Thanks to our driver, Oussama, Morocco was unforgetable.
Morocco
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May 26 - Jun 9, 2025

**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
**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.
Small room, not much light.
**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.
Activity Reviews

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.

**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.

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!

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.

Our camel leader was such a nice young man. I'm sorry I don't have his name. Regardless, this was a highlight of the trip.

We enjoyed meeting the Nomadic family.

Great fun

There was a man who gave us a tour of the leather store, including the viewing of the dying vats. However, the smell was almost unbearable.

This was a nice chance to get to know a local family. I had fun helping in the kitchen. As a treat, our hostess gave me henna on my hand. What fun!

Nice hike with a kind young man, sorry I don't have his name. He clearly loved to hike. This was one of my husband's favorite activities.

**Insightful and Enjoyable Tour of Fez with Ben Fares Mostafa** We had a wonderful day touring **Fez** with **Ben Fares Mostafa**. He was incredibly **knowledgeable about the city’s rich history, politics, religion, and architecture**, and he shared that knowledge in a way that was both informative and engaging. Ben Fares was also simply a **pleasure to be around**—warm, respectful, and easy to talk to. He struck the perfect balance between guiding and giving us time to explore and absorb. We came away from the experience with a much deeper appreciation of Fez and its cultural complexity. We **enjoyed the day very much**, and would highly recommend a tour with Ben Fares to anyone looking to truly understand this fascinating city.

**Safe, Comfortable, and Fun – A Great Ride with Oussama** We had a fantastic experience with **Oussama** as our chauffeur. He’s an **excellent driver**—safe, smooth, and confident on all types of terrain. The **vehicle was comfortable and clean**, making our journey all the more enjoyable. Oussama is also a **knowledgeable guide**, sharing interesting insights about the landscapes we passed and local culture along the way. To top it off, he had **great music** that made the drive even more fun! If you’re looking for a reliable, friendly, and informative driver, **Oussama is the one to ask for**. He made getting from place to place one of the most relaxing and enjoyable parts of our trip.

**Safe, Comfortable, and Fun – A Great Ride with Oussama** We had a fantastic experience with **Oussama** as our chauffeur. He’s an **excellent driver**—safe, smooth, and confident on all types of terrain. The **vehicle was comfortable and clean**, making our journey all the more enjoyable. Oussama is also a **knowledgeable guide**, sharing interesting insights about the landscapes we passed and local culture along the way. To top it off, he had **great music** that made the drive even more fun! If you’re looking for a reliable, friendly, and informative driver, **Oussama is the one to ask for**. He made getting from place to place one of the most relaxing and enjoyable parts of our trip.

What a beautiful structure and space.

The entire town was shut down because of Eid al-Adha. Our driver, Oussama drove us around to see parts of town which was very nice. Our guide walked us around where the market would have been. However, everything was closed. That was not the guide's fault. If I had known that EVERYTHING was closed, I would have preferred to spend the day at the beach or had free time to take the ferry to Spain for the day. Live and learn.

Oussama got us to the mosque just in time to see it in all it's glory. Thanks
