Original Travels Co

We had an unforgettable experience thanks to the amazing team arranged through Kimkim!
-Samir, our driver for 7 days, was incredible – kind, patient, and always going above and beyond. He made our trip seamless, and I highly recommend requesting him for any Morocco itinerary!
-In Fez, Sheref guided us through the city’s rich history with great insight.
-Our stay at Tiziri Luxury Camp in Merzouga was magical – delicious food (thank you Fatma!), beautiful glamping, and unforgettable live music under the stars.
-Ksar El Kabbaba in Skoura was heaven – a stunning boutique hotel with service better than the Ritz or Four Seasons!
-In Marrakech, Hanan was the best guide we could have asked for – her explanations at Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens brought everything to life.
-We highly recommend this team for anyone exploring Morocco with warmth, care, and top-notch service!

Thank you from the Laffin Family!

Our group of eight travelers,related mostly, had a wonderful trip to Morocco. We had fun while experiencing the culture and learning so much. Our guide was with us all the way, as was our excellent driver. Cities, mountains or deserts, I always felt completely safe. We stayed in absolutely dreamy inns.

I travelled to Morocco with my wife and 11 year old son. On our trip to Morocco, we travelled from Casablanca to Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes and returned to Casablanca for our flight home. We had a 5 day itinerary that was well planned by the travel agency. The travel agency organized the private driver, hotels and the private guides. Overall, it was an interesting cultural experience (coming from US) to see an Islamic country and places that have been around for much longer than the USA.

For me the top 5 sights: the variety of Riads we stayed in to understand what is actually inside a traditional islamic home, the Challah (old fortress with Roman and Islamic ruins), Volubilis, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes (restored version of a Islamic Palace which was commonly seen in the palace ruins in southern Spain), and Fes Medina, which really gave engrained what life is/was like in the Moroccan Medinas.

A few positives:
- We stay in Riads for most nights. This was a very unique opportunity to see what it is like inside the "wealthy" homes. Both Riad Kalaa (Rabat) and Riad Lina (Chefchaouen) were nice.
- The breakfast at Riad Kalaa was by far the best.
- There was a reservable pool in Riad Lina that was magical.
- We wanted to buy local handicrafts and the local guides provided to us were knowledgeable about the best place to go (i.e. not the tourist locations). For example, in Chefchaouen, Bilal took us to a consignment store to find a Berber rug. In Fes, Cherif took us to a back back back alley in the Fes souks to get high quality Argan oil.
- Our driver, Reda, was very professional, which included 1) (most important) he was polite and respectful, 2) timely / almost always early), 3) knew where he was going and how long it would take, 4) was a safe driver following rules of the road. Reda was also able to schedule some things last minute, like a dinner and a traditional Moroccan show in Fes. This was a nice surprise for us.

A few negatives:
- Our itinerary was tight and the travel between locations were 3-5 hours each. Using a car was the only way to travel between the cities. On one hand, we could have extended stay in each location to break up the driving, but there isn't much to do in each location, so I think we would have gotten restless. Simply a tradeoff and probably I would do it this way again if I were to repeat.
- Riad Salam in Fes was by far the prettiest (16 years of restoration), but also the least comfortable. During our trip (we travelled in Spain prior to the trip to Morocco), we stay in 7 hotels; Riad Salam, was by far the the least comfortable. The mattress was extremely firm, the towels were lower quality than Amazon Basics. The A/C was not functioning correctly. And the breakfast was the worst out of the three Riads - they prioritized quantity over quality. I would not recommend staying there.
- The Hassan II mosque in Casablanca is about the only thing to do in in the city. Certainly interesting for a non-muslim to go into a practicing mosque. However, the guided tour was not very good (note that they were provided by the site rather than someone picked by tour agency).

Final Note: My rating for the local specialist covers all the people we worked with. Ali was only involved in planning. We had a operations person assigned (Said), but we never needed to talk with him. Reda was our only point of contact through out the trip.

Landed in Casablanca and met up with our driver Tarik. First stop the Hassan II mosque. The only reason for our stop in Casablanca was to see the mosque firsthand. Hindsight though, it might be worth a day to explore the city. The tour of Hassan was worth every minute of our time. Absolutely beautiful to say the very least.

After our tour we continued to the city of Rabat. Was not at all what we expected. It is one of the cleanest cities we have ever visited. Quite amazing. Our Riad was also excellent, and the location was perfect. The next morning, we had a private tour of the sights of Rabat with Hassania. The tour was informative, and we received a full array of the important sights with the capital city including the Kings palace. Some of the architecture was very modern as well including the Mohammed IV tower and the Grand Theater. Truly remarkable.

