Reviews

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

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115 Reviews

4.3 out of 5

Reviewed August 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

I had wanted to visit Morocco for a long, long time and so decided on this trip. I can honestly say that both this trip and the country exceeded all my expectations, it was a fantastic experience, all the more so since I am new to group travel. I feel that the tour allowed us to gain a comprehensive overview of the country, a contry of contrasts in many ways, which is what made it so interesting.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but I particularly enjoyed our Saharan experience and night under the stars, our stay in the High Atlas where everything felt blissfully miles away from our civilisation, the Fez Medina for its mysterious beauty and mild craziness and Essaouira for its tranquil charm and chilled locals...Oh and eating delicious figs off the trees in the mountains!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was very knowledgeable, friendly, personable and enthusiastic. He was also very open about the local culture and religious practices, which I genuinely appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

(Some of those may be obvious, only I was new to this kind of holiday)In no particular order: - sanitising hand gel is a must, we all used it and although there were some stomach upsets, it was nothing very serious. Imodiums and rehydration salts should also travel with you- earplugs, the call to prayer resonates 5 times a day, starting at 5am! Having said that, I personally found it very mesmerising- flipflops (for summer departure if pools are involved/ and the rest for hammams) - nappy bags or similar for the stay at Kasbah Oliver (no toilet paper allowed down the toilets) - insect spray (although this could be a summer annoyance)- a bottle of your favourite spirit possibly- alcohol can be tricky to get hold of - don't be afraid to haggle when it comes to more expensive items, somebody told us to aim for a quarter of the asking price- if you have some dirhams left, DO change them in Marrakech, possibly at the airport before you leave, as there is nowhere to change them in the transit area of Casablanca airport- beware of cheeky locals (Marrakech is the only place where it happened in all fairness) who might give you false information/directions about places of interest. If in doubt, ask a shopkeeper rather than passers by. - shaking hands over price deals, for example with taxi drivers who won't use a meter, is a good idea. - a couple of the journeys on the minibus are long so ensure you have travel sickness tablets if you tend to suffer from it

Reviewed June 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

This is an excellent trip covering the highlights of Morocco. A lot of ground is covered in a relatively short time allowing you to see a mix of cities, mountains, desert and coast.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the stay in the desert, watching the sunset and sunrise from the dunes, and the camel ride to the Bedouin camp. The views in the Altas mountains and the relaxed atmosphere in Essaouira were also highlights in a trip full of interesting experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was great. Friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip around Morocco covering a huge amount of ground and I would thoroughly recommend it. In order to cover this amount of the country you do have to spend a fair amount of time travelling in the mini bus however we had quite frequent stops to break it up.

Reviewed June 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

This is an incredible experience. It isn’t the most relaxing holiday but get what do expect when you cover 2000km passing mountains, kasbahs, arid wastelands, deserts, and imperial cities!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the erg chebbi sand dunes at sunrise. A millions miles away from anywhere overlooking the Bedouin camp - truly amazing and inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very informative, maybe a little pro-Berber but a magnificent guide - pay him more!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware some imperial city hotel rooms can be quite susceptible to outside noise. I.e. prayer calls, late night arguments outside local boozers, and dogs barking all night - ear plugs highly advised! Alcohol gel essential Desert is not as hot as you would expect, like a very hot Spanish summer day.

Reviewed May 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Excellent well planned trip which gave a good overview of Morocco, while at the same time providing an close-up experience of the people and the country .

Most Inspirational Moment

The mosque in Casablanca was fantastic. Seeing the snow covered mountains and the stars from the gite in the High Atlas. The quietness of the camel trek into the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent leader. Very knowledgeable, well organised and sociable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take underwater protection for cameras in the desert. Several cameras suffered from sand.

Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Overall a very good overview of Morocco which was a complete supplement to the previous week that I did Cycling the Morocco Great South also done with Exodus. Other than the cities of Marrakech and Essaioura which we had additional time to spend on, there was very little overlapping between the two tours

Most Inspirational Moment

The unique and inspirational moment for me was going on a camel into the sahara desert. The african camel is different from the Asian camel (a Bactrian with two humps). I can understand why the ride was only 1 hour as it can be challenging for weekend warriors to ride it beyond that time. Camping overnight in the desert was also an experience. Perhaps it was the season or timing, but I was a bit disappointed that the night sky was not as clear as I expected. I was pleasantly surprised at the mattress and blankets in the tent that made the overnight experience comfortable and pleasantly warm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha is a true professional. As like most Exodus guides his number one priority was the safety of the participants. I have never seen a group of travellers so particular about hygiene especially cleanliness of the hands before we put anything into our mouths. As if washing was not enough, many of our travellers brought antibacterial handrubs. No wonder none of us got stomach problems. It is such a wonderful experience because in other tours in other countries I have seen travellers having bad stomach problems. I must also highlight that our driver was also a wonderful member of the dual team number. The mountain roads were not easy to drive through, but he did it safely and effortlessly. Such a professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was informed to bring a 4 season sleeping bag. I decided to take a chance on a 2 season one, and am glad because I had no space in my luggage for a 4 season one. The blankets provided in the desert as well as Kasbah Olivier were very comfortable and warm. However, I am uncertain whether for a colder period, what I did would have been right. Just bear in mind the season you are going on.

Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Having been an independant traveller I had a number of preconceived notions and ideas about group travel and wasn’t sure about how I would feel about being on an organzied group trip. Howeer, this trip not only met but exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed nearly every moment. I would not hesitate to take another organzied trip through Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had a number of inspirational moments but I would like to mention the overall warmth and sense of humour of the people and how I always felt welcomed. I particulary enjoyed the walk to and stay in Kasbah Oliver. Being able to participate in their community program was very rewarding and the information provided by Mustapha about village life was greatly appreciated. Of course, the camel trek throught the dessert in a sandstorm was highly memorable as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha is a highly knowledgable and professional leader. Without hesitation he was able to accommodate the group and their needs. His choice in local guides was also superior and they too added significantly to the overall experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperature was a bit cooler than what I expected, so bring layers. I did manage with only a sleeping bag liner as blankets were provided. To avoid disappointment or discomfort if you have special dietary needs, you may want to consider taking your own supply of food. Although Mustapha worked hard to ensure everyone's dietary needs were taken care of, I am sure that in remote areas this, by no means, was easy. Thank you Mustapha for going that extra mile!The choice of restaurants were at a higher cost that what I expected, so when budgeting, take into consideration that although you are staying in basic accommodation, you may not be eating in basic restaurants.

Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A holiday that encompassed history, culture, wildlife, wonderful scenery and a wealth of experiences in a non-stop adventure. The holiday more than lived up to its Highlights of Morocco billing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The history and wildlife of Volabulis, the souks of Fez, the camel ride and camping in the Sahara, the walk above Todra Gorge, the stay in the Berber village and the wind down at the coast were all inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was the oil that kept everything running so smoothly. Always helpful, informative and cheerful with a permanently optimistic view of life. Any minor niggles were always promptly and efficiently dealt with and advice on safety, places to eat and tips to keep well were first class. He helped to bring the group quickly together and added enormously to the enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Everyone in the group had wondered about the taking of a sleeping bag and walking boots for the number of times they were needed and the space they took up in the case. The boots or stout walking shoes were needed but you could get away with a sheet-sleeping bag and borrow blankets. Currency is a problem. You have to get it in Morocco after you arrive and decide how much you need. £300 to £400's worth for meals, tips and small purchases is about right and extra from ATM's could top it up if required. You don't want to have much left as the Currency Exchange when you arrive is not easy to find at the airport to change money back. It's worthwhile having a small gel in your pocket to clean hands before eating food. Finally the sand in the Sahara can easily damage cameras if the wind gets up and the purchase of one of the sand-proof and waterproof camera containers is worth considering.

Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Excellent overview of Morocco.

