Our feedback on the tour you expertly arranged for us: Firstly I would like to start with [our driver] Kamal.
We were blessed to have been allocated Kamal Ennajem as our driver and guide throughout our 14 day custom tour of Morocco. As it was our first visit to this fascinating country of such diverse history, colour and traditions, to be greeted at Casablanca Airport by a smiling, enthusiastic and efficient driver was a greeting we were hoping for, but didn’t know what to expect.
From the moment Kamal assisted us after a series of extremely long flight sectors ex Australia, we felt that we were in the best hands possible. As you are aware my Husband is physically challenged after a serious vehicle accident and 2 years of ongoing surgeries, therefore, we as a couple were particularly eager to ensure that we were both as comfortable and safe as possible in a foreign country.
Kamal handled my Husband’s situation with grace and ease, and it is testimony to the man he is! Nothing was too much trouble, and at all times, whether with us, or apart, we knew we were secure in his hands. Don’t get me wrong, we are not invalids, and we are well travelled, but in our 50+ years of being independent travellers, this hands down is the highlight of our travel experiences.
We shared stories, experiences, backgrounds, religion, philosophies and lots of laughter with Kamal, and whilst there is an enormous geographical divide between Australia and Morocco, there were no barriers, just pure and genuine care and respect for each other. He was one with us, and we felt that from day one! His sense of humour must also be mentioned, and we will always remember with light in our hearts, the phrase “baby olives!” Kamal will understand this reference, and he will have the biggest smile on his wonderful honest face.
Kamal was an excellent driver, and for my Husband, a commercial vehicle operator, it was very reassuring considering the driving regulations and conditions in Morocco are certainly not the same as countries such as Australia and the USA. Not once were we stopped by the Gendarmeries, despite their prolific presence on all roads. In safe hands all the way from start to finish!
By having a local driver/guide like Kamal we learnt more about the country – customs – history – food – family than I believe we ever would have otherwise. The local guides that Kamal arranged in various cities were a pleasure to be educated and guided by. We must make mention of Thami “the Candy Man”, our guide in Fez. A remarkable man in his senior years, and a privilege to have met, learnt from and guided by. Kamal was always punctual and contactable, and to say we miss him is an understatement!
The selected 4 Star accommodation in various Riads, the desert camp etc., were all very individual and diverse, which we thoroughly embraced. Kamal’s instructions were always clear, and there was never a moment of uncertainty and/or confusion. The journey went like clockwork, but at the same time, if we required stops, longer stops in some places, etc., Kamal was always willing to accommodate.
In closing, we consider Kamal a lifetime, valuable friend, and will continue to stay in touch with him and his family, as we care about him, as he cared for us. Experience It Tours have chosen one of the very best humans possible to represent their Company in Morocco, so that travellers such as us, will continue to enjoy, recommend and return.”
TOUR ITSELF –
Whilst it was certainly a km (miles) packed road trip around Morocco, there is nothing we would have changed. The cooking course we undertook in Chefchaouen was shared with a young couple from Holland, so that was lots of fun. I am pleased we made no plans for extra activities in Essaouira, as we definitely enjoyed decompressing there with Kamal. Enjoying excellent seafood meals at the local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic.
As a professional woman with my own business, I feel I would like to return to Marrakech and Casablanca with some female friends to enjoy sourcing design products, and treating ourselves to some “me time”! Exploring various Riads to include in your tour packages must be an absolute joy for Jill.
The highlights of our custom itinerary were the desert experience, the Majorelle Gardens, and definitely our last night dinner at Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca. We thoroughly enjoyed the diversity from Riad to Riad, and our first introduction in Rabat at the Riad Kalaa was a wonderful respite after our long flights.
Dar Baibou in Chefchaouen was a very different Riad to Kalaa, but the character and ambience was very unique, and staff exceptionally friendly. Kamal had organised a birthday cake surprise for me on the evening of my birthday, (thank you to EIT if you alerted him to my special day) and 3 of the young male staff sang Happy Birthday in 3 languages……it was very special, and of course I cried!! Thank you to all who participated, and especially Kamal. By the way, it was one of the most delicious cakes I have ever had!
