Marrakech & the Sahara
Experience Overview
Experience the grandeur of the Sahara on a journey that takes us from Marrakech and across the High Atlas Mountains. En route, explore the historic ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou, before a camel trek and night under a thousand stars at a camp in the Sahara. On our return to the city, we stop in the remote mountain village of Tighza to enjoy a peaceful walk and authentic hammam. Finally, there is time to explore Marrakech, one of the great cities of the Arabic world.
Profile
— Accommodation: 5 Classic nights (hotels), 2 Simple nights (1 gite, 1 Sahara camp) — Travel by private minibus and camel — Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 5 Classic nights (hotels), 2 Simple nights (1 gite, 1 Sahara camp) — Travel by private minibus and camel — Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Driving: There are sometimes long journeys on this trip, but this is the only way to see everything Morocco offers. We are not confined to our vehicle though, as there are plenty of photo stops and opportunities to stretch our legs. Approximate drive times are noted on the daily itinerary.
Weather: Morocco is hot in summer but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day for our sightseeing, so expect some early starts. Morocco can get cold in winter, normally with mild daytime temperatures. Pack winter clothes and nightwear for November to March, when nighttime temperatures can drop considerably, especially in the desert and the mountains. During these months, there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Of course, you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels.
Ramadan is expected to run from 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Group Description
There is a local tour leader and a driver, plus local guides at various sites.
Eating Drinking
The included meals are listed on the day-to-day itinerary.
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices.
Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)Dinners:
In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)In small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
Drinks in restaurants
Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)Beer: 30-50 dirham (US$2.85-US$5)Wine: 150 dirham (US$14) and more
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.
Transportation
For most of this trip, we use a private bus, the size of which will depend on the group size. The roads in Morocco are reasonably good and driving conditions in towns and on the plains are good. On mountain roads, the pace will be slower. Buses usually have air conditioning and heating but may not be up to North American/European standards.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hôtel Palais Al Bahja, 33 Rue Ibn el Qadi, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Phone: +212 5244-33001
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport depending on traffic. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. If you’re not taking the transfer, allow three hours for check in, bag drop, immigration and security.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.
Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.
Weather Information
From April to June, and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot, with temperatures averaging 26C (79F) in the day, 16C (61F) at night. It is unusual for there to be much humidity, so it is quite pleasant except at midday when the sun is very strong. Desert temperatures are like those in Marrakech, with the nights usually a little cooler and the days a little hotter. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech.
In winter, the daytime temperatures in Marrakech are around 18C-22C (64F-72F) with night temperatures falling to 4C-7C (39F-45F). The days should be clear and sunny, and a particularly attractive feature of the winter months is the clear views of the snow-covered Atlas Mountains.
The temperatures in the south are generally a couple of degrees higher than those prevailing north of the mountains. There is a small chance of rain, and it has even been known to snow (very infrequently) in January and sometimes February on the higher desert plateaux (in which case it is cold at night and early in the morning on the southern side of the Atlas).
Spending Money
We recommend you change your money at the airport into the local currency, as Morocco only allows 2,000 dirhams to be imported or exported. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you take. When changing your money, ensure you keep hold of your exchange receipt as you may need to show it at the airport bank at the end of your trip where it’s normally possible to change any unspent dirham notes back into euros, British pounds or US dollars. Allow approximately 30-70 dirhams (US$3-US$6.50) per day to cover small souvenirs, soft drinks etc.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work and tipping is at your discretion for both the leader and local staff. However, tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected.
Tipping kitty: If you wish to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a tipping kitty – about 250 dirhams (US$24) per person – to tip local staff (such as cooks and guides, hotel staff etc). If you do not wish to join the group kitty, do not feel pressured.
