Gnawa Music Festival is a celebration of the mysterious music of the Gnawas, the product of a mystic tradition with branches as widespread as Haitian voodoo and Brazilian Candomblé. (Private Tour)
Overall operator rating 9.3/10 from 6 trip reviews
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We are now back home after a lovely holiday in Morocco. Morocco is beautiful and the people are very warm and friendly.
With one or two exceptions, we have no major complaints with the tour. Our driver Mohamed was excellent; he was helpful and sorted out our problems in no time at all. He drove at a good pace and was also informative. He also ensured that we were comfortable and were enjoying the trip.
The Riads are beautiful but I think that for the first two at least, they were not quite suitable for the winter. They were too cold and would have been quite lovely if we were there in the summer. All the other riads were not only excellent but their staff and hospitality were impeccable.
The tour itself was just nice, not too long and not too short (I sound like Goldilocks) Hisham, our guide in Fez was good. He was very knowledgeable and very informative.
Other than the cold riads, (and the fact that my son had food poisoning on the second day in Fez) we were very happy with the tour and would recommend this tour and the tour operator highly
Morocco is a beautiful country and I thought the most ‘undersold’ parts were the best – Fes & surrounds, Ourika Valley. I found Marrakech a bit disappointing and Casablanca a big bore (but perhaps both were because I ended up travelling alone – not intended – and hence could not enjoy the night life). The amount of construction on the seafront areas of the Atlantic coast was quite a surprise and limits what one can actually see. Next time I would add the Med coast; the Sahara and the Southern part of the country to my itinerary.
Services provided by the operator were generally good, although the itinerary provided was a bit different to the actual one (it almost seemed as though the person writing the itinerary had not been to many of the places as some suggestions were impractical – e.g. a routing from Ourika Valley to Fes via Meknes and Rabat in a single day!).
The driver and guides provided were all well informed and well spoken but somewhat inclined to ‘guide’ me to places where the intent was largely to get me to shop (which, after a credit card challenge in Marrakech, I was disinclined towards). The mountain guide in the Ourika Valley was magnificent, very patient and helpful on the rather strenuous hike.
My planned travel companion had visa problems (she is South African but lives in Nigeria and couldn’t get a visa – which as South Africans is a requirement – due to problems with her Nigerian work permit) and had to cancel at the last minute (after her planned arrival). Obviously, expecting a refund on the travel or accommodation was unrealistic given the late cancellation and the operator offered to give her a 20% discount if she books through them again.
The ‘personalised’ tour (i.e. own car and driver, rather than sharing with a bus load of others) was fantastic and the accommodation was superb throughout. If I return to Morocco, I would plan for something similar.
Visiting Morocco was an exciting and unforgettable experience: the people, the landscapes, the cities, the food, everything was just wonderful. We absolutely enjoyed it.
As mentioned by the operators advertisements, we are back home “with plenty of tales of Arabian days and nights”; I can still smell the spices, the flowers, the fresh of the Ourika valley. By the way, Mr Karim kindness and hospitality at the Kasbah Omar has to be highlighted. He also helped us in exploring the beautiful valley leading us in two wonderful walks.
The trip went on as planned. Riads and hotels were great, as well as restaurants and foods in our dinners. Guides and visits were very well coordinated. Everything on time and the trip fulfilled every word committed by the tour operator in the package we bought.
Said, the driver that spent with us the whole visit, was perfect; always on time, ready to help us in every question we asked, excellent driver, at all times taking care of our safety and comfort. Meeting Said is part of the nice memories we have from our trip.
Summing up and for the requested feedback, I would qualified my holiday with a 100. Hope to visit Morocco again!!!!
Thank you for your assistance in passing on our enquiry to such an efficient company. We think the trip was one of the best we have taken.
We had a wonderful time with our driver Mohamed who took very good care of us throughout. It was great that he was always there to pick us up from outings which made for a very stress free trip. His driving, in sometimes very difficult conditions such as heavy snow in the High Atlas was to be commended. We feel we saw much more than was in the itinerary and people we have since spoken to have been amazed at what we actually fitted into the twelve days.
Regarding the dinners, all included, we could not fault them from the Styze club in Marrakech to the homecooked meals in the Riads.
