Great trip
Thank you— especially Hakim and Khalid! I’ve really enjoyed this trip. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned and well executed. For example, our cooking class was moved to the first day instead of the last, which gave us time for last-minute shopping before we left. We especially loved the chaotic 4x4 driving in the Sahara! And of course, nothing can truly capture our days in the desert — the 2-hour camel ride, the star-gazing, and seeing my first (and only!) shooting star. Truly unforgettable.
Most of the accommodation was very good, with great views and comfortable rooms. However, the accommodation in Marrakech was unfortunately not up to standard. Several bathrooms had a strong sewage smell, which was disappointing, especially as it was our first introduction to the country. Many of us agreed that we would prefer to pay slightly more for a nicer place. Most of us weren’t excited to return there on the final night either. That said, Khalid handled our feedback well and kept the mood light.
Hakim was also wonderful — always friendly, patient with our endless questions, and his driving was consistently comfortable. We definitely missed him on the last day!
Khalid was friendly, kind, and such a great sport, especially as we constantly interrogated him about his life! He kept the group engaged and laughing throughout the 9 days. My only personal feedback is that I would have liked a bit more history and cultural information along the way. Khalid organised a fun karaoke night on our last evening and always had transport ready when needed. Khalid, Hakim, and the camp team made our Sahara experience truly special — from building a fire while we stargazed to Khalid walking alongside us during the camel ride and taking amazing photos (we finally understand why you walked, Khalid!). The AI songs he created for us were such a thoughtful and unique touch. And when we mentioned wanting to try his favourite snacks, he bought them for the whole group.
One thing I would have appreciated more clarity on is the approximate extra budget needed — for tipping, additional activities like ATVs, and even things like scarves. These were more expensive than expected and used up a large portion of our initial budget. It would help future groups to know in advance that tipping is around 400 MAD, ATV is 600 MAD for two people, etc. I also loved supporting women’s organisations, but the prices were extremely high — in some cases 10x more than identical products in the souks, even with the same packaging. I don’t mind paying more to support women, but this felt misleading, and I later felt a bit scammed.
Overall, we truly enjoyed this trip and had an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Hakim, and Khalid!
And Khalid… I’m still waiting for that picture of you and your goat. 🧐