Tour leader and driver: Many also wish to tip their tour leader and driver at the end of the trip. We suggest 30 dirhams (US$2.90) a day per person for the tour leader and 20 dirhams (US$1.90) a day per person for the driver. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
Highlights
— Experience the extraordinary variety of Morocco, from the Sahara to the Atlas Mountains — Discover the grand ksar of Ait Benhaddou – a World Heritage site — Journey into the Sahara by camel and spend a memorable night under the stars — Stay in Tighza, a remote Amazigh village that has welcomed our groups for years — Walk in the magnificent Atlas Mountains, guided by our tour leader — Explore Marrakech with an expert local guide, visiting the lively souks and more
Trip Details
Product Code: 4274
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: tandards.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AMS
Starts: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains
Finishes: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts and three dinners — All accommodation — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
Hotels, mountain 'gite' and Sahara campOn this Moroccan adventure, we spend five nights in hotels, one night in a gite and one night in a Sahara camp. The normal accommodations used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, the highlight for many is our night in the Sahara, where we can stargaze and spot shooting stars. Distractions are few, which allows everyone to share, what is for many, a bucket-list experience. We also spend one night in a mountain gite, the name for modest rural accommodation (like a refuge or hostel) in Morocco. Here, we receive a lovely welcome from our hosts, who bring us tea as we sit on the terrace taking in countryside views. Our rooms are basic and sparse, and you could be sharing with other group members depending on room availability; however, the spectacular location and chance to spend a night in a traditional village is reason enough to visit. Worth knowing There are shared bathroom facilities at the Sahara camp and mountain gite.Single supplement not available in the desert camp or mountain gite.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,520 ($190 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins at our hotel in Marrakech. We have a welcome briefing this evening, in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our tour leader. If you have time beforehand, there’s a pool at the hotel for a post-flight dip, or you could catch a five-minute taxi to Djemaa El Fna, the central square, where you can explore the souks and watch the world pass from a cafe. Accommodation: Hôtel Palais Al Bahja (or similar)
With time to explore Marrakech at the end of our adventure, we leave the Red City and head into the Atlas Mountains. Our destination for the day is the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular landmarks in the Atlas and the filming location for several Hollywood movies, including Gladiator (2000). Our route takes us over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco, and we arrive mid-afternoon. We then join our tour leader for a tour of the ksar, navigating the maze of alleys as we make our way to a hilltop granary, where we can enjoy views back over the site and to the Atlas Mountains. We then return to our hotel for dinner. Accommodation: Rose du Sable (or similar) Drive time: Four hours
Leaving Ait Benhaddou after breakfast, we travel through Ouarzazate, nicknamed the door to the desert because it used to be a crossing point for African traders on their way to Europe. It is now home to the Atlas Film Studios, the setting for many Hollywood films and Game of Thrones. We then carry on to Todgha Gorge, a spectacular river canyon with towering limestone walls. Here, our tour leader takes us on a 1hr 30ming walk and we join a food-loving family at their home for lunch. Accommodation: Hotel Kasbah Taborihte (or similar) Drive time: Three to four hours
We journey to the largest hot desert on Earth after breakfast. Upon arrival, we explore the dunes and desert landscape on a one-hour camel trek with expert handlers showing us the ropes and guiding our convoy. The trek ends at our desert camp, where we are sleep on beds in Amazigh-style tents. Surrounded by silence and millions of stars, we can appreciate the immensity of the desert and enjoy dinner in the communal dining tent. Please note: You need to pack an overnight bag for the Sahara – your remaining luggage stays with the vehicle. Accommodation: Yasmina Chebbi camp (full-service camping) Drive time: 4hr 30min
We wake in the desert silence. Rise early to climb a nearby dune and catch sunrise from the top, a magical experience. After breakfast, we return to our vehicle and drive to Zagora, a town in the Draa Valley. After a night in the desert, you might like to relax in the hotel gardens or take a dip in the pool. Later in the afternoon, we can take an optional walk into the valley and around this famous desert outpost. Accommodation: Hotel Chez Ali (or similar) Drive time: Four hours
