Morocco Group Trip with DSA Vacations / UPDATE ! !

MARCH 7, 2022

Dear Interested Morocco Group Trip Traveler,

If you were on the list to travel to Morocco in 2019-2020-2021-2022 with DSA Vacations, as arranged by Travel Agent/Office Manager Maritza Valenzuela, please know that since January 19, 2022, after leaving numerous voice messages and emails and receiving no response, I have strong reason to believe that this trip will not commence, as it appears that DSA Vacations has permanently closed.  

What I do know is that DSA Vacations was contracted by South African Airways (SAA) to book travel packages, (https://www.travelagentcentral.com/tours/dsa-vacations-to-operate-saa-s-vacations-program), however, during the COVID-19 pandemic South African Airways went into business rescue protection, similar to Chapter 11 restructuring in the U.S., and the procedure has seemingly affected business for the airline and all of the businesses that rely on it, although DSA Vacations remained optimistic, it now seems otherwise.  

The DSA Vacations contract with SAA expired on 12/31/2021.    

If you purchased a travel insurance policy to protect your trip investment, please refer to your policy for the process of filing a claim. 

South African Airways also asks that travelers who are impacted by this situation and have questions call their customer service line at 1-902-612-2438 and send an email explaining your situation to [email protected].
You should also know that several customer complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau against DSA Vacations surrounding COVID-19 and destination trips that were booked and this extreme situation has impacted many individuals.

Please be advised that should additional pertinent information about the Morocco group trip be sent us from South African Airways or DSA Vacations, it will be posted on this webpage.

-Debert Cook

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Magnificent Morocco!
8 Days / 7 Nights
@ 4 Cities

November 14 – 21, 2021
& May 1 – May 8, 2022
Rabat + Fes + Marrakesh & Casablanca!

This trip will SELL OUT!!!
=Limited Space Available=

“Join us on another exotic adventure
— this time it’s Morocco. 

Our team of experts has crafted the ultimate itinerary for a travel experience like none other. This trip is packed with great value, and YES, we always provide a flexible payment plan, and non-golfers you are always welcomed.”

Debert Cook
Publisher
African American Golfer’s Digest

DEPOSIT DUE IMMEDIATELY
Contact me to receive your eBooking form today!
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $300

Royal Air Maroc Flight Details:

AT #201 – 01MAY depart JFK @ 855PM / Arrive 02 May  845AM to CMN (Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport)

AT #200 – 08MAY depart CMN @420PM / Arrive 08 May 710PM to JFK Airport

Royal Air Maroc

   

Your “Air-Inclusive” Trip provides all this!

• Hotel accommodations:  6 nights/7 days (includes the overnight flight from New York to Morocco)
  However, on the return flight you will arrive in New York on the same day.) May 1st thru May 8th = 8 days 7 nights
• Transportation via Private Air-conditioned  motor coach  for all transfers and sightseeing as per the program
• Meals: 6 breakfasts + 1 dinner
• Hotel porterage
• English Speaking Tour Guide throughout your trip
• Visits in Rabat, Volubilis Roman Ruins, a short bus Tour of Fes
• Entrance fees to monuments: Chellah Ruins in Rabat and  Volubilis  Roman Ruins
• Hotels, fees & service charges Taxes
• Personalized Name Tag to enhance your social networking throughout the trip
• The Exclusively Chic In-Demand AAGD Traveler T-Shirt!

Itinerary

Click HERE to view your Digital Itinerary

Day 1: Friday, May 1
Overnight Travel

Depart from New York (JFK)  for your flight to Morocco.

Day 2: Saturday, May 2
Belere Hotel Rabat, Rabat

Belere Hotel Rabat, Rabat

Rabat and its twin city, Sale, overlook the Atlantic Ocean from their location at the mouth of the Bouregreg River. This enchanting city serves as Morocco’s capital and features fascinating Islamic and French-colonial architecture and landmarks. It is also a popular tourist destination, with a rich historical and cultural heritage, a long coastline with beautiful rocky and sandy beaches, an ecologically diverse countryside, wonderful hiking trails and a vibrant city center with lush, green parks. Visitors can explore the city, relax on the unspoiled beaches and visit the 12th-century seaside kasbah of Udayas.