During the afternoon, we trekked onto the next stop of Chefchaouen the blue city. We checked in to our hotel the "Dar Jasmine". This boutique hotel was perched atop a significant hillside, and there were approximately 300 steps to reach the top. A little daunting, although the view of the city was breathtaking and worth the climb. The city itself is very quaint and charming. We explored the small streets and restaurants.

The next day, we had a lovely drive through the Moroccan countryside heading to Fes. The following morning, we had a four-hour private tour with Sharif. Visiting The Royal Palace, Mellah, Al-Qarawiyyin: The World's First University and some local artisans of pottery and the likes. The highlight of course was wandering with Sharif through the tiny alleyways and streets in the souk. Again, an amazing experience seeing what the vendors have to offer. Pretty well everything including the kitchen sink.

That afternoon we were afforded the luxury of a massage and Hammam at our Riad. It was quite the experience. Never had my body exfoliated with coffee grinds. It was exhilarating.

The following day we endured an eight-hour drive form the mountains to the desert. On our way for a camel trek and sunset in the Western Sahara Desert. This was without question one of the highlights of our trip. The camels were amazing. Very well cared for, and exceptionally intelligent. Fortunately, just prior to our arrival it had rained slightly which compacted the sandy desert top layer. It darkened the colour of the sand slightly which made for some incredible photos. After our camel trek to the spot where we watched the sunset, we decided to take the 4X4 to the Tiziri Camp. Quite the exciting drive with our experienced driver.

The camp was pretty cool. The tents were quite large and comfortable. That evening we enjoyed an awesome traditional dinner with tajine's and all. In the morning, we rose at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise. Again, truly remarkable. Overall, we had two exceptionally long days but worth all the pain by far.

The next leg of our journey took us to Boumalne Dades and Aït Benhaddou. The drive afforded us to see the many Oasis nestled within the valleys of the desert mountains. The sights were amazing. My wife was hoping to see the festival of roses, but by the time we made it was unfortunately over already. We drove through the "valley of a thousand Kasbahs". When you think about this, a Kasbah is a military fortress. Today, these Kasbahs serve as small communities within each area. The very essence of community is quite apparent. Something we found right throughout the country. Especially in the areas away from the big cities.

Next stop, Marrakesh. We spent 4 days in this vibrant city. The first day, we had a morning tour with Hassania enabling us to get a feel for the surroundings. The Souks in the ancient Medina were incredible and a little daunting as we could see how easy it would be to get lost within the alleyways. That evening we embarked on a second tour with the same guide Hassania. This tour was focused on food within the market and souks. We visited several different food vendors - restaurants. What really stood out was how much food was prepared for us. You must bring an appetite to this tour. The range of food consisted of homemade traditional soup, donuts (three generations of ownership), snails in the market and chicken and lamb prepared in an underground smoker - barbecue at Chez Lamine. All so very tasty.

Next morning, once again up well before dawn. We are to embark on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Now for someone that is terrified of heights, I thought it may have been an issue. Once we got in and up and away it was no problem whatsoever. Our pilot was a definite expert in his craft of navigating huge balloon. The vistas and scenery were breathtaking. Certainly, a must do for anyone. It was an incredible experience and the photo opportunities endless.

That same afternoon, we were transferred by our trusty driver Tarik to "La Maison L'Arabe. A prestigious hotel where they conduct Moroccan cooking classes. We cooked a tajine dish, learned how to make a rose from the peel of a tomatoe, and prepared a couple of different Moroccan salads. It was so much fun, and I must admit it was all very tasty. With a full belly and new skills, we went back to our riad to rest.

The next morning, off to the airport for final leg of our trip.

In summary, I would highly recommend KimKim to any travellers that want a worry-free experience. The ease of all aspects of our trip can be attested to the professionalism of the staff at KimKim especially including the on-site staff of Original Travels (Said and Mohamed).
All the accommodations, tours and the guides were first rate. One thing I must point out, our driver for the two weeks, Tarik was nothing less than amazing. He took our safety first. He was engaged with our entire group of four. He ensured our itinerary was followed to the letter. He was accommodating when we wanted to make slight changes. He was so engaging and helpful with every aspect of the trip. His communication to us with respect to timing for pick ups and drop offs was excellent. He never pressured us whatsoever. We cannot say enough about the way he treated us. He will be missed.

The only real downside to all of this is we were perhaps a little too ambitious with our itinerary. This was absolutely no fault to KimKim or Original Travels. This is solely on us. Seeing that this was our second trip through KimKim we will take that away as a positive for our next trip.