The Riad Myra, what can one say, other than it is incredible, and we were absolutely blown away when we entered through the cobbled lane. Every Riad we stayed in, presented more delicious selections of food than we could ever manage to eat. Everywhere food was fresh, clean and delicious. We didn’t experience one bad meal, and we are quite the foodies, so credit to all!
Riad Chebbi had a beautiful external pool and cabanas, and we were very comfortable there, except they really need to address their shower heads, in the room we stayed in that is! Not certain about other rooms. All other tourists staying there appeared to be very happy with the facilities.
You may be surprised to know that we were the only people staying at the Imoudda Luxury Camp (Dunes D’Or) with two staff present + driver. It made absolutely no difference to us, and we spent the evening outside with all lights turned off, discussing the galaxies, planets and stars with the local Berber staff member. Dave, my Husband, is a tenor, so he sang for staff member, Said Davod, and it was both incredible and memorable. One comment I will make is that we noted that the latest model 4 wheel drive vehicles were operating to other camps, whereas the vehicle used to drive us to the Dunes D’Or Camp was very battered and worn, and had certainly seen better days. No issue for us, but you may get negative feedback from some travellers.
Very happy at the Riad Les Yeux Bleus in Marrakech and Riad Mimouna, Essaouira, with an uninterrupted view of the city coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The unknown and diversity of each Riad was an unexpected pleasure, because all places were unique in their own way. Of course, being a Building Designer, I couldn’t help myself and managed to get inside a couple of Riad’s under renovation. Now, what do I want to do, “buy and refurb a Riad, of course”! I truly understand why so many foreigners live in Morocco, because it has so much to offer, and is very unique in this crazy world we currently exist in.
Kamal worked on our Arabic, and gave us tests on where we had been and what we had seen. It was a load of fun, and lots of laughing. To say my brain, in particular, had switched off from my high energy, highly stressful business, is truly saying something. It is testimony to what Morocco can do for Westerners who need to “chill”!
Les Jardins De Skoura, the surrounds and Kasbah were fascinating, and the contrast of accommodation to other Riads we had stayed in, was actually enjoyable. I have to comment, that nowhere did I notice that rooms and amenities were not cleaned to our expectations.
The Hotel Club Val D’Anfa was ideal for our last night, as you indicated it would be, but out of interest, Morocco won the U20 World Cup football/soccer game that night, and the cars in the street honked their horns for hours in what would normally be the dead of night! No issue, and in fact I thought it was a dream! Casablanca is a very large and busy city! The Hussan II Mosque is an architect’s and designer’s dream.
In our Australian home we have a variety of middle eastern rugs, a tagine and numerous other artifacts, so I can say that we weren’t ideal tourists in terms of our money spend on the ground. However, we appreciated the opportunity to view in the Medinas, etc., and handled the store owners with experienced grace. They were humble and accepting, which was refreshing compared to some other countries we have travelled to.
Would we do anything differently on a first visit to Morocco, absolutely not! Do we generally travel with a tour operator, absolutely not! However, the preliminary discussions between myself and E.I.T., honed what we were expecting, and what you were able to offer. A perfect fit!
During our entire stay we only ate lunch once, as breakfast and dinner were more than we could possibly consume! Kamal ensured that our hydration was always catered for. October was a great month to travel, and even though it was very hot at the Volubilis Roman Ruins we were quite comfortable.
Meeting Jill in the 5 Star Riad in Fez, was also a lovely surprise, and very personal. Thank you Jill. I will swap jobs with you anytime!
We have a myriad of photos, which we are yet to sit down and go through.
Many thanks for the wonderful service as tour operators, as well as genuinely nice people that you are.
Forever grateful, Annette & Dave from “Down Under”! (Oct 2025)