Day Itinerary

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your hotel in Rabat where you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the capital city of Morocco or relax for your upcoming adventure. This evening at your hotel, enjoy an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at approximately 6 pm, followed by a Welcome Dinner.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Belere Hotel Rabat.

Belere Hotel Rabat, Rabat

Day 3: Sunday, May 3
Barcelo Fes Medina, Fes

Morocco’s second-largest city and the country’s former capital, Fes (Fez) is an exotic mix of Arabic architecture, ancient alleyways, calls to prayer and colorful markets; all mixed in with a good dose of modern culture. Home to the venerated Karaouine Mosque, which dates back to 859 AD and incorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most hallowed shrine, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II; Fes is regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers should try to synchronize their trips with the annual Festival of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar showcasing diverse performances of spiritual and religious music; while those with a penchant for shopping  can browse the mesmerizing colorful markets selling an exquisite array of silver, leather and other handicrafts up for grabs.

Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Rabat. View the Royal Palace and the ancient ruins of Chellah, the Oudaya Kasbah, and the Hassan Tower. En route to Fez, stop and visit the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis where you will get a chance to see the wonderfully preserved original mosaics, Roman Road, and city layout. Take a short bus tour of the imperial city of Fez conducted by your Tour Manager on the way to the hotel.

Overnight with morning breakfast at Barcelo Fes Medina.

Overnight: Barcelo Fes Medina

The Barceló Fès Medina is an urban hotel designed to be a haven of tranquility, located just beside the Medina. It is a newly built hotel that combines comfort and functionality in its 134 rooms. This can be seen in its modern rooms, decorated in a contemporary style with designer furniture.

It features an international restaurant, where you can enjoy typical Moroccan dishes, and a Jazz Bar serving cocktails. The hotel also boasts a well-equipped spa where you can relax with treatments, as well as saunas, a hammam and even a fitness studio so you can stay in shape.

Barcelo Fes Medina

Day 4: Monday, May 4
Barcelo Fes Medina, Fes

Day Itinerary

Spend a full day at leisure to bravely wander the old medina yourself or choose to take the guided optional tour where you will visit the many hidden treasures of the medina that only a Moroccan guide can know. Fez served as the capital of Morocco for more than 400 years and is home to the University of Al Karaouine, the oldest operating university in the world. It is particularly famous for its tanneries and the Fes el Bali Medina. A short visit to the surrounding leather shops gives you the best view of the tanneries. View the Attarine Medersa, Moulay Idriss mausoleum, and visit the Nejjarine Fountains and Museum. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the ancient city of Fez from a hill overlooking the medina. Opportunities for shopping for authentic Moroccan carpets. Finally, view the exterior of the Royal Palace and walk through the famed Jewish quarter of the medina where you will get a chance to walk through one of the few remaining Jewish cemeteries in Morocco. Though the city has endured periods of hardship, it has emerged more vibrant than ever, boasting its own distinctive culture, art, and even cuisine.

Overnight with morning breakfast at Barcelo Fes Medina.

Day 5: Tuesday, May 5
Hotel Suite Novotel Marrakech, Marrakesh

Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination in Morocco. It’s easy to lose all sense of time in Marrakech, with its maze of narrow alleyways scattered with donkey carts, snake charmers, castanetists, acrobats, story-tellers, dancers, water-sellers and potion vendors to entertain. If you don’t find all of these as you journey through the winding streets of the ‘Red City’, you will be sure to find them and much, much more at its famous markets. Marrakesh is home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant.

Day Itinerary

Depart the hotel early morning and drive to Marrakesh via highway. Kindly note that this will be the longest coach ride of your tour. Included will be sufficient rest stops for your comfort and a break for lunch on your own. Late afternoon arrival at your hotel in Marrakesh. The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, attend an optional horse-drawn carriage ride that takes you through the nightlit streets of Marrakesh ending at a popular restaurant. A typical Moroccan dinner is served while you listen to live music and watch an elegant belly dancing performance that caps off the night.

Overnight: The Suite Novotel Marrakech Hotel

4-star hotel with swimming pool located in the Hivernage district in the heart of the legendary city of a thousand and one nights. The Suite Novotel Marrakech is close to Djemaa el Fna square and 1.9 miles (3 km) from the airport. 112 air-conditioned modular suites of 323 sq. ft. (30 m²). Well-being, a friendly atmosphere and services available 24 hours a day: Boutique Gourmande, fitness area, business area (free broadband, Wi-Fi access). Accessible for guests with reduced mobility.

