Marrakech 2025: My First Steps as a Private Guide (page 4 of 5)

Hello, I’d love to get the contact details for this guide/organizer because I’d like to offer this kind of service to a group of friends (including labyrinth packages in the medina, boozy karaoke, and hospital packages for an unforgettable stay). Thanks in advance. 😎

Thanks for reaching out, but just to be clear—I mentioned in the intro that this travel journal isn’t meant for service offers, which are also against forum rules, by the way 😉 We’re just here to have fun, and I hope we’re pulling it off a little

And that’s where you lose me... The nervous tension, the heat, the exhaustion, and a poorly placed rock on the path—*snap*—I feel my calf tear like an old rag you’d cut in two. The pain is immediate, sharp, and I can’t put any weight on my foot. Game over, we lost the guide!

Oh! I honestly expected something way more heroic, like you trying to save a damsel from Berber henchmen on horseback...😂 But no, a simple rock took you down, you seasoned mountaineer—what’s happening to you, Bruno, get it together! 😭



Nothing beats a real Moroccan couscous to perk a guy back up! 😌



Oh no, is our valiant knight in such bad shape? 😮

... had to grit my teeth and drive the Dacia back to the villa.

What bravery! 👏

Every day brings a new surprise: it's no longer a trip, it's a series of sketches, Bruno 😂. Anyway, I'm jealous of your super-authentic ambulance 😜. Get well soon with VF 😊

Oh! I honestly expected a much more heroic situation, like you tried to save a noble lady from Berber henchmen on horseback...😇 But no, a simple pebble got the better of you, a seasoned mountaineer—what’s happening to you, Bruno, pull yourself together! 😢

Isabelle thought Bruno and Zorro were the same thing 😂 As Agnès would say, a stupid accident...

Still, from Essaouira, it had a bit of that vibe, right?



.

Oh no, but is our valiant knight in such bad shape? 😨

15 days of temporary disability—this has never happened to me before...

... I had to grit my teeth and drive the Dacia back to the villa.

What bravery! 👍

A touch of irony? 😉

Every day has its surprise: it's no longer a trip, it's a series of sketches Bruno 😄. Anyway, I'm jealous of your super-authentic ambulance 😜. Get well soon with VF 😊

That’s kind of the point: to have a good laugh! Otherwise, when it comes to authenticity, my AI friend suggested this:

Excellent, Bruno! Just a little more effort and they’ll mistake you for Lawrence of Arabia 😄

Top-notch school, no doubt! And just like that... 😉

Day 9: Chilling, Spa, and Last Night: The Day We Perfect the Tan

Every cloud has a silver lining—this last day was meant for rest and final shopping anyway. They upgraded me to the royal suite; I was turning into the Pasha, giving orders from my couch on the villa’s terrace. Today’s plan: a spa, hammam, and massage at one of Marrakech’s most popular spots at 4 PM for part of the group, last-minute souk shopping for another, both for a third, and NOTHING for yours truly. M will drive the souk subgroup in her 7-seater Dacia, and they’ll figure out how to get to the spa by 4 PM. The rest will stroll around the villa or pool, while I stay on my inflatable mattress, dipping my calf in the water. Honestly, one of the most relaxing days of my trip! My only task will be picking up our "spa-goers" with M at 7 PM—they were thrilled with their experience.

Our last evening was already planned at the villa, with Rachid working his culinary magic again while we polished off our last bottles during apéro. Karaoke was on the agenda, this time inside the villa, but the thought of a 6:30 AM departure the next day and a week’s worth of fatigue got the better of the group—much to the neighbors’ relief. Still, we made it past midnight... .

Day 10: The Day We Have to Go Home

. And so the day began at 6:30 AM, suitcases packed, with our flight at 9 AM. We had to return the rental cars at the airport, and my path through it wasn’t exactly secure—I couldn’t reach customer service (and I have my doubts about EasyJet’s efficiency in that department).

