Highlights of Morocco Discovery Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 67 reviews.

Sally Cheyne

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Written January 2012
It was the best value for money trip that we have been on for a long time. It far exceeded our expectations.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The visit to the Roman City of Volubilis, the camel ride into the desert and the camp in the Bedouin tent in the Sahara. The Auberge in the mountains and the morning hike along the mule track.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our Group leader Lahcen was possibly the best we have ever had. He was enthusiastic throughout, could not be more helpful and eager for us to get the best from our holiday. His knowlege was exceptional and the level of information was pitched just right for our need. His English was easy to understand (not always the case we have found) and he listened to all our questions and needs very attentively. Mohammed (our driver) was brilliant both at driving, attending to our suitcases and accomodating his passengers. He quickly became one of the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go on this one, it is an absolute winner!! Something for everybody.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All the Moroccan people we met were absolutely charming but the people at the Auberge Sahara and the hotel in Essaouira were quite exceptional.
Mack Skinner

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Written November 2011
A whirlwind of diverse activities/accommodations/experiences that in 2 short weeks encapsulated a true and deep Moroccan experience.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Living in a High Atlas mountain gite in a Berber village and touching all-too-briefly on the simple, hospitable, authentic and friendly Berber lifestyle -- simply unforgettable.
A close second was briefly experiencing the nomadic Berber lifestyle with camel riding and a night in the desert.
What did you think of your group leader?
Outstanding. Mustapha is an authentic Berber man and the perfect guide to the real Morocco. He was funny, social, knowledgeable, warm and caring, with endless energy in dealing with a diverse group of travelers and their needs. He took the time to help people individually when needed, and was clearly loved and respected by the many Moroccans who crossed our path. Kudos to Exodus for providing a leader who was the "real deal" for this quintessential Moroccan odyssey.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't show too much interest in merchandise in the Fes medina, unless you're clear in your own mind on buying, especially in the leather area. Though the Fes medina is obviously a must-see, these merchants can be somewhat ruthless in their sales approach. I needed help from Mustapha to extricate myself from a leather jacket deal that most merchants would have realized I had no intention of completing.
Don't expect too much from the much-vaunted Jemma-el-fna square in Marrakech. Though tourists/travelers pay most of the freight in Marrakech's economy, this square is completely aimed at Moroccans. My anticipation of hearing some authentic Moroccan stories that I could understand was misplaced and, though I take personal blame for this, it nonetheless was disappointing that this important aspect of Moroccan life was inaccessible here. On the plus side, pay no attention to the hype about hawkers here being rapacious. And do purchase some dirt-cheap ginger tea (ask for a little eucalyptus to be added too) here; makes a nice change from the excellent Berber whiskey (aka mint tea).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you have 2 weeks to devote to Morocco, this is the tour for you. Though I tend to shy away from tours generally, I came to realize that to accomplish the same on my own would have taken twice as long and involved significantly more hassle, and likely cost too. And I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of travel experience, much of it pretty rough-and-ready, among the tour participants. I will certainly consult Exodus before taking my next 3rd world trip.
Jennifer Irvine

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Written November 2011
A diverse tour that took me to cities, mountains and villages, highlighting the wide range of Moroccan culture from sheep and goat herders, Berber people and progressive city life - something that would have taken a month to do on one's own.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting the Berber Villiage in the High Atlas. The Gite we stayed in was the most sparse accommodation of the trip, with mattresses on the floor and communal bathroom/showers, but with warm Berber blankets and good food. Hot porridge in the morning, a fabulous pasta and salad for lunch, and delicious tajines for dinner. Our visit to a Berber home for strong, spicy Berber coffee and sponge cake was an experience that doesn't come around often, if at all. I felt honoured to be invited into this home. Our guide Mustapha provided all the details on how people live in the High Atlas whether we were relaxing together, eating or walking through the village and the surrounding area.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mustapha was friendly, caring, genuine, and kind. He is proud of his Berber heritage and was happy to explain it all to us as the two week trip unfolded. His patience was exemplary as it's tough juggling 14 people's tastes and wishes. When I mentioned to him it was sort of like herding cats, he just smiled as if it was no trouble at all. He went out of his way numerous times to make sure we were comfortable with our questions answered, sometimes over and over again. He even came back to visit my partner and I in Marrakech after we had been travelling on our own for a week. He had previously helped us book our last night of accommodation in a Riad off the Jemaa el Fenad, which made me feel much better that I knew where we were staying on our last night in Morocco. You have a first rate guide in Mustapha and I hope he has an opportunity to travel himself, perhaps on a complimentary Exodus tour! He deserves it. I consider him a friend and hope to stay in contact.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring warm clothing for the High Atlas and don't forget your sleeping bag. Sunscreen is more important than you think, even if you're travelling during the cooler months. As a Canadian I was introduced to the Moroccon sun - real sun that can burn (but only slightly because fortunately I had 30 SPF on - another traveller wasn't so lucky) regardless of the temperature outside.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Now that I'm back home, I can honestly tell my friends that I really got a chance to see Morocco. This was my first tour ever, and I found Exodus to be the right mix of both easy and rough and ready travel. I liked the pace of the two weeks, relaxing into a routine of rising early for breakfast, ready to hit the road by 8am, a few sites along the way, at our next destination by late afternoon and dinner around 7pm or so.
I have learned that tours bring people from all over the world together to learn about cultures often far different than our own. It opens our minds, sets our prejudices aside, and allows us to learn that people everywhere are more alike than we often realize.
Thank you for allowing me to find my mode of travel!
MONICA AVRAM