The Suite Novotel Marrakech Hotel

Day 6: Wednesday, May 6
Hotel Suite Novotel Marrakech, Marrakesh

Day Itinerary

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city on your own or join the optional morning tour of Marrakesh. Begin at the 16th century Saadian Tombs, where Saadian royalty found their final resting place. Continue to the Koutoubia Minaret and the beautiful Bahia Palace. You will also have the opportunity to shop for authentic Moroccan argan oil before strolling through the bustling Medina to Djemaa el Fna Square, the lively center of the city. Then, perhaps join the optional camel ride. Experience the tranquility of the Palmeraie, a palm oasis outside of Marrakesh, as you ride in Berber style through the valley of lush palm groves on a dromedary, a member of the camel family.

Overnight with morning breakfast at Barcelo Fes Medina.

Day 7: Thursday, May 7
Novotel Casablanca City Center Hotel, Casablanca

Fondly known by locals simply as ‘Casa’, the capital of Morocco is the industrial, economic and cultural heart of this remarkable country, as well as its most cosmopolitan, liberal and progressive city. While most visitors overlook Casablanca in favor of Morocco’s more popular and exotic tourist areas, this sprawling metropolis has plenty to offer the discerning traveler and has many hidden historical and cultural gems just waiting to be discovered. The city is famous for its spectacular Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture, constructed during the Colonial Period. Explore the Old Medina, a tiny, ancient, walled village; visit the impressive King Hassan II Mosque; discover the ornate rooms, masterfully tiled floors and intricately carved wooden ceilings of the Hispanic-Moorish Mahkama du Pacha; or simply watch the world go by at one of the many ocean-view cafes along the waterfront boulevard.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, travel to Casablanca and transfer to your hotel. Later this afternoon, tour Casablanca. Your half day sightseeing tour includes the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque*, the largest Mosque in Morocco and the beautiful Corniche seaside. Take a moment to catch your breath at the end of your Moroccan adventure to admire the serenity of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue on a short drive through the residential areas of Casablanca to the city center to visit the Mohamed V Square, the Habous quarter and the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. Tonight, bid Morocco farewell and say goodbye to your fellow travelers.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Novotel Casablanca Hotel.

Overnight: Novotel Casablanca City Center Hotel

Novotel Casablanca City Center Hotel sits in the heart of Casablanca and is just a short walk from the Casa Port train station. The hotel features 281 rooms consisting of standard, superior and suite rooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, internet access, a minibar and a private bathroom. Other amenities include a restaurant, a bar and a fitness center.

Novotel Casablanca City Center Hotel

Day 8: Friday, May 8
End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to New York.

Arrival at New York Airport (JFK).

Welcome Home!

Round Trip Airfare to/from New York (JFK)

AT 201  01MAY  JFKCMN   855P 845A+1

AT 200  08MAY  CMNJFK   420P 710P

*Please note that all availability and pricing is subject to change until time of booking by which a credit card must be given to solidify all reservations and lock in all pricing

RATES:

Transport

Flight Information

FLIGHT MAP

Transfers

MULTI-CITY GROUND TRANSPORT TIMES & DISTANCES

Travel Information

The country is at its most beautiful in spring (mid-March to May) when the landscape is green and lush, making for spectacular golfing, mountain biking, hiking, nature walks and city strolls.

What To Pack 
Shorts, dresses, and skirts should always come to at least your knees, if not over. Full-length skirts or pants are always better. Lightweight, loose-fitting pants are best for Morocco, especially in hotter areas. Always avoid tops that reveal cleavage.

An exotic fusion of Southern Mediterranean, Arabic and African influences, Morocco is an enticing combination of ancient cities and Roman ruins, sweeping deserts and centuries-old medinas, mosques and minarets, winding alleyways and vibrant markets, gorgeous beaches and rugged mountains. The Imperial Cities of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat have all had a stint as the national capital and are liberally studded with attractions, including a plethora of ancient architecture, museums and souks (markets). The coastal city of Casablanca boasts one of the largest mosques in the world, while Tangier, on the Mediterranean coast, features some beautiful bays and sandy coves. Visitors can look forward to sampling exotic Berber cuisine, sipping on a fresh cup of coffee or a mint tea at a streetside cafe, hike Toubkal – North Africa’s highest peak or enjoy camel trekking in the desert.

