Rendez-vous Marocain
Adventure Holidays in Southern Morocco
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Rendez-vous Marocain is a privately-run Marrakech-based tour operator specializing in providing exceptional cultural tours, walking and trekking holidays, family adventures, camel treks and 4x4 Sahara safaris throughout central and southern Morocco.
Our trips are ideally suited to independent travellers, smaller private groups and families seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, activity and adventure in Morocco’s most amazing places – from Marrakech and the High Atlas mountains, Jebel Mgoun, Jebel Toubkal and Jebel Saghro, to the Ameln Valley, the Ait Bougmez Valley, the Moroccan Sahara, the Atlantic Coast and Morocco’s Imperial Cities.
With a growing choice of daily low-cost airlines now serving Marrakech, getting to the Red City, Atlas and Sahara has never been easier, or better value. Take your pick and fly on whichever day you choose, we can tailor any of our trips, treks and tours to suit your personal requirements.
- About Us
- Products and Services
- Essential Info
- Booking T&Cs
Expertise and Specialisation
Rendez-vous Marocain is managed by Mme Nezha Meftah and Mme Nadia, with a combined 28 years of adventure tour operating experience in Morocco. Rida Baomar provides web sales support and adds real energy and passion to our small and dedicated office team.
Licences and Associations
As part of Algeria Tours Maroc, one of Morocco’s leading adventure tour operators (specialising in the French travel market), Rendez-vous Marocain meets all criteria required by Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism. Algeria Tours Maroc is a fully licensed Moroccan tour operator. Prior to issuing a license an adherence to strict rules has to be demonstrated. For example, Public Liability insurance cover is mandatory as is regular financial monitoring. An experienced and senior travel professional should also be in full-time employment of the company – Mme Nezha Meftah holds this position and has been with the company since 1997. Algeria Tours Maroc is a member of Association Regionale des Agences de Voyages de Marrakech.
Responsible Travel
As a responsible Moroccan tour operator, Rendez-vous Marocain only employs local guides, muleteers, drivers and other support staff. Whilst on wilderness tours, treks and desert safaris all waste is either burnt (where appropriate) or collected and returned to Marrakech to be disposed of at waste collection points. This is supervised and managed by our local guides, each of who is trained in the importance of protecting and maintaining Morocco’s wonderful natural environment.
Tours & Expeditions by 4WD Vehicles
Season: Year round
Ideally suited for touring off-beat Morocco's roads, tracks and pistes, 4WD vehicles are our premier choice for road transport. We can provide a complete range of great-value itineraries travelling by 4WD vehicles, from softer cultural touring staying in luxurious riad-style hotels, to rugged wilderness expeditions where we bivouac or camp out under the African night sky.
Atlas & Sahara Trekking
Season: Year round
With over 10 years experience in organising and operating trekking tours to the Atlas Mountains we have a deep-rooted knowledge of countless trekking routes in all mountain regions, including the Mgoun Massif, Jebel Saghro, Jebel Siroua and the Toubkal Massif. We also operate less demanding walking holidays in the picturesque Ait Bougmez Valley and in the scenic Ameln Valley of the Anti-Atlas Mountains - a great winter walking destination. Should you wish to head out for a winter walk into the dramatic, almost surreal, landscapes of the Sahara we can organise this too.
Mountain Biking Trips
Season: Year round
We operate many mountain biking trips each year and can organise services on many routes in the Atlas Mountains and beyond. To ensure quality and consistency we own, maintain and operate a selection of quality European mountain bikes.
Camel Trekking Safaris
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
We can organise and operate camel treks lasting from 1 hour to several days in each of Morocco’s classic camel trekking regions (Zagora, Erfoud and Merzouga).
Marrakech Accommodation, Day Trips & Transfers
Season: Year round
Being based in Marrakech we can assist with reservations at a selected range of hand-picked riads and hotels. We also operate great value day trips and activities from Marrakech, and provide an airport transfer service.
