Tom Powell
HAVING lived in Morocco for eight years and then worked in the travel industry for 10, it’s hard to imagine a better tour guide than Kora Buggel for this mesmerising North African country.
Now residing in picturesque Alora, at the foot of the hill which holds up the Arabic castle, Kora is also hoping to promote the town she has fallen in love with.
“I moved to Alora because of its Moroccan flavour, evident in the architecture, artists, food and culture,” said Kora, originally from Berlin.
Together with British expat Sheena Thatcher, they organise a range of tours to Morocco to suit all tastes, in English, German and Dutch.
“Our tours are different to the norm, we head away from the mass tourism zones and try to show people a more authentic Morocco,” explained Sheena. “But of course that doesn’t mean we miss out on Marrakech!”
Relaxing, tranquil yoga trips, art and photography workshops, music festivals, Royal cities and ladies-only tours are some of the tantalizing experiences on offer.
But Kora remains adamant that her absolute favourite is the magical Southern desert tour, which also takes in Marrakech.
Trekking on donkeys and camels, resting at oasises and sleeping in the finest riads, hand-picked by Kora, this is the ‘ideal way to explore, experience and enjoy Morocco’.
“We look after people from the start to the end of their holiday, making sure they are comfortable, safe and happy throughout,” said Kora.
Tours can be tailor made around the places you want to see and the length you want to stay, and they also specialise in organising bespoke tours for groups, clubs or large families.
And they are now using their travel experience to promote their own town, Alora, a place brimming with history and cultural interest.
“There is so much to see and do here, with the castle, the culture and the incredible food, we really want people to come and see that and for the locals to start benefitting from it,” said Kora.
Their first Alora experiences begin this October, with the local feria and then a separate art workshop.
Cooking with a local chef, sampling Guadalhorce valley wine at a bodega and staying in a traditional merchant’s house are just some of the experiences included.
For information and bookings visit www.koratravelgroup.com or call 0034 610 936 54