Most Inspirational Moment

-The camel trek into the Sahara desert. There was a mini sandstorm going on but this added to the authenticity! Waking up early to see the sunrise over the dunes was spectacular.- The stay at the mountain retreat "Kasbah Oliver." It really was a world away from normal western lifestyle. So tranquil and we felt we got to see the real, authentic Moroccan people and countryside. - The walk through the Todra gorge was beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent tour leader. He attended to our every need. He was always willing to go out of his way to sort out any extras the group requested. He seemed to know every place we visited inside out so we felt we were in very safe hands. He also endlessly encouraged us to wash our hands before dinner...and it worked...I don't think any person on our trip had any major stomach trouble!

Advice for Potential Travellers

- Do not bring the green bag supplied by exodus (my fellow trip goers will smile at this comment). They are not practical whatsoever and NOT required. I recommend bringing a standard wheeled suitcase. - A sleeping bag is useful in April but not essential. Some found they coped fine without one as blankets were supplied in the desert. - Bring warm clothing. It may reach 50 degrees centigrade in Marrakech in the summer but in Spring travelling through mountain passes it can be closer to 0! Do not underestimate the potential to get cold. In all locations at night the temperature can dip quite drastically so carrying a light jacket at all times is a good idea.- Prepare to dress modestly.

Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

I went as a solo traveller as I read another review advising people who were unsure to take the risk and go on this holiday. It was such a great decision. I really really enjoyed this trip. It has everything – big cities like Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fes, it has snow capped mountains (in March anyway), it has the desert and the coast and event greenery up North and in the Palmeries. The days were packed full of activities and we were always exhausted going to sleep at night. It was really worth the money spent on the trip. I would definitely recommend going on a solo trip to anyone who was wondering if it would be for them. You will have fun! And it’s such an amazing experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was really inspired by our time in the Middle Atlas mountains. I loved the setting of the gite and the surroundings and being able to have some interaction with the local children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was our tour leader and he was really great. He had endless patience with us, especially when we changed our minds over our meal orders! We also had some great guides in places in Morocco including Rashid in Volubilis who loved using English phrases, Hakima in Fes who showed us through the medina and 107 year old Hassan in the palmery near Todra Gorge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For women travellers I would really advise sticking to the guidelines of covering your legs and arms as otherwise you can feel a bit exposed. I would have brought some lighter trousers to wear. Spending money of £450 for the 2 weeks was what I brought and with that I had plenty of money to get gifts and was really comfortable in my spending for the holiday. A few managed on just about £300 but it was a little tighter. I would advise people to be VERY protective of their cameras in the desert as a lot of us had serious difficulties with our cameras after the desert (we were warned) and some cameras did not work after the desert (it was quite windy when we were there). Ear plugs for the call to prayer around 5am are highly recommended as some of the hotels are central and therefore near mosques.

Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

This was an amazing holiday! The group of people on the trip were really friendly and they made the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The camel trip to the desert was great. An a capella version of Molly Malone on top of a sand dune waiting for the sun to set has to be one of my highlights! The walk up through the greenery to the night in the mountains was incredibly peaceful and I could have stayed there for longer. The architechture everywhere we went was fantastic, especially inside the mosque, and the coast was a good laidback ending to the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moustaffa was incredible, so welcoming and patient. I wasn't sure about a guided tour before I went on one, but the ability of Moustaffa to answer my endless questions was wonderful. It hadn't occurred to me before how nice it is to be able to ask all the things that pop into your head when you're travelling but can't really stop and ask random members of the public about (we learnt about everything from politics to marriage to cooking!). He was also indispensible in recommending places (and even things) to eat and drink.The local guides at each of the stops were also fantastic. Their english was superb and it was nice to have at least one female guide so we got a different view of Moroccan life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would advise that you take one of the sealable bags you can get for taking cameras underwater so that you do not get sand in the mechanism in the desert. Also, be aware that there is no where to change Dirham back to pounds/euros at the airport so would advise changing any Dirham you have left before you leave the city.

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