MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA

8 days from GBP699 to GBP929 including flights
Tripcode: AMS

Countries Visited: Morocco

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 16 reviews.

Paul Nevin

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA
Written March 2010
Unfortunately not an enjoyable trip. I have travelled with exodus 9 times now and this is easily the worst travel trip I have completed with them. I really don't think that February is the time to visit this country as morocco is prone to atlantic depressions at this time of year; also the sahara is also prone to more severe sandstorms, which we experienced. We did have bad weather, which obviously exodus can't control but there was no contingency for this and we spent a lot of the week in a mini bus
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
sleeping in a tent in the sahara. Please note though that this is not in any way a remote part of the region (as it says in the trip notes) - the city of Zagora is only about 10km away, there was a road nearby, and also some permanent settlements in close proximity - with the accompanying dogs
What did you think of your group leader?
He gave us info about his country on our many long drives but overall I don't think he went out of his way to provide us with an enjoyable holiday. He was, however, keen to take us to lots of pottery and carpet shops around the country. He was not a very animated person and seemed to be going through the motions.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do not travel at this time of year - it is not worth it. My holiday was ruined by the weather - which is not reliable at this time of year. The food is very monotonous - if you like tajines and omelettes then great. Otherwise don't bother. Morocco is more expensive than you may think. I would not recommend this trip for the sheer amount of time spent on a mini bus.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would recommend NOT taking this trip. Yes, I would have enjoyed this better with more reliable weather BUT... the tour company and guide have seemed really complacent with the running of this trip. There is also too much time spent on a cramped mini bus. I do not feel that I have had a cultural experience at all.
Exodus Response
It is very unfortunate to read that Mr Nevin did not enjoy his trip with us. It is fair to say that the weather was particularly dreadful throughout the week as it was across most of Europe and North Africa. The torrential rains across the country meant that roads, bridges, mosques and houses were destroyed and up to 42 local people were killed. This unexpected weather obviously had a direct effect on the itinerary and while our guide tried to do his best to implement last minute changes to avoid the dangerous or blocked routes this did mean that more time than expected was spent on the minibus. However, we have run trips at this time of year for several years and as described in the trip notes the conditions are usually more stable. Looking back at the reviews on this particular trip, for example there is a great review by John Hewitt for the week that ran at the same time of year in 2008. Regarding the campsite used for the trip, this usually receives positive reviews (see below) and the fact that it is not too remote benefits the logistics of the itinerary enabling more to be included in the actual itinerary. It is true that part of the itinerary includes visits to the souks to see the pottery and carpets but in Marrakech this is optional and you are free to not join the guided tour if you so wish. The traditional dishes of Morocco are well known to include delicious tagines, omlettes and lentil based dishes and our aim is for our clients to enjoy as many traditional Moroccan recipes as possible throughout the week so it is worth bearing this in mind if you do not like this type of food. This particular leader has worked successfully with us for several years and received many positive comments, some of which can be seen below.
We are very sorry that Mr Nevin was disappointed with the week and we shall be answering all his comments directly.

- Exodus Staff
Lynn Sheppard
MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA
Written March 2009
Not my first time in Morocco, but still Exodus conjured up a trip full of things I had never done before and places I'd never seen. Highlights were the starry sky in the desert, the view from the back of a camel and walking in the groves of almond blossom in the High Atlas.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
night sky in the desert - 52 days by camel from Timbuktu...
almond blossom drifting like snow in the High Atlas around the local kids taking photos of us taking photos of them...
exploring the ramshackle, abandoned Glaoui kasbah, thinking it was nothing special, only to open a door and see a tiled room as beautiful as some in the Alhambra or the Topkapi Palace
being barked orders at by our hamam mistress - all in the pursuit of beauty, of course!
making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday in the gite up in the High Atlas, initiating our Berber Muslim hosts in the traditions of pancake tossing!
What did you think of your group leader?
I knew when Mustapha strode up to me outside Marrakech aiport at the start of the trip, despite having been told that the free transfer to Ourzazate was a no-go, that the trip was off to a good start. Mustapha was informative, friendly, and always had our interests at heart (to the point of obsessive compulsion about our hand washing!).
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It was colder than I had expected - colder than when I had previously visited Morocco in December/January, so pack a couple of woolies.
A bit of French, or some comedy Arabic goes a long way if you want to interact with the locals, although the guide spoke excellent English.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It's a pity this trip no longer covers Essaouira, but there's only so much you can do in a week. I stayed on an extra couple of days and would really recommend it, once you've got your bearings and are brave enough to tackle the souk unassisted!
We were a small group (we were 9), and they were all great people - they really made the holiday an experience to remember.
Nick Ridley

