Yassine Echcherki
I'm originally from Sefrou, Morocco, which is located in the foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Southeast of Fez. In 2010, I started working with Morocco Off the Beaten Track with the vision of bringing local Moroccans together with the rest of the world to encourage understanding and give the gift of worldly experience to all involved. My goal is to always provide a uniquely Moroccan experience, where my travelers can see, feel and taste what makes the Kingdom of Morocco special.
I have worked for the U.S. Peace Corps as an Arabic language instructor and culture trainer, as well as worked with different travel companies in Morocco facilitating and organizing cultural tours and programs. I have also conducted cross-cultural educational programs for several American organizations and taught French and Arabic at a primary school in Citta Del Castelo, Italy. In addition to speaking my native Arabic language, I'm also fluent in French and English.
At Central Washington University in Washington State, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master's degree in Data Analytics at the same university. I also have volunteered and taught English to Syrian refugees in the greater Seattle area while providing them with localization and life coach services. I strongly believe that cross-cultural education and international learning opportunities are the keys to promoting peace and building long-lasting friendships.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"MOBT Global operates all over Morocco. We want to give our travelers the opportunity to experience the real Morocco far from the touristy places and can plan trips to the larger and Imperial Cities (Marrakesh, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, etc.). On our tours, we visit villages, meet artisans and farmers, and share food with local people. Our activities include historical and cultural tours, hikes and treks, cooking classes, surfing instruction, 4x4 and camel desert trips, skiing and snowboarding, rafting, rock climbing, and much more."
How did you get involved in travel?
"My goal with MOBT Global is to provide opportunities for travelers to learn about Morocco and to support local Moroccan communities by providing jobs and giving them the experience of interacting with people from other countries. The catalyst for my interest in this was my experience with the US Department of State Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). I was selected to participate in the MEPI Student Leaders Program at Montana State University because of the quality of my leadership experience and community involvement. This prestigious program brings young leaders from North Africa and the Middle East to learn leadership skills and to study democracy, human rights, and conflict resolution. During my time in the USA, I realized how little Americans knew about Morocco and how many misconceptions there were of the Arab world. I decided to work for a travel company that could bridge the gap in understanding Morocco and the US. I had experience working with travel companies in Morocco and had traveled throughout the country myself, so I knew what it would take to be successful with this company and how to create and facilitate outstanding programs for our travelers."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I will never forget the time I went with my friend to the desert dunes of Merzouga in Morocco. Prior to traveling there, I had not known that Morocco had deserts like this. It was endless rolling dunes of reddish sand, and it took us two hours by camel to reach the oasis we were staying at. At the oasis, I learned different ways to bake bread by the local Berber nomads and got to try their unique foods. Their hospitality was outstanding and was one of the more special things about the trip. In the evening we went to the largest dune in the area and got to see the silver shine of the desert in the moonlight. It was a breathtaking view and something I will never forget."
Yassine's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Take a luxurious round trip around northern Morocco, where you'll dive into bustling marketplaces, unwind in finely-appointed riads, and discover the magic of the kingdom's...
Buckle up for a luxurious week-long trip around Morocco's iconic Imperial Cities. Your private driver will usher you through from Casablanca to Fes and Marrakech, with...
On this 13-day tour of Morocco, you'll explore the country's ancient history and adventure through the desert. In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque and Hassan Tower—one of...
Luxury itineraries
Buckle up for a luxurious week-long trip around Morocco's iconic Imperial Cities. Your private driver will usher you through from Casablanca to Fes and Marrakech, with...
Take a luxurious round trip around northern Morocco, where you'll dive into bustling marketplaces, unwind in finely-appointed riads, and discover the magic of the kingdom's...
Souks, kasbahs, mountains, and deserts await on this luxurious trip plan that loops you around the country. You'll see Morocco's highlights, relax in deluxe accommodations, and...
Favorite experiences
Food Tour in Marrakech
Explore the flavors of Marrakech with a food tour through the city's Medina (old town). Bustling Marrakech is filled with picturesque alleyways and vibrant squares. It's the perfect city to get lost in as you follow your nose and taste bites from one snack to the next.This food tour guides you on...
Horseback Riding on the Beach in Essaouira
Embrace the tranquility of Essaouira with a serene horseback riding excursion on the beach. After meeting with your guide, you'll learn a few basic techniques and get acquainted with your animal. Then, as you trot along Essaouira's long stretch of sand, enjoy the ocean breeze and smell of the...
Jewish Heritage Tour in Fes Medina
Learn all about Morocco's Jewish heritage by touring the Fes' medina. As you walk through the twisting streets, you'll listen to your guide share the ancient stories of the Jewish Mellah (old Jewish neighborhood) and explore historic synagogues, cemeteries, and museums. Fes is teeming with Jewish...
Merzouga Sunset Camel Ride & Desert Overnight
One of the most quintessential Moroccan experiences is a sunset camel ride through Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, combined with an overnight in the desert. Most visitors enjoy this experience when traveling to the Sahara from one of the country's imperial cities, such as between Merzouga and Marrakech...
Explore the "Blue City" Chefchaouen
Discover the sites, streets, and monuments of Morocco's famed "Blue City," Chefchaouen, or simply “chaoeun,” as the locals call it. Its name translates to “two horns,” referencing the town's two mountain peaks. Despite its popularity with tourists, Chefchaouen retains a much more relaxed...
Hike the Berber Villages in Toubkal National Park
Just outside of Marrakech is a serene natural environment within Toubkal National Park, an excellent escape from the busy city. Enjoy zipping south over gorges and high passes of the region's upper mountain valleys while enjoying views of flat plains, verdant hills, and rocky peaks.Your entry...
Recent trip reviews for Yassine
Yassine was amazing. Super attentive and alwa...
Morocco
|
May 12 - May 24, 2024
Yassine was amazing. Super attentive and always available to help. Including restaurant advice.
Brian,
It was truly a pleasure working with you to plan your Morocco trip. Thank you for being such a great traveler and for trusting us with your journey to Morocco. If you ever need help planning other global destinations, please let us know, and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Best regards, Yassine
Amazing experience in Morocco
Morocco
|
May 12 - May 24, 2024
Ema, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that your trip to Morocco exceeded all your expectations and that you enjoyed the tours. It’s fantastic to know that Younes made your experience exceptional with his professionalism, helpful tips, and thoughtful assistance with meal recommendations, reservations, and laundry.
We are also pleased to hear that each tour guide contributed to making your trip special and memorable. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we look forward to helping you plan another unforgettable adventure in the future.
We would like to compliment Soufiane as an ex...
Morocco
|
May 3 - May 20, 2024
We would like to compliment Soufiane as an excellent driver and chaperon during our 18-day Morocco trip. He was friendly, knowledgeable and struck a good balance of being conversational and giving our group our own space. We appreciated his comfortable driving and willingness to adapt to different plans. He even introduced us to his lovely family, which was a great experience to meet and spend time with a local Moroccan family.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that Soufiane made such a positive impact on your 18-day Morocco trip. It's wonderful to know that he provided the perfect balance of friendliness and professionalism, making your journey both comfortable and enjoyable. We're especially pleased that you had the opportunity to meet his family and experience the warmth of local Moroccan hospitality. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to have the pleasure of assisting you with future adventures. Safe travels!