**A Life-Changing Journey Through Morocco — Thanks to Our Incredible Driver, Oussama**

We just returned from a two-week journey across Morocco — starting in Marrakesh, traveling over 2,300 miles through cities, deserts, mountains, and coastlines, and ending in Casablanca. It was a truly life-changing experience.

Each day brought something new: the rich history of each town, vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and the diverse natural beauty of the country. We were constantly in awe — from Morocco’s self-sustaining agricultural systems to the deep pride and resilience of its people. And while the sites and guides were excellent, the heart of our experience — the person who brought it all together — was our private driver, **Oussama**.

**Oussama Made Our Trip Unforgettable**

For 14 days, Oussama was more than just a driver — he was our guide, translator, cultural ambassador, and, by the end, a friend. Always punctual, calm, and professional, he made every moment of our journey feel smooth and stress-free. His car was impeccably clean and comfortable, and his confident, careful driving helped us relax — even on winding mountain roads.

Oussama speaks flawless English (as well as several other languages), making communication seamless. His warm personality and great sense of humor made even the longest drives enjoyable and fun.

But what really set him apart was how deeply he cared about making our experience perfect. He took time to understand our priorities and thoughtfully enhanced them — suggesting meaningful additions, coordinating with local guides, and ensuring every transition was effortless. He took my "must-see/must-do" list, which included an illusive taste of camel's milk, and checked off each request throughout the trip. He worked behind the scenes — calling ahead to hotels so bellmen would be waiting, or helping us get fair prices in the markets — always with quiet grace and without drawing attention to himself.

As a proud member of the Berber community, Oussama brought Morocco’s culture and history to life in a deeply personal way. His stories, insights, and perspectives enriched our understanding far beyond what we could have read or heard elsewhere.

One of the most touching moments came after our trip had ended and we had just landed in the USA — Oussama checked in one last time to make sure we arrived home safely. That small act of kindness perfectly captures who he is: thoughtful, reliable, and genuinely invested in the people he serves.

**If You’re Traveling to Morocco — Book Oussama**

If you're planning a trip to Morocco and want more than just a driver — if you want someone who will elevate your experience, care deeply about your journey, and treat you like family — **Oussama is the one**. We recommend him wholeheartedly.

Barbie and Jim Doty

Hotel Reviews

Riad Le Pèlerin

Marrakech

Authenticity & Character

Beautifully decorated, feel of old riad, but look of modern improvements, lots of light

Location

Easy to find, close to an ATM, close to morning coffee place, some shopping nearby, safe traveling through alleyways

Staff

**A Perfect Stay at Le Pelerin – Unforgettable Experience!** Our stay at **Le Pelerin** in Marrakech was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality that set the tone for an unforgettable visit. The riad is **eloquently decorated**, blending traditional Moroccan charm with tasteful modern touches. Every corner felt thoughtfully curated, and the ambiance was both tranquil and inspiring. The rooms were **immaculately clean**, fresh, and beautifully designed, providing the perfect retreat after exploring the vibrant streets of Marrakech. What truly elevated our experience, however, was the **outstanding staff**. Special thanks to **Rachida**, the incredibly talented chef whose breakfasts and dinners were **the best we had in Marrakech**—rich in flavor, authentic, and beautifully presented. Each meal felt like a celebration of Moroccan cuisine. We were also deeply impressed by **Abdelkarim (Obdel?), Ismail, and Rachid**, (I apologize about the spellings of names) who went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. Their courteous and attentive service made us feel truly cared for. One of the highlights of our trip was a **private cooking class** arranged through the riad—something I had hoped to experience, and the staff accommodated this request seamlessly and with enthusiasm. It's rare to find a place that is run so perfectly, where every detail is managed with care and professionalism. I simply can't say enough good things about Le Pelerin. If you're looking for a serene, authentic, and luxurious stay in Marrakech, **this is the place**. We will absolutely return!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ksar El Kabbaba

