33 independent reviews for Luxury trekking holiday in the Atlas Mountains
Reviews for Luxury trekking holiday in the Atlas Mountains
Roger Johnston review 19 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The people are just fantastic2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The tipping process is a bit stressful, which is not something I expected - and I am not clear that 100% of the tips go to the person being tipped, which would be very stressful if that is the case. So as a tip for others, make sure you understand what is expected and make sure you get enough local currency (which wasn't easy at the airport)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Speaking to lots of local people, it seems that they really are grateful for returning tourists/hikers, to help recover from the earthquake. I didn't see any environmental impact reduction or conservation support initiatives personally4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved so so much about it. Our guide Omar was fantastic. The staff at the Kasbah were just so kind and welcoming (other than maybe the owner who was more "reserved"). The food both at the Kasbah and mountain lodge and even more so at lunch in the mountains was just fantastic. Mohammad, the chef in the mountains, was amazing. A few bits at the edges where I felt less comfortable, but otherwise, we had an amazing 5 daysPaul Lee review 25 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it was memorable the accommodation is both a wonderful place to stay with great food service and hospitality the setting can allow for just a peaceful time in just enjoying the local area or trekking to what ever level is comfortable but so pleased it was our base for the Toubkal ascent each day gave us new and different experiences both the guide and the muleteers were friendly and helpful but did feel the guide tended to set a good pace and be a good few paces ahead of us at all times and some times out of eye sight he did always wait until we caught up also had hoped that perhaps there would be slightly more interaction and conversation although he would answer any questions raised2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider your route if planning the ascent we had initially booked to do the easier route (this can be subjective) we returned to Imlil via this route and would certainly not discount it however after discussion with our guide he felt the longer route would give us a greater experience and it certainly did, would highly recommend but as stated in the literature it is for (very experienced walkers) and I would not of placed myself in this group but do a reasonable amount of various activities and had put in some considerable training prior to this, it was all needed yet pretty demanding, but spending the extra time in the mountains and seeing the spectacular scenery and stopping at the refuge hugely added to it all.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel by simply going on the trip it ensures some money must come into the local community if only in a small way with the employment of local guides, muleteers, purchases of local goods etc. But obviously we must be mindful of our own footprint and do what ever we can take refillable bottles the accommodation has filtered water available so top up it saves on some plastic not aware of any areas as regards to conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
For me this was a very special trip that really did give a great sense of adventure and very much a physical and mental challenge highly rate all aspects of it and would recommend to all.Alan Gibson review 28 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking in the Atlas Mountains2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Avoid the low season; it's quite hot3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
5% of the money paid goes towards assisting the local population.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very goodRosali Pretorius review 29 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking from Kasbah to trekking lodge2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Can travel light, no need for towels or torch if staying in Kasbah and trekking lodge3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The Berbers in the Imlil valley are poor but keen to support education4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent thank youGavin Rodgers review 22 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it. The food, accommodation and the landscape was fabulous. As was the hospitality of the Moroccan people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ask lots of questions of your guide. They are a font of knowledge.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The only disappointing thing was the amount of rubbish and litter.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Loved it.Regina Gambino review 12 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There was no part of the trip that was not memorable. We enjoyed everything, the warm hospitality, the lovely setting, our guide, hammam, the food (delicious). The most exciting part was the hiking.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you exchange enough local currency for tips and things to buy.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people insofar as we spent money and helped them with their livelihoods. Not sure if we reduced environmental impact as we did fly from Europe and drove to the location in a private car. I suppose our tourism was "responsible" in that we tried not to use or leave plastic. And except for driving from Marakesh to Toubkal and back, we did not use any vehicles during our stay.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very high. We were very happy with the trip and would recommend it others who are looking for a more authentic vacation.Lee Searle review 13 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The location and the excellent service and the staff2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it, it is amazing3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
AmazingChris - review 2 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking over the passes to and from the trekking lodge and the stunning scenery and vistas this opened up. In addition the lunches provided by our own cook on the mountains were unbelievably good.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take on board advice about respecting local traditions as we felt very comfortable even visiting local homes because we were dressed appropriately.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes as 5% went towards education for all project and all local businesses were used to feed, transport and guide us.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic - we really felt that we gained an insight into Berber life. Also stunning scenery & fantastic trekking routes. We really liked the variety of staying in both the Kasbah and the trekking lodge. We were very impressed when the owner of Kasbah and his team stepped in immediately to help & support when our guide had a family bereavement. It was a real sense of the community pulling together.Jenny Kenny review 23 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting gentle local people in rugged terrain was amazing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Learn some language, do some training & take an open mind.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We felt the trek was low footprint which we loved.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was amazing. Loved the variety of scenery, fabulous food, terrific guide, & meeting villagers and getting a sense of their life was memorable.Roddy MacLeod review 18 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The views from the Kasbah are truly wonderful. The food is excellent. The staff are great.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take good footwear3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Very much so.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Top holidayRead the operator's response here:
Thank you Roddy, we are delighted you had such a lovely holiday with us.
