Clients Trip Reports North Africa: Sep – Oct 2024

Premier Royal Egyptian Tour

We have returned from our 2 weeks in Egypt.  What our summary of this trip is: it is most likely our new favorite trip, second being our safari adventures.  So suffice it to say that all our experiences with AAC have been top-notch, and created unforgettable experiences.

From the time we got off the plane, we were cared for, looked after, and helped.  Our Visas, luggage, driving, etc was so thorough.  We are amazed that you were able to schedule everything so thoroughly!

Ahmad Gamal, our coordinator in Cairo, was exceptional.  This young man handled everything for us and overlooked nothing.  At one point I wasn’t feeling well — he even called while we were cruising the Nile to check on me.  Our guide, Ola, stopped at the pharmacy to purchase some antibiotics for me (that’s amazing that you don’t have to go through the doctors, etc–quite eye-opening!). 

Our guide until Friday night the 22nd, Ola El Mahdy, was also exceptional.  She was knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and knew and helped us so much.  Having a Master’s in Egyptology, she was very informational. I would HIGHLY recommend her to continue with AAC.  The guide Ahmad arranged for us on Saturday, 11/23 to go to the Grand Egyptian Museum (a last minute plan) was Heba Amer, who has a PhD in Egyptology, and was warm, friendly, and of course VERY knowledgeable with Egyptian facts.  She introduced us to a new favorite food at the GEM cafe, and during the half day we spent with her, we were impressed, and would HIGHLY recommend her as well as working with AAC in a guiding capacity!

Surprisingly, the driver we had in Cairo, Hamdi, became one of our favorites.  Although he had very limited English vocabulary, a lot was said with a little.  He was an expert driving the streets of Cairo, which puts new meaning to “the Chaos Theory!”  All of these people left a real impact on us.

Regarding the sights we saw and the places we stayed, WOW.  So much history.  And the Sofitel hotels were some of the best we’ve ever stayed.  We were duly impressed…

So in summary, despite our reservations about traveling given the unrest in the Middle East, Mark was correct when he told John in a phone call “I would not send you where it was unsafe.”  And it wasn’t. 

Thank you again for an unbeatable (so far !) unforgettable vacation.  

John & Dawn Lotshaw, Nov 2024

 

Desert and Dynasty Tour to Morocco

The only regret that Marty and I have about our recent trip to Morocco was that we waited so long for the pleasure of touring this captivating country.

From the moment we made contact with Alison and the Africa Adventure team, we experienced unrivaled support as you all strove to give us options and to learn about our interests.  I remember that once Alison talked with us, she said she would get back to us in about two days (which she did) because she had to move quickly to secure the guide she hoped we would enjoy traveling the nearly two weeks with.  All we can say is that those 2-days of waiting for confirmation were worth it and Youssef Jamal proved in every way to be the epitome of professionalism in a guide. 

You know, you’re spending hours and hours together with a complete stranger in such a touring situation.  I would say, however, it took about 3 minutes to feel like we connected…and I assure you that it was Youssef who never failed to reach that perfect Zen point of familiarity and respect…of keeping his watchful eye on us but also giving us breathing space.  Learning about Morocco through his eyes gave us such a picture window through which to gaze out toward sites.  But the sites, the vistas, the experience of meeting people from all over the world and others who have never lived anywhere but Morocco was what gave this trip the glow, the patina.

However, I would be remiss in not also thanking you for arranging the incredibly kind, gentlemanly, and safe driver, Farid.  By the end of the two weeks, and not until we said so first, we were referring to each other as family.  He maintained the car the way I wish I did my own car:  it was clean and comfortable – always stocked with plenty of water and if Youssef suddenly saw something that required Farid to make a U-turn, for example, Farid was gracious and willing and extremely able.

The Riads!  OMG – life will never be the same after staying in the accommodations you chose.  First, the staff at all of the hotels was unbelievably welcoming and with only a few Arabic and even the fewer Berber words we circled through as we said good morning, or thank you, or just hello were always acknowledged with such pleasure and an eye twinkle.  We may have butchered the words, but we tried.  And, it was appreciated.

The mountain guide in the Berber village along with his accompanying us to lunch with the Berber family was an other-worldly experience.  Mamadou, with Moroccan Treks, was absolutely delightful and so knowledgeable and patient.  He gave us Berber names too, which we are still using at home—much to our delight:  Me (Aisha) and Marty (Ali) are thinking we may make a permanent name change.  The entire two days, and the contrast between the Berber Village and Olinto was enough to give us whiplash.  Lap of luxury to a village that until last year had no electricity.  But, it made us appreciate both extremes and how the two opposites were all part of a Moroccan experience where the new and the old, the religious and the secular, the Arabs and the Jews, the men and the women all have a deep connection to what it is to share the human experience.

We are ever grateful that we were able to take this trip; even more thankful with we did so under your guidance and thoughtful planning.  Deep, deep thanks to you all.

Most sincerely,

Naomi and Marty Rayman, Oct 2024

 

Ethiopia Adventure

Dear Mark, Miles and Maria,

It’s a little late, but I wanted to thank you for the wonderful trip to Ethiopia with Ardie and Steve Evans.

As you predicted, Mark, it all went well and safely.

Bem, our guide who was always with us was wonderful.  Noted the people he has guided!  From the airplane door and on, he was truly with us.  His English is really good and his explanations great.  The fact that they are all connected by phone at all times is so calming…

The small hotels are ok but understanding they are the best available is necessary.  The meals and food were interesting and safe.   No one go sick…

The trip was truly, as you said it would be, a lifetime experience.  Mark, your having that phone conference with the Evans and me was a game changer.  Thank you so much…

Thanks again so much for all your help and Merry Christmas!

Betsy Donley, Sep-Oct 2024