livetoroam

My husband and I just got home from 5 days in Morocco on the end of our walking the Camino Portuguese. I am not writing a formal trip report but did want to make a few comments and review some services we used in order to help anyone else planning a trip to Morocco.

Marrakech- we stayed three nights in a lovely, small riad in the medina, called Dar Rocmarra. Communicating via email were always promptly answered and they arranged transportation to and from the airport for us. Our room was small but lovely with a nice private bath. The common spaces were very charming with a roof top Terrace where we took several meals prepared by staff. Meals were very tasty. Staff were very helpful with maps, directions to sights and restaurants. The riad only has 5 rooms and the nights we were there, we were the only guests. Would recommend.

We did a Marrakech walking tour one day with Desert Majesty. Tour was good, but a little pricey for the time spent. Most of what we saw you can do on your own, though our local guide did get us in to a few areas to watch baking and other craftspeople he knew where we could take pictures comfortably.

Essaouira- we took a day tour through Viator, leaving from Marrakech. This was a good day tour, just 4 of us with the driver and a guide. The guide was very knowledgable about Morocco and answered questions well. We stopped at a women's cooperative to see them produce Argan Oil for cosmetics and that was very cool. The tour of the harbor and fish stalls was incredible. The tour through the walled town and shops was fascinating. We had 3 hours after to explore on our own and walked the beach, watching the camels, walking back through the fish stalls and people watching. Very good value for the price and a fascinating day. The drive was about 2 hours each way and the villages and countryside were endlessly fascinating.

Two day trip with Desert Majesty from Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains to Zagora. This is a LONG drive but wow, so much to see. Once in Zagora, we met our camels for an hour camel ride into a camp in the dunes for an overnight. Food was great, the tents were comfortable and the whole experience was a blast. We stopped on the way back to Marrakech at the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ben Haddou. Beautiful, unique spot where several movies have been shot. The price for this Desert Majesty excursion was reasonable for two days, all food, camel rides, overnight tent, and a fantastic driver who got us safely over those mountain roads and shared a lot about Morocco and all the groups of people who call it home. highly recommend but not if you are prone to car sickness and hate long drives.

We flew to and from Madrid on Ryanair and flights were on time and without a problem. Flight time is under 2 hours each way. Happy to answer any specific questions.

Ian

Who was your driver? We used DM several years ago for our Marrakech-Ouarzazate-Zagora-Chegaga-Taroudant run but we moved much slower over 3 nights. This was undoubtedly the highlight of our Morocco trip. As you said: so much to see!

Thanks for the report

Ian

livetoroam

Ian, our driver's name was Ali. Never heard his last name. He has worked for DM for quite awhile I gather.

progol

Nice report, livetoroam! I hope to get to Morocco sometime within the next 2 years, so reading your report is both enjoyable and helpful.

Ian

We met Ali at Ait Benhaddou & later at DM’s office in Ouarzazate. Our driver – Said – shared an apartment in Marrakesh with him, although he said that neither of them was there very much. We heard a lot of interesting stories over 4 days of driving.

Ian

livetoroam

Ian- yes, we heard about the shared apartment too. Ali now has a 4 month old baby. Really liked him and felt very safe with his driving those mountain roads.

Progol- thanks for reading!

jseneca

hi Livetoroam,Interesting.
1.How long was your drive from Marakech to Zagora for the desert ride? I am thinking about erg chebbi(sahara desert) but that too is a 10 hour drive. Suggestions? Is there a big difference between the two? Worth visiting?
2.Did you feel safe in Morocco?
3.Is essouria enough for one day visit or spending 1 night is better?
4.Anything you would delete/add from your trip or 2-3 things to avoid?
best,jsenenca

livetoroam

1. The drive was a long 8 hours or so and we spent one night in Zagora and then did that drive back the next day. I would recommend two nights to make it less taxing. We didn’t do erg chebbi so I can’t comment on that.

2. We did feel safe. People were very friendly, food was fantastic.

3. We did Essaouira as a day trip from Marrakech and it was fine. We didn’t feel like we needed more time. Fascinating place and the fish market was very interesting.

4. If I did it again, I would add a few days and get to Fez.

We found Morocco to be one of the most memorable places we have been. I would recommend having a fun and relaxed manner with all the people vying for your attention and business. That gets a bit tiresome but if you respond without getting annoyed or stiff, they would be good natured about your refusal to buy. Have a wonderful time!