Sharon Louthian

It is a genuine pleasure to review our Kim Kim experience in Morocco. We worked directly with Sharon of Immersion Travel whose choice of our guide, Omar, could not have been a more fortuitous choice.

From the moment we saw Omar’s smiling face to the moment we were dropped off for our return flight, Omar’s professional attitude and friendly vibes were a delight to behold. What a gem!

Our first day there was also very successfully managed by our capable city guide, Hameed, who was kind enough to navigate a rainy day throughout the winding Medina alleyways. He was patient with all our interests and allowed for an impromptu lamb barbecue lunch to beat the band. We were satiated and satisfied at day’s end for sure.

Once acclimated, on Wednesday, we toured Marrakesh’s Majorelle and Anima Gardens with Omar ably driving us. On Thursday, we enjoyed a real treat as we grocery shopped and cooked in a traditional Moroccan home. Narwal was a welcoming hostess/chef as she knowingly picked out produce and showed us how to prepare our delicious lunch. Even her daughters participated with the youngest delightfully suggesting we wear the traditional Kaftan. “Dressing up” truly enhanced our delicious tagine chicken lunch accompanied by vegetables, homemade bread and mandarin oranges for dessert. The spicy cooking lessons we learnt will certainly enhance our meals back home.

Omar’s guidance throughout our final days lead us to experience a majestic camel ride that included a wonderful evening meal along with musical performances. The sunset could not have been more beautiful as golden light bounced off the dunes. Remarkable pictures taken by our happy guide will be forever memories.

The final day of our stay was an outdoor adventure as we drove into the Orika Valley. We were stunned by the beauty there as a recent snowfall had dusted the mountains and water gushed through the main river. Omar was kind enough to arrange for our hiking guide, Mohammed, to take us up a mountainside to see a stunningly raging waterfall. Although the terrain got step and slippery, Mohammed’s steady hand was like an angel. His expertise was certainly what kept me balanced as some of the rocky paths appeared too dangerous to pass. An achievement to have accomplished and worthy of our delicious riverbank lunch afterwards.

If Morocco’s Berber culture could be reflected in one person it would be in our guide, Omar. Friendly and available for any question or concern (even brought an extra jacket for hiking) we could not have been luckier to have his extensive guidance on this first time experience. Shout out to Hameed as well.

Kudos to everyone at Kim Kim and Immersion travel. Morocco was an adventure we will not soon forget!

Our experience with KimKim and the local company we worked with was very high quality and met our expectations. We would like to particularly highlight our tour manager/driver Ali for his unfailing politeness, his exceptional driving skills, his problem solving approach, his flexibility and the pride he had in his home country. Sharon’s company provided us with high quality guides in the places we visited. Our guides were fluent in English and had in depth knowledge/expertise to share. We did learn that one must be flexible in Morocco and understand that the culture offered us opportunities to be less driven by strict timelines and more by the opportunities in the moment.

Hotel Reviews

ONOMO Hotel Casablanca Airport

Nouaceur

Perfect location for overnight before flight.

Authenticity & Character

a hotel near an airport. Did what it needed to do.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

AC needed improvement. Did not work well.

Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura

Marrakech

Another treat. Very upscale and lovely hotel. Buffet was exceptional.

Authenticity & Character

Felt more European than Moroccan but what a lovely stay.

Location

Could walk anywhere.

Staff

Concierge went extra mile.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tin Joseph

Ouarzazate

Comfortable and big rooms. Quiet.

Authenticity & Character

Nicely decorated with the movie theme.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kasbah Tiziri

Kelaat Mgouna

This was a lovely property; well run with lovely spaces to hang out. Spotty wireless which was the only drawback.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Far from town but provided a wonderful

Staff

Enjoyed Michelle very much and the history of the hotel.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were nicely decorated and very clean.

Riad Madu Premium Camp

Merzouga

Such a lovely desert camp for our overnight.

Authenticity & Character

Drumming at night was great. Rooms were comfortable.

Location

Staff

Very attentive and helpful for everything.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

Fès

Our fav. Lovely, classy, great location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Able to access Medina quickly.

Staff

Attentive, kind, helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

This hotel was a treat for all of us.

Riad El Palacio

Chefchaouen

Great location. Rooms were a bit noisy. Seemed a bit weary.

Authenticity & Character

Riad was a bit noisy; darker curtains perhaps?

Location

Could get to everywhere easily.

Staff

the young man at the front desk was EXCEPTIONAL.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Kalaa

Rabat

Lovely place to stay. Fun to get to through the Medina.

Authenticity & Character

Lovely rooms on the roof. Nice place to relax after a long day.

Location

Fun to be in Medina.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Club Val d'Anfa Casablanca

Casablanca

Good hotel for our night in Casablanca; nice view of the ocean; adequate breakfast buffet; rooms were adequate for an overnight.