After breakfast, we travel west through the Draa Valley to join the Ounila Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. We then leave our vehicle for a hike with short, steep inclines, which takes us through a series of small mountain villages. After about 1hr 30min, we arrive at our gite (a simple inn) in the village of Tighza, where we spend the night. From the terrace, you can look down into the valley and watch the sun set over the mountains. It is a peaceful retreat and provides the opportunity to meet local villagers and share their way of life. In the evening, we visit the village hammam, built with money raised by our groups. This is a truly authentic experience. It is very much a traditional hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. Please don’t expect a spa treatment. A standard treatment is included, but you need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 Moroccan dirham (US$2) and pay a customary tip of 20 dirham. We return to the gite for our dinner in the mountains. Accommodation: Tighza gite Drive time: 4hr 30min
There is time to relax on the terrace this morning, enjoying wonderful views across the fertile Tighza Valley. Alternatively, we offer an optional three-hour trek through the villages of this remote area, passing fields cultivated by the Amazigh women, with the peaks of the High Atlas as a beautiful backdrop. We leave the gite after lunch, making the scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech, with some stunning scenery along the way. In the afternoon, we have a walking tour to see the spectacular sites of Marrakech. Our city guide leads us to the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs, which date to the 16th century. We see the outside of the Koutoubia, the largest mosque in Marrakech. We continue through the labyrinthine of souks where you can barter for souvenirs. We can then have dinner together in a restaurant overlooking the square. Alternatively, you may prefer to head off on your own today and take a calèche (horse-drawn carriage) to Yves St Laurent’s Majorelle Gardens. Accommodation: Hôtel Palais Al Bahja (or similar) Drive time: 5hr 30min
Our journey comes to an end after breakfast. Hop into your free transfer to Marrakech Airport to catch your flight. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in the Red City.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Dagmar Bailey - Traveled, May 2023
Stunning The tour was absolutely amazing. Marrakesh was intriguing and beautiful, the mountain views during the drive to Ait Benhaddou were breath-taking, the Sahara and the camel ride were amazing and the Tighza location extremely picturesque. The whole trip was fabulous! Most Inspirational Moment Everything Thoughts on Group Leader Said was great; he was very polite, knowledgeable and helpful. He did a great job keeping an eye on us and I felt safe with him the whole time. It felt he knew before we knew it when we needed a break from driving, a toilet stop or some refreshments. Thank you, he made it an amazing trip. Advice for Potential Travellers This is an amazing tour. Suggestions I appreciate that this might not be possible, but it would have been nice and improved our comfort level to have a slightly larger mini bus on the journey. We were 16 in the group and there was no spare room. I am fairly tall and was not able to sit comfortably during the longer drives and was grateful for the many little breaks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2023
Sam Murray - Traveled, April 2023
A magical experience enhanced by a great group and leader What a beautiful, welcoming country. There were so many magical moments on this trip – taking a camel into the Sahara, watching shooting stars from our desert camp, walking through the mountains – that it’s hard to pick out a favourite. What I do know is that the experience was enhanced by a lovely group and a knowledgeable, friendly guide. I felt like I really got under the skin of Morocco and saw much more than I would have done solo.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Charli JM - Traveled, December 2022
Great Variety and Amazing Locations From busy Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara desert, this trip covers three very distinct areas of Morocco, all well worth visiting! Marrakech old town – beautiful and plenty of opportunities to haggle for bargains and immerse yourself in local life. Ait Benhaddou was great, and the Berber camp – fantastic. Good facilities even in the desert, lovely home-cooked food (and fresh watermelon) and the opportunity to sleep under the stars on a warm night. Tijhza is a great experience, it’s an authentic Berber mountain village where you can get a sense of how Moroccans live. We had a lovely group and great guide and really bonded over the week. Most Inspirational Moment Standing at the top of a dune near our Berber camp in the Sahara desert, feeling like you're miles from civilisation! Thoughts on Group Leader Hamid was a great guy, good company and clearly passionate about his country. He was very knowledgeable and was able to take us to some interesting extra sites to break up the drives, such as an Islamic library and a kasbah in Zagora. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack light for the camel ride to camp and take plenty of water. A good water bottle is a must in general, Hamid was excellent at keeping ours' filled up with cold water. There's an early start for the optional walk in Tijhza, but we found it well worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2022
