Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking through the Sahara in a sand storm to the Bedouin camp and climbing the sand dunes at sunrise. Traveling through the mid-atlas in as snow strom! Unexpected and spectacular. The Medina in Fez, amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mustapha was brilliant. He was very knowledgable and endlessly patient with all our questions. His local connections helped to enhance our experience on numourous occasions. He quickly got to know what we as a group wanted and expected, and acted accordingly. He made out trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take earplugs, the 4am call to prayers can be very disturbing. Hand gel is a must, no-one got funny tummies because we all used it all the time.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few stand out moments - seeing the work and support that Exodus has put in supporting the villagers in Tijhza and the benefits this provides to the area as a whole.  The stars in the Sahara were absolutely awesome and visiting the ruined Glaoui family kasbah at Telouet (having read Lords of the Atlas by Gavin Maxwell in preparation for the trip).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great, he was very knowledgeable about the history of Morocco and endlessly patient with his vistors who were a bit rubbish at the Arabic and Berber languages.  Sena Sieda!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have Coeliac Disease so my advise to anyone else in this situation is to make sure you have plenty of snacks with you (for outside of mealtimes) and consider taking some corn/ rice cakes with you as a bread substitute at breakfast.  And read the trip notes!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunset in the Sahara on the dunes. It was so surreal and I could happily have sat there all night.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha is a very knowledgeable guide. Perfect - nothing was a bother. He went out of his a few times to ensure we had a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for the cold. It is bitingly cold in the Sahara and the mountains. All layers are necessary! We took water purification tablets and they worked very well so issues for both of us.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are lots of highlights. For me they included- tour of the city of Fez. Amazing place - like going back in time a few hundred years- the countryside of the Atlas mountains. Lovely scenery,and a different way of life- Essouria -indulging in the seafood and a lovely relaxed atmosphere- camel trek into the desert. A little adventure.- shopping in the souks 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Husein is immensely patient and very informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was with a party of 4 ladies and we did some independant exploration and we never felt threatened at any time, but take some comfy shoes - it's hot! Most of our group had stomach upsets at some point (although nothing too major), so do take appropriate medication with you. We left some unwanted clothing with the villagers in the mountains which was gratefully receivedParts of Morocco are becoming westernised and prices are rising accordingly, particularly in Marakech. (This was my third visit in 5 years and I noticed the difference). However, it is still a very different culture. See it while you can.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Auberge in the Sahara, camel trip into the desert and desert camp.Mountain hostel and very friendly people.  The rest of the group really made this a great holiday - would be very difficult to improve on. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent guide and really looked after us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip introduced us to the real Morocco which was awesome.  At the end of the trip we encountered Marrakech souk which was disappointing - everybody decided it was "plastic Morocco" just for the tourists.  The Majorelle Gardens were very pleasant and well worth a visit.  The new town area near the hotel was fine too with some good restaurants and bars.   

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several great moments on our trip:The camel ride in the desert with it being made all the more realistic due to a "mini" sand stormWalking in the High Atlas MountainsVisiting a family in the High Atlas MountainsThe souk in Fez

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was excellent and could not have been more helpful and ready to explain anything we asked.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most important is not to travel during the Festival of Eid (15th October 2013) as virtually all of Morocco shuts down. On our trip the Festival of Eid co-incided with our free day in Marrakech. As virtually everything was shut, it meant that there was very little to do and made the end of the holiday finish on a real low. It even affected our guided tour round the old city as everything was shutting early and the guide had to rush to get us round before they closed. You also need to be aware that on the day of the festival, they burn the sacrificed sheep's carcasses on the street corners (not a very pleasant smell)The standard itinerary does not use any riads and the rooms are pretty basic, so we would have liked to have taken the upgrade accommodation option if it had been available to us. 

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments......Watching the sun come up in the desert; Todra gorge and the spectacular cliffs; the blue fishing boat at Essaouira - seeing the catch landed and fish landing at my feet; the noise, excitement and colour of Djeema el Fna square in Marrakesh; the amazing starry night at the Gite at Tijhza and the wonderful food served there and so much more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very knowledgeable about the sights we viewed and helped to give a good insight into life in Morocco. He was very caring and helpful and made sure we got the best out of holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget to take your imodium! Many of us suffered with digestive problems. However, this did not stop us really enjoying ourselves. Remember to take suitable 'covered up' clothes for some of the places you will visit - long sleeved top and scarf.It does get very hot at times so be aware of this.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fez medina

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader really was amazing. He was informative, funny (berber sense of humour) and most importantly looked out for us and looked after us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Hassan 2 MosqueExploring the souk in FesTaking a camel out into theSaharaWalking out of Todra gorge

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was personable, informative, and demonstrated assertiveness when needed in resolving disputes with locals and solving problems. He had a good sense of humor and knew when to allow us time to relax and when it was important to get us moving. He was really punctual, uncannily so and keep the trip on schedule without any real effort.  In my opinion he could not have worked harder to make out trip special and I grew to have a lot of respect for him over the duration of our stay. Thank you so much Mustapha.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travelling can be stressful and going away on your own and planning trips can be a lot of work. I found travelling with Exodus meant I could go away and focus on having a great time without having to worry about how I am getting to the next place on my journey. For an inclusive holiday where you want something different with out the hassle I would recommend an Exodus trip. I will certainly be travelling with them again given the opportunity.

Most Inspirational Moment

-

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amicable, but tour not what I had imagined, more suited to retired americans.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a guide book, be prepared to go and do stuff on your own.