Skoura

**An Enchanting Experience at Ksar El Kabbaba – Hospitality and Heart in Every Detail** Our stay at **Ksar El Kabbaba** was a truly unforgettable experience, filled with authenticity, warmth, and extraordinary hospitality. Nestled near the heart of an oasis, this beautiful property combines the magic of Moroccan architecture with the serenity of its natural surroundings. We were incredibly fortunate to have **Badr** as our guide during our visit. His tour of the oasis and the nearby village was nothing short of fascinating. He shared in-depth knowledge about how the oasis is managed—from how water is shared and land is divided, to how local disputes are resolved. His passion for **organic farming** and educating the local community about sustainable practices and the value of their land was inspiring. One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to a local **potter**, where we witnessed the entire process—from gathering soil and making clay to crafting, firing, and transporting the finished pottery to market. It was a rare, immersive glimpse into local artisan life. At the Ksar itself, **Ibrahim**, the waiter who looked after us during every meal, deserves special recognition. His service was **impeccable**—he anticipated our every need and treated us with such grace and care that we truly felt like royalty. Ibrahim’s warmth and professionalism left a lasting impression. Another standout was **Lahsan**, the young man who welcomed us with a detailed and heartfelt tour of the Ksar. His pride in the history and beauty of the property was evident, and his introduction set the tone for the rest of our incredible stay. Ksar El Kabbaba is more than just a place to stay—**it’s an experience** that connects you with the land, the people, and the traditions of Morocco. We left feeling deeply enriched and grateful. Highly recommended for travelers seeking meaningful, luxurious, and culturally rich experiences.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Salam Fes

Fes

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Mokhtar Tanger

Tangier

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Thanks to Yassine for taking care of us when all things were closed. The treats you brought us were much appreciated.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Barceló Casablanca

Casablanca

Small room, not much light.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Restaurant treated us well. The paella was wonderful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lina Ryad & Spa

Chefchaouen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

**The Coolest Place We Stayed – A Desert Dream Come True** If you're looking for an experience that blends **luxury, authenticity, and heart**, this desert camp is it. From start to finish, it was truly magical—**unlike anything we've done before**. The journey begins at a hotel staging area with a refreshing swimming pool—perfect for a quick dip if it’s too hot for the camels to head to camp. But once the sun dips just enough, you’ll mount your camel and begin the most **mesmerizing trek** through golden dunes. Halfway to the camp, we paused to watch the **sunset melt into the sand**, a moment of absolute stillness and beauty. From there, you can choose a 4x4 ride or keep going by camel—**we highly recommend the camel ride all the way**. It’s slow, rhythmic, and allows you to truly absorb the silence and majesty of the Sahara. Upon arrival at the camp, we were met with **appetizers and warm smiles**—regardless of the time of arrival. The vibe was laid-back and welcoming, like stepping into a time warp of sorts. It reminded me of the **peaceful, love-filled spirit of the 1960s**—where time slows down, no one's in a rush, and the only schedule that matters is your own. That said, everything still ran smoothly—meals were served when everyone was ready, and **what meals they were!** **Fatima**, the camp chef, deserves a standing ovation. Her dishes were **scrumptious, heartfelt, and clearly made with care**. Every bite felt like a celebration of Moroccan flavors. The **watchmen of the camp** were equally remarkable—multi-talented, gracious, and always in motion. From carrying luggage to serving meals, sweeping sand from the rugs, and offering **joyful Berber music under the stars**, they created a seamless and unforgettable experience. Huge thanks and kudos to **Lahcen (Hossan), Ibrahim, Hamid, and of course, Fatima** the chef. There were others whose names we didn’t catch, but they were equally wonderful. And don’t forget to **order a bottle of Moroccan wine** with dinner—it’s surprisingly good and the perfect accompaniment to a meal under the stars. This wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was **a vibe, a feeling, a memory** we’ll always hold close. A peaceful, easy feeling that captures the true heart of Morocco.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Marrakech Evening Food Tour: A Feast for All the Senses

Marrakesh

A Delicious Day with the Best Guide – Hanna! Our food tour with Hanna was one of the absolute highlights of our trip! She made sure we experienced the full range of Moroccan flavors, taking us to all the right spots to sample everything from savory street food to sweet local treats. Every stop felt thoughtful and intentional, and we left feeling like we truly tasted the heart of Morocco. Hanna was not only punctual and organized, but also incredibly kind, funny, and easy to be around. She created a relaxed and fun atmosphere while sharing fascinating insights about the culture behind the food. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she made sure everyone felt included and well cared for. If you're a foodie—or even just curious about Moroccan cuisine—don’t miss the chance to tour with Hanna. She’s knowledgeable, personable, and truly made the experience unforgettable.