By chance we were invited to a Berber wedding which was being held next to our Riad out of Marrakech which was a real bonus. Stayed with it till midnight. A lot of fun.
Even though we were guided everywhere, we felt we got to experience the local flavour and so believe our trip was wonderful value. Because of the spread of accomodation the operator supplied from very good small riads to the opulent riad in Fez we feel we have certainly seen a wide cross section of Moroccan life.
Finally, thanks to them for organising all this at what was very short notice. It all went very smoothly thanks to Mohamed.
I'd like to inform you that we had the most amazing and out-of-this-world experience while vacationing in Morocco.
Our driver Abdel was not only very careful and cordial but also extremely hospitable and eager to share with us the Moroccan lifestyle. We are most appreciative of him opening up his home for a home-made chicken cous-cous meal with his lovely family. It truly made our trip more than personal now that we have a 'new family' in Morocco!
We will highly recommend this trip with this company to our friends who have seen, from our pictures, the many splendors of Moroc!
We hope to travel back very soon as we know there are many other treasures yet to be seen!
Again, we give our highest marks to your agency and it's tour guides/driver.
We returned last Tuesday from Spain and Morocco. I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we all had.
Our driver Abdul was waiting for us when we got off the boat in Tangier with a very nice and comfortable van. Abdul did a wonderful job. He was a great driver and was always punctual and very helpful.
Our stay at the Riad in Fez was wonderful. The staff was so attentive. Our rooms and the courtyard and garden areas were just beautiful. We had a very enjoyable day in Fez with our guide Abdul (another Abdul) and a delicious dinner with entertainment at Maison Blue.
The following day we really enjoyed Meknes, Volubilis, lunch at Moulay Idriss and finally Chefchaoen. What a beautiful town. Our Riad here, although not as luxurious as the one in Fez, was so conveniently located near the main square.
The people of Morocco were very friendly and welcoming to us.
We were all very impressed with the beautiful mosaics in all the buildings we visited but the most pleasant surprise of all was the delicious food. We absolutely loved the Moroccan salads, pastilla, and the tajines, and fresh fruits and most of all the mint tea. When I got home, I bought a Moroccan cookbook immediately.
If there was one complaint, it was that all the interesting presentations in Fez (ceramics, carpet, tannery, cloth ) also included a bit of high pressure sales after the presentation. All three couples bought mosaic tables which we are looking forward to enjoying in our yards here in California.
Thank you to the operator for organizing a trip to Morocco that we will never forget.
Itinerary
Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival 14th Edition
23 - 26 June 2011 - Essaouira
It takes place on the last of June for 4 days, and the exact dates would be available soon!
A picturesque port painted in blue and white, Essaouira is the ideal resort that most travelers dream of when they think of North Africa: laid-back and yet vibrant, atmospheric and relaxing.
The town's status as an independent travelers' favorite makes it the perfect venue for a festival devoted to the feats of the Gnawas, best known for their tasseled hats, which spin wildly as the musicians rock, entranced by their own music. Artists appearing include the best musicians of the genre as well as performers from around the world.
Originating through a cross-pollination of African magic and Islamic rituals, the Gnawa brotherhoods form a structured unit around a Master, who leads music and dancing until the participants are in a state of trance. The mesmerizing rhythms of the drums, the guenbri (a form of lute) and the hand-held garagab (metal castanets) lead performers into a trance-like state - during religious ceremonies, Gnawas have even been known to impale themselves on swords or beat their heads with iron balls without sustaining any visible external injuries.
Faint-hearted visitors will be pleased to know that the Essaouira Festival does not feature such extreme performances: the program focuses on the purely musical elements of Gnawa tradition and their influence on African-inspired music.
I T I N E R A R Y -10 Days
We can customize your trip for 10 days including the number of days that you would like to join the Festival in addition to exploring the rest of Morocco according to your interest for USD 2250 per person and minimum 2 people.
If you don't have any specific activities or areas of interest, and would prefer that we suggest some to you, please let us know.
Note:
To make your trip shorter or longer than 10 days, please let us know and we can customize it for you accordingly.
