Morocco: Marrakech & The Sahara
Experience Overview
Step into a desert world in the Sahara and go deep into Marrakech on this week-long exploration of Morocco. Hike to a desert camp and catch the sunset over the dunes before sleeping near an oasis. Then, in Marrakech, dig deep into the regional cuisine with a tanjia-making demonstration before heading to the Ouzoud oasis and waterfall for a swim and tasty lunch. Believe us when we say this trip will have your belly, heart, and soul all feeling equally satisfied.
Highlights
- Experience otherworldly landscapes and breathtaking desert views
- Ride a 4x4 to a desert oasis to catch the sunset
- Take part in a multi-day food experience and preparation of "tanjia": a delicious local specialty
- Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Ouzoud oasis and waterfall for a swim and lunch
Trip Details
Product Code: 1940
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private vehicle, walking, 4x4.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: DCSQ
Starts: Marrakech, Morocco
Finishes: Marrakech, Morocco
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Marrakech Your Foodie Moment: Tanjia Cooking Class, Marrakech
- Film Studio visit in Ouarzazate
- Welcome Tea and bonfire at Erg Lihoudi desert camp
- A camel ride and 4x4 jeep excursion to desert oasis camp
- Cooking class in Marrakech
- Food tasting in the medina
- Tea on terrace overlooking Jemaa El Fnaa
- Visit to Jardin Secret or Bahia Palace
- Local bakery stop for some moroccan bread
- Tanjia pots lunch
- Visit to Ouzoud, an oasis waterfall
- Dinner in Jamaa Fnaa Square food stall
- Free time in Marrakech
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (2 nts), Desert Camp (2 nts), Traditional Riad (3 nts).
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, walking, 4x4.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1079 ($135 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate
Arrival Day. Make your way to the joining hotel for a brief welcome meeting before driving to Ouarzazate for an overnight stay at our accommodations there. Please arrive at the hotel meeting point before 2:30PM.
Please plan for your flight to arrive at the airport in Marrakech no later than 12:30PM.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Ecolodge Ouednoujoum
Day 2: Ouarzazate to Erg Lihoudi Desert Camp
In the morning before leaving the group will explore the famous atlas film studios in Ourzazate and learn a bit about the film making in Morocco. Drive to Zagora and then to Mhamid. From there head out into the Sahara desert for two nights of camping under the stars. The walk will take about two hours and we will arrive at the camp around sunset. Enjoy a cup of tea and watch the colors change in the sky as the sun slips below the horizon.
From Ourzazate we drive to Zagora along rural roads. In Mhamid (Oulad Edriss) we meet the local crew and start the desert journey to Erg Lihoudi. Any luggage will be brought to camp by jeeps. Dinner will be served fireside.The camp is in Erg Lihoudi. Our camps will be comfortable, but still somewhat basic. You'll see some spectacular night skies.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Discover the sets of blockbusters from years past at Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world. Get behind-the-scenes access to the sets and props used in the making of films like Raiders of the Lost Arc and Gladiator (2000), as well as TV show Game of Thrones. Wander past jetplanes, through a colosseum, and into a tomb as your guide reveals the scenes that they were used in and how they were built.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Head out into the vast landscape of the Sahara, one of the world's largest deserts and walk along the sand dunes around you. Make sure to bring your camera for some fantastic photos of the desert's formidable landscape of sand.Activity - After travelling by foot into the desert enjoy some tea and watch the sunset near our desert camp for the night. Eat dinner around the fire and enjoy a quiet night beneath the starry skies.Accommodation - Hotel Zagour - Camp
Day 3: Erg Lihoudi Desert Camp to Bertam Oasis.
Wake up to a stunning sunrise, enjoy some breakfast at camp and then start the day. This is our second day of the Berber desert journey. Then you have a choice of walking or riding a camel to our lunch stop. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sahara as you travel like people have for millenniums. After lunch we'll enter the 21st century again and travel to the next desert camp by 4x4. Arrive at the oasis of Bertam to catch sunset before having dinner fireside with stories and music.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.Activity - Today you have the choice to walk or ride a camel. Its about a two to three hour walk or ride ride until we reach our lunch stop. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sahara as you travel like people have for centuries.Activity - After travelling by foot, camel, and 4x4 we'll arrive at the Bertam Oasis. This temporary overnight camp is more basic, and has been set up just for the group. Catch another desert sunset, enjoy dinner and stories around a fire and spend another night in tents under the stars.Accommodation - Chez Belhou: Mobile desert Camp
Day 4: Bertam Oasis to Skoura
After another sunrise out in the desert and some breakfast at camp the group will travel to Zagora by 4x4. Enjoy some free time to shower, freshen up, and relax by the hotel pool after our Sahara adventure. After lunch continue on to Skoura. Explore this oasis city famed for its date palms. Have dinner as a group in Skoura.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Take advantage of some free time in Zagora to freshen up at the hotel. Grab a hot shower washing the desert dust away and spend some time by the pool before lunch. It's the perfect way to feel refreshed after our desert adventure.Free_time - Wander the town, visit the palm plantations, visit the markets, and imagine discovering this haven after days or months travelling through the desert.Accommodation - Skoura Lodge
Day 5: Skoura/Marrakech
Travel back to Marrakech and enjoy free morning to see the city. In the afternoon the group will attend a cooking demonstration and learn how to make tanjia, a different form of tagine.