Quality of Experience

Food

Try the snails!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

**Exceptional Guide – Hanna Made Our Trip Truly Special** We had the absolute pleasure of touring with **Hanna**, and we can’t recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, she was **professional, engaging, and incredibly well-informed**. Her deep knowledge of the region's history, culture, and landmarks added so much richness to our experience. Hanna tailored the tour perfectly to our interests, making adjustments on the fly while keeping everything on a smooth and well-paced schedule. She was **punctual, organized**, and always made sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. Beyond her knowledge and professionalism, Hanna is simply **a kind and gracious person**—easy to talk to, and clearly passionate about what she does. If you're looking for a guide who combines intelligence, warmth, and impeccable planning, **Hanna is the one**. She made our journey not only seamless but truly memorable.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Three Hour Cooking Workshop at La Maison Arabe

Marrakesh

Fantastic Culinary Experience at La Maison Arabe Our time at La Maison Arabe Cooking School was one of the most enjoyable and enriching parts of our stay in Marrakech. The class was extremely well organized, striking the perfect balance between instruction and hands-on experience. From the moment we arrived, everything was thoughtfully prepared. The chefs and instructors were professional, friendly, and made the whole process easy to follow, even for those with little kitchen experience. We appreciated how the class walked us through traditional Moroccan recipes step by step, and gave us plenty of time to ask questions and really get involved. The best part? It wasn’t just a demo—we each had our own workstation and were fully hands-on, making everything from scratch. At the end of the class, we sat down to enjoy our meal together, and it was absolutely delicious. They also provided printed recipes to take home, which was a wonderful touch and will allow us to recreate the magic back in our own kitchens. If you're interested in Moroccan cuisine, La Maison Arabe’s cooking school is a must-do. A fun, flavorful, and beautifully run experience!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Heart of Skoura: Pottery, Palm Groves & Local Life

Skoura

A Truly Wonderful Potter – Talented, Kind, and Joyful Meeting this potter was an absolute highlight! He is genuinely one of the nicest, happiest, and most talented artisans we’ve encountered. With great patience and kindness, he showed us the entire process—from gathering the soil, breaking it down, making the clay, to helping me throw a pot myself. It was such a hands-on and memorable experience. He didn’t stop there—he went on to explain and demonstrate how he fires his works, sharing his craft with such passion and gentleness. What struck me most was his humble, gentle nature combined with true artistry. If you get the chance, don’t miss visiting this amazing potter. His warmth and talent truly bring Moroccan craftsmanship to life.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

An Unforgettable Family Adventure in Morocco with Original Travels

We spent 12 unforgettable days exploring Morocco as a family of four (two adults and two kids), and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience, thanks to Original Travels. From start to finish, our driver Samir Gemmaoui was with us throughout the journey—and he truly made the trip special.

To be honest, we initially hesitated about hiring a travel company. We had considered renting a car and driving ourselves, but looking back, we’re so glad we decided to go with Original Travels. Having Samir with us was absolutely invaluable. His knowledge of the country, the roads, and the local language made everything easier, smoother, and far more enriching. We were able to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.

Samir guided us through several amazing cities, including a magical trip to the Sahara Desert. Riding camels through the dunes was a highlight, especially for the kids. One of the most memorable moments was being invited to dine with a local family—hands down the best meal of the trip, and such a warm, authentic experience.

Our favorite city overall was Fez. We loved exploring the markets and getting immersed in the local culture. Yes, there was a fair amount of driving involved because we wanted to see so much of the country, but Samir made it feel easy. He was flexible, attentive, and always made sure we were comfortable, adjusting the schedule as needed.

We highly recommend Original Travels to anyone planning a trip to Morocco. Their service and hospitality turned our vacation into a truly amazing experience that we’ll never forget.

Dear Original Travels,

My wife and I travel quite a bit. Engaging Kimkim tours, sight unseen was a calculated risk at first. By the end of our Morocco adventures of 14 days, we felt blessed at the choice. Everything, just everything ran smoothly; our driver Reda was just superb & the accommodation provided was just excellent. There were some long days of driving but Reda did his utmost to break the journey with incredible stops and viewpoints, some of which were hidden from view. Reda's knowledge and incredible ability to ensure that nothing was a problem, just left us speechless. I could really get used to that attention to detail, at home. Shame we can't take him and his family back with us.
Thank you Reda, Kimkim & Original Travels, for making this trip memorable beyond expectations. If I could give you 6 out of five, I would.

Rob & Lynne Hauer.

Rob Hauer

Really amazing trip - everything was extremely well organized, and we loved beautiful Morocco with its interesting history and stunning architecture. We had excellent tour guides - Sharif in Fez and our guide in Marrakech (sorry, I don't remember his name) were very knowledgeable and thorough. I especially want to give compliments to our driver Samir - he was truly excellent. He was always on time, always accommodating, as well as truly kind and pleasant. We are very fortunate to have had such an excellent team of professionals helping us with this trip. Thank you!!

We had a wonderful trip. It was well planned and executed always catering to our needs. Well worth the cost.