"2 people with a private car and English speaking Guide" "3 people or more with a private luxury van and English speaking guide"
Sample Itinerary
I T I N E R A R Y # 1
After your arrival to Casablanca or Marrakech airport, your expert driver would escort you to your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 1, 2 & 3 - Essaouira Festival
Day 3 - Ourika You will explore one of the most beautiful and unspoiled valleys of the High Atlas Valley of Ourika rises gently up to the preliminary hills of the High Atlas where small typical villages have nested. It is a pure and magnificent place where silence is only " disturbed " by birds singing, water streams and wagtails. Ourika is famous for its pottery, minerals and crystal.
If it is Monday, Thursday or Friday, you will visit the bustling weekly souk of the Valley.
A couple of hours trekking to explore one of the hidden water falls.
A cup of tea within a Berber family to have a taste of the Berber life style.
Dinner and overnight at your luxury Kasbah Omar at Anrar Mountain of Ourika.
Day 4 - 5 hours trekking to explore the hidden water villages of the high atlas From our Berber village Anrar at Douar Tafza until we reach the Berber hamlet of Oualmes (1150m) to start our 5 hour hike across the river and up along a narrow winding hillside path surrounded by fields of corn towards Anins and the through the col (1670m) where you have lunch at the Berber village of Tizin-Oucheg. From here You you'll continue your Berber adventure to explore the hidden village of Agard then to Anamer villlage followed by a short trek that would bring you back to Tazintoute village at 1148m) where you shall cross the Assif Ourika to get to your vehicle for your return to your Anrar village around 7.00 in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at the luxury Berber Kasbah Omar at Anrar village in Ourika.
Traditional Moroccan bath & massage is available at Kasbah Omar with extra cost and by reservation only....... if you are interested, please let us know! ($90pp)
Day 5 - Marrakech An enchanting palm oasis set against the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is Morocco's second oldest majestic imperial city and retains the splendor of its ancient past. Buildings are blushed in hues of rosy earth, and horse-drawn carriages clip along broad avenues lined with palm, lime and orange trees. Donkeys carrying carts trawl past fragrant gardens of roses, honeysuckle and jasmine.
Explore the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, now populated by a sentry of nesting storks, enter the ancient royal Saadian Tombs, explore the vibrant and historic Jewish mellah where some of the best jewelry is found in Morocco, and view the majestic Koutoubia Mosque before entry into the 9th century walled medina.
Dinner and overnight at your luxury riad at the old city of Marrakech.
Day 6 - Marrakech You’ll explore the rest of Marrakech... including the Eve Saint Laurent garden, the ancient Menara pool ... followed by a tour around the ancient Medina wall and the palmeraie ride.
The night beats in the heart of the old city's famed square, Djemaa el-Fna, where delectable fare is grilled over coals in the bustling torch-lit open-air markets. Mystical snake charmers, hustlers and mischievous monkeys are part of the nightly drama unfolding as Berber acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and engaging storytellers seduce rapt crowds. Wind your way through the serpentine labyrinth of the spice-filled air of the bustling souk, unchanged for over 1000 years, where you'll discover the best of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
You'll cap off your evening at the spectacular dinner event, Fantasia, where we’ll bear witness to a splendid dramatic display of Arabian Nights, belly dancing, folkloric troupes, and stately Arabian steeds charging in dynastic battles as of yore.
Overnight stay at your riad at the old city of in Marrakech.
Day 7 - Rabat - Meknes - Fez A couple of hours drive for some of Rabat's highlights... the capital of the kingdom of Morocco......... the Kasbah des Oudaias, situated on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find magnificent views. Inside the gates discover artisan galleries, an ornate 17th century palace now part of the Musée des Oudaia (Museum of Moroccan Arts), and the beautiful Andalusian Gardens near the famous Tour Hassan, a 12th century minaret intended to be the highest and the largest in the Muslim world. And not to be missed in the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and King Hassan’s stately official palace.
After, you travel past centuries-old olive groves and vineyards we near Meknes, the Ismalian capital, famous for its 25-mile-long walls - and, not to mention excellent wine - where ......... Heading to port Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis, journey back thousands of years including some of Meknes highlights.
Dinner and lodging at your luxury riad in Fez.
