Current as of: December 25, 2024 - 21:32
Current as of: December 25, 2024 - 21:32
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
Few countries rival the diversity of Morocco, where history-soaked imperial cities, mighty mountains and desert dunes are easily accessed on one trip. This adventure encompasses the best of the country while also staying in stylish riads, boutique hotels and an auberge. The highlights are many: explore coastal Casablanca plus Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes and Fez, collectively known as the Imperial Cities; journey to the southern mountain ranges, where Amazigh villages meet palm oases; and ride a camel in the ever-magical Sahara. We also visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the 16th-century ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou and enjoy a village walk around the High Atlas mountains. We top it all off in the pretty coastal town of Essaouira, a fitting end to a highlight-packed adventure. We end with a tour in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Highlights
This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This trip explores the enormous variety Morocco offers, including cities, history, architecture, desert and mountain scenery. Morocco is stunning but large and the cities and country areas are spread out. This means there are sometimes long journeys, but this is the only way to see all the country offers. We are not confined to our vehicle though, as there are plenty of photo stops and opportunities to stretch your legs.The approximate drive times are noted on the daily itinerary.
Generally, the standard of hotels and riads in Morocco are comparable to that of Sub-Saharan Africa. The star rating cannot be compared with what you might expect at home.
The temperatures in Morocco are hot in the summer months but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day for our sightseeing so you can expect some early starts. Expect it to be hot to very hot in the desert from May through to September.
Morocco can get cold in the winter months though usually daytime temperatures are mild. It is advisable to pack winter clothes for November through to March when nighttime temperatures especially in the desert and the mountains can drop considerably. 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. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels. Please be prepared for the colder months.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 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.
There will be a local leader and a driver and local guides where needed.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Transfer to our hotel. Depending on flight arrival times your expert leader will meet the whole group for a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech or Riad El Habib (or similar)
Welcome to the Red City, a pulsating destination moving at a frenetic pace. Our riad, however, is a pocket of peace with a central pool (ideal for a post-flight dip) and relaxed air. Depending on your arrival time, you can either rejuvenate at the accommodation or start exploring Marrakech. Jemaa el-Fna, the busy food stall-filled central square, is a five-minute walk away.
There will be a welcome briefing at the riad this evening or tomorrow morning, depending on when most of the group arrives.
Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech or Riad El Habib (or similar)
This morning, we drive for three hours to Casablanca, a modern, commercial seaport city, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. After, we drive two hours to Rabat for lunch, the political capital of Morocco but second in importance to Casablanca. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old quarter that we take time to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel le Musee (or similar)
We strike out from Rabat this morning over the northern plain towards the one-time capital of Meknes, a drive of around three hours. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas in Morocco.
Arriving in Meknes, we meet our guide and wander the narrow streets of the old city, exploring the souk and perhaps bartering for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we take a short drive to the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a Unesco World Heritage site. After, we continue our journey to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights.
Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet, or Riad Fez Tresor (or similar)
This fascinating city is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, Fez has many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges) including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture resembles that of Moorish Spain. The medina in Fez is one of the largest in the world: an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of artisans with their tiny shops opening onto narrow alleyways. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. Of course, no visit to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina we visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace and drive to a panoramic viewpoint over the city.
Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet or Riad Fez Tresor (or similar)
We have a long journey today: approximately 10 hours, including plenty of stops and superb scenery. We venture over the Middle Atlas mountains, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat, stony desert gradually approaching the spectacular golden dunes that comprise Erg Chebbi. We stay in an auberge (inn) on the edge of the dunes, allowing us to climb one for sunrise tomorrow.
Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)
There is time today to explore the largest sand sea in Morocco or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for having pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a classic Saharan experience: a 90-minute camel trek through the dunes (it is also possible to walk), before watching the sun sink below the horizon. We then return to our auberge for dinner.
Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)
After breakfast, we head towards the little town of Skoura, which is nestled on a beautiful palm grove and located near the city of Ouarzazate. En route, we explore Todra Gorge and the picturesque oases within (journey time: approximately four hours). Following the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs for approximately two more hours, we see impressive ancient kasbahs nestled in palm groves.
Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)
There is an option to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a four-hour guided hike crossing an Amazigh village and Imi-noulawen valley, where we learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge. Skoura will certainly offer peace and relaxation with various walks through palm groves and past kasbahs.
Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)
Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs via the desert city of Ouarzazate and onto the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This Unesco World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas and a location for several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). We then continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with a variety of scenery to enjoy on our way to the village of Imlil.
Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)
We start our day with an optional walk to explore the area. From Imlil, we stroll past a variety of fruit trees including cherries, apricots and quince (if it’s the right season, you can even grab a hanging walnut). We follow a small irrigation channel and cross paths with mules as we pause beside a tranquil waterfall. Our gentle hike continues for approximately 50 minutes until we reach the Amazigh village of Aroumd. We spend the rest of the day at leisure, strolling around the village and observing the women carrying bundles of firewood and crops on their backs, while children play on the small bridge nearby.
This evening, we visit the village hammam – a truly authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you may mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment with soap and scrubber is included but it is customary to give a tip of 20 dirhams (US$2). Refreshed, we return to the riad for our final dinner in the mountains.
Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)
After breakfast, we have a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful mountain views as we go. We stop at a women’s cooperative argon oil farm, where you can see the trees growing, get a demonstration of the production process and have the opportunity to purchase products. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira.
Accommodation: Riad Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)
We have a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The settlement dates to the 15th century but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, the town is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have visited so far. Our hotel is in the heart of the old walled city, where we have plenty of time for shopping in the souks or strolling along the beach. With many pleasant cafes and some outstanding seafood restaurants, there is plenty of choice for our evening meal.
