Nelson

My wife and I are considering a trip to Morocco in October or November. May or may not happen, depending on several things.

In any case, I wonder about the glowing reviews that all Morocco tour operator and guides receive her on Fodors and TripAdvisor. Most of them are obviously bogus.

What we'll do is write several, feel out the vibes, ask for references, things like that, but wonder if any experienced Morocco travelers have advice on choosing an agency?

Thanks

Bedar

Have a look at boyrus Morocco Trip Report - Family of 7 for 7 days. Whatever co. they used seemed to be awfully good and reasonable.

Nelson

Yes, that one looks legit. I'll read it in depth later this evening. Thanks much.

jgg

Reading others trip reports is an excellent idea and contacting the travelers directly can also help you feel comfortable about your choice. We were in Morocco for 8 nights (Marrakech, Ouzarzate, Merzouga/desert, Fez). We used BlueMenofMorocco.com and really loved our driver/guide. Can highly recommend.

Here is a link to my trip report along with pictures:
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...frica/morocco/

Leslie_S

We went on a trip in 2010 planned by Journey Beyond Travel - I chose them after doing a lot of research here and on tripadvisor. They have some suggested itineraries or you can customize your own. We really loved everything about the trip.
Here's my trip report if you're interested:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...in-morocco.cfm

Nelson

jgg and Leslie_S, Thanks! I took a brief look at your reports and they are great. I will share them with my wife and we'll delve deeper. Nice work in the photos too.

Much appreciated.

Leslie_S

Haha, a brief look. I re-read mine yesterday and can't believe how I droned on and on. World's longest trip report probably.
Have fun in your planning and enjoy your trip!

jgg

Hope you find them helpful! Happy planning!

blueasmiles

Hi,

I would recommend Morocco Unplugged.

Jalil benlili is the proprietor and I not praise him highly enough.

Do, do you research but the best way is to seek recommendations from people who have experienced.

Should you wish for Jalil's number and e-mail address let me know.

Blue

MmePerdu

If one of you is over 50 I can recommend Eldertreks. Small accompanied groups plus local guides and drivers, comfortable accommodations, reasonable cost and enough activity to make it interesting without undue strain. Theirs was my first experience on a non-Europe trip and I've been back to Morocco now a number of times on my own as a result.

http://www.eldertreks.com/tour/ETTD000031

Nelson

Thanks MmePerdu. We are over 50 and that Eldertrek tour looks like a nice itinerary. For now we have selected an outfitter who has been working with us on a customized tour, Morocco Explored.
http://www.moroccoexplored.com/

We are very happy with their responses to our questions and setting the trip up. If we decide to go to Morocco (not certain yet) then we will use them.

But I'll make a note of Eldertreks for future consideration.

Alex251986

If i was you i would not choose any of this companies, i would only work on my trip by myself and plan to hire a car and take a guidebook and a map enjoying the real Morocco by myself, and experience it much better and the driving too.
Have fun.

nina88

Nelson, did you finalize your trip? My husband and I (maybe with our daughter) are planning to go in Nov. also. Will appreciate any info you have. If our daughter decides not to go,maybe we can join to share the expenses? We have been travelling independently for the last 15 years and are from the east coast.

Nelson

Nina88,

Our first choice destination on this trip was Egypt. Initially we decided to drop that due to current events but have decided to take a wait and see approach for the next few months. So currently Egypt is still first choice and Morocco is on on the back burner for the moment.

Morocco Explored was our first choice for an outfitter. Note that a long camel safari was a major part of the trip for us, not necessarily for everyone!

Good luck with your trip.

Colleen60

We are also considering a trip in late October or early November. We are thinking 14 to 16 days, and we prefer 5 star accommodations. We have been looking for a tour operator that would offer a private tour of Morocco, but we haven't had much luck. Any suggestions?

Alex251986

Check this link which can provide you with helpful trip reports about Morocco Travel company, and contact them to make your plans: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/SearchForu...195&geo=293730

Good Luck

Colleen60

Thank you. That site is most helpful. I will write out an itinerary (or wish list), then post it for suggestions before I contact a tour operator. Thanks, again.

janipace

Hello, I am one of those glowing reviews, and I really think most of them are not bogus..not sure why everyone assumes they are; obviously you have to be aware of that possibility. I think I read every review before our trip, and contacted one that had a lot of positive reviews. He responded immediately and as it turned out, my fellow traveler was able to meet with him here in the states and further plan our itinerary. (he comes to the states once a year) I also contacted one of the previous reviewers, as I saw she lives in my state, and was able to have a nice long informative phone call with her which also eased my mind! We ended up having an awesome trip, like so many of the reviews and I would recommend the agency we had without reservation. I think if you contact some of the previous reviewers and as you say get a feel of your potential guide, you'll be writing one of those glowing reviews too!

MmePerdu

Just so readers have some perspective, there are, I believe, at least 2 tour companies owned by this family (father & son?), from what I've been able to gather from various forums. I'm not impugning the credibility of the posters here but I have noticed a rather large number of very glowing, shall we say, reports about them. While probably legitimate, there are a large number of them (not unlike reports done after Gate 1 tours) which leads me to believe they are in some way "encouraged" by the companies. They, obviously cannot force people to say how good they are but I just wish to point out that there are other very good tour companies in Morocco. So don't necessarily let the sheer numbers of these reports lead others to believe that this is the only good one. I begin to be suspicious when numbers of people write similar recommendations.

thursdaysd

I share MmePerdu's views. Morocco seems to be peculiarly susceptible to fake and/or solicited reviews. They are frequently removed from this site, although perhaps not from others.

In any case, you can actually visit Morocco without any agency...