Jemma Newman - Traveled, August 2022
Amazing This was an excellent good value tour. The guide was brilliant and the trip was varied, well planned and brilliantly executed. I loved every minute. Most Inspirational Moment The Sahara - what magical experience. Thoughts on Group Leader Hamid was outstanding - knowledgeable, attentive, thoughtful, caring and very funny! I cannot fault him at all. Advice for Potential Travellers You don't necessarily need hiking boots...I took them but didn't use them. Accommodation is basic but still great. Respect their culture and cover up. A little bit of shoulder on show is no big deal, but do cover knees etc...it was actually helpful in such high heat to be covered. Take a really good water bottle you can clip to a belt or bag. We didn't need water purification tablets. Throw yourself into it all as Morocco is very special and the people are wonderful. Suggestions Thank you Exodus for an amazing trip. I am currently looking for the next one!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2022
JILL JAMES - Traveled, September 2019
Marrakech and the Sahara At 72 l was a bit worried if l would be a stumbling block with the other travelers. None of it. lt was the most amazing trip l’ve ever had. We were looked after from the word go and l never felt the odd one out. lf l did have a hic cup, my friends would help me. They called me the tough old bird!!! Most Inspirational Moment The camel ride in the Sahara. When we got to our destination we all decided to sleep under the stars. AMAZING !! Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. No other words. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared to enjoy Suggestions Have already decided my next trip with Exodus!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2019
Kat Burke - Traveled, August 2019
Camels, souks and tagine! The holiday was fantastic from start to finish. We started from Marrakech and headed to Ait Ben Haddou, a fantastic historic city used as the backdrop to loads of famous films. The following day we picked up our camels and headed out into the Sahara dessert, staying in a bedouin camp. This was the highlight of the trip, the camels were placid and, although the rocking motion takes a little getting used to, it was a generally comfortable ride. This was followed by a night in a gite up in a village in the mountains, the Hamaam was a great bonding experience and the village women were really friendly. Marrakech itself was interesting and steeped in history. The tombs and palace buildings were beautiful and the souks were vibrant and fun for trying to grab a bargain! The food throughout was excellent, although it is slightly repetitive. Tagine is on most menus, the meat was always lovely and tender with an array of veg. Other favourite was the chicken pastilla. Whoever combined shredded chicken and almonds with filo pastry, icing sugar and cinnamon is a genius! The trip had variety in its hotels and stops. Sometimes it felt like we were on the minibus for agaes, but the destinations were always worth it! Most Inspirational Moment Sharing a Hamaam with 10 women I'd only met 2 days previously. I'm usually very self concious, but it was a great and funny bonding experience for the group. The camel ride was amazing, the peace in the desert and the shapes created by the winds in the dunes are hynotic. Thoughts on Group Leader Abdellah was a great leader, he was informative with a good sense of humour. He was well organised and always happy to help answer questions. Advice for Potential Travellers We didn't need the water purification tablets recommended as there was plenty of bottled water. Take your good walking shoes, not just your sandals. Don't pick this trip if you like a drink every night, alcohol is largely unavailable. But mint tea and fruit juices are great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2019
Martin Samuels - Traveled, March 2019
Great intro to Morocco This trip was a great way to see varied parts of Morocco, from city life in Marrakesh to the desert and up to the High Atlas Mountains, where there was a good amount of snow. This meant that there was quite a lot of time spent on the minibus, but there was some impressive terrain to see. In February, the nights and mornings were cold and dramatically different to the temperature in the mid-late afternoon. There were local crafts to visit (rug making, pottery, argan oil production, spice and incense stores) with retail opportunities, the camel ride into the desert, the steam baths and some down time. I really enjoyed the week, and if this is your first visit to an Arabic country, it’s a tough call between Morocco and Jordan, as the latter has the Lost City of Petra, a great sight / site, which Morocco doesn’t have. Most Inspirational Moment The visit into the High Atlas Mountains... or maybe the camel ride into the desert... or the souk in Marrakech... Thoughts on Group Leader Rashid was very friendly and helpful. He looked after us and gave us a lot of information about Morocco and where we were visiting. Advice for Potential Travellers If visiting in the winter, make sure you have clothes for hot & cold weather.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2019