Linda McDonald review 24 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking through the small berber villages seeing where the animals stay at night and how the woman care for them.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Trekking was tiring but easier than I expected. No need for walking boots in early October as very dry. Also no need for insect repellent in October.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local people employed . The water at the Kasbah was fresh from a spring and freely available, thus reducing the use of plastic bottles.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
GoodGuy Crossland review 5 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking to the lodge from the Kasbah and visiting local Berber villages2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have a guide.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Very much so.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic-really loved it and would like to get to summit of Toubkal.Marion Hills review 6 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning about and experiencing the Berber way of life including having tea and freshly baked bread as a guest in a village house. Accommodation and all meals were outstanding and beyond expectations.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Good supportive hiking footwear is essential along with walking poles to cope with the testing terrain.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefited the local people through employment plus our 5% contribution to local infrastructure, medical and education.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely loved our time trekking with our fantastic guide , Mohamed and the friendly helpful staff at the accommodation and the Trekking Lodge.Steve Schinagel review 6 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
From the moment we were dropped off in the car at the bottom of the village and then had a mule carry out luggage up to the Kasbah, we felt immersed in the Berber culture. Lunches on the hikes with our guide were an unforgettable experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Staying at the Kasbah is not cheap but it does represent value for money, and eveything you could want is included. A great introduction to berber culture and hiking the high Atlas while still living in comfort and safety. We were there the middle of November and were lucky with the weather as it was still reasonably mild. We did experience the first snowfall on the high peaks which added a magical dimension to the views.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The kasbah seems to have a genuine ethos of looking after the environment and the local community. You can sense the staff feel part of a team and there is a pride in working for the Kasbah4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful experienceJames Lee review 27 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking in the remote Azzaden valley through the local villages.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We packed everything on the suggested packing list for this holiday but didn't need all of it - for example head torches, mosquito repellent. Also, all the accommodation had toilet roll! If you have dietary requirements it's best to tell your guide as they are not always passed on to the cook who will accompany you walking but once they know they can easily deal with it (I'm a vegetarian)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people, yes. Our guide was local and told us on more than one occasion that tourism in the area was a positive thing. The Kasbah is keen to reduce plastic waste by having drinking water available from a spring but plastic bottles are still required for the remote lodge.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The Berbers we met and who ran it were all very friendly and welcoming. Our guide Abdul Aztat was constantly going out of his way to make sure we were ok and made our trip extra special.Read the operator's response here:
Hi James,
Thanks for your feedback, we have taken it all on board. On your point about water bottles. We continue to try to reduce plastic in the area and we also have a water filter at our trekking lodge.
Paul Quarry review 22 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The trek with our guide Abdelislaam over to the Azzaden valley and two nights at the Kasbahs remote lodge. A beautiful walk - some steep ascents but not too tough. Great, Great food cooked by Omar at the lodge. And the chance to experience life in the High Atlas villages. It was apple harvest, they were bringing the boxes of apples down from the orchards to ship to town. They offered us free samples as they ran past. I'll always remember the taste of those apples...2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If the Kasbah is full, Dar Imlil is a fine alternative. It doesn't quite have the position or history, but the rooms are just fabulous.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were shown the Education for All work to help the girls of the high Atlas get secondary education. It's clear tourism is having some negative impacts too...lots of fairly ugly development in Imlil and rubbish is a problem. But Berber culture here is strong the tourist money is encouraging younger people to stay in the mountains.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
really excellent. Communications throughout was first class. We came away feeling good about our trip on every level.Mickey Pettiford review 27 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The mountains, the weather, the people that looked after us so well2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you enjoy spectacular scenery, lovely accommodating people and superb local cuisine. Go for it3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people definitely benefit but they need more education regarding dumping rubbish. We saw too much litter and wrappers especially when passing through villages.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