Food and Beverages
On all of our wilderness camping-based trips, wholesome and varied Moroccan meals are prepared by our cooks. Special dietary needs can be catered for.
Breakfast:
Breakfast usually consists of freshly cooked Moroccan pancakes, locally-baked bread, butter, honey and selection of jams, eggs, cheese, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and milk.
Lunch:
Lunches typically consist of locally-based bread, and salads including cheese, sardines, tuna, vegetables, rice, pasta and olives.
Dinner:
Dinners are always hot meals and typically include soup for starters followed by cous cous or tagine with vegetables, chicken or lamb. All dinners are followed by a dessert (often fruit), mint tea and coffee. Any other beverages are at the expense of our guests and can be ordered as required. Trips accommodated in hotels and riads normally just include bed and breakfast to allow freedom to dine out at a growing range of excellent local restaurants. Accommodation bookings can easily be upgraded to include dinner, and/or lunch, depending on the personal preference of our guests and the location and availability of other places to eat. On camping-based trips, treks and desert safaris in wilderness areas, water is carried in plastic 20 litre containers. For personal consumption please ensure you bring water purification/sterilization tablets. Bottled water is available when in towns.
Accommodation
We can book a wide range of accommodation throughout Morocco, including many traditional riad-style properties. Let us know your requirements and we will be very happy to assist. When in more remote areas away from major towns and cities we may choose to stay in either gite-style accommodation and village houses or choose to camp.
We have a logistics base in Marrakech where our camping equipment is stored. Our tents are 2.2 x 2.2 metres dome-style (1.6 metres high). Sleeping no more than 2 people they are perfectly suited to the varied conditions of Southern Morocco. A canvas toilet tent is provided. We provide 4 inch-thick covered foam mattresses for added comfort and can provide sleeping bags for hire on request. On request for Saharan trips we can provide a large traditional nomad-style tent for a really authentic experience.
All cooking and eating equipment/ utensils are provided on camping based trips. We employ local Moroccan cooks to prepare tasty meals.
Transport
Tough 4x4 vehicles are ideal for the more off-beat type of travel we operate in Morocco, particularly when travelling on gravel tracks, desert trails and along rough minor mountain roads. Rendez-vous Marocain operates with robust Nissan or Toyota 4x4 cars which come equipped with necessary safety features including seat-belts, fire extinguisher and a medical kit.
Although 4x4 vehicles typically have 7 passenger seats in Morocco (plus driver), we base all our tours and transfers on a maximum of 5 (including local tour guide), to ensure greater comfort and a guaranteed window seat.
All drivers carry mobile phones – much of Morocco is now under network coverage – including major mountain ranges and a growing percentage of Morocco’s Sahara. Small ice-boxes are available on request. Air-conditioning is available for travel during the hotter summer months. Luggage and equipment is transported on the roof.
Local Guides
Each of our tours, treks and desert safaris includes an English-speaking local Moroccan guide. Although French is the predominant international language spoken in Morocco, there are a growing number of English-speaking guides available. Most local guides work on a freelance basis – though many do work closely with a single local operator who provides much of their work.
Many of our local guides have been working with us for several years. All are fully licensed and qualified in the specialist area they have chosen – for example mountain guiding or city guiding. All our guides have a deep appreciation for Morocco’s wilderness and display a love for our country and its people.
Since the day we started we have focused time and effort on the training and development of local Moroccan guides. We have concentrated on this aspect because we realise that one of the most important contributing factors to a successful trek, tour or desert safari is the ability, personality and knowledge of the professional local guide. As a result of this, on a journey with us, our guests are enriched with local knowledge and gain a wonderful insight into the real Morocco, its people, places and customs.
On our treks and desert safaris our guides carry a GPS (Global Positioning System).
Age Restrictions
Morocco is a wonderful destination for families. Children of all ages are welcome on most private journeys - though on trekking tours, due to the terrain encountered and levels of difficulty, our minimum age is 10. We do not have an upper age limit although a reasonable degree of health and fitness is required.
