Testimonials

Carole Ghazali - October 2015 tour:

I wasn’t sure what Morocco would be like, it was my 58th country but first foray into Africa, and I have to say that this was, without a doubt, one of the most interesting holidays I’ve ever had. Swee had arranged everything through an agent and as she had been before knew what to ask for. We spent 12 days travelling around the country in a nine seater Mercedes van with the most wonderful driver and saw more than I’ve seen anywhere. We started in Casablanca and finished in the same city and in between saw so much. We stayed in Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazatte and Meknes, and visited various other places including Rabat, Todghra Gorge, Midelt and even spent a night in a tent in the Sahara Desert. This latter is accessible only by camel so we had an hour and a half camel ride up and down the dunes. My bottom hurt so much after an hour or so that when we stopped to take photos of the sunset, I dismounted, removed my shoes and walked the rest of the way. Once at the camp we were entertained to Berber music and a three-course meal. There was no water for showers although there are toilets with buckets and enough water to clean your teeth. The night sky was a sight to behold: beautiful and filled with thousands upon thousands of stars.  We arose just before dawn in order to see the sunrise, which was spectacular, and then returned to the hotel where we’d left our luggage, for showers and breakfast. I walked the whole way back as riding a camel did not seem like and interesting option. Walking along sand dunes is quite laborious so I certainly got my daily dose of exercise. 

Moroccan food on the whole is tasty but for me there are too many carbs. At every meal you were served various types of bread and for lunch and dinner there was more bread and potatoes as well, none of which I ate. The tajines were very tasty and I had loads of lamb but for me there really weren’t enough vegetables or fruits, although there were huge quantities of wonderful dates and olives. The tomato salads were my basic standby and these were delicious. Pomegranates were also served in many places but I’m not so enthusiastic about these so rarely ate any.

We mainly stayed in riads, buildings that used to be private houses where the rooms are built around a central garden and these all had their own charm and appeal. Some were quite luxurious and most had only a few rooms for rent while the rest of the building was occupied by the owners and their families. The best of these was the one we stayed in on our return to Casablanca. We were supposed to be staying at a hotel but apparently the king was in town and he had commandeered this hotel for his entourage so we were diverted to the riad. It was absolutely palatial and I had the best room or rather suite in the place. As we had arrived quite late, dinner was provided for us without charge and, because this was a well-known restaurant, the food was very good.

We had guides in every town we went to but the best was in Fez. This gentleman was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and showed us everything. We started walking at around 9.30am and finished at 6pm with a stop for lunch around 2pm. We visited a tannery, a pottery, brass, damascene ware and bronze making workshops and a market and had a wonderful time. We saw donkeys carrying goods, mosques and synagogues and came to learn that the Moroccans are probably the most broadminded of all the North Africans mainly because they are Berbers rather than Arabs and during their history have converted from their own tribal beliefs to Judaism to Christianity and finally Islam as the lands where they were living were conquered by various other peoples. I learned so much while I was there and really enjoyed myself. Morocco is a really fascinating place if you have the right guides who can take you to the more out of the way places off the tourist beat.

Carole, Fes guide Rami, Watson and Chan, October 2015.

Tan Kim Weng - April 2016 tour:

When a friend invited me to join him on a Morocco tour, my immediate reaction was " What is there to explore in Morocco? ". I decided to speak to a few friends but were confronted with more mixed reactions. Those who were there before would promptly respond with a positive answer of " Marrakech is so beautiful! ".  However, answers or perhaps more of a question from the ignorant ones would be, " What is there to see?  Are you not worried about security? ".

Later I Google search to prepare myself for what to expect from this exotic and mysterious land. My doubts went away after I met up and spoke to Swee, the organiser.  With frequent trips she made to Morocco besides her interest in Islamic art, I was sure she would make a good tour leader. I left the entire planning to her from then on. I was confident she would be the right person to lead us.

Airlines like Etihad and Qatar offer cheap fares and good service.

Swee only organises small group tour which suits my preference. There were 8 of us including Swee, fitted comfortably in a van.  Prior to our journey, she would regularly update the group with necessary information to prepare for the trip.

The experience of the tour turned out to be more than what I have expected. We have stayed in Riads where possible, instead of the usual hotels.  The architecture of these properties is uniquely Moroccan and the hospitality is outstanding.  My wife and I had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  

Yussoff, a man of few words,  was our very calm and safe driver throughout the tour.  He always drove within the speed limit and kept a watchful eye on our safety every time we disembarked.  There would be an experienced local guide to lead us in each of the place we visited.  Local food was good, we tried the favourite tagine, shawarma, kebab ... as we stopped for lunch at the various local cafes along our way.

Overall, my wife and I are very happy with the pace of the itinerary and places we have visited during our Morocco tour.  We find the tour reasonably priced and well organised.  Credit due to Swee who made our journey worthwhile.

Places that we have visited :

*  King Hassan II mosque is a magnificent landmark to visit in Casablanca. One would be fascinated by the craftsmanship of the artisans and its architecture.

*  Marrakech has so much to offer. A walk in the souk opens one's eye in appreciating the beautiful architecture, unique culture and the local way of life.  Jemma el-Fnaa is a colourful market of local fares.  Musicians, snake charmers add to the sound and sight of a wonderful atmosphere. 

*  Jardins Majorelle is a beautiful garden.  The museum inside the garden is full of indigenous Berber artefacts once collected by the late Yves Saint Lauren.

*  Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO world heritage site in Ouarzazate is a fortified dwellings of the 17th century.

*  The Mezouga dunes overnight stay in the Sahara is an experience one should not miss. To escape the intense heat of the day, we went in on camel ride in the evening and enjoyed a Berber style bon fire. Sleeping in the tents under thousand of stars in cool desert night is a fabulous picture perfect experience. 

*  Chechaouen, also known as the Blue City is a place located at the foot of the Rif mountain where the Jewish-Andalusian art and traditions is still very much preserved.

*  Ruins of Volubilis is another UNESCO listed site of second century Roman occupation.

Mr and Mrs Tan in a textile workshop in Fez