About 9/10Fiona Betournay review 13 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The days trekking in the mountains but particularly the day spent hiking around the remote trekking lodge in the Azzadin Valley. It was a unique experience walking through the spectacular countryside and going through the Berber villages.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take toiletries. Only soap is provided in the Kasbah and remote trekking lodge so you need your own shampoo etc. It would have been nice to have more information beforehand on the length if the walks, elevation etc just to have an idea. It is all discussed with the guide when you get there but we all would have like to have known beforehand what we were likely to encounter.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope it benefited local people by us using local people for our travel and by our getting an insight into how they lived and worked. It is unlikely to have reduced environmental impact just by the fact that we were there.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A unique experience enjoyed by all of us. Well organised from start to finish and especially enhanced by our wonderful guide Mohamed. He was professional throughout but was also amusing, entertaining and a wealth of local knowledge. It was great to get even a small insight into the lives of the Berber people and we would not have been able to do it without him.Donald Stewart review 23 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hiking in the High Atlas and meeting the Berber people. Marrakech was crazy but great fun. The mountains are just amazing and seeing how the Berbers farm was fascinating. Flowers, apple, cherry and irises, were everywhere. The landscape was much greener than we had expected.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for any weather conditions in the mountains and try to spend at least one night at the Trekking Lodge- Mohammed's cooking really needs to be tried to appreciate his skill. If you are in Marrakech do not miss the Saandian Tombs, the Secret Garden and everything at the Jardin Majorelle (get here as early as possiblebut no later tha 8.30/9.00 a.m). The Souks are mad but what a wonderful experience. Take enough local currency to properly tip your guide and other helpers.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we had tea with a widowed lady so contributed to her income. Thoroughly agree with the 5% levy and we plan to be supporters of Education For All Morocco. The Berber people were wonderful - kind, generous, helpful and friendly4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
JUST GREAT !!Maria Thi Mai review 4 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting the Berber people, learning the culture, the trek, remote villages and scenery2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be open and suspend stereotypes of Islamic culture. Be prepared to trek over rocky ground if doing multi-day trek. Bring sturdy footwear, layers of clothes, sun and wool hat. Bring pencils and toothbrushes to share with village children, small change for tips. Bring water bottle to fill, and grocery bag or backpack for carrying stuff. Pack light and give extra clothes and shoes to mountain stores in village.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Mixed.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
See photos on Flickr and feel free to share. https://flickr.com/photos/57253468@N08/sets/72157707709508495Andrew Cupit review 8 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking in the mountains to Azzaden valley and back to Imlil.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Allow at least 10% extra for tips. Even though it was not obligatory, the locals all seem to expect it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
GreatRead the operator's response here:
Tipping our guides and staff at the Kasbah du Toubkal is absolutely discretionary and there is a tip box for this so our staff do not know how much you have tipped and anything approaching 10% would be above the average. Our freelance guides are paid fully for their services and guests should only tip if they want to do. There should be no obligation.
Paul Watling review 8 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were lots. The views are stunning. The accommodation (both in the mountains and in Marrakech) is great. The food is terrific - the best tagine that we had was cooked 'on the hoof' by Ibrahim during our trek back to the kasbah. The people that we met in the mountains were, without exception, friendly. Everything was superbly organised and presented.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go deluxe, it's worth it, you get a bath and after a day's hiking you need to ease those aching legs. The hiking is tough, but OK. If you're after a gentle stroll, this may not be for you. There are some strenuous ascents and descents over periods of a couple of hours each way.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Never sure about this. We had tea with a Berber family which was a direct contribution. But otherwise it's very much down to the people you pay for the trip and how that money gets distributed into the community. Environmentally, Morocco is a young country - there's a lot of mess. They're aware of it, slightly embarrassed about it and dealing with it, gradually.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Top notch. We had a great guide - Mohammed from the trek - spoke excellent English, had a great sense of humour and chatted about everything - a real education for us. We preferred the mountains to the claustrophobic atmosphere in Marrakech, but enjoyed both.Liz Alun-Jones review 4 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking through the Atlas Mountains.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need to be fairly fit for the treks to the mountain lodge it is a long hard slog in the heat!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Lots of information on how this company supports the community.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Great staff and lovely accommodation exactly as described on the information.Craig Perry review 26 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The views from the trekking were my favourite part and settling down after a hard days trek to a nice comforting meal and relax. The lunches during the trek. They were wonderful in great locations and we loved the local chef prepared salads and beans with a lovely view. (sitting on a lovely comfy mat) with stunning views.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring good grippy shoes, waterproof trousers and sun block3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good, Had a lovely time in the calm of the countryside, Moroccan hosts were very good hosts and extremely helpful. One little thing to note. I found the tipping process a little uncomfortable. Is there not a way you could leave something in a envelope at the end of holiday for each person you have been with.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you very much Craig for your feedback, we are delighted you had a wonderful stay with us.
