3 Days | Just the quick trip to the Sahara you’re craving, stuffed with local flavour
If you only have days to spare and a hankering for the sand and stars of the Sahara, this 3-day round-trip journey from Marrakech is the perfect fix. Venture into the desert and over dunes on the back of a camel, watch the sun set and rise over the windswept Erg Chebbi waves and camp under the star-filled North African sky. Along the way, visit the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the lush Todra Valley, and get the special opportunity to sip tea and break bread with members of change-making women’s associations in both spots. A locally based licensed Intrepid leader will accompany you in comfortable transport the whole way, offering insights into local culture, history and geography at every step of your journey.
Trip overview
- Start
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Finish
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Theme
- Short Breaks
- Destinations
- Morocco
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 12
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- XMHA
- Camp under the desert skies of the Sahara and travel by camel to 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 with 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 Moroccan hospitality.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the High Atlas Foundation. Donations help manage their sustainable agriculture programs in Morocco's High Atlas Mountain region, which builds plant nurseries and provides skills training for locals. Intrepid will double the 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.
Itinerary
Inclusions
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Camel, Private Bus
Camp site (1 night), Hotel (1 night)
- 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
Dates and availability
Important notes
1.The bus will depart at 8 am sharp. Please arrive at the meeting place at least 15 min prior to departures to be able to finalize boarding.
2. Your desert camp is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travellers between April and October, but you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially between November and March.
3. There’s no electricity at the campsite, so it’s important to come prepared with fully charged phones, cameras and everything else you may need.
4. On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight around 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. We also recommend a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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