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Morocco Short Break: Marrakech to the Sahara

3 Days Marrakesh Return
Morocco Short Break: Marrakech to the Sahara
Morocco Short Break: Marrakech to the Sahara
Morocco Short Break: Marrakech to the Sahara

Overview

Intrepid
Trip Operated By:
 (172) Reviews
Total No. of Adventures 739
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 read more local culture, history and geography at every step.
Our Price From
A$421 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Check Availability
Trip Length
3 Days
Trip Starts
Marrakesh
Trip Ends
Marrakesh
Trip Style
Original
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
12-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
XMHA
Countries Visited:

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.

Included Meals: Lunch

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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)

  • Camel, Private Bus

  • 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.

Operator

Intrepid
Total No. of Adventures739
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small more group tours offer a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.

Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

Flexible Deposit

Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

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Friday 31 Dec 2027 31 Dec 27 Marrakesh
Sunday 02 Jan 2028 02 Jan 28 Marrakesh
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $430
A$421
Save $9
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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.
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 the cruise-line and 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.

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