Look at Travel.State.Gov for complete details on Passport/Visa and Vaccinations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Banking and Currency

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Currency Converter & Exchange Rates ($USD to MAD)

Banking

Mon-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1500-1830, Fri 0830-1200 and 1500-1830.

Most major credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, guest houses and the occasional shop in the souks, with Visa and MasterCard being accepted most widely.

Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns, although service in smaller towns can be erratic. Most major hotels now have more reliable ATMs.

TAKE NOTE: Traveler’s cheques are accepted in some areas but are not advised, as the exchange can be problematic and it can be difficult to find a bank to be able to cash them, although some of the main tourist hotels offer this facility.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

The high-speed toll roads connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech and El Jadida are of excellent quality. Coastal communities and most large towns are also well served by good roads. In the interior, south of the High Atlas Mountains, road travel becomes much more difficult, especially across the Atlas Mountains in winter.

International and local car hire companies have offices in major towns, cities and airports. Car hire is generally expensive, and prices vary with the season. The minimum age for driving a hired car is 18, although many hire companies will require drivers to be 21 or over.

Metered petit taxis are available in major towns. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped, although it is common to round fares up at least to the next dirham on short trips. Larger, grand taxis are usually Mercedes cars, used for travel outside medinas and to areas outside towns. These can be shared, but fares should be agreed before departure as they don’t have meters.

Bike hire is available in most major towns – although attempting to cycle through city traffic is inadvisable. For those traveling longer distances, bikes can be transported on trains and buses.

Making use of the extensive bus network is the cheapest and most popular way to get around Morocco. Buses serve most communities, and private operators compete for custom on the more popular routes. The major bus companies are Compagnie de Transports Marocains (www.ctm.ma), Trans Ghazala (0536 685 387), and ONCF (www.oncf.ma). There are extensive bus services in Casablanca and other main towns. Pre-purchase tickets are sold.

Traffic drives on the right in Morocco and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) in cities and built up areas, rising to 80km (50mph) on more major roads, up to 120km (75mph) on motorways. No alcohol at all is allowed in the bloodstream when driving.

Foreign driving licenses are accepted, as well as International Driving Permits. Third Party insurance is required. Insurance documentation and a license must be carried with you at all times. Insurance can be arranged locally.

The Moroccan rail system, run by Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) (www.oncf.ma) provides regular services. The network runs from Oujda in the northeast to Casablanca on the west coast, Tangier on the north coast and Fes and Marrakech in the interior. However, only a small part of the country is served, and even large centers such as Agadir and Essaouira are not covered.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilization is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurized, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilizers but it’s highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water.

Fusion isn’t a new trend in Morocco, where the cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, Jewish, Persian, West African and Berber influences. Meals range from the diffa (an elaborate multicourse feast featuring couscous and grilled meats), to quick brochettes (kebab) from a roadside stall. Produce is seasonal, grown locally and typically without chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Tagines, the fragrant stews of meat, vegetables or fish, named after the distinctive conical earthenware vessel they’re cooked in are the Moroccans main staple. Flavors revolve around a subtle array of spices, and traditionally every spice shop would have its own secret ras el hanout spice blend recipe.

Restaurants range from buffet diners to high-end establishment serving gourmet fare. Many now offer à la carte menus and a three-course fixed-price menu is still common at dinner. Restaurants in cities and large resorts are cosmopolitan, offering a good selection of cuisines, including typical Moroccan fare, plus French, Italian, Spanish and fusion dishes.

The best way to experience the true flavor of Moroccan cuisine, however, is to sample the street food. Djemaa el Fna square in the center of Marrakech sees an explosion of pop-up food stalls after dark, and most other cities have their own foodie quarters. Scrumptious local specialties such as almonds, olives and a rainbow array of spices can be found in souks across the country.

Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are available to tourists. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol. By law, no-one is allowed to drink alcohol in view of a mosque or during Ramadan, although tourist establishments sometimes flout this rule. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral waters are reasonably priced, but imported drinks tend to be expensive.