What to Bring
A detailed recommended packing, clothing and equipment list will be forwarded after confirmation of booking. What to bring very much depends on the time of year of visit, type of trip and local destinations.
Rendez-vous Marocain accepts bookings subject to your agreement to the following Terms & Conditions which form your contract with us. Please take time to read them. Algeria Tours, a Company registered according to the laws of the Kingdom of Morocco, trading as Rendez-vous Marocain, with its agents and associates, is hereinafter referred to as “the Company” and the client is referred to as “the client”. The client warrants that he/she has the authority to conclude this booking and accepts all Terms & Conditions.
1. YOUR CONTRACT
No contract shall exist between the Company and client until: a) The Company has received written confirmation from the client that they wish to make a booking. b) A deposit has been paid by the client. c) The client has agreed to the Booking Terms & Conditions. No person, organisation or employee of the Company has the authority to vary the booking conditions. The Company reserves the right to decline any booking.
2. RELEVANT LAW
This agreement (including its validity, existence and implementation, the interpretation and application of its provisions, the respective rights and obligations of the parties in terms of and arising out of the conclusion, breach and termination of the provisions of this agreement) shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the Kingdom of Morocco.
3. PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 25% from each client is required when making an application to confirm a booking. This deposit will only be refunded if the client cannot be accommodated. Balance: The full amount is due by the client not later than 42 days (6 weeks) prior to date of tour departure. Should the full amount not be received in the specified time, the Company reserves the right to treat the booking as a cancellation. Methods of Payment: Bank transfer, credit or debit card. Cash on arrival may be acceptable for very late bookings, though we encourage clients to book as early as possible. Details will be provided upon confirmation of booking. Credit Card Payments: A credit card fee of 3% will be added to the total tour price for which payment is being made.
4. CANCELLATION CONDITIONS
Any cancellations made by a client before due arrival date must be done in writing. The date on which the Company receives the correspondence will determine the cancellation charge, if any. Charges applicable in the event of a cancellation include any surcharges and shall be as follows: a) 42 and more days before due arrival date: Your deposit will be forfeited. b) 41 to 28 days before due arrival date: 50% of total tour price c) 27 to 14 days before due arrival date: 75% of total tour price d) 13 to 0 days before due arrival date: 100% of total tour price Should the client fail to join the tour, or join it later after departure, or leave the tour prior to its completion, no refund will be made whatsoever. No refund will be made for any unused services during the tour.
5. TOUR COSTS & EXCHANGE RATES
Tour costs are based on ground costs and exchange rates as at 14th October 2007 and are detailed for exact itineraries featured. We reserve the right to vary the price of these itineraries and will provide you with as much notice as possible should this occur after you have booked. Should you choose to amend, adapt, tailor or change itineraries to suit your personal requirements, the Company will quote you a price matching your exact requirements.
6. EXCLUSIONS FROM TRIP COSTS
International and domestic airfares, hotel/airport transfers unless specified. Passports, visas, passenger taxes, personal travel insurance, emergency evacuation costs, extra meals or entrance fees not shown on itinerary, laundry, tips, items of personal nature including medication and excess baggage. Optional excursions.
7. TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for all client’s. All insurance is solely the responsibility of the client. It is mandatory that the client takes out travel insurance recommended for Morocco for the full duration of the tour. The client must take out insurance to cover personal injury, medical expenses and emergency evacuation, repatriation, loss of luggage and expenses associated with the cancellation or curtailment of any tour. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses and doctor’s fees are the client’s responsibility and the Company shall not be held responsible for any refund of the tour price whatsoever. The carriage and storage of all baggage and personal effects are at all times the client’s risk. The Company cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage to baggage or personal effects, property or injury or illness to the client or loss of life or consequential damages which might occur from any cause whatsoever.