Authenticity & Character

A bit old and dated

Location

Staff

helpful; good service.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour

Morocco

This was a super day as well. Noel and her daughter were such wonderful hosts…and the food was superb.

Quality of Experience

Food

Best meal we had in Morocco. Very interesting to go to market first. Not sure we ‘cooked’ that much but learned a lot and really enjoyed talking with Noel’s daughter.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

Excellent guide; lovely tour; really great day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

Morocco

Long day but so interesting. Saw the gorge on this day and then Ait Ben Haddou as well. Ali worked with our needs and let us doing some shopping. Rose cooperative was not a particularly interesting stop. Great guide at Ait Ben Haddou. Found the experience at the movie location very disappointing. I would highly recommend skipping this part of the tour or find a better guide. I don’t think you can take private guides in there; we were in a huge group with a guide that was very lackluster.

Quality of Experience

The Stars are for the time after Ourzazate.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day with the Locals in the Valley of Roses

Morocco

Really enjoyed this day. Went to the market; went to the village. Had a very interesting tour with Sharon’s husband and a wonderful, wonderful young woman learning to be a guide. There had been a funeral in the village so we didn’t cook, but participated in a lovely tea ceremony and had a great meal. Really interesting day.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Really enjoyed the young woman guide and hope you continue to use her more.

Transport

Merzouga to Dades Valley Via Todgha Gorge

Morocco

The stop to see the Khattara was remarkable. The gorge was also lovely.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fes to Merzouga via Azrou and Midelt

Morocco

Beautiful drive.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Fes

Fes

Superb. Guide was outstanding. Tour of Jewish quarter was remarkable; tour of outside of palace; Medina, lunch all wonderful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Syed was amazing.

Transport

{{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Volubilis and Meknes

Morocco

Drive was long. Tour at Volubilis was adequate; guide was adequate. Very quick drive through Meknes. Beautiful vistas and views. Good stops for rest and snacks.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Driver is always good. Guide was adequate.

Transport

Orientation Walk & Free Afternoon in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen

Loved Chefchaouen. Loved our guide. This should be a must see for anyone traveling to Morocco.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was amazing!

Rabat to Chefchaouen

Morocco

Ali provided good information about the drive. We stopped for breaks. We also stopped at an olive processing plant which was so interesting. Loved the stop when we entered the city for the view and photos.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Guided Tour of Rabat

Rabat

Superb quide. I really appreciated the attention the team paid to having diverse quides—including women guides.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

See comments about our van.

Driving Tour of Casablanca

Casablanca

The mosque was really special and enjoyed seeing it. See comments below. Our time in Casablanca was more of a drive through than a tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our van for the whole time was comfortable. AC worked very well.

Hicham, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and very patient with our gaggle of women. He was flexible and took everyone’s desires into his consideration. The best part of our trip was joining an Amazigh family in the Valley of Roses for couscous, music, and henna tattoos. I always loved seeing the sand dunes of the Sahara dessert.

Hachim was absolutely fabulous as our local specialist. He consistently offered experiences and information that touched my heart deeply and also immersed me into the culture of Morocco. I am a longtime educator and only wish I could have recorded him as he skillfully explained what I was seeing, it's significance and connection to history/culture, and shared how Morracan families live in varied settings. He explained the economics, geography, the Muslim religion, and historical influences which was fascinating and made me want to learn more. I fell in love with the country and people. Hachim is an excellent teacher and invites his listener into learning.

I also want to remark on him personally. He offers a warm heart and hand making everyone around him feel welcome. When confronted with inconveniences or tour member needs/adjustments, he responded professionally and immediately making visitors feel heard and respected.

Thank you Hachim and KimKim for such a wondrous adventure.

Kimberly Brunetto

Ali was a jewel! Always helpful and on time.

We just returned from an amazing adventure in Morocco. Working with Kim Kim and Sharon was great. Sharon worked with us to plan a trip that combined the right amount of guided touring with free time. She was able to curate the trip so we could do everything we wanted. Highlights include a cooking class with Narwa and her family, guided tours with Mohamed in Marakesh, Hassan in Fes and Hassana in Rabat. Our tour manager, Rashid was excellent. He was so helpful, timely and funny. We felt very cared for as he navigated around the country and made sure we had what we needed in every city.

Working with Kim Kim was so easy. Sharon was responsive and helpful and once on the ground, Abdou, her partner checked in and was so helpful. One example- I left some antibiotics on the airplane and Abdou helped me get some in Marakesh.

We will definitely work with Kim Kim again and would highly encourage anyone going to Morocco to check in with Sharon. She will make your trip amazing!

Hotel Reviews

Riad Kalaa

Rabat

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Nila

Chefchaouen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Not the most comfortable beds.