Day 8 - Fez Fez is the holiest city in the Islamic world after Mecca and Medina. Founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Moulay Idriss II, and barely unchanged, this enchanting city has been a seat of government, philosophy, medicine and most notably religion since then. Fez, the best surviving example of an ancient Arab city, is comprised of the "new" city, established in the 12th century, and the 2,000-year-old medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still trawl alongside buyers through the ancient market, itself a fascinating maze of lanes, blind alleys and bustling souks assaulting the senses with spices and exotic delicacies. Fez is the perfect place to hone your bargaining skills in buying souvenirs, brightly colored hand-loomed carpets or fine crafted artisan goods. Visit the famous leather tanneries, a honeycomb of vats erupting in an explosion of brilliant color. Then, climb to the venerated Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fez.
Dinner at the famous La maison Bleu.
Accommodation at your luxury riad or hotel in Fez.
Day 9 - Casablanca Discover the charm and decadent languor of Casablanca. Like a dreamy mirage, the shimmering city of white appears against the azure of the surrounding sea. Steeped in romantic mystique and intrigue, Casablanca’s whitewashed dramatic Hispano-Moorish homes lay scattered amid Art Deco jewels and an elegant city center. Its ancient Arab quarter and new medina, with undeniably French influence, mark the passage from past to present. Casablanca’s modern attitude and big-city edge makes it today the most cosmopolitan of all Moroccan cities, a vibrant economic hub with the largest port found anywhere in the Maghreb. Some of the highlights we’ll explore include the majestic Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque non-Muslims are permitted to enter in Morocco), the lively squares of Place des Nations Unies and Mohammed V— hosting some of the city’s most impressive architecture —. Dinner and overnight at your luxury hotel in Casablanca.
Day 10 - Casablanca – Transfer to the airport for your return home with plenty of Arabian nights and days.
Note: If you wish to modify or change the entire itinerary according to your interest and desire, please let us know!
Cost: $2250 per person based on double occupancy $4500 for 2Pax
What's Included: * Breakfast and dinner daily * 4* Riad, Kasbah & hotel lodging * Private luxury car, gas, tolls & English speaking driver for the entire trip * Transfers to and from airport * Knowledgeable certified guides at the Imperial cities * Museums fee * All taxes * Agency fee
Not included in package price: * International Airfare * lunch * Drinks * Travel Insurance
I T I N E R A R Y # 2
After your arrival to Casablanca or Marrakech airport, your expert driver would escort you to your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Day 1, 2 & 3 - Essaouira Festival
Day 4 – Marrakech – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate
We continue our adventure along the majestic beauty of the High Atlas Mountains, through the scenic route of Tizi n’Tichka’s lush oasis valleys …..mountainous areas highly popular with trekkers…….Berber villages….. and Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou on your way to Ouarzazate........ was built by the French in the 1920s, and has since been a frequent location for Hollywood film shoots. You’ll visit one another famous kasbahs of Morocco, Tifoultoute, used as a hotel for the cast of Lawrence of Arabia in the 1960s. Although it was once protected by a powerful dynasty, now its only guards are a sentry of large storks nesting atop its towers.......... You will visit the Moroccan MGM Film Studio.
Dinner at restaurant Kasbah.
B&B at your luxury hotel in Ouarzazate.
Day 5 - Boumalne du Dades - Tinghir - Todra Gorges - Camel ride & overnight in Merzouga
After a special Berber breakfast, You’ll depart for Tinghir, traveling the rugged Road of a Thousand Kasbahs that rise up like turreted sand castles along this ancient caravan trading route. This area has long been a popular location for Hollywood films such as The Last Temptation of Christ, Jewel of the Nile, and most recently Hideous Kinky. The central region is one of the most exciting and romantic destinations of Morocco nestled along rich river valleys, palmeries and burnished mud-brick homes ablaze in vibrant color under the shelter of the blue desert sky.
You'lltravel through the Dadès Valley past dramatic escarpments and plunging gorges via Tinerhir through the gorges..........then a drive to Merzouga for a Camel ride and dinner and overnight at a bedwin / Nomad tent to have a taste of the Nomad life style.