The key drop-off went smoothly; the tanks were filled the night before, and the rental agent, still half-asleep at that hour, didn’t go overboard with the inspection...

We headed to the airline’s bag drop, where I tried to rally the attendant on duty to request assistance (without much hope), not seeing myself navigating the endless lines and mazes with my "wonky leg." "No problem, sir. Have a seat here; someone will come with a wheelchair. Yes, yes, your wife can accompany you. Oh, no, not the whole group, sorry." Well, I gave it a shot 😅 And then, I owe the airline an apology for doubting them. Two staff members arrived with a wheelchair (not exactly brand new, but hey) and whisked us straight to the boarding gate, skipping every step in seconds. I even had fleeting thoughts of pulling the same stunt on future trips—quickly dismissed by my unshakable honesty (even if I *am* a salesman). We even had time to roll around the airport’s duty-free shops, a privilege denied to my friends because of the Sunday post-long-weekend crowds.

I boarded first using the elevator cabin and treated myself to the luxury of making 200–300 passengers wait while I took care of a pressing need, knowing I wouldn’t be able to move during the flight. The flight itself was uneventful. My wife made sure to confirm with the flight attendants that assistance would be waiting at arrival. Sure enough, two employees and a brand-new wheelchair were there to meet us, and we zipped straight to the baggage claim.

.

That’s where the group split up, each with their own way home from Geneva. Mine was covered by M, whose car we’d shared on the way there. Hugs and effusive goodbyes—there’s already a debriefing meal in the works. We’re not done toasting to the health of Moroccans yet!

Funny how getting injured can have its perks, at least at the airport 😏.

Thanks for this story, Bruno—it really made me laugh (even if it didn’t exactly make me want a similar trip). Still, I don’t think your career change to tour guide is a done deal just yet 😇.

And in the end?

It was the first time we traveled with such a large group—our previous trips were with 6 or 8 people. What’s more, it was our first time outside Europe. And that came with its own challenges, especially when it came to staying in touch with people who got lost or were running late, all because of spotty network coverage. The overall experience was more than positive. Everyone in the group was considerate of each other and no one tried to take over. Sure, some people were more or less punctual, but since every activity was planned in advance, everyone knew what they were getting into. Choosing the villa was the right call—its size made sure everyone felt comfortable, and the high-end amenities won over more than a few of us, especially those (myself included!) who aren’t used to that kind of luxury. The riad we stayed in for two nights beforehand was also a great choice. It let us dive into the frenzy of Marrakech (though not *too* much). From the first feedback I got from my friends, the pace was balanced for some and downright crazy for others! But my Fram vacationers adapted with good grace all the same.

Would I do it again? Yes and no.

No, because my natural tendency to want everything to be perfect ate into some of my enjoyment. Everything I’d planned in my head and on paper *had* to happen, and any timing hiccups threw me off. That is, until my wife (my partner in planning) rightly talked me into letting go a little.

No, because at every moment—especially in the souks—I knew I couldn’t afford to lose anyone (since we couldn’t reach each other by phone). And despite everyone’s discipline, anyone who’s been to the souks knows how many temptations there are… especially when you let 7 gazelles loose in a place like that… (Sandrine won’t appreciate that remark).

Yes, because introducing the most Fram-ish part of the group to my way of traveling was a real pleasure. There’s a whole world of vacations beyond just lounging on sunbeds (even if we did enjoy those too). Not to mention the financial side—having a big group made everything incredibly affordable. The only excursion to Essaouira alone would’ve cost over 400 € through the villa manager.

Yes, because we felt like we were doing our part to support the Moroccan wine industry.

Yes, because three people in the group were discovering the Maghreb for the first time, and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Yes, because we had so many laughs together.

Yes, because Morocco is magical—its landscapes, its culture, and its people.

Yes, because I’d go back with my sweetheart, just the two of us, to do whatever we feel like!