Rebecca Parker - Traveled, February 2019
Too much shopping. The only reason this trip did not receive a rating of poor is sure to the fact of the our guide Rashide. The were good points for example the camel ride and the desert as week as the time in Marrakech. However there didn’t seem much time for anything else, we always seemed to be running late. There was far too much time travelling and most of the stops we made were to places where we were expected to buy something. It would have been nice to have the opportunity to explore more of the sites. The driver was not very safe he seemed to drive far too fast and swing us around a lot which caused our belongings fly all around the bus. In the Atlas mountains we were involved in a car accident which was a frightening experience that lucky didn’t involve any injuries to anybody. Accidents do happen but in this case, as previously stated the driver did not seem to be driving with due care and attention . The hamman in the mountains was posponed until the next day and then cancelled which ment that some of us missed out on the walk. Overall this trip did not live up to expectations and was a disappoint ment. There were some good point, the group was lovely as was the guide, but too much time was spent in the bus with few stops to see the sights. Most Inspirational Moment The desert Thoughts on Group Leader Very good and helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers No.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2019
Claire Welford - Traveled, December 2018
A true taste of Morocco Spent a memorable Christmas in a beautiful country with some wonderful people. The trip give you a great taste of what this wonderful has to offer Most Inspirational Moment There were so many highlights of this trip but waking up in the desert on Christmas Day was perfection. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide Omar was was excellent. He managed to pass on enough information about the county and trip without making us feel that we were being controlled. Advice for Potential Travellers If you are travelling in winter take warm clothes for the evenings as some places are really cold. There is no need to take a sleeping bag with you as there are plenty of extra blankets available in the Gite and at the Bedouin camp if you need them. Walking boots or good walking shoes are needed if you want to experience the trek without risking twisting an ankle. Suggestions This trip is worth taking and I’m sure I’ll visit wonderful Morocco again.1
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2019
Sue Curran - Traveled, April 2018
An unforgettable trip to a great country - Morocco - I will return! Although there was a lot of travel in the week, it meant we saw, and experienced much more of Morocco – a special country. It was such an enjoyable holiday, and I truly relaxed! The itinerary was well planned so that we did not get caught up in the big tour groups at busy times of day. Most Inspirational Moment The highlights were the camel ride and camp in the desert, and the stay in the gite/hostel in the mountains (including the hammam!). The scenery was beautiful and peaceful. Thoughts on Group Leader Abdelhadi was a fantastic group leader - very knowledge and enthusiastic. He developed a great rapport with the group, which made the trip so enjoyable. I travelled on my own and the group dynamic to which he contributed, made me feel welcome, and never alone. Advice for Potential Travellers In Marrakesh, visit the Jardin Majorelle - but arrive before 9 am to miss the crowds. Don't miss the Berber museum there - it was a real gem! Suggestions Thank you Exodus!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2018
Margaret Baker - Traveled, April 2018