Day 6 - Merzouga -Boumalne du Dades – Todra Gorges - Tinghir
After a special Berber breakfast, we’ll depart for Todra Gorges , traveling the rugged Road of a Thousand Kasbahs that rise up like turreted sand castles along this ancient caravan trading route. This area has long been a popular location for Hollywood films such as The Last Temptation of Christ, Jewel of the Nile, and most recently Hideous Kinky. The central region is one of the most exciting and romantic destinations of Morocco nestled along rich river valleys, palmeries and burnished mud-brick homes ablaze in vibrant color under the shelter of the blue desert sky. We’ll travel through the Dadès Valley past dramatic escarpments and plunging gorges via Tinghir.
Dinner and overnight at your luxury Kasbah in Tinghir.
Day 7 – Kalat Megouna – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ourika Valley (High Atlas Mountains)
A stop at Kalat Megouna… follwed by a short drive to Ouarzazate for lunch….. Then you continue your adventure along the majestic beauty of the High Atlas Mountains, through the scenic route of Tizi n’Tichka’s lush oasis valleys and mountainous areas highly popular with trekkers. You’ll stop for lunch at one of the Berber villages on your way to Ourika / High Atlas Montains past a pageantry of fragrant, dense pine and cedar forests, terraced farms and sienna mud-brick Berber villagesto visit the Berber village of Anrar and to have a taste of the Berber life style by having a cup of tea within a Berber family.
Afternoon, Hammam (Moroccan Bath) and massage…. (optional)
Dinner and overnight at your luxury Kasbah Omar at the village of Anrar.
Day 8 - Marrakech
An enchanting palm oasis set against the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is Morocco's second oldest majestic imperial city and retains the splendor of its ancient past. Buildings are blushed in hues of rosy earth, and horse-drawn carriages clip along broad avenues lined with palm, lime and orange trees. Donkeys carrying carts trawl past fragrant gardens of roses, honeysuckle and jasmine.
Explore with your certified guide the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, now populated by a sentry of nesting storks, enter the ancient royal Saadian Tombs, explore the vibrant and historic Jewish mellah where some of the best jewelry is found in Morocco, and view the majestic Koutoubia Mosque before entry into the 9th century walled medina.
You’ll cap off our journey at the dinner event of Fantasia as we bear witness to a splendid dramatic display of Arabian Nights filled with belly dancing, folkloric troupes, and stately Arabian steeds charging in dynastic battles as of yore.
Accommodation at your luxury hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 9 - Marrakech
Explore the rest of Marrakech for the second day by visiting the Eve Saint Laurent garden, the ancient Menara pool, the palmerai ride followed by a tour around the ancient Medina wall. The night beats in the heart of the old city's famed square, Djemaa el-Fna, where delectable fare is grilled over coals in the bustling torch-lit open-air markets. Mystical snake charmers, hustlers and mischievous monkeys are part of the nightly drama unfolding as Berber acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and engaging storytellers seduce rapt crowds. Wind your way through the serpentine labyrinth of the spice-filled air of the bustling souk, unchanged for over 1000 years, where you'll discover the best of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Traditional dinner at the famous restaurant Stylia from the 15th century. B&B at your luxury hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 10 - Marrakesh Transfer to Marrakech airport for your return home with plenty of tales of Arabian days and nights.
Cost: $2250 per person based on double occupancy $4500 for 2Pax
What's Included: Breakfast and dinner daily Four-star hotel and riad lodging and all transportation Transfers to and from airport Knowledgeable certified guides Camel ride in the Sahara Private car, gas & driver for the entire trip Museums fee All taxes
Not included in package price: International Airfare Lunch Drinks Travel Insurance
2 years and under are free of charge 2 – 6 years old 75% off 7-11 years old 50% off 12 years old & up full cost
What's Included: Breakfast and dinner daily Four-star hotel and riad lodging and all transportation Transfers to and from airport Knowledgeable certified guides Festival Fee Private car, gas & driver for the entire trip All taxes
Not included in package price: International Airfare Lunch Drinks Travel Insurance
Note: Private guided tour---Not a group tour. If it is over your budget-----Hotels can be changed for lower. Upgrade to 5* or 5*deluxe accommodation is available.
We can't make the sun shine, or the rain fall, but we can promise to do everything in our power to ensure an unforgettable and exceptional visit to Morocco. I hope you'll join us.
