Moroccan Desert Adventure
8 days
Duration8 days
Marrakech – whisper it and instantly your mind goes to a place of seduction and spices. Experience it for yourself. This intense one week journey reveals the secrets of Morocco and is filled with all the activities and energy you crave. In the company of other young travellers, dance among the dunes of the Sahara, go rock climbing in Todra, and hang with the hippies in Essaouira. Explore the kasbahs, coast, and desert and lose the herd on a trip you’ll never forget.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrive at any time. Meet your group for the welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a night on the town.
On arrival, check the notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of the group meeting. Afterwards, there will be the possibility to go out for a meal as a group in a nearby local restaurant. If you arrive late, no worries, your leader will leave you a message at the front desk.
Day 2: Marrakech/Nkob
Travel west into the desert, and stop off at Nkob, which is flanked by the Saghrou Mountains.
End place: Nkob
Meals: B
Day 3: Nkob/Merzouga
Start place: Nkob
In late afternoon, set off by camel to a desert camp deep in the dunes. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos.
Enjoy a warm welcome (with mint tea). A traditional dinner under the stars, cooked by our hosts, awaits. In the evening, listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
Enjoy a warm welcome (with mint tea). A traditional dinner under the stars, cooked by our hosts, awaits. In the evening, listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
Head off on a camel ride into the dunes. Watch the sun go down from atop the dunes, and spend the night in a Berber camp.
Notes for the Sahara Desert tented camp stay:
There will be a chance to repack and take only overnight bags out to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared.
Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth.
There will be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. Enjoy traditional local fare of a tagine with beef and vegetables at a Berber camp. (Vegetarian option also available.)
There will be a chance to repack and take only overnight bags out to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared.
Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth.
There will be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. Enjoy traditional local fare of a tagine with beef and vegetables at a Berber camp. (Vegetarian option also available.)
End place: Marzouga
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Merzouga/Todra Gorge
Start place: Marzouga
Rise early to get on the trusty camels. Watch the sun rise before returning to Merzouga.
Depart early from the camp. Make the first stop of the day at Tineghir to visit the town and go for a walk through the palm groves. Then head to the breathtaking Todra Gorge to spend the night nestled between the sheer cliff walls among the palm trees and gurgling river. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Berber delicacies.
Depart early from the camp. Make the first stop of the day at Tineghir to visit the town and go for a walk through the palm groves. Then head to the breathtaking Todra Gorge to spend the night nestled between the sheer cliff walls among the palm trees and gurgling river. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Berber delicacies.
Walk through local village farmland near Todra to learn about the local way of life.
End place: Gorges du Todrha
Meals: B
Day 5: Todra Gorge/Ait Benhaddou
Start place: Gorges du Todrha
Travel along the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs” to the thriving town of Ouarzazate for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Gladiator."
Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah.
Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah.
Get lost exploring the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains. Optional Moroccan cooking class.
End place: Ait Boulmane
Meals: B
Day 6: Ait Benhaddou/Essaouira
Start place: Ait Boulmane
Travel to the coast, and take in the laidback vibe of this coastal town on an orientation walk.
End place: Essaouira
Meals: B
Day 7: Essaouira
Start place: Essaouira
In the morning, don't miss the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port, with their baskets full of fish. Afterwards, head up to the ramparts on the old city wall for a great view over the city and out to sea. Browse the shops and art galleries or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. This is the perfect place to unwind and relax with a cold beer or shisha pipe (waterpipe). The active might choose to take a surfing or windsurfing lesson, hire a fishing rod or just take a long walk on the beach.
In the evening, head to one of the local barbecue fish cafes where you can pick out the catch of the day and have it cooked to perfection for an amazing seafood dinner. Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.
In the evening, head to one of the local barbecue fish cafes where you can pick out the catch of the day and have it cooked to perfection for an amazing seafood dinner. Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.
Enjoy a free day to explore this funky coastal town.
End place: Essaouira
Meals: B
Day 8: Essaouira/Marrakech
Start place: Essaouira
Continue on to Marrakech where the tour ends upon arrival in the early afternoon.
Please book any onward travel after 4pm.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Local Living Moment: Overnight at Berber Desert Camp, Sahara Bedouin Camp
- Visit to Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Orientation walk in Essaouira
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-con van, Public bus, Camel -
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts), Tented desert camp (1 nt, multi-share)