Magical Morocco and the Sahara This was a great trip as a taster for what Morocco offers. There was a lot of travelling in the minibus but it was worth it for the variety of experiences we had. Most Inspirational Moment Difficult to say really but the camel ride and the night in the nomad camp in the desert was really special. Some of us slept outside under the stars which was amazing. It was mid April but it was not cold although I kept many clothes on and slept in my 4 season sleeping bag. A 4 season bag was not suggested or necessary but it was my only one. Some even took just a sleeping bag inner which was fine on this occasion as blankets and pillows were available and the temperature didn’t drop too low. Didn’t meet any beasties or scorpions. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader Abdul was excellent and very knowledgeable and great fun although his idea of “just next door” or “it’s an hour’s walk” didn’t always match ours! He shared a lot about himself and his life in Morocco and enjoyed learning about ours without being intrusive. It all added to the enjoyment of the trip. Advice for Potential Travellers Towel and shampoo essential for the hammam visit, and a sense of humour and adventure will also help! The optional morning trek from the gite was significantly longer than advertised. Check the exact itinerary and time before you set off. Our 3-4 hour walk was 5 1/2 hours. Good walkers only should tackle this one. It appeared much harder than suggested in the trip notes. An optional 1 1/2 hour walk around the village took 2 hours. However, time that day was relaxed and everyone who did the walks enjoyed them. I was in a small group who took the third option of staying put and relaxing on the balcony of the gite! Suggestions Despite the long drives, this was well worth the travelling to get down into the Sahara for the nomad camp site visit. The scenery along the route was simply stunning, from the High Atlas Mountains to the sandy Sahara.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2018
Gurcan S - Traveled, January 2018
Adventurous trip It is an adventurous trip which offers an interesting overview of the country. The tour was generally well organised and ran smoothly, the driving was safe, the only criticise is about the comfort of the vehicle: the group of 16 people tried to be fitted in the small van, and one of tourists had to share the seat between driver and the guide in the front… The group leader Lahcen Hamyouy was very knowledgeable guide, friendly and responsible person. The best day of the journey was camel riding through Sahara desert and star gazing in bedouin camp. Also the Atlas mountains scenery was magnificent while driving and walking as well. One of the highlights was visiting kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, in Ouarzazate province, after seeing this ghost town you understand why this place has attracted a lot of directors and writers of various film industries to shoot movies such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘The Mummy’, ‘Gladiator’ etc. Tour organisers should consider to spend more time in this beautiful place rather than wasting it in the remote village in Atlas mountains in freezing prison cell-like plain rooms. That guest house was very uncomfortable to stay in and needs a lot of improvements (little mobile heaters can make big difference). The food was good overall BUT hygiene and sanitation was very poor I am afraid (most of places with non-working flush toilets, missing toilets paper and open rubbish bins). The last part of the trip – visiting Marrakesh – was not that much exciting than others. Central square with its chaotic market is really dangerous place to walk because of annoying street hasslers and pickpocketers. One Italian restaurant “Portofino” recommended by the group leader was very decent place to have a meal… Most Inspirational Moment star gazing in Bedouin camp, riding camels through Sahara desert Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader Lahcen Hamyouy was very knowledgeable guide, friendly and responsible person.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2018
Ronnie van der Ploeg - Traveled, November 2017
Ronnie An enjoyable adventure with a friendly group of fellow rptravellers of different ages and backgrounds, ably looked after by our guide and driver. Most Inspirational Moment A camel ride into the Sahara, followed by a camp meal, after-supper entertainment from the locals and the unforgettable highlight of sleeping under a sky lit up by a million stars. Thoughts on Group Leader An engaging and welcoming young man who looked after the needs of his travelling guests and shared his enthusiasm and knowledge for his country and its people. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't expect gourmet cuisine, the food en route can be quite bland and quite limited, but it is a travel adventure, not a gastronomic trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2017
Patricia Weber - Traveled, March 2017
A Wonderful Moroccan Experience I had always wanted to go to Morocco and this 8 day journey did not disappoint! The week took us through varied landscapes and sights! Wonderful and beautiful whether looking out the windows of our mini bus or our trek through the desert or our stay in the gite in the High Atlas Mountains! And of course chaotic, magical Marrakech. Just go! Most Inspirational Moment Two highlights for me were our desert trek and sleeping out in the Sahara! As well, our stay in the gite was an experience I won't forget! Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, Hassan, was extraordinary! He made this trip even more fascinating and interesting with his knowledge of the country and it's people. He has a great personality and sense of humour! Our whole group of 12 travellers would agree! Thank you Hassan! I am proud to now call you friend! Advice for Potential Travellers No need to pack a sleeping bag for the overnight stay in the gite or desert. All sheets and blankets are provided. I was happy I had my hiking boots as we did a fair bit of walking. Take extra tissues, hand sanitizer or wipes as toilet paper may be scarce in some places. Just enjoy the many cultural differences and enjoy the people! Suggestions My husband and I had a wonderful time and we would go back to Morocco again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2017