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA
Written November 2008
This was a fantastic holiday which was full of adventure. Helped by the fact that we had a really good group of people and our guide, Moustapha, was absolutely superb.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Whether it was trekking in the Western Sahara by camel, hiking through the Atlas Mountains, weaving through the mountain roads in the bus, having a coffee overlooking The Square in Marrakech or walking along the back in Essouria - the whole thing was inspirational. Camel trekking was hugely entertaining and the night sky in the Sahara is quite something else.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Moustapha who has been doing these trips for 7 years. His knowledge was fantastic and kept the whole group in great shape. He looked after us at all times which meant we didn't need to think for ourselves at all! His knowledge of Morocco is comprehensive and he really made everything interesting. He built a great relationship with the whole group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You must enjoy a bit of walking (up and down hills...), not mind some basic accommodation and make sure that the person next to you on the bus has a comfy shoulder ;-)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My first Exodus trip and absolutely not my last. I had a fantastic time. I got home physically exhausted but mentally relaxed. It was great to have such an action filled week without really needing to think for myself - my kind of holiday! I will treasure my photos and memories for many years to come. Thank you to all who made it such a great trip.
Emma Ansell

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA
Written June 2008
A fantastic holiday with a fantastic group of people. Very well organised, brilliant group leader, hassle-free. Just the right mixture of things to do - high-energy city visits; relaxing mountain walk; exciting camel rides - something for everyone!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
the walk to the mountain gite - the most beautiful scenery and meeting some of the lovely local people and children on the way.
What did you think of your group leader?
very friendly, helpful and really gelled well with the group. He was also great when some of the group felt unwell!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
don't forget your antibacterial handwash, especially for the desert trip, as there are no facilities there. a sunhat is also essential - it gets very hot in Morocco!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
the trip far exceeded my expectations. I've never been on an escorted trip before and was a bit worried about going on holiday on my own. I really shouldn't have worried - the people in the group got on brilliantly - the mix of ages worked really well. The group also decided to eat together every day/ evening, which worked out brilliantly for the single travellers amongst us!
Gill Lowies

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA
Written April 2008
A taste of Morocco in one week. This packs it all in but is not too tiresome. An excellent variety of experiences that leaves you wanting more! I absolutely loved every minute of this holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Truthfully, it was all equally as inspirational. From the sahara desert, to the atlas mountains, to the souks of marrakech to the spectacular beach resort of essaouria. If I had to choose, I would say that the mountain gite in the atlas was my absolute favourite experience. Sitting on the balcony area of the gite looking out at the beautiful green lush landscape in front of me with the backdrop of the fire-red mountains was spectacular and soothing to the soul. The peace and quiet of this area was truly beautiful and when the sun set that evening, I felt at peace with the world.
What did you think of your group leader?
Yahya, the group leader, was a local man from the high atlas mountains, a very experienced mountain guide who was very proud of his country and eager to share his knowledge with us. He was excellent and looked after us throughout the holiday. Nothing was too much for him and his calm, friendly and humorous approach helped everyone relax during the holiday. Both Yahya and the driver Ibrahim were fantastic. Can't be faulted.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Check your flight departure times!!!! I assumed that I was on the same flight as those I arrived with and didn't double check my flight times. Yes, you've guessed it, I had been put on an earlier flight and therefore missed my flight home and had to fork out £350 for an extra night in Marrakech and a one-way flight back to London. Sickening.
As for immodium, and all the scary bits referred to in the other reviews, I must say that I experienced no such problems.
Beer is scarce during the first few days of the holiday though so might be a good idea to take some of your favourite tipple with you. I think it was day 4 before we managed to get a beer.
Take a sun hat and sun cream - but that goes without saying - also take something to cover your shoulders if you're wearing sleeveless tops. Respect their culture.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it by all means - this is a truly fantastic holiday - colourful, aromatic, fun, educational, relaxing, busy, anything and everything you could possibly hope for. It is definitely value for money. I will be returning to Morocco following this taster holiday to explore the country further.
John Hewitt

