trip
Activities
Accommodation
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts
4
Introductory to Moderate
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Education through Exploration
  • Visit the bustling souks of Marrakech
  • Take a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean in Essaouira
  • Trek in the desert and sleep in bivouacs
  • Experience the Berber life in the Sahara
  • Get a peek at the monumental High Atlas
  • Explore the movie set city of Ouarzazate
  • Tailor this itinerary in Morocco to suit your school's needs & budget

This all encompassing adventure for students explores the depths of Moroccan culture from lively souks to the majestic Sahara. The educational travel journey begins in the desert where students experience the nomadic Berber life amid views of the High Atlas, the Draa Valley, and the Djebel Bani, whose river plates and pebbles are the setting of our first desert bivouacs. After indulging in traditional Moroccan meals and gazing at the endless starry sky we continue through the impressive yellow sea of sand. Cresting sand dune after sand dune allows us to enjoy the scenery while learning what it is like to reside in this unique region. It's then on to Ouarzazate and Essaouira to discover the exceptional lifestyle of Moroccan cities and their architecture, bustling souks and charming art galleries. Finally, we arrive in Marrakech, a diverse city whose authentic atmosphere wins the hearts of even the most seasoned travellers.

Trip Code: SOG6189

Early in the morning we drive towards the High Atlas. We cross the pass Tizi-n Tichka (2260m) and arrive in the capital of the South, Ouarzazate. We keep driving towards the Anti Atlas where, at the highest point, we have a great lookout over the Draa Valley. In Zagora we leave the tarred road and drive on a sand track to our bivouac site on the foot of Djebel Bani.

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast we leave the big plain and cross the Djebel Bani. We explore the stone desert that even today is inhabited by nomads with their tents made out of goat and dromedary wool and erect the bivouac near a small oasis. In the evening we learn how to cook a traditional Moroccan meal in a Berber tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

We hike along the valley and arrive to the stone plates of the river Oued M'Hazr where can see water basins which are a source of life for the animals in the middle of the desert. The night will be spent at your leisure with an option to join a night excursion and learn about the starry sky.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we set foot into the sand desert beginning with a plain of pebble and boulder. From afar we can already see the yellow sand dunes of Erg l'Abidlia where our bivouac will be erected on the foot of one of these impressive dunes. We spend the evening listening to the rhythms of traditional music and getting enchanted by the traditional Berber dance.

Meals:  B,L,D

The next two days will be spent exploring the endless sand dunes of the desert. The views are breathtaking as we crest sand dune after sand dune. Here we will bake our own fresh bread in the hot sand and embark on an optional dromedary ride into the sunset before arriving at the shore of the dry Lake Iriki.

Meals:  B,L,D

Packed with impressions of the desert, we leave our bivouacs behind and drive towards Ouarzazate. On the road we visit the Taouirt Kazbah. Use the rest of the day to relax at the hotel pool or visit the movie set of Ouarzazate.

Meals:  B,L,D

Ait-ben-Haddou is a striking example of Moroccan architecture. The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. On the way to Essaouira we visit a natural herb pharmacy and learn about the healing power of the traditional medicine. In the afternoon we arrive in the art village of Essaouira, located on the Atlantic Sea.

Meals:  B,L,D

The day is spent at your leisure as you become charmed by Essaouira's art galleries and whitewashed houses with big blue shutters. Here you can choose from a variety of activities including golfing, kite surfing, local galleries, exploring the town and relaxing on the beach.

Meals:  B

Enjoy the morning on your own whether it be a swim in the sea or a walk through Essaouira's souks. After lunch we depart for Marrakech, visiting an argan-oil cooperative run by women only on the way.

Meals:  B

Today we explore the unmissable spots of Marrakech. You'll be able to fling yourself into the endless labyrinths of souks to search for the best bargain, visit the Dmejaa El-Fna and mingle with its story-tellers, snake charmers, acrobats and musicians, explore a traditional hammam and get trapped in the magical atmosphere and exotic aromas of this multifarious city.

Meals:  B

After breakfast the tour ends and you are free to continue on your adventure or head home. For those departing Marrakech today, we'll transfer you to the airport.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 6 nights bivouac, 5 nights hotel
  • 11 x breakfast, 8 x lunch, 8 x dinner
  • Internal transfers according to itinerary
  • Activities according to itinerary
  • Mineral water during the bivouac overnights
  • Bivouac material
  • 1 ride of a dromedary camel (2 people per camel)
  • Moroccan cook during the bivouac overnights
  • Local English speaking Yomads guide

  • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa and vaccination fees
  • Travel insurance

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Morocco Souks to Sahara Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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