Monique Law - Traveled, April 2017
Morocco in March This was an excellent and varied trip but what made it extra special was our fantastic guide Hassan Hiss. He was extremely knowledgeable, well-organised and patient and calm at all times. Everything went like clockwork and he made everything seem effortless which it cannot have been – there was a lot to co-ordinate. Superb Hassan! All the superlatives, thank you for looking after us and giving us a super and very memorable week. Most Inspirational Moment I loved the chance to ride a camel into the Sahara and spend the night there. Another highlight was the hammam with two local ladies looking after us. Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic, great, Hassan was all that could be expected and much more. The talks he gave us, while on the coach and as we walked and in the evenings, were really interesting and informative. I felt he gave us a real insight into Morocco and the different ways of life of the people there. Advice for Potential Travellers We did not need a sleeping bag! Suggestions Thank you for a lovely week, it was a great introduction to the country, the culture and the people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2017
MARK STEPHENSON - Traveled, March 2017
A great introduction to adventure travel Morocco is a beautiful country, wonderful people, stunning landscape and healthy wholesome food. This trip gives you a chance to experience the amazing contrasts that the country has on offer, from the stark beauty of the Sahara, the beautiful mineral rich mountains of the High Atlas to the frenetic pace of Marrakesh. The trip to the 16th century Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, where they filmed Gladiator and Game of Thrones was fascinating and other small chances to sample local traditions like a Hamam and a tea ceremony were also welcome. This is a great introduction to adventure travel. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many. The night sky in the desert was clearer than you'll ever see it with no light pollution. Thoughts on Group Leader Hassan Hiss deserves high praise. Nothing was too much trouble for him. His local knowledge allowed us to experience things which would not be available to someone doing this tour on their own. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for some long trips on the mini bus. Longest was about 5 and a half hours. There were plenty of coffee stops and photo stops to ease the tedium and also there is a marvellous landscape to enjoy en-route.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2017
Fiona Mair - Traveled, September 2016
Magic Morocco A fantastic introduction to this beautiful country. You pack a huge amount into a short space of time and I left feeling that I wanted to come back and see more. From camel-trekking through a sandstorm to drinking mint tea in our guide’s family home, this trip was full of memorable experiences. The people of Morocco were so friendly and welcoming and lots of fun. The scenery was spectacular, especially up in the mountains. I think the view from the gite might be a little slice of heaven! Most Inspirational Moment Two stand out. Camel trekking through the Sahara was everything you'd expect it to be and more. We got to experience it both in a sandstorm and in the calm, which was great. And seeing the sunset over the dunes was perfect. Being up in the village in the High Atlas was probably my favourite though. Issmail, our guide was from that village and seeing his love for his home made it feel quite special being there. It's so beautiful up there I didn't want to leave! Thoughts on Group Leader Issmail was great. Very laid back, very funny and very friendly, with such a great outlook on life. Very knowledgeable, although despite many conversations on the subject, we are still somewhat confused as to the difference between a mule and a donkey! Advice for Potential Travellers You'll need to take an overnight pack for the night in the desert, so pack flexibly. Also, given that Royal Air Maroc managed to mess up our flights out resulting in an unscheduled overnight in Casablanca, make sure you carry overnight stuff in your hand luggage! Suggestions I'd heard lots of negative things about Morocco before going and so had fairly low expectations. But how wrong I was. This is such a stunning country with wonderfully warm and friendly people. I think I fell in love with it a little bit and can't wait to go back.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2016
Ros Beard - Traveled, March 2016