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA
Written February 2008
A fantastic Winter break that really packs it in.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The best night was the night in the Bedouin camp in the Sahara. We rode camels into a stunning sunset. Later a full moon lit the sand dunes while we sat round a campfire singing and drumming. The atmosphere was quite amazing.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was a real enthusiast for Berber culture and gave us real insight into Berber life. He was really at home when we were treking in the High Atlas.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A grasp of French will come in handy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you fly direct from your local airport book your own flights and add a couple of days in Marrakech onto the trip. The bus trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate where the trip starts is only a few pounds and it takes you over the High Atlas on a classic bus journey.
Laura Reader

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA
Written January 2008
A dramatic, daunting yet exciting country is Morocco. From desert landscapes to high luscious green mountains this trip is one to take especially for the price. If undecided I'd say do it, add it to your visited list!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I'd have to say it was in the desert, the camel ride out at sunset was awe inspiring and great fun, although a little sore. I do recommend some Sudocrem in your luggage! I'd recommend getting up early to watch the sunrise as you'll catch the night sky and the stars are breathtakingly clear. A little piece of my heart will always be sat on that sand dune watching the stars and the sunrise appearing in the East.
Also the Atlas mountain trek was beautiful and such a deep contrast from the red rocky landscape that is your usual companion. We arrived to thunder and downpours which left the roads very muddy but it was exciting and dramatic, rainbows galor. Although good hiking shoes are highly recommended. The visit to El Glaoui's ruined palace in Telouet was also quite beautiful.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mohamed was just wonderful and spoke very good English. If you had a concern, even something as small as needing the loo he will make sure that you're ok as an individual no matter how large the group is. He had a great sense of humour and I really felt he was one of the group and a great friend. He is also a great photographer so dont be afriad to lend him your camera, he'll get some great shots for you, especially as he speaks the language and can get the locals to pose for you!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Apart from the Sudocrem and the good hiking shoes I'd say dont be put off by the daunting thought of Marrakesh, it is a little shocking and I dont advise going off on your own but it truely is something you have to experience at least once! The locals are extremely friendly, so dont be afraid to barter for that exotic item, its also great fun to do so. Although a Muslim country you dont feel intimidated at all by this, the locals are very open and as a woman I felt quite comfortable. Even one old man in the Souks of Marrakesh came up to me after Id just bought a beautiful silk scarf and said how beautiful it was and how it matched my eyes. He didnt want anything, just wanted to share his thoughts with me, it was such a nice memory.
What else, pack light but do bring some spare trousers as it can get muddy and like me you could fall over and rip your trousers! A small sewing kit is advisable. Dont worry too much about a season 3/4 sleeping bag, I went in November and the desert was quite warm, a season 2 would suvice but dont go any thinner as the mountain Gite is rather chilly! Might be worth leaving the mobile at home too as although I had a signal, getting through was impossible, a really bad network.
Other medicines are advisable, especially Diarrhea tablets. Always wipe cutlery and glasses that may have been washed under tap water. Avoid salad or unpeeled fruit altogether, its just safer.
Also bring a notebook and pen, its nice to jot down your memories if you like writing. :)
Also maybe pay that little extra and get the single supplement, get your own room if travelling alone because you never quite know who you may end up with.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
From desert dunes and camel rides, atlas mountain treks and village schools to eating local fish in Essaouira and getting lost in the souks of Marrakesh this trip really has it all. Its a wonderful experience and one to add to the list of visited places. It does involve a lot of travelling so bring an MP3 player or a good book but all in all I'm glad I went. Met some fantastic people, local and in the group and even learnt some Arabic.
Say hi to the guys in the desert, theyre really great and funny guys x !!