Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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117 Reviews

4.3 out of 5

Reviewed December 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Reviewed December 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A whirlwind of diverse activities/accommodations/experiences that in 2 short weeks encapsulated a true and deep Moroccan experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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).

Reviewed November 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Amazing experience, certainly no time to be bored!

Most Inspirational Moment

Ours was another wonderful group. The desert and mountains were for me the most memorable, though for some of us the much anticipated camel ride and desert sleepover transposed into an ambulance ride through the sahara; such a pity! The Auberge in the Sahara is a wonderful place to be; somewhere I would love to return to and have more time to enjoy. The walk in Todra Gorge was fantastic. Couldn't make the walk from the gite but others said that was brilliant too. I loved Volubilis

Thoughts on Group Leader

LHoucine was fantastic, caring, patient and knowledgeableour driver Abdul also deserves a special mentionThankyou to them both

Advice for Potential Travellers

only the usual

Reviewed October 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A holiday with everything, sun,sea,Sahara, markets, bartering & Shopping!

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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!

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.

Reviewed September 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A photo opportunity around every corner. Colours you’ll remember forever. The golden sands of the Sahara, the stunning "Berber" blue, the silver moon and stars over the desert and the vibrant colours of the carpets, slippers and tagines lining the walls of the medinas and the ladies colourful floating robes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Yes, there were a few.... standing in awe at the size and oppulence of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, whizzing around the souks in Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh, sleeping outside at the Sahara Auberge in Merzouga, the sunset camel ride into the Sahara and the sunrise ride back again. Watching the families enjoying the cool waters of Todra Gordge with those vertical golden cliffs rising high on either side. The peaceful, humble life of the Berbers living so simply and happy up in The Atlas Mountains - enjoying "afternoon tea" with a family there. Dodging the seagulls enjoing their free meal whilst fishermen gutted and prepared their catch at the harbour in Essaouria. Tasty Moroccon food... served in family homes and restaurants you'd never find again! ...but guess the most inspirational moment for us was tracking down a beer on arrival in Casablanca on a Sunday evening... yes it did happen and we eventually find one!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha - a credit to Exodus. Caring, considerate, informative, knowledgable. Passionate about his work and his country. Always willing to assist where necessary. Always jolly with a good sense of humour....and he found some rather good restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I guess by reading other reviews it's all been said before....Hygiene is the main criteria, so plenty of handgel, tissues, loo roll - although, the loos weren't that bad!.....the bus, yes be prepared for long and short uncomfortable travel. We had a full complement on board, 16 or us, plus driver/guide. No leg room on a majority of the seats and not much overhead storage available. We were with a good crowd and always rotated the seating arrangements.Travel light.. but if you should have the odd fleece no longer required, please take it and donate it to the folk up at Tijhza Village, they have so little and temperatures drop like a stone in the winter months.

Reviewed August 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

I Went on the Solo’s departure Trip and It provided a enjoyable and much different and stimulating experience than if I would gone on my own. The trip really packs in as much of morocco as possible which is good for those on limited holiday leave, but at times you also find yourself having to leave just when you started getting used to a place. Overall it offered something for everyone the cultural and historical tours, to fun and sun with options for camel rides or the swimming pool. There’s walking both on the mountains, dunes and villages. There is plenty of beautiful scenery to take in. In the evenings it was meals out with plenty of laughs.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the chance to spend a hour of calm and splendour with only myself on top of a hill high up in the Tijhza Valley - the scenery was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very informative and always looking to ensure everyone was happy and that the trip met their expectations. Our leader was helpful to the extent of spending hours with me in a police station when my Iphone was stolen. He was always willing to talk and share the Berber point of view and came across as a nice guy in general he was generally cautious to ensure nobody got sick.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1 Be vigilant of your valuables - don’t take anything too expensive - Cameras don’t like sand blown at them and the Exodus insurance does not cover phones! 2 Be prepared to have to pay tourist prices for everything - if the locals pay 4 drm , you pay 10 drm it may seem unfair or even comical when prices change from tourist to tourist but try not to let it get you down. 3 Try to haggle for items like 80% even 90% to get their real prices.4 Try different food and attempt the language5 Get as much change / coin and small bills as possible lots of 20s. - The locals dont like having to have to find change for 200 s.

