Who you're booking with
Trips are run by Abderrahim Gourar, known as Syphax, trading as Morocco By Syphax, based in Tighduine, El Haouz Province, near Marrakech, Morocco. I am the sole operator: I drive the van, plan the route with you, and guide the trip myself. There are no subcontracted drivers and no shared departures.
What a booking covers
A booking reserves me, my van and the agreed dates for your group alone. Unless we have agreed otherwise in writing, a multi-day trip includes:
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel, and all road and parking costs
- Me as your driver and guide for the whole route
- Accommodation on multi-day routes, as described on the route page
- Meals where the route page says they are included
Not included unless stated: flights, visas, travel insurance, entrance fees to monuments and museums, local guides inside the medinas, meals not listed, drinks, tips, and anything personal.
How booking works
- You message me with rough dates, group size, and what you would like to see.
- We agree an itinerary and a total price in writing, by WhatsApp or email.
- I confirm the dates are held for you.
- You pay the deposit. The trip is booked once the deposit has been received.
There is no account to create and no automatic booking — nothing is reserved until I have confirmed it personally.
Prices and payment
Prices on this website are per trip, in US dollars, and depend on the length of the route and the size of the group. The price I quote you in writing is the price you pay; I do not add fees afterwards.
A deposit of 20% of the total confirms the booking, and the balance is due at the start of the trip. Accepted payment methods are confirmed when you book.
Changes to the itinerary
A route is a plan, not a contract with the road. Weather, road closures, mechanical problems or a judgement about safety may mean we change the order of a day or swap a stop. I will always talk to you first and find the closest alternative. If a change means a real reduction in what you received, we settle it fairly at the end of the trip.
If you want to change the itinerary while we are travelling, that is usually fine — tell me and we will work it out. Changes that add nights, distance or accommodation may change the price, and I will tell you before anything is committed.
What I need from you
- Valid passports and any visas required for Morocco. Checking this is your responsibility.
- Accurate passenger numbers, including children and infants, so the vehicle and seating are right.
- Travel insurance. I strongly recommend it, including medical cover. I do not provide it.
- Telling me in advance about medical conditions, mobility needs, allergies or dietary requirements that affect the trip.
- Reasonable behaviour towards me and towards the people we meet. I may end a trip without refund in cases of threatening or illegal behaviour.
Children and seating
Families are welcome. Tell me the ages of any children when you enquire, so I can plan seating and the length of each driving day sensibly.
Responsibility
I am responsible for the driving and guiding I provide, and for taking reasonable care in choosing the accommodation and services I arrange on your behalf. I am not responsible for the acts of independent third parties such as hotels, riads, desert camps, restaurants or local guides beyond that reasonable care, nor for events outside my control — weather, road closures, airline or border decisions, illness, or civil disruption.
Nothing here limits liability where the law does not allow it to be limited.
If something goes wrong
Tell me during the trip. Almost anything can be fixed on the road, and very little can be fixed afterwards. If you are still unhappy once you are home, email me and I will answer personally.
Cancellations
Cancellations and refunds are covered separately, on the cancellations and refunds page.
Law
These terms are governed by Moroccan law.