PALAIS DE FÈS Suites & Spa

fes

This hotel was an old palace. It was so beautiful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le Casablanca Hotel

Casablanca

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura

Marrakech

A wonderful way to start the trip. Hamman and massage at the spa on site washed away the long travel day!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Afternoon Guided Tour of Rabat

Rabat

Our guide in Rabat was excellent. Although we were with him for a relatively short time, his guidance added a lot to our understanding and enjoyment of the city. I would definitely recommend this guided tour to anyone visiting Rabat.

Driving Tour of Casablanca

Casablanca

The driving tour of Casablanca was nice, but the lunch spot our driver took us to was a bit too touristy for our taste. While the view was beautiful, the food wasn't very good. For future visitors, I would recommend asking for more authentic and interesting dining options.

Guided Tour of Fes

Fes

Our guide Hassan in Fes was equally fantastic and wonderful. His expertise and friendliness enhanced our tour, making it a memorable experience. I highly recommend taking a guided tour with him.

Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

Our guided tour of Marrakech with our guide, Mohammed, was incredible. He was amazing, and I wish we could have had him for the entire trip. His knowledge and warmth really made our experience in Marrakech special. I would highly recommend him to anyone visiting the city.

Private Cooking Class w/ Souk Tour

Morocco

The private cooking class with Narwa in Marrakech was absolutely amazing. We made a chicken tagine and some salads, and it was delicious. Narwa was an excellent teacher, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend this class to anyone visiting Marrakech!

First, who is Sharon? We never worked with anybody named Sharon to our knowledge. We did work with Marion. We had a lot of back and forth to get the trip that we wanted. It seemed that our requests were overlooked and we had to keep bringing them up.
Arriving in Casa Blanca our driver was not at the airport to meet us. We had to call the given phone number and coordinate the meeting. The driver, who was the first day guide, did not speak English well and was not easily understood. The first day's tour was not as presented, consequently we did not really understand some of the stops. (We stopped at a plaza with lots of pigeons???) It would have been nice to have the driver's name ahead of time. The size of the van was nice.
Rabat--our guide was knowledgeable and gave a good presentation.
Chefchoun--our orientation walk did not happen at first. We were delivered to the hotel and we then asked Rashid, our driver, to give us a quick rundown.
On the way to Fez we stopped at the Volubilis ruins and the local guide, although knowledgeable, was on his phone all of the time. I almost asked him if we were interfering with his day. The restaurant, Roman City, was excellent. The chef, using his mother's recipes presented a great lunch (one of the better meals of our trip to that point). The ruins are ok, but if you have been to as many Roman ruins as we have it was redundant.
In Fez, our local guide was excellent. He had the patience of Job with all of the stops that the ladies in our group wanted.
Regarding the desert camp, we should have prepared a small bag for the overnight and left the suitcases in the van (please suggest this to future travelers). This would have made the transfers much easier and better. The camp was good, our camel guide was great and very nice.
Atlas Mountains-Dades. We stopped at the "Hollywood" movie studios to, take a picture of the outside? We had been in the car for an hour and half or two hours and were expecting a restroom. Nope, we would have had to pay to enter the facility. We did stop shortly down the road after requesting a break. The Eden Hotel was great but we only spent fifteen hours there.
Marrakesh--our guide was good and visiting a Madrassa was educational and brought history to life.
Essaouria--we were supposed to go to a restaurant where we would pick out our fish and it would be cooked for us. This feature was skipped entirely and we missed it (we have done this in other countries and enjoyed it greatly). We found the above restaurants the next day after our cooking class but were too full to have a dinner. The cooking class was well done, shopping, chopping and eating.
Essaouria to Marrakesh--our driver Hallie was early (we left prior to six AM!) and very nice.

General notes:
All of the hotels were very good to excellent and well situated.
We were never informed that KimKim was going to "sell" our trip to another broker. We were surprised to find this out two days prior to the start when we received release forms from Ultimate Morocco. We were disappointed as we thought that you were the actual tour company.
It would be beneficial to future travelers if you gave an idea of the cost of all of the meals that had to be paid in cash. ATM's were usually easy to find but limited in how much cash could be taken out. International banks like BNP Paribas was a great option and we suggest that guides direct guests to these branches.
As with all trips that we go on, adding tips to the package is irritating. Since you give suggestions on tipping, just include the amount and pay the drivers and guides directly.

Lastly, as we stated earlier, our photographs, videos names or likeness may not be used in any social media or posted online.
Kathleen and Paul Hart

Our trip was memorable and went smoothly. As per what was told to us the guide and driver was waiting for us at the airport. he picked us up and took us on our way. All the cities we were escorted to the Riyads by responsible representatives who took care of our stay there unitl the next time we meet the driver. The places we stayed were all clean and comfortable. Breakfast was sumptuous and served on time. We are vrey happy with Kimkim travels service.