Reviewed August 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A wee adventure in good company

Most Inspirational Moment

The stay at the gite in the High Atllas Mountains. The visit to Essouaira - I'd go back for their music festival.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Just lovely

Advice for Potential Travellers

July in Morocco is very, very hot

Reviewed August 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

It was a magnificent trip! Full of different feelings and activities every day. A mixture of adventure and culture. Medinas, desert, kasbahs mountains and the ocean!

Most Inspirational Moment

The route from Fes to the desert was the most inspirational part of the trip. Watching the landscape changing from pine and cedar tree hills to moonscapes and sandy oasis with palm trees and desert bushes.... Final destination... Merzouga.. a sea of sand, where one could enjoy the silence and peacefullness of the desert... At dusk everything would seem magic... The heat wave at noon felt like just a warm blanket on my shoulders while everybody else would stop for siesta... Sleeping on the terrace or on the sand, watching the sky and the stars... Incredible feeling...Essaouira and Todra Gorge are second best inspirational destinations in this trip. Moroccan culture would emerge from all smaller or bigger cities with their Medinas. I enjoyed a lot the dinner at the family house in Fes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha would show his concern about us at every single moment. He would always ask how we feel, if we are ok. He was protective and always happy to help us or answer our questions. He got us to the best places to see local craftsmaship. After many tours around local Medinas I can tell the difference amongst original and fake stuff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read Trip Notes and follow Mustapha's guidelines and you will be happy and safe. Antibacterial! Your best friend in this trip!Best carpet quality at Merzouga!

Reviewed August 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A well organised trip – felt so good to be guided around without having to make many decisions – a real break from the reality of life! Morocco proved to be a beautiful country full of colour, life and diversity. Away from the hustle and bustle of the souks and medinas, the people were friendly and welcoming. A good mixture of city, desert, mountains and a brief trip to the coast. Personally, I found the time spent away from the cities most enjoyable but this trip has a bit of everything.

Most Inspirational Moment

My top 4:- Getting up before dawn to climb the dunes in the Sahara to watch the sunrise. Despite there being too much cloud cover to see anything really spectacular, the feeling of being up high on the dunes, away from civilisation and the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, overlooking a reddish/orange version of a lunar landscape was so peaceful.Sleeping out under the stars in a bedouin camp in the Sahara. I loved the sound and feeling of the light rain and sand being blown against my sheet I had cocooned myself in, and waking up at dawn surrounded by so much open space.Seeing the most amazing starry sky in the Atlas mountains. I have never seen anything like it - truly beautiful and very calming!Gaining a better understanding of Berber culture and life - humbling experience. Tasted some great thyme and mint teas!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very good at including everyone and really wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time. He bought local treats and snacks for us to sample during some of our long minibus trips. He was knowledgeable and had a good balance of seriousness and fun and was very kind and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's been said before but....Make sure you have wet wipes and toilet paper...Keep small change for the toiletsRemember to pack a torchTake swimwearIf you go on holiday hoping to read lots, this may not be the holiday for you!If travelling in the summer months when it is hot, make sure you have some lightweight sleeved tops to cover up - both to protect yourself from the sun and to be culturally sensitive - it is a Muslim country after all. Drink, drink, drink (bottled water) and then drink some more! And don't forget to brush your teeth with bottled water - it's not worth the upset stomache if you don't!

Reviewed July 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A truly magical experience, we did so many new things and had so many great experiences in such diverse surrounding. So glad i went, what an experience!!!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything from sitting in Todra Gorge at night having some wine in great company to laying in the desert after a sand storm..... The High Altlas mountains are also beautiful and the walk is lovely. All Incredible!!!!!! There were many inspirational moments and it is difficult to list them or to pick one out specifically.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was our group leader, nice guy, knowledgeable, helpful and kind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before i went i read many of the reviews and there are certain things that have really stuck in my mind....If you are going during the summer month i cannot reiterate enough to tell you to Drink, Drink, Drink loads of water..... Water seems to come out of every pore in your body and you MUST replenish it!!!!!A must to take: Toilet Tissue (paper hankies), Torch, Antiseptic and Antispetic hand wipes, always have 1 dirhams for the lady in the toilets, dont fill you case too much as there are so many lovely things to buy (in Fez, Mezouga, Essaouira), bottle opener and cork screw if you like to have a drink, Immodium/Dioralyte (our group had lots of trouble in this area), antiseptic cream and plasters for small emergencies.

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