Trip Style
Original
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
XMHA
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 3 Day Sahara Mini Adventure. 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...read more 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.
Itinerary
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. (L)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- Camp site (1 night)
- Hotel (1 night)
- 2 Breakfasts included
- 2 Lunches included
- 1 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Brochure
Intrepid Africa (2024-25)
The wide-open plains of Africa are calling you. Get right to the heart of this incredible continent and unearth the magic of the continent with Intrepid. Journey through vast savannahs, encounter majestic wildlife, and immerse in rich tribal cultures. From the pulsating rhythms of bustling markets to the serene beauty of the Sahara, let Intrepid guide...more you through Africa's diverse tapestry of experiences.
Availability
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Guaranteed Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Show more dates...
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