The tipping information that we send you in advance is there to help you and any tips that you give is because you want to personally thank individuals perhaps particularly your trekking team, there is no compulsion to tip and at the Kasbah we have a communal tipping box. If anyone would prefer to leave a collective envelope that is always possible.
Lynne Kingsbury review 31 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is not a "hotel" in the normal sense, but a true " Berber hospitality centre" which makes it memorable and special. The location straddled across the valley is stunning, the accommodation was atmospheric and charming. Our room was decorated in Berber style and was very comfortable. What you are experiencing here is genuine Berber hospitality, delicious local food and extremely welcoming and hospitable people from the local village who cannot do enough to make you feel welcome and share their unique culture and values with you. The staff in the accommodation were attentive to every need. We stayed for 5 nights and took a treking package. Each morning, Ibraheim, our assigned local guide would meet with us in the accommodation to discuss how long a trek we would like that day and the route for each days trek. We were accompanied by a cook with a mule who went on ahead and laid out a gorgeous Berber picnic for us. The treking package was perfect, we had long talks with our guide while walking, learning much about the local culture, Islam and village life . What the founders of the accommodation have done to support the local village and especially girls education is truly remarkable and their efforts deserve to be well supported. If you are a culturally sensitive person who enjoys the opportunity to engage with lives very different to your own, the opportunity for exercise and to experience a unique place in the world ( in comfort) , the accommodation is not to be missed. You do need to be sensitive to the Call to Prayer in rural areas of Morocco and that this is why the men might need to disappear for 20 minutes or so. My husband is planning to return to the accommodation to climb Mt Toukbal, I would take any excuse to return and sit up on that beautiful roof top terrace again feeling on top of the world.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Adding the treking package and staying for 5 nights at the Kasbah was well worth it . We also included 2 nights in Marrakech which was fabulous, not so keen on Essouira, could have given that a miss.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, use the treking guides, buy carpets and gifts in the local village. The local Berber people told us the difference the place has made to their village4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fabulous experience, not to be missedPaul Green review 23 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beautiful scenery, great hospitality and it worked with a family including two teenagers and two less than fit parents, even if we resorted to using the mule a couple of times!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it! Having a personal guide allowed us to enjoy at our pace and do routes that the guide felt would work for us - hard work but doable. Bring your own water bottles and good hats.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Very much engaged in the local community, not only through the financial contribution from but also through everyone we dealt with on the ground coming from the local villages.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Family really enjoyed it. Hard work at times, great food, great people, stunning valleys and mountains - peaceful.Marie Jones review 15 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The stay at the Kasbah was amazing, what a relaxing place, and the views are quite incredible. Sitting and having dinner by candlelight and chatting with other guests was so lovely.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take books with ankle support and don't be ashamed to use walking boots. Also take the opportunity to go alcohol free to really benefit from the mountain air and refresh body and mind.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, both trekking lodges employ locals and I definitely got a sense of how much of an influence and benefit the lodges provided to the local community.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant, the trekking was perfect, just on the right side of hardship (challenging but not too much), the scenery was spectacular and the lodges were great, cosy and comforting after long walks.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you Maria for your kind feedback, we are delighted you had such a fantastic time on our Trekking in Style trip
Gillian Newsum review 24 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Reaching the Tizi Oussem pass! Also very much enjoyed walking through the Berber villages from the trekking lodge.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you like lamb tagine. It seems to be the only meal that Mohammed, at the trekking lodge, knows how to cook. It can be cold in the evenings, so take enough clothing.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It does seem to benefit local people, especially in Imlil where they run guest houses etc as well as the cooperative shops to serve the tourist industry. The hotels and the guiding also provide work for local people. We liked the use of mules, which seems in keeping with the environment. Hopefully the trekking doesn't impinge on the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. Excellent guide with good local knowledge and very good at bird spotting! The Kasbah du Toukbal was lovely, and we were very well looked after there. The second room we had was much nicer than the first one. The Trekking lodge was a bit disappointing. The bathroom in particular looked quite tired and shabby. We had a leaking pipe which left water all over the floor behind the loo. The food was a bit uninspiring. Happy to accept that this is not intended to be more than just a simple trekking lodge, but it does need a bit of TLC.Stephen Howle review 22 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying at the Kasbah with its high quality everything, and then trekking across the pass to the Trekking Lodge and seeing the marked difference in the village there compared to Imlil.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do the trek and stay to the kodge. Make sure you read all the detailed info about what to expect as it was very helpful. Respect the no alcohol tradition of the area.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we think that there was benefit to the local people with us employing them to assist us, guiding etc. Could see that Imlil was benefitting from tourism, but the rubbish reduction overall in the valleys, except Imlil itself, was not evident.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were not met on arrival at Marrakech airport and after waiting an hour or so, had to ring one of the emergency numbers. Possibly the oversight was due to Eid. This was a disconcerting start but the Kasbah apologised for the oversight and upgraded our accommodation – which was a nice touch. However, from then on, things were really well organised and very satisfying. The guide was very polite and careful to walk at our pace and not to hurry us at any time and certainly we would not have coped without a guide. However, we felt that he was difficult to engage in any conversation and offered little information unless asked specially and then didn't expand on his short answers. We were unsure whether that was a language problem, shyness or boredom with a couple of old folk, as he spend much time speaking with the muleteers and with the lady of the houses we visited without ever telling us what they were talking about. Overall, we are very glad we did the holiday and it was very memorable.Read the operator's response here:
In response to question 3:
We have a rubbish clearance system but it is far from perfect and in fact today (24 sept 2017) Mike McHugo met with the governor of the region who said he/the Moroccan authorities would get involved to help – something we have been trying to achieve since we started the village association in 1997 so hopefully we will see further progress.
