"Beautiful nature, kindly people, nice house, gentle guides, beautiful walk. The mules and river playing were fantastic for the kids."

Belgian Family stayed start of November 2011  

"I love travelling with my children in the hope of giving them inspiration and a tolerance of other cultures around the world. Having thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India in 09 when we made a little family documentary it was a challenge to find the next destination. Not only did our time in Tighza exceed my expectations but thanks to Carolyn our entire itinerary in Morocco was a complete success. I can't wait to see the edited film and I can honestly say it wouldn't have happened without the help of Carolyn, her family and their numerous excellent contacts. I would certainly recommend a stay in Tighza to anyone, even with young children and if you are planning a tour around the country you could do no better than to ask Carolyn for help. We will be back to visit our new extended family very soon."

The Hamilton's (UK) Stayed during April and May 2011

"The homestay experience was incredible. My partner and I spent an amazing three weeks in Morocco, and without a doubt, the best part of our travels was our homestay experience. We are so thankful to Carolyn and Mohammed’s family who gave us this unforgettable experience to live with their family, in their home, and to be a part of their everyday life. Everyone was so welcoming and so hospitable towards us that we truly felt a part of this family. We shared meals together, cooked together and spent time together during both the day and evenings, and my partner was even lucky enough to be invited to play soccer with all the neighbors in the village. We are so grateful to have spent time with this beautiful family and we are so appreciative of the time and effort that went into making our homestay the most incredible and amazing experience. We will remember this forever.

The whole experience was brilliant. If anything, the only thing we didn’t like was leaving.

I continue to talk about our homestay experience to family and friends, and I cannot tell them enough that homestays is the way to stay if you want to experience the true Morocco. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to better understand and experience the Moroccan culture. For me, homestays allows people to gain a better insight into the lives of Moroccan people, their homes and their families, an experience that cannot be achieved by staying in hostels or hotels.

Carolyn, I think you do an amazing job in the organization of Homestays. From the very beginning, right up until the very end (and beyond) you have been so extremely helpful, efficient and reliable. Without your valuable help, advice and organizing, this research trip would not have happened. Thank you so very much for everything you did for us and for your part in my research.

The website is informative and useful and accurately reflects the homestay experience."

Research trip by Hami (Perth Australia) February 2011

"It's very difficult to specify one thing as we absolutely loved the vast majority of our trip, but a few things we would particularly like to highlight as excellent would be:

• Your communication prior to our trip was much more detailed and helpful than that which we received from anyone else we sent enquiries to and made us feel we would definitely be in safe hands, which is particularly important with a short trip when you don't have much leeway with time
• The warm welcome from everyone in the village
• The feeling of really getting away from it all, especially on our walk to the lake when we didn't see another person all day
• The family atmosphere in and around the house We would have loved to have had more time, for me particularly in the mountains, and the whole thing was one of the best holidays either of us has ever had."

Yoshiko and Andy visited February 2011

"The location and its people. As soon as I meet Mo and his cousin Ussen I felt a different energy from them, the energy of peace. This vibration got deeper and deeper into me while ascending to Tighza, and deeper still as the days went on. Its refreshing and re-energizing. Tighza gives you space inside, to think, feel and perhaps make decisions and change. It was really great."
Clement visited December 2010

"We are just back from our trip to Morocco and I wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed our stay with your family in the Tighza Valley. My son loved the tranquility of the place and really enjoyed watching the stars at night. He was also crazy about the two turtles :-)

Would next time stay for a longer period and do a bit more hiking, maybe help with one of your projects, cooking. Three nights/2 days was a bit too short."

Veerle originally from Belgium stayed August 2010

"I enjoyed my stay in Tighza very much. That was a great experience to stay in such a remote place (and see, that that is the centre of the world...). And I enjoyed staying with your familyI walked up and down the valleys which I liked very much and the village was impressive for me, to walk there and nobody took any interest in me, just saying hello. Personally it was the highlight of my trip to Morocco, staying before and afterwards in cities."

Rolf from Berlin stayed December 2010

"We are already organising our return trip, we have had an experience of a lifetime. From stunning walks through lush green grasses beside a gorgeous cool river, learning to weave a carpet with giggling girls, to painting a neighbour's salon. Living with such a warm, kind family amongst a stunning backdrop and meeting the friendly smiles of the villagers makes you feel totally at home in a world so far away. I'm sure our time here will stay with us until we are old and grey. Thankyou so much Mohamed, Carolyn, gorgeous Oliver, Fadma, Fatima and the rest of the family. "

Meg, Cat, Myles and Emma University of Plymouth

"I just came back to London from Morocco and would like to thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip. I had an amazing time in the Atlas mountains and really enjoyed the hospitality of all the people there in the villages. Although I was travelling alone I always felt at home and comfortable as my journey was so integrated in the way of life of the Berbers.

The first days during Ramadan made me feel a bit like a stranger within this culture but later for dinner I could share these amazing meals. Celebrating the end of Ramadan in Tizghi with the whole village was a wonderful experience and a real highlight of the trip. The people there invited me for dancing and making music with them and we all had a great time.

All the impressions I got are still so strong, the people, the landscape, the houses, the food and I am sure I will carry these always with me. I am certainly looking forward to coming back to Morocco and into the valley."

Bernd Schmutz, London

"We stayed with Carolyn and Mohamed for 1 week and wish we could have stayed longer. It's hard to say what we enjoyed the most... their welcoming hospitality, the amazing views and fresh air, or meeting the villagers. We had the opportunity to do some repairs and improvements to the homes of some elderly and poor families which was very rewarding and a great way to get to know them better. We highly recommend this Homestays program for those looking to get off the beaten track, slow down and experience a different way of life."

Kim and Martin, Sydney, Australia

"My wife and I went on a six day trip organised Tighza Valley Homestays, three days up in the valley and three days in the desert. Up in the valley we stayed in a family home and got a small glimpse of what it may be like to live there. We could not have been made to feel more welcome by the friendly people in this beautiful peaceful place, buried deep in the High Atlas Mountains. The walks and views are breathtaking. We then went on to the Sahara for a three day trip. Not only did we get to experience the peace and wonder of the desert but also the company of the beautiful people who live there. They went out of their way to make our trip more enjoyable. We will definitely be returning both to the Valley and the Sahara."

Patrick Stagg, Ireland

"I have stayed at Mohamed and Carolyn's house on numerous occassions now and it is an experience I always look forward too. You feel like you are staying in the heart of the Berber culture and you are made to feel like one of the family. The food is excellent, the beds are comfortable and the company is friendly and relaxed. On top of this Mohamed and Carolyn put a great deal of effort into promoting the causes of the village and the community and their committment to good environmental practices is outstanding."

Andy McKee, Shepperton, UK

“I had a wonderful few days in the mountains. Carolyn, Mohamed and their family gave us a really warm welcome and we felt immersed straightaway into the genuine home-life of the Moroccan mountain people. An experience that money could not buy. The openness of the local people and the colour of the setting sun on the surrounding hills will stay with me forever.”

Biddy from Exeter, Devon, UK

"I experienced wonderful hospitality from some lovely families and learnt about the history and culture of a beautiful region of Morocco. Staying with local families made this time more special."

Jennifer, Tynemouth, UK

We positively encourage feedback from our guests so we can keep our standards high.   Please email Carolyn with a review of your stay.