Southern Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountain & the Sahara

What's Included

• Welcome Moment

  Meet Your CEO and Group

• OMG Day

  Cultural Heritage of the Sahara or Oasis Exploration With Local Farmer, Merzouga

• Foodie Moment

  Tagine Cooking Class, Aït Ben Haddou

• Complimentary Arrival Transfer

  Complimentary arrival transfer to your hotel

• Welcome Dinner

  Enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional music, storytelling, and entertainment

• Hike through the Valley of Dades Gorge

  Hike through the stunning scenery of the Dades Gorge

• Climb a Sand Dune at Sunset in the Sahara

  Take a camel ride up a dune for sunset in the Sahara

• Guided Tour of Aït Ben Haddou

  Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou

• Tagine Cooking Class

  Learn how to make a traditional tagine

• Aromatherapy Wellness Experience in Ouirgane

  Enjoy an aromatherapy wellness experience in Ouirgane

• Hike in Ouirgane

  Hike in the surroundings of Ouirgane and share lunch with a local family

• Farewell Dinner

  Enjoy a farewell dinner in the garden of the hotel

• Departure Transfer

  Complimentary departure transfer

• All Tips Included

  All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage

• All Transport

  All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

• Accommodation

  Hotel (5 nights), Desert Camp (2 nights)

What's Not Included

• Meals Not Included

  Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options

• Single Supplement

  Solo travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip

Accommodation

Hotel (5nts), Desert Camp (2nts).

Transport

Private vehicle, 4x4, walking

Group Size

Max 12, avg 10

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Meals

Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.



Breakfasts

Moroccan breakfasts tend to be different from your usual cereal and toast morning fare – most will be very simple - a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee and some hotels will have buffets where you will have more variety. While you are experiencing what a Moroccan family would eat, some travellers do find the provided breakfasts a bit “bread heavy” and enjoy buying fruit the day before to supplement their breakfast.



Lunches and Dinners

Moroccan cuisine is world famous and your CEO will be taking the chance to show you the best of it. Staples include cous cous, a type of grain topped with stew, tagine which is actually the name of the pot this tasty dish is cooked in, and brochette, bbq skewers of meat. These meals will generally cost between 45- 70 MAD depending on the type of restaurant and which part of the country you are in. Other tastes not to be missed include pastilla, a sweet pasty with a savoury filling which is traditionally pigeon and harira, a delicious soup based on chick peas and filling enough when teamed with fresh bread to be a whole lunch. If you are heading to the coast the fresh seafood cooked at one of the local markets is a must eat!



Snacks

Morocco's fresh orange juice is highly recommended and you should not leave without trying a glass. The brave can try the tiny snails which are perhaps the local's favourite snack but you might prefer a cone of piping hot bite-size fried cake donuts.

Mode of Transport

Private vehicle, 4x4, walking

Meals Included

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners

Local Dress

Shoulders should be covered and no short shorts/skirts when visiting religious monuments.

Important Notes

ACCOMMODATION NOTE:

Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.



WEATHER

Please note that the climate in Morocco can be both very hot during the day in summer months (up to 50°C) and cold at night in the mountains in autumn, early spring and winter (down to -6°C). Summer months, from April to September are very hot throughout Morocco. Winter months November to March can be cool to cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with high probability of snowfall. Most Moroccan buildings are not equipped with heating, so without proper layers you will be cold at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for the months in which you are travelling and check temperatures before you leave. Bedding is provided in the desert camp and the gîte, but in winter months if you feel the cold you may wish to bring a sleeping bag too.



RAMADAN

According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.



AID AL-ADHA

During your visit to this country, we would like to inform you about an important celebration called Aid Al-Adha. This holiday may impact your travel experience, as most shops and restaurants are closed during the celebration. Some of the historical places we visit might also be closed during this time. There will be a shorter number of staff at the hotels and less crowded streets on the day of the celebration. Aid Al-Adha will fall between Jun. 16th-17th 2024, and Jun. 6th-7th 2025.

Group Leader

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of Morocco, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.



We also use certified local city guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase or sports bag on wheels, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.