The quantity of food is almost always more than our guests can eat – it is in many ways a part of Moroccan/Arabic culture “a guest is a gift from god” But rest assured the food does not get wasted.
And in response to question 4:
We are sorry you experienced a transport problem during Eid. We always make sure clients are fully advised of the contact details of the Kasbah transport and who they should ring in the event of a driver being delayed
Mary Flynn review 22 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking from Imlil to the Azzedin valley and back, and the amazing "picnic" feasts served on both days.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The Kasbah and the Trekking lodge are not "luxury" in conventional sense. They are appropriate to location but maybe slightly on pricey side, esp the lodge.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Lots of locals get employment, including the mulateers. The 5% added tax has brought visible benefit to the local area.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. If the accommodation costs were a little lower would say 10/10. The staff were friendly and helpful and we got such a good insight into Berber life.Ulf Karmeback review 20 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hiking with our local guide Abdel who is a very gentle and intelligent person to spend time with.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Respect the rich culture of the Berber people and enjoy the freshness of being in the High Atlas mountains.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As we didn't bring anything to the area that we left behind, drank only freshwater from the tap, gave a polite little "tip" to everyone who assisted us, we surely reduced environmental impacts and benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A true experience together with local people.Colin Ingram review 19 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking in the High Atlas Mountains and learning about the local people from our guide.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a good pair of boots and a big appetite (the size of the meals are amazing).3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Kasbah deserves top marks in all three areas. At first we only wanted a guide for our daily treks (there is also a mule and cook who joints you at lunch time) as we normally only have a light meal during the day, but we realised that this was all part of increasing the local employment. Within the Kasbah efforts are made to reduce their environmental impact, apart from water usage, however, there was surplus water available in the area. During our walks we spoke to our guide about the rubbish that was around the villages and he informed us that the Kasbah sponsored rubbish collection. We picked up some plastic bags on the trail and the guide joined in. Morocco is going to ban plastic bags so this problem should reduce in the future.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a wonderful holiday, the staff, guide, locals and countryside were great.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you very much Colin, we are pleased you had such a lovely stay and we were happy to be able to help arrange it for you.
Shireen Kassam review 5 May 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The stunning location and great service from all staff involved2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Need to have a head for heights and average or above fitness3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent Only comments and this is personal view is that it may have been nice to have more activities at the lodge itself like cooking classes or yogaRead the operator's response here:
Dear Shireen,
Thank you for your review. We are pleased you enjoyed the views so much.
In regards for having to have ahead for heights, it is true that for the Trek to our remote trekking lodge in the Azzaden valley, people need to be reasonable walkers as you start the day at the Kasbah 1,800 metres and go over a col at 2,200 metres before descending to our trekking lodge at 1,800 metres.
So the gain in altitude is 400 metres but this is doable by the great majority of people of average fitness who have done some walking.
Some of our clients take a longer walk in as they view the direct route as too short/easy.
Each of our walking tours (they are mainly private trips) tailored to your requirements and the difficulty of the trekking can be changed to some extent according to your abilities and also how many hours walking a day you want.
If you only stay at the Kasbah obviously it is not necessary to go over any cols and easier day or half treks can be arranged. We are always happy to tailor the level of difficulty can be discussed and tailored to our visitors wishes.
We do have a room suitable for yoga and yoga equipment for those guests wishing to practice yoga whilst staying at the Kasbah. We also have regular Yoga retreats run throughout the year.
Also, we offer cooking with a local Berber family and this is arranged at reception on request.
Perhaps next time you come you can enjoy these.
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