Sahara Mini Adventure

Trip Type: Short Breaks
Morocco | 3 D | 1 - 16 People
Starts From:

NZD 296.00 /Person

If you only have days to spare and the sand and stars of the Sahara are calling, then this three-day adventure is for you.

Sahara Mini Adventure

If you only have days to spare and the sand and stars of the Sahara are calling, then this three-day adventure is for you. Take a round-trip journey from Marrakech into the desert and over the dunes. Watch the sun set from the back of a camel, the sun rise over the Erg Chebbi dunes and camp under the North African stars. Along the way, visit the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the lush Todra Valley, sipping tea and breaking bread with members of special women’s associations in both spots. A locally based leader will accompany you in comfortable transport the whole way, offering insights into local culture, history and geography at every step.

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. You’ll kick off your Short Break Adventure at 8 am in Marrakech this morning. Meet at your joining point before setting off in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with the rest of your group, your driver and your local leader. Head out of the city towards Todra Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop at Ait Benhaddou – this UNESCO World Heritage site was once an important stop for salt caravans crossing the Sahara. Take a walk through the winding streets of the Old Town and visit the Tawesna Teahouse on the river – a community-run establishment that provides local women with an income to support themselves and their children. Using ingredients sourced from local cooperatives, the women prepare delicious tea and pastries while sharing their stories. After, carry on to the Todra area, where you might want to take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool.

After breakfast, join your leader for a walk through the valley’s farmland to the Todra Gorges – towering red-hued sandstone canyons up to 400 m high. Cap off your hike with a brunch picnic in the valley, featuring stuffed bread, mint tea and olive oil prepared by members of a local Amazigh women’s association. Next, it’s on to the Sahara! Drive through the barren mountainsides and watch the scenery change to fertile valleys until you reach Merzouga. Drop your bags at your overnight camp and hop aboard your desert-ready transport – your own camel. Head out on a 1-hour ride across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes as the sun sets around you and the surrounding sea of sand morphs through shades of red and orange. Back at camp, your hosts will prepare a hearty Moroccan feast. Then, you’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable tent under the stars.

You’ll want to rise early this morning and get yourself to the nearest dune for a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara. Once you’ve greeted the day, fuel up with a traditional breakfast at camp and begin your return journey to Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off and your adventure will come to an end.

Meals
2 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(s), 1 Dinner(s)

Transport
Camel , Private Bus

Accommodation
Camp site (1 night), Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

  • Kasbah Ait Benhaddou visit
  • Tawesna association visit and lunch
  • Todra Gorges visit
  • Local Amazigh Brunch in the valley
  • Sunset camel ride
  • Dinner at camp
  • Breakfast at camp
  • Sunrise dune walk
  • Camp under the desert skies of the Sahara and travel by camel for incredible sunset views over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • Travel with an expert local leader and ride in comfort in a private vehicle from the bustle of Marrakech to the serenity of the Sahara.
  • Visit the women of the Tawesna Association and a Todra women’s association to learn about the work they’re doing to support local Moroccan women.
  • Make stops in the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the lush Todra Valley and get a feel for local life.
  • Enjoy iconic Moroccan and Amazigh dishes each day and feel the warmth of local Moroccan hospitality.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Amal. Donations support them to provide women in Morocco with culinary skills training to help improve livelihoods. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extremely high in Morocco (over 40°C), so it’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. As Morocco has a tipping culture, travellers are expected to tip small amounts for most services, so please be prepared. Your trip leader and the 'Money Matters' section of our Essential Trip Information will help to provide you with some suggestions as to what amounts are appropriate. Although you shouldn’t expect any aggressive selling techniques in Morocco, please be aware that you may be approached by shop owners and street vendors offering their goods to you on regular occasions. We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may differ from Western standards. You’ll spend one night in a basic desert camp with shared facilities and no electricity. As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! Please note that a single supplement is not available on this trip.

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Destination Details
Morocco | 3 D | 1 - 16 People
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Morocco
Trip Finishes:
Morocco
Countries Visited:
Morocco
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