Tipping waiting staff is expected (if service is satisfactory), usually up to 5 dirams on small bills, and around 10% for larger bills.

Climate and Weather

Morocco’s climate is very diverse, varying with the season and region. In general, the country has a tropical climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) and as low as 5°C (41°F) in the Sahara. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds whilst inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the months of December and January.

Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas, and the country is mostly dry with high temperatures in summer and a cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) during the winter.

Owing to the relatively high winter temperatures, and summers that are dry rather than unbearably humid, Morocco is an all-year-round destination. If you really want to avoid the heat, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of April to May, and September to November.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is best worn during summer, with warm medium-weight wear for the evenings, during the winter, and in the mountains. Waterproofing is advisable in the wet season, particularly on the coast and in the mountains. Both men and women should be careful to wear clothing that is cognisant of cultural sensitivities – long sleeves and low hems will be looked on favorably. Sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses are essential, especially in summer.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Morocco are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The “Type C” Europlug and the “Type E” and “Type F” Schuko. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Kingdom of Morocco usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.

The pleasures of golfing in Morocco

In Morocco, golf is more than just a sport: it’s a tradition! For a little over a century, golf courses have been cropping up across the country. There are currently 37 that invite you to indulge your passion under ideal conditions against beautiful backdrops and with access to the most modern infrastructure.

In the north, the Mediterranean looms on the horizon as you drive your ball. In Tetouan, Lixus and Tangier, you will walk through the shade of pine and fir trees and skirt paths bordered by flowers.

On the Atlantic coast and in the interior, the golf experience is quite different. This is where sports and culture intermingle. In Meknes, you can enjoy the course, which abuts the walls of the city, day and night thanks to its spotlights. Morocco’s links mesh harmoniously with the surrounding natural setting. To up your game, try the spectacular course in Mazagan, which presents serious challenges to the most experienced golfers.

In Marrakesh, the scenery is something else: its bunkers, fairways and greens unfurl to the Atlas foothills. These jagged horizons are sometimes broken by the lovely sights of a palm grove.

Finally, in the extreme south, Agadir is home to sumptuous courses. Bask in the sun amidst the dunes and fall under the spell of the surrounding vegetation as you practice your favorite hobby in what surely must be heaven on earth.

What are you waiting for? Head to Morocco for birdies, bogeys and eagles.

(May 3-4) RABAT AREA GOLF COURSES: See courses relative to our Belere Hotel Rabat HERE
Consider: Royal Golf Dar Essalam (red, blue & green courses.
Open 6AM-10pm) est. $124 (USD)/18 holes, $41 $US (cart rental)  Rates

(May 5-6) FES AREA GOLF COURSES: See courses relative to our Barcelo Fes Medina hotel HERE
Consider: Royal Fes Golf Course

(May 7) MARRAKECH AREA GOLF COURSES: See courses relative to our Hotel Suite Novotel Marrakech HERE
Consider: The Montgomerie Marrakech
(May 8) CASABLANCA AREA GOLF COURSES: See courses relative to our Novotel Casablanca City Center Hotel HERE
Consider: PalmGolf Palmeraie Country Club Casablanca

Not included in the trip price

• All optional Tours as per the program, you may select optional tours on your own and pay in advance or purchase onsite should the tours still be available
• Golf is an optional tour and is not included in the trip price.  There will be a golfers conference call to discuss courses, playing opportunities, transportation, tee times, costs, dress code and etiquette. Golfers are not restricted to group rounds and may venture out to play on their own should they wish to do so via taxi.
• Other meals and drinks at Hotels and Restaurants
• Mineral water on the bus will be available for purchase, or you may bring your own
• Tips for luggage porter at the airport coming/going (est. $3US per bag coming/going)
• Tips for the driver & his helper (est. $3-$5 per day)
• Tips for servers at dining areas, at hotels and area restaurants  (est. 10%-15% per meal)
• Tips for the Guide/Escort (est. $3-$5 per day)
• Personal expenses

*As with any travel programs this itinerary is subject to change.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your trip.

SMILE!
By participating in our programs and events you are consenting to be photographed/videotaped for material to be used in our publication and marketing efforts.