my entire stay at Dar Rihana. It’s beautiful and the brothers who run it are so kind and welcoming. I plan to go back!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Sunset  4x4 to your camp via Tinerhir & Rissani
Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Sunset 4x4 to your camp via Tinerhir & Rissani
Morocco
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Feb 04, 2026

Hi Stacie,
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. I’m delighted to hear that you had a wonderful trip and that everything ran smoothly. It’s great to know you enjoyed Dar Rihana, Merzouga, and Caravane — they truly offer special experiences.
I understand the long drives can feel like a lot, though I’m glad the scenery helped make the journey enjoyable. I’m very happy you had such a memorable experience, and I truly appreciate you traveling with us.
Warm regards,
Maryem

Amazing Moroccan Experience
Morocco | Dec 29 - Jan 4, 2026

Joanne
Joanne F.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2026
We really enjoyed our week long trip to Morocco! Maryem did a great job with planning ahead of time and was easy to communicate with. Our driver Zaid was amazing and made every day fun including a spontaneous hike into the Atlas Mountains. The Marrakesh walking tour with Hamid was excellent - he is so knowledgeable and engaging. The cooking class at La Maison Arabe was so fun and informative - we really learned a lot from Wafa and Hayat. The chosen hotels were all excellent - clean,... Read more

We really enjoyed our week long trip to Morocco! Maryem did a great job with planning ahead of time and was easy to communicate with. Our driver Zaid was amazing and made every day fun including a spontaneous hike into the Atlas Mountains. The Marrakesh walking tour with Hamid was excellent - he is so knowledgeable and engaging. The cooking class at La Maison Arabe was so fun and informative - we really learned a lot from Wafa and Hayat.

The chosen hotels were all excellent - clean, comfortable and with great amenities. We had an unforgettable night in Agafay desert at the Orion Dome and a camel ride. Salut Maroc in Essaouira was by far one of the most beautiful hotel rooms we have ever seen.

When we wanted to take the culture back home with us, Hamid and Zaid took us to very reputable stores for our interests. We felt very safe and engaged the whole time. We are so grateful for the immense kindness we experienced on our journey and will definitely be back!

Hotel Reviews
Savoy Le Grand Hotel
Marrakech

Beautiful hotel with really great gym, breakfast, and restaurant options. Good location. However, the air conditioning was not working in our room and was never fixed after multiple requests.

THE ORION DOME AGAFAY MARRAKACH
Marrakech

Very comfortable accommodations to give a camping feel but with heating and great running water. The staff were so helpful and they created a fantastic dinner, dancing, entertainment experience. Camel ride was also really fun

Salut Maroc Boutique Hotel
Essaouira

Hotel room was the most beautiful we have ever seen. Great hammam spa and in room massage services as well. Restaurant was convenient and delicious.

Activity Reviews
 Agafay Desert  Camp overnight
Agafay Desert Camp overnight
Agafay

The dinner with live music, dancing, fire show, and just really well done food was a highlight

Walking tour of Marrakech
Walking tour of Marrakech
Marrakesh

Hamid was so incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. 10/10!

Cooking Class La Maison Arabe Marrakech 10 AM session.
Cooking Class La Maison Arabe Marrakech 10 AM session.
Marrakesh

So enlightening and the staff were excellent - Wafa and Hayat especially. Our booking time was incorrect from the scheduled drop off time but they were so flexible to accommodate us and we really appreciated it!

  Hammam  Spa  & Massage in Marrakech   3 PM Session
Hammam Spa & Massage in Marrakech 3 PM Session
Marrakesh

Very relaxing and the staff made the experience very comfortable.

Day trip to Ourika Valley
Marrakesh

Atlas Mountains were beautiful! Just be careful of how far you go on the hike - it gets challenging quickly! Argan cooperative was also a nice touch

Private Camel Ride in Agafay Desert
Private Camel Ride in Agafay Desert
Morocco

Isham was a friendly guide who made this new experience really fun

Guided Tour of Essaouira
Guided Tour of Essaouira
Essaouira

We got a good idea of the town of Essaouira through this experience.

Free Day in Essaouira
Free Day in Essaouira
Essaouira

Very Windy City and it was forecasted to rain the whole day but it really cleared up and we felt comfortable to navigate this cute city after our walking tour.

Local specialist: Maryem Kouna
Maryem
Maryem Kouna
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Jan 06, 2026
Hi Joanne, Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful feedback. It truly means a lot to us. I’m delighted to hear that I took great care of you during the planning process and that Zaid, Hamid, Wafa, and Hayat all contributed to making your journey memorable. It’s great to know you enjoyed the hotels, the Agafay experience, and the beauty of Salut Maroc — and that you felt safe, welcomed, and well‑guided throughout your stay. That’s exactly the experience we strive to create.
Thanks again...
Read more

Hi Joanne, Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful feedback. It truly means a lot to us. I’m delighted to hear that I took great care of you during the planning process and that Zaid, Hamid, Wafa, and Hayat all contributed to making your journey memorable. It’s great to know you enjoyed the hotels, the Agafay experience, and the beauty of Salut Maroc — and that you felt safe, welcomed, and well‑guided throughout your stay. That’s exactly the experience we strive to create.
Thanks again for trusting us with your trip! We hope that this will be the first of many trips, as there is so much more to explore.
Keep in touch,
Maryem, Zaid, and the rest of the Under Moroccan Sun Team