Wonderful trip To get an insight into the real Morocco and its varied geography, people and villages, this trip is a must. Staying in a different location every night was fine. Although there were some long drives, they were interspersed with photo stops, visits so that none seemed too long. Our driver was excellent. One lady suffered from travel sickness and was not looking forward to the Atlas Mountains switchback roads. She was fine and commented on the good driving. Most Inspirational Moment Sleeping out under the stars in the Sahara. Having tea at a local house in the Atlas Mountains where we were shown how to brew true Moroccan tea and to sample some delicious home made bread, pancakes and doughnuts. Yum. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was organised. The kitty meant that one didn't have to worry about money or tipping. Everything was taken care of. Advice for Potential Travellers Join the tour. I went because my friend chose it and I was not expecting to come home saying that it was one of my most memorable holidays. Suggestions Buy at the local market as the prices are much cheaper than in Marakesh. We bought spices, dates, honey. Some reviews say that a sleeping bag isn't needed. I was glad I had one as although there were sheets and blankets in the desert and in the fires, I preferred to sleep in my own linen.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2016
Lee Thorne - Traveled, October 2015
Whirlwind Tour!! This trip offers an interesting overview as to what Morocco has to offer. It gives the visitor a brief but rewarding experience of the desert region to the south, the High Atlas region and a glimpse of city life in Marrakech. With this aim in mind I think it succeeds. You should be prepared for some long drives, the longest being around six hours. However these are broken up by lunch breaks, short stops at scenic locations and visits to historical sites which are quite interesting. The food and lodgings on this trip exceeded my expectations, the standard was much higher than expected. I would recommend this trip for those who want an introduction to Morocco. Most Inspirational Moment For me, the camel ride out into the desert and sleeping under the stars! Tents are provided but you do not have to use them. A group of us slept on mattresses on the sand just outside of the camp. Thoughts on Group Leader Khalid is an excellent guide, very experienced,knowledgeable and intelligent. You couldn't really ask for better. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't worry about currency, you will have plenty of opportunity to get it on arrival. Of the eleven in the group only one had currency brought from outside. A sleeping bag is not necessary, blankets are provided in the desert camp. I took a bag liner and only used it once, it wasn't really necessary either. Wet wipes are a good idea, there is no washing water in the desert camp. Don't change too much money at once, wait until you get to Marrakech for the big spends, the money changers there are the best. Haggle,haggle, haggle at all market stalls. The Yves saint laurent garden is highly over- rated, find something else to do! Marrakech is great for street photography, especially in the market areas. Suggestions Like most group trips the people can make or break it, I was very fortunate to have brilliant companions!! Thanks guys!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2015
Suzanne Birdsey - Traveled, May 2015
Suz Overall an excellent adventure. A full week filled with a variety of different experiences. Most Inspirational Moment I really enjoyed the high atlas mountains and the chance to mix with the Berber villagers. We sat and had tea and homemade almond cake with a one lady whilst we found out more about her culture and daily lives, and she found out about ours. It was full of laughs and interesting information. Further to this we also learnt a lot from our guide and visited a local school. At the school, we treated (well this is debatable) the kids to a rendition of Ba Ba Black sheep and they sung us a beautiful Arabic song. The Camel ride was also fun although you prob will get camel saws! ha. Star gazing in the Sahara was also a highlight for me. Thoughts on Group Leader Knowledgeable and had a passion for his country that was contagious. Advice for Potential Travellers You will be staying at a different place most nights so be prepared for this. I have traveled before and so was used to being on the go and also taking in the long drives (to be honest the longest is six hours) there are also lots of breaks and different photo opportunities. But it is something to be aware of. Also, if you are veggie, options are limited for most of the trip. I mean I do like Omelet but really is that or tagine until the last two nights. So perhaps bring some extra snackage I would say - Embrace everything and go with the flow. Suggestions GO - its a great intro to Morocco and has certainly made me want to go back for me! Thanks Exodus
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2015
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