Morocco in July

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It had a rough start. The driver who picked me up in Tangier seemed lost in Chefchauen and kept asking for directions and turning around. He dropped me off at the wrong gate in Chefchauen. He told me to ask the nice people for directions to the riad. One of the locals said he didn't know where the riad is, so I asked him to call the riad for directions. It turns out that the riad is located at a different gate. So I had to take a taxi to the correct gate. I didn't have the same problem with the drivers who picked me up in Chefchauen and Fes. They made sure there was someone to help me get to the riad. The guided visits were informative, especially when it came to showing me the way back to the riad without getting lost. It was the right length, so that I have time to explore on my own. I was 2hrs late to the guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou and half an hour late to the guided tour of Marrakesh. I have no problem being late as there are extenuating circumstances that prevents from arriving on time. However I was not pleased with the fact the guides were not informed of this. I told the driver to call the hotel that I will be late. I don't know if he did or not. But what I did know is that guides were waiting at the hotel until I arrived. All the riads I stayed at were exceptional, especially the one in Chefchauen. I felt like I was living like a queen.

No one will ever know your travel style! It changes due to airline availability, level of food and board, adventure style, number of people traveling, timing... Get my drift? Evaneos.com recommended travel expert Brahim for us. From the first inquiry  Brahim who spoke and wrote perfect english was on it. We started planning our journey and while we had read a little he knew so much more. You're planning in summer? Please postpone, it can be 120s south of the mountains, desert and valleys. Multiple family members from different global positions, no worries, he'll plan the pickups, overnight accommodations and departures.Enjoy adventure and personal/family time,lol, he will include them. Guides, done. All was easily communicated and updated with links to a grander travel plan allowing modifications, and personal nuances.     One thing we couldn't realize we're the distances from point-to-point.  Our carefully selected driver Rashid spoke English having been educated in Morocco and desirous to explain and explore the uniqueness of his country with tourism in mind. A 7 seat spotless minivan for the 4 of us to sleep or watch the tiered verdant valleys, rough Rif mountains, valleys, plains and buttes, desert oases and gorges ending in the majestic peak of the Atlas mountains was perfectly selected. Not one 'control-stop' by the 'guardians' of the state in this King led monarchy occured to check the vehicle or personal papers occured. Timing for stops for coffee or tea and typical Moroccan egg sandwiches, salads and tagine lunch's; exploring lively ancient Medinas, saharan Berber and Muslim kasbas, scarf shopping before our camel ride (and sand storm), who to visit and where; Imperial cities and holy towns, Roman ruins, Imperial Cities and hikes over the Rif, through Toda oasis, Toudra and Dades Gorge, over the Ziz river oasis, tiny clean and modest dars, splendid riads, magnificent kasbahs, guided tours of cities, medinas, suggested restaurants and eateries, cautions and so much more were  choreagaphed by Brahim and his talented Band of Brothers! Brahim or a cohort was available to arrange modifications as needed due to personal tastes, delays and just life among the great mix of Berbers, Muslim, Christians and Jews with African, Middle Eastern, Maghreb and Iberian-Moorosh blends emanating from the first born homo sapiens of our 'modern' (70,000) year anthrocene.  Brahim and all the layers he worked with above and below him were great. We recommend him and his recommendations without reservation. 5 stars plus!

The journey in the desert was one of the best part of the trip. I also enjoy the visit of the gorge, the visits of the kasbas. We had the best transporter Rachid. A safe driver, polite, punctual and educated.