Dar Kamal Chaoui

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Kamal Chaoui offers very comfortable accommodation in a traditional village house, and Naima cooks delicious dinners (Dh220). Decorated in local Amazigh style, it has a relaxing roof terrace with sweeping views. Kamal strives for a home-away-from-home atmosphere, and he and Naima join guests at mealtimes. In winter the house is heated via an ingenious wood-fire system to keep things toasty.

Kamal, who speaks excellent English, French and German, is a pillar of the local community and a mine of information on the area. He can arrange mountain hikes, a longer trek to Immouzer El Kandar, plus a variety of other tours, including to Guigou's weekly souq and a visit to troglodyte caves for tea with the inhabitants.

Naima also runs cooking classes (Dh550 per person). Money from tours is funnelled back into the community, helping to clean up the streets and improve conditions for villagers.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Top of every tourists list when visiting Fez seems to be a visit to the Chaouwara (Chouara) Tanneries. With the help of a guide you are taken into one of the many leather shops that surround the open air tanning pits and with some explanation of the dying process, you will also be encouraged to buy some leather products. It is a beautiful sight and worth a visit.

    Chouara Tannery

    15.84 MILES

    The largest of the medina's several tanneries, Chouara is one of the city’s most iconic sights (and smells). Operating since at least the 16th century,…

  • The Medersa Bou Inania is a madrasa in Fes, Morocco. Medersa Bou Inania is acknowledged as an excellent example of Marinid architecture.; Shutterstock ID 1066026653; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: POI image update

    Medersa Bou Inania

    15.85 MILES

    The most architecturally refined of Fez’s theological colleges was built by the Merinid sultan Bou Inan between 1351 and 1357. Beyond the massive brass…

  • Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

    Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

    15.86 MILES

    In a wonderfully restored early-18th-century funduq (inn used by caravans), the former rooms for travelling merchants are given over to displays of fine…

  • Ben Danan Synagogue

    Ben Danan Synagogue

    15.47 MILES

    Built in the 17th century to serve the megorashim (Jews descended from those expelled from Spain), this synagogue is trimmed in pretty herringbone green…

  • Jnan Sbil

    Jnan Sbil

    15.82 MILES

    These lush gardens are a breath of fresh air after the intensity of Fez's medina, and a good walking route between Bab Bou Jeloud and the mellah (Jewish…

  • Fez Medina

    Fez Medina

    15.79 MILES

    The largest car-free urban area in the world, Fez El Bali (Old Fez) is a warren of twisting lanes and centuries-old monuments and mosques. As well…

  • The date, fig and walnut stall next to the entrance of the Medersa El-Attarine deep in the ancient Medina of Fes, Morocco.

    Medersa El Attarine

    15.84 MILES

    Founded in 1325 in the heart of the medina, this school is a marvel of elegant mosaic tiles, magnificent cut plaster as fine as lace and beautiful…

  • Art Naji

    Art Naji

    15.09 MILES

    If you're interested in how Fez's beautiful pottery and tiles are made, head to Ain Nokbi, a district just outside the medina where potters were relocated…

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