Accommodation: Riad Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)
After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of this amazing city. Our guide takes us to the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs, ending in Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, when it comes to life with people visiting food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats.
Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)
Today is free and there is no shortage of things to do in Marrakech. You might wish to visit Koutoubia, the largest mosque in the city, or venture through the souks and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, we have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After, you can unwind by taking a 30-minute ride on a calèche (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo and were once owned by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
For lunch, we highly recommend the Amal Women’s Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which we support in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training their students to become self-sufficient and improving their quality of life through acquiring new skills in a professional restaurant setting. For a superb traditional Moroccan meal and the opportunity to support this worthy cause, do pay them a visit.
This evening, it’s common for the group to enjoy a final meal together on Djemaa el Fna.
Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)
Trip ends after breakfast.
The trip ends after breakfast, though if you’d prefer a little more time to explore Marrakech, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
The accommodation on this trip showcases the range of properties in Morocco. We spend: seven nights in riads; one night in a boutique hotel in Rabat; two nights in an auberge (inn) among desert dunes; two nights in a kasbah-style hotel in Skoura; and two nights in a rustic guesthouse in Imlil village.
Marrakech: Riad Tresor (nights 1, 13 and 14)
Riad Tresor is in the heart of the bustling Marrakech medina. Once through the doors you enter a light peaceful space.
Fes: Riad Tafilalet (nights 3-4)
Experience a traditional 19th-century home at this restored riad in Fez medina. The restoration respected the character of the house while ensuring maximum comfort for guests. There’s a hammam spa (additional cost) plus a roof terrace with views over the medina.
Skoura: Chez Talout (nights 7-8)
Chez Talout is set on top of a hill overlooking the lush palm grove of Skoura. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a shaded terrace.
Essaouira: Riad Al Madina (nights 11-12)
Located in the heart of the medina this old Essaouira house, built in 1871, retains all the charm and elegance of the period. It has a pleasant rooftop terrace and a patio with fountains. We use alternative riads for some departures.
Worth knowing
About riads
Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, generally in the old part of the city or medina, where the wealthiest people would historically live. They’re typically built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard (external windows are rare). Most have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. A night in a riad is an authentic Moroccan experience; however, riads do not have hotel-style facilities. Additionally, the rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes. Riads are built to keep sunlight to a minimum in order to keep the interiors cool in the extreme summer heat. In winter they become a cosy haven.
Single supplement from £ 365
There are 14 breakfasts and four dinners included on this trip.
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.
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us before departure. 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.
We use a private bus for most of this trip (the size of which will depend on the group size) with a local driver. 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.
From April to June and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot with temperatures averaging 26C (79F) in the day and 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 strong. Desert temperatures are similar to those in Marrakech. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech.
In winter, daytime temperatures in Marrakech are around 18C-22C (64F-72F) with night temperatures around 4C-7C (36f-45F). The days should be sunny and a particularly attractive feature of winter is the clear views of the snow-covered Atlas mountains. The temperatures in the south are generally a couple of degrees higher than those north of the mountains. There is a small chance of rain and it snows very infrequently in January and sometimes February on the higher desert plateau (in which case it is cold at night and early in the morning on the southern side of the Atlas).
Start hotel: Riad Tresor, 77 Derb Sidi Massoud, Bouloukat, Marrakech, 40000
Phone: + 212 606 52 07 18 /+ 212 682 47 69 38
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you are not on the group flight there are special arrangements for you getting to your riad on the first night. The riads are in the old town medina. The transfer vehicle is unable to drive down the narrow laneways and so your driver will confirm arrival with our representative at the medina. The representative meet you and will have a cart for your luggage and will walk you to your riad. This person will show Exodus signage. There is no charge to you for this service. If you are on the group flight the tour leader always meets this flight and they will help you with the transfer to the riad.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. 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.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Marrakech
Location end: Marrakech
As Morocco is a strict Muslim country, we recommend everyone wears suitable clothing ie covering knees and shoulders. Additionally, women should avoid wearing close-fitting or revealing clothes.
November to March departures:
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, the dress code in the large cities is not as strict as it used to be. So it is fine to wear tops with no sleeves and shorts. When entering mosques and in more rural areas it is advisable to be more modest and wear for example over the knee skirts/shorts/trousers and with shoulders covered. Additionally, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes.
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip we have decided to include drinking water in order to reduce the amount of plastic used. This means that safe filtered drinking water will be available throughout which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to re-fill along the way. Please add this to your packing list!
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
There is evidence that Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) is spread by contact with camels. This trip includes a sunset camel ride , which is undertaken at your own risk; we suggest that you visit the Travel Health Pro website which includes information about the virus.
Morocco's time zone: Africa/Brazzaville (UTC +01:00)
Morocco's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Morocco's currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD), a non-convertible currency. You can only import/export a maximum of 2,000 dirham to or from Morocco.
It is easy to use Visa/Mastercard at the ATMs in larger towns and cities. Credit cards are normally accepted for more expensive souvenirs, such as carpets, though most shops will charge up to five percent extra for the use of credit cards.
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 holiday 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 postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc. See the eating and drinking section for more details on expenditure.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus and tipping is at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff. However we would like to advise that tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected. If you do wish to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a kitty for tipping – about 350 dirhams (US$34) per person, this can ease confusion and embarrassment of not knowing how much or how little to tip local staff (such as cooks and guides, hotel staff etc). If you do not wish to join in on the group kitty, do not feel pressured. Many clients also wish to tip their leaders and drivers at the end of the trip; we suggest 30 dirhams (US$2.90) a day per person for the leaders and 20 dirhams (US$1.90) a day per person for the drivers. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.