An amazing adventure through Morocco!
Morocco | Oct 22 - Nov 4, 2023

Donna
Donna S.
Bermuda | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2023

...so, what started on a down note, cue sandstorm that diverted our flight to Marrakech and the long bus drive to Casablanca + transport that was not quite the right fit, rapidly became a vacation of a lifetime!

Our Riads: Hicham; Semlalia; Serai: Paradis du Sahara; Ksar Ighnda; Art Place & La Medina Essaouira…. Fabulous, with extremely kind and welcoming staff!

Our guides: Noureddine (Rabat) ; Abdul Salaam (Chefchaouen);Ibrahim (Volubilis); Kemal (Fes); Kemal (Kissadne) and Ismael (Marrakech) were second to none. Their historical knowledge was mind blowing, definitely experts in their fields!

Activities: What a plan! The palaces, medinas; the kasbahs; the camel rides; hot air ballooning; hands on cooking class; hammam – all first class!

Lastly, our drivers – Mohammed and Khalid Casablanca and Rabat, really great young men and I wish them all the best…….and then there is Abdul, who collected us in Rabat and was our driver for the remainder of this awesome adventure. Not only a great and extremely careful driver, but quite knowledgeable in his own right. It was Abdul that introduced us to the Pigeons Du Sable and their beautiful music in the Sahara; the ancient underground canals or khettara in the anti-Atlas mountains and Ait Benhaddou, the UNESCO World Heritage site. Add to this the numerous photo ops:- the Valley of Palms; the winding road our of the high Atlas mountains…and I could go on and on! Abdul’s the man!!

As an avid traveller, this trip ranks up there amongst the best that I have experienced and would not hesitate for a minute to recommend kimkim/Wanderlust to anyone contemplating a trip to Morocco…. Just do it!

Donna November 2023

Hotel Reviews
Riad Hicham
Chefchaouen

Quirky with all the steps; great staff and in the best location!!

Authenticity & Character
Quirky layout with lots of steps - not for those who have isses climbing stairs.
Location
Just off the main square and easy to find!
Staff
Great accomodating staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfy!!
Riad Semlalia
Fès

from the bougainvillea draped front gates, the beautiful interior, fabulous roof top and the amazing staff...a must stay when visiting the fascinating city of Fes!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Paradis Du Sahara
Merzouga

A wonderful experience at the edge of the desert. Great staff; great dinner and the drumming around the fire was enjoyed by all!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Riad Ksar Ighnda
Asfalou

This property is freakin' amazing.....one could not ask for more...from the staff; the bountiful buffets, the little night club....a great place to spend some time winding down and getting back in tune with oneself!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Serai
Merzouga

Another beautiful Riad, well appointed, beautiful grounds...destination wedding for those so inclined!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The wait staff need a bit more training but were pleasant.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel & Ryad Art Place Marrakech
Marrakech

The calm....literally steps away from the noisy, busy, Jemma El Fnaa. Beautiful property on the edge of the medina. Convenient for drop offs as well as exploring! The staff were wonderful and the breakfast was simply delightful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa MGallery
Essaouira

Lovely hotel just across from the beach and within walking distance to the medina and all the wonderful shops. Wonderful and attentive staff. After almost two weeks on the road, Hotel Le Medina Essaouira was just what was needed to wind down!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cooking Class
Cooking Class
Morocco

What I thought would be us watching someone else cook was actually a hands-on real cooking experience. Everyone had their own cook station and it was fun and fabulous!!! I want to go back and do a Moroccan cookie baking class!!

Quality of Experience
Food
My tajine was the best...!!! ijs!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque
Morocco

No matter one's religious belief and/or practices, as visit to Casablanca is not complete without a visit to the Hassan II Mosque. An imposing structure with the most exquisite craftsmanship (further appreciated on our visit to Fes). Our guide was able to convey the workings of the Mosque and it's worshippers in a very clear and concise manner. Truly an amazing visit!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Majorelle Gardens
Visit to the Majorelle Gardens
Marrakesh

Simply a beautiful and quiet place in the midst of chaotic Marrakech!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Rabat
Guided Tour of Rabat
Rabat

Even though we stared our tour in a downpour, we enjoyed our time with our extremely knowledgeable guide Noureddine. My favorite was our visit to the Kasbah Oudeyas (the blue doors!!) and it's beautiful gardens.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Food Tour
Food Tour
Marrakesh

Yum....from the fruit juices, dried fruits and nut; olives; hot sandwich and delicious pastries......what a great evening and introduction to Marrakech and it's street food!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Megan Lower