Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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Reviews

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.

Suggestions

Just go easy on the food.   During the two back to back trips (cycling the great south as well as this highlights of Morocco) I put on 2 kg.  I don't normally take carbohydrates, but because bread is a staple of all the meals, I decided to let loose.  Anyway, two weeks after arriving home and working out consciously, I have lost them.Be pleasantly surprise if you go through 4 seasons in a day, as happened to us when we went through a snow storm in the Middle Atlas.

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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.

Suggestions

This trip is a great opporutnity to witness the geographical and cultaral diversity of Morocco.  The choice of places to visit and the length of time at each visit greatly enhanced the overall experience.I am looking forward to my next trip with Exodus.

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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.

Suggestions

Anyone wanting a great value for money holiday experience couldn't do better than this trip.   The only problem is finding something comparable for another time with a group as good as ours!!!

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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.

Suggestions

Go!

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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.

Suggestions

I really enjoyed my trip. It would definitely inspire me to book another!

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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.

Suggestions

Go on this trip - it is fantastic! Moustaffa is lovelly, Morocco is beautiful, the people are friendly and despite all the activities you end up feeling wonderfully relaxed.

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Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A great trip to a fascinating country. So much to see and do, a must for anyone with a spirit of adventure.

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.

Suggestions

A wonderful trip, it excelled my expectations in every way. So much to see and do and all arranged so well. I would highly recommend this trip.

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Reviewed February 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

This trip is a good introduction to the variety that Morocco offers, the cities, the Sahara, the High Atlas, the local villages and of course the souks of Marrakesh – mind blowing!

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!

Suggestions

Mount Toubkal here I come!

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Reviewed January 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Fantastic and memorable 2 weeks!

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.

Suggestions

1. A smaller group would have been preferable! 16 + guide and driver (18) is a large number of people. I am never going on ay trip with more than 10 people in the future. 2. A bigger minibus with at least 4 extra seats would have made the long journeys more pleasant and bearable and would definitely have prevented the bickerings that almost marred the trip. 3. The hotel in Casablanca for the 1st night was dire! There was mould on the curtains and a very musty smell in the room from that. My husband is asthmatic and this gave us issues all night. All other accommodation was ok with the exception of Sahara Auberge, Todra Gorge and the gite in the mountains. Those were spectacular and well placed!

Reply from Exodus

Thank you for your valued feedback. We have reviewed all of our hotel choices for 2013 Morocco trips and will not be using this hotel in Casablanca again.

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Reviewed January 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A good introduction to Morocco, packing in most of the country’s highlights. It was a terrific trip to a hugeley varied and interesting country – go and visit!  

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.  

Suggestions

A suggestions. Our group asked if we could take picnics some days to avoid lengthy lunches cutting in to sightseeing time, and this mostly worked well. However at Meknes, which was a lovely placewhere it would have been nice to have had lunch by the sea, we bought a picnic at our guides suggestion, but didn't get the opportunity to eat it until 4.00pm! So allow for lunch to be taken at Meknes. Also,we left Essouria (a lovely place) to get back to Marakech for a guided tour of the city the same afternoon. The tour was rushed as many of the sights were closing so we got a very hurried visit, and commuters were returning home, seemingly all at once, on mopeds, via the narrow souks. We couldn't hear the guides commentary and it was dangerous! This tour would be much better if it took place the following morning and would have given a little more time at the coast.

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