Either way, we’ve already set a date for two years from now (not every year, though—I’ve got other plans!). The destination’s still a mystery, but that’ll be the subject of one or two meetings when the time comes! So, see you in the land of friendship!

Two people arrive accompanied by a wheelchair (not exactly brand new, I must say) and we were whisked express to the boarding gate, skipping each step in a matter of seconds. I even had thoughts of fraud cross my mind for our next trips—thoughts quickly dismissed by my unwavering honesty (even though I work in sales).

My companion just had a crutch, but we experienced the same thing at Marrakech Airport (Ryanair flight). We hadn’t asked for anything, an attendant came over, Richard said: "No no, it’s not necessary," and I said: "Oh yes, thank you!" We were treated like first-class VIPs! Like you, a sneaky thought crossed my mind—let’s keep the crutch handy, you never know



It looks like in this photo you’re giving a very sly smile to your poor friends stuck in the queue!

A getaway for 11 people so well organized—bravo!

Okay, it’s just a tiny glimpse of the country, and it’d be hard to say "I’ve done Morocco" 😉 but the goal was clearly something else, and it looks like it was a total success.

A short trip with a group of friends, mixing exotic strolls, great food, total comfort, and fun entertainment—it’s really nice to do that once in a while...

Cool of you to share those moments here 🙂

We won’t be fooled again—models of probity 😊 😉

A getaway for 11 people so well organized, bravo! Well, it’s a discovery of the country through just a tiny lens, and it’ll be hard to say "I’ve done Morocco" 😉 but the goal was clearly something else, and it looks like it was a total success.

It’s an expression I can’t stand—you can experience a country just fine without me... But you’re right, the goal was different, and it had the merit of making me want to go back in conditions that feel more "familiar" to me.

A short trip with a group of friends, mixing exotic strolls, great food, top comfort, and joyful fun—it’s really nice to do that once in a while...

Perfectly summed up!

Nice of you to share those moments here 🙂

Thanks for reading 😉

It’s an expression I loathe

It was just a teasing reference (I know, not nice 😏) to the Framattitude, not to your way of traveling, of course 🙂 !

Yes, because we felt like we were supporting the Moroccan wine industry.

Well done! Any oenological remarks or labels to share? 😛

Yes, because we felt like we were helping to revive the Moroccan wine industry.

Well done! Any oenological remarks or labels to share? 😛

Given our main source of supply was the local Carrefour, no grand crus in sight—just some decent Moroccan wines, nothing more. The gris wine was smooth, the red a bit fuller-bodied. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right? 😉

Hello!

Your friends weren’t wrong in giving you the royal suite 😉 Your first steps as a private guide will no doubt stay in your memories—they were a success and much appreciated. Your Marrakech interlude made me want to introduce my friends who haven’t been there to this city, which some dismiss while others adore. Places like the Agafay site, upscale spas (not the traditional *hammams beldis*), all shared with unapologetic enthusiasm. I loved your story—it’s cheerful, fun, and far from jaded, with no judgment about the crowds of tourists "who make Marrakech" and say it like that. It’s great because it’s laid-back, just sharing your desires, your evenings, your wild karaoke nights, your visits, your discoveries, and your friendships with such refreshing optimism. So yes, the kitsch exists and is often hilarious. Yes, camel rides still happen in a single file, and you won’t find them any other way—so you didn’t miss out. And of course, when you return to Marrakech with your sweetheart, you’ll come back with a whole new kind of story to tell. Thanks for this lovely, unpretentious tale and for the recommendations.

Marie Mathilde.

Congrats on your first steps as a private guide! 😉

Personally, I don’t think I could do it. There’d be a few casualties before the last day even rolled around…

Maybe if I went somewhere that didn’t interest me at all. Then the party side would be the only reason for the trip.

Hi Marie Mathilde, and thank you for your kind message!

You’ve perfectly captured the spirit of travel, the journal, and the little guy! 😉 See you soon for new adventures, and thanks again for your wise advice. Who knows, I might need more tips for another Moroccan adventure!