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Written November 2011
Except for the weather, which unfortunately was incontrollable, it was a very interesting trip, we did and we saw a lot of things without any rush.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Essaouira, hiking in the mountains, sleeping in the desert under the stars
What did you think of your group leader?
He was great.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you go during November take warm clothes and your sleeping bag with you.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would have liked to spend one more day in Fes.
Joanna Cook

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Written November 2011
This was a great holiday that included so many aspects of Morroco. To travel from city to desert to mountains to coast meant that there was something new to experience everyday. This seemed to make the holiday longer as looking back we did so much.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The reason I booked the trip was the camel trek into the Sahara and camping out under the stars in the desert. I wasn't disappointed. It was amazing sitting around the camp fire after a delicious dinner, singing and drumming Berber style. Teaching four Berber men how to do the Hockey Cockey was absolutely hilarious, their ability to let themselves go was inspirational and a memory I won't forget.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was very knowledgable and enthusiatic.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would pack a range of clothing when travelling in winter months. The temperature dropped whilst travelling and walking in the Atlas mountains and it was essential to have some dry warm clothes to come back to. A good way to warm up was going to the local Hamam or baths, lovely hot steamy water and interesting insight into everyday Morrocan life.
seonaid baird

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Written November 2011
A great trip with a good mix of cities, desert, mountains and seaside. You will see a lot of what Morocco has to offer with ever changing landscapes and scenery around every corner.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Really hard to choose just one! Walking through the sand dunes of the Sahara in Merzouga just enjoying the silence and amazing scenery, sunrise, sunsets and post dinner drumming and singing sessions with our local guides. Sitting at the summit of our hike admiring the view of the snow capped High Atlas. Listening to the call to prayer and experiencing Moroccan tradition and culture.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rachid was knowledgable and enthusiatic and proud of his Beber heritage. Special mention also has to go to Hassan our driver - he did an amazing job and alwys felt extremely safe on the roads, even when other drivers were kinda crazy!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are travelling in winter then be prepared for some very cold weather. The hotel in the gorge and the gite in the mountains do not have any heating so make sure you have enough warm clothes, thermals and a decent sleeping bag. Hot water for showers was available though thankfully! Desert was also v cold at night so be prepared.
The gorge and Atlas mountain hikes do require some level of fitness. Although not technically difficult, you are hiking for 4-5 hours with a lot of uphill. We did hike in rain and a blizzard in the gorge and through snow in the mountains so decent waterproofs recommended!
Shopping seemed to be better and cheaper in Essouira than in Marrakesh. Prices were cheaper and they were more willing to bargain.
Although there are a couple of long travel days, you do make frequent stops. And with so much to see out the windows of the bus the time did seem to fly by very quickly.
Try to pack light for two reasons - there isnt a whole lot of room for luggage on the mini bus and you will end up shopping and buying stuff there.
Oh and dont forget earplugs - the first call to prayer at 530am can be very very loud!!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was my first trip with Exodus and I was impressed. From the pre-departure support to a well planned itinerary I had no complaints at all.
If you are keen to visit Morocco then this trip will definitely show you the highlights. Go on, book!
Mike Linehan

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Written October 2011
A holiday with everything, sun,sea,Sahara, markets, bartering & Shopping!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
How our great group pulled together in Auberge Sahara when everyone was falling ill. Everyone Selena acting as mum, Husein our guide sorting out the hospital, the Auberge Sahara staff accommodating us every way possible. The group members who gave up a morning visit for others & helped their fellow travellers in everyday possible. It was the spirit of this group.
What did you think of your group leader?
Hussein organised so well but we took advantage plenty of times. I think he just gave in especially at the Berber clinic. It was meant to take 15 mins but took 45 & gave some us some of his mint tea! Taking our crew in to a shop you could double the time needed. When a lot of us fell sick he did everything he could. Always in great humour. We were sad not for him not to see us off at the airport!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Carry diarolyte & baby wipes plus a spare camera. Travel light if you love shopping. Be prepared for a truly exhausting trip because you will see so much & experience wonderful things like a lunch we had in Fez which resembled a private home but was a restaurant from Ali Baba, truly magic.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Casablanca has the mosque, Fez the shopping, Auberge Sahara fantastic staff, rooms to die for, pool & the Sahara in the backyard. The Atlas mountains with incredible views, Todra gorge with its towering walls, Essouira at dawn for it's harbour photos & evening sunset plus the wonderful Riad where we had the best meal of the trip. Casablanca & it's tee total hotel with fantastic rooms & swimming pool plus the great chicken sandwiches plus Place de f'na enjoyed particularly at dusk from an upstairs bar.The folks you share your trip with, if you are lucky enough to have mixed bunch like ours, it will be trip you will never forget. You get through the stomach bugs when you have people like we had. The sunsets & sunrises on this trip are truly special. Having your dinner by candlelight in the desert, sleeping under the stars & enjoying "English tea" in a Muslim country.