Bronze Award

Abderrahim Oukioud

Where he guides: Morocco Booked through: Intrepid (intrepidtravel.com) Abderrahim’s passion for his native Morocco is infectious: your anecdotes were filled with tales of how he went the extra mile to connect travellers with his country. While his tour itineraries are already packed with memorable experiences, he takes the initiative to organise more: a sunset camel ride, for example, or the opportunity to simply sit down and chat to local people.

Born to a large family on a farm high up in the rugged landscape of the Atlas Mountains, Abderrahim (known to his clients as Abdu) has been leading tours for Intrepid for over six years. He’s very much a people person, and one traveller described him as “knowledgeable, always on hand to help with any problems and sensitive to everyone’s needs”.

But while he works hard to keep every client happy, Abderrahim also cares “Abdu looked after me like I was family: I always felt safe, comfortable, and cared for. His knowledge is endless and his love for his country contagious”

deeply for Morocco itself. He is an ardent campaigner for travelling sustainably and responsibly, encouraging guests to explore with the lightest of touches, and ensuring that the group’s money is spent on local businesses that benefit the community.

What you said

“Abdu goes out of his way to promote sustainable travel.”

“This being Morocco, most of our interactions had been with local men, and we mentioned how refreshing it would be to talk to some women about their lives. That same night he arranged for some local women to sit with us, and he translated a wonderful discussion. He always goes above and beyond.”

“Laughing and learning while travelling – what more could we want?”

The judges’ view

Myles Farnbank was impressed by how Abdu gets his customers engaged in local life. Derek Moore commented on Abdu’s great customer care and ability to bring a group together.

Bursary plans

Abderrahim will put his bursary towards a new school for Berber children, in a rural village called Tarzout.