We'll make the dish and seal it in the clay pot to cook overnight in the hamman. Then, explore the various food vendors in the Medina with your CEO and learn about the different ingredients. End the day with evening tea on the rooftop terrace overlooking the main square of Jemaa El Fnaa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Marrakech's lively and bustling atmosphere is just waiting to be enjoyed. Wander through the Medina searching for the best North African flavours and spices to add to your home collection. You can shop for a carpet, a lamp, or pottery while trying Moroccan delicacies along the way. You could visit Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, or Saadian Tombs.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Not to be confused with the popular tagine, "tanjia" is distinct to Marrakech and one of the best local experiences for any traveller. Learn the history and culture behind this dish, then head to the market to pick up a clay vessel called tanjia - which the dish is named after - and the ingredients you will need, traditionally some meat and spices. Drop off your tanjia at the neighbourhood "furan" or communal oven to have it cooked in the ashes that heat the nearby hammam. The next day, pick up your tanjia and enjoy a delicious meal with the group.Accommodation - Riad Chambres d'Amis Marrakesh
Day 6: Marrakech
Visit the important sites within the medina this morning. Make stops to Jardin Secret and Bahia Palace. End the morning adventure with a trip to the bakery to learn a brief introduction into Moroccan bread making, then have a taste.
Collect your tanjia lunch on the way back to the Riad. Enjoy your own cooking as lunch on the terrace. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Marrakech on your own. Don't miss a chance to visit Jardins Majorelle with their vibrant blue garden houses and thriving plants.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a guided tour of the Medina in which you will make stop to Jardin Secret and Bahia Palace. End the tour with a stop at the bakery to grab some Moroccan bread to go with your tanjia lunch.Free_time - Explore Marrakech on your own. Go back to the food stalls in the Medina, or visit the Djemaa El Fna Market in search of souvenirs.Accommodation - Riad Chambres d'Amis Marrakesh
Day 7: Marrakech
Set out on a full day excursion to Ouzoud, a beautiful oasis waterfall near the Atlas Mountains. Walk up the stairs to the top of the falls and enjoy breathtaking views of the flowing water. After a delicious lunch right near the falls the group will travel back to Marrakech. Enjoy a local dinner in the heart of Jamee Lafna Square.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Travel to North Africa's highest multi-tiered waterfalls. At a height of 360ft (110m), the Ouzoud Falls are named after "the act of grinding grain" in Amazigh culture.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Riad Chambres d'Amis Marrakesh
Day 8: Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Tara M. - Traveled, December 2023
It was my first group tour and it met all my expectations and then some.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Hamish B. - Traveled, December 2023
Great way to experience all the country has to offer without any of the stress.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Jacqueline K. - Traveled, December 2023
Tours I really recommend, like minded people, amazing places and local guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Nicolas S. - Traveled, November 2023
Well organized, all worked well. Great in country guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
Alfie D. - Traveled, November 2023
Pretty much everything was perfect
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
Maria Ëngels A. - Traveled, November 2023
It is my fourth trip with G Adventures and always great experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
Mirjam F. - Traveled, November 2023
The guide was very good, very organized and knowledgeable. The packing list should have mentioned to bring a silk sleeping bag or an own travel sleeping bag, as the sheets/blankets and cushions in the 2 desert camps are not clean.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
Ann K. - Traveled, November 2023
We love that G Adventures offers knowledgeable local guides, great hotels, small groups and an affordable travel experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Paul K. - Traveled, November 2023
Great time, great CEO, great lodging and food. This tour really gave us a personalized insight into Morocco and it's people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Kate B. - Traveled, November 2023
Provided the styles of travel suit them and what they want, I would recommend G Adventures as my first choice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Mckenna J. - Traveled, November 2023
I had the most fantastic time on my trip. Everything from the details, the country, the culture, and most importantly by CEO exceeded every expectation I had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Kate B. - Traveled, November 2023
Provided the styles of travel suit them and what they want, I would recommend G Adventures as my first choice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Monica E. - Traveled, November 2023
Always have great trips with G.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Rita S. - Traveled, November 2023
Booking a trip and additional nights or transfers online is pretty easy. Also the whole experience was amazing. The guide, Karim, was very nice, engaged and organized. The group was fun. Everything went very well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Leyo V. - Traveled, November 2023
I very much enjoyed our guide & most of my fellow travelers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Thaddeus B. - Traveled, November 2023
This was the worst trip I have ever been on. If it was my first G Adventures trip it would have been my last. But I fortunately have had two previous very positive tours. But G is 'on probation' for me - I have 4 more tours booked. I will experience those before booking another tour. There were issues both with overall tour planning (main office) and on the ground (CEO). Hopefully there will be an opportunity to describe them in this survey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Joan G. - Traveled, November 2023
because there are other companies they can also look at with very similar options available
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Tilley S. - Traveled, October 2023
The tour from start to finish was absolutely incredible. I felt like a lot of care was taken into consideration when choosing what specific activities we did and our tour guide was fabulous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Anne C. - Traveled, October 2023
Tout Žtait parfait et bien planifiŽ. ExpŽrience culturelle extraordinaire.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Elaine G. - Traveled, October 2023
I would be selective to whom I would recommend this type of travel as it won't suit everyone but those who would enjoy it would love it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Connie-Gay B. - Traveled, October 2023
Great adventure with the best CEO. Informative, educational, fun and a good balance of activities and free time with great options.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
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