8. CHANGES & ALTERATIONS
The Company reserves the right to change the routes and/or accommodation in certain circumstances. The Company will not be held responsible for any compensation to the client if the Company is forced to cancel or in any way change the tour due to force majeure including war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions or other external circumstances beyond the Company’s control. The Company reserves the right to cancel the tour without prior notification. In this instance the Company agrees to refund all monies already paid by the client.
9. VALIDITY
The information presented on this website was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice. Changes beyond our control may have occurred since publication with respect to prices, itineraries, duration of holidays, standard or services, tour content and fares. Furthermore, the Company reserves the right to change the transport or facilities described in any publication without being held liable for any compensation or refund.
10. COMPANY RESPONSIBILITY AND RIGHTS
The information in advertising is given in good faith by the Company, and is based on the latest information given to the Company.
11. LIABILITY
Clients are accepted on tour on the understanding that the client appreciates the risks inherent in travel and adventure, and the client undertakes the tour at his/her own risk. Such risk could include injury, disease or death. The client agrees and concedes that the Company and its members and employees shall not be responsible for loss or damage to property injury or illness to the client or loss of life or consequential damages which might occur from any cause whatsoever.
12. COMPANY AUTHORITY
The decision of the local tour guide employed by the Company will be final on all matters. The Company shall not be responsible for, or liable for, any client who commits an illegal or unlawful act. The client may in such circumstances be excluded from the tour without a refund. If the Company considers a client unsuitable for a tour it may at its sole discretion decline to carry this client any further. If any client causes inconvenience or annoyance to other passengers, the Company may in its sole discretion decline to carry the client further without any refund whatsoever.
13. PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
Clients should be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay overseas. The client must ensure that he/she has the correct visa and passport documents to travel. The Company will not be held responsible for passengers travelling without the correct travel documents. Please enquire about details. We recommend that you keep copies of all important documents such as passports, travel documents and insurance information away from the originals.
14. VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH
The client shall acknowledge an awareness of the proposed itinerary and shall confirm that he/she is medically fit, in good physical and mental health and is able to embark on the tour. Any client with a pre-existing medical condition or illness must declare such conditions to the Company before commencement of the tour. Any failure to declare may result in cancellation of the booking. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that he/she has the appropriate vaccinations.
15. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY
It is the client’s sole responsibility to ensure that passport, visa (if required), vaccination and other required documents are in order for Morocco. Any resulting consequences of a client’s failure for not having his/her required paperwork in order shall be the responsibility of the client. The client is also responsible to make arrangements to arrive at the tour assembly point as indicated on the itinerary.
16. SEVERABILITY
Should any of the terms and conditions of this agreement be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, such terms and conditions will be made severable from the remaining terms and conditions, which will continue to be valid and enforceable. If any term or condition held to be invalid is capable of amendment to render it valid, the parties agree to negotiate an amendment to remove invalidity.
17. ASSIGNMENT
The Company shall be entitled to cede or assign its rights and obligations under and in terms of this contract.
18. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS
Should the client have a complaint against the Company it must first be taken up with the local tour guide, in order that an opportunity may be afforded to the Company to investigate the situation. If the client has any further complaint they must lodge this in writing to the Company within 10 (ten) days of the tour end. If these procedures are not followed then the Company will not investigate or continue to investigate such complaint.
19. GENERAL SAFETY
Morocco is a friendly and safe country to travel in. However you must still use common sense precautions. Do not carry large sums of money. The Company will not be held responsible or held liable for any injury, damage or loss sustained on the trip.
Rendez-vous Marocain Reviews
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Posted on:
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Thursday, 27th March 2008
- Rating
Just a quick review, as I have just returned from an 8 day trip with Rendez-vous Marocain. It was great to book direct with the local trekking company as they answered a number of questions I had about the area and conditions. On the trek, the guide and the vehicle were excellent throughout, with very good knowledge of the local Berber culture and history – probably because he was a Berber!
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Posted by:
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richj75
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Posted at:
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10:19
