Sahara Mini Adventure – 3 days
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 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
- Destinations – Morocco
- Physical rating – 2/5
- Group size – Max 16
- 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 charitable 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.
- 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 our 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
Welcome to Marrakech! You’ll kick off your Sahara adventure at 8 am at your joining point before setting off in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle along with the rest of your group, your dedicated driver and your certified locally based leader who will share insights and expert tips along your journey. Head out of the city towards Todra Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop off at Ait Benhaddou – this World Heritage Site was once an important stop for salt caravans crossing the Sahara. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of the old town and pay a visit to 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 with those who pop in to visit. After lunch, carry on to the Todra area where you might want to take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool.
Please refer to this trip’s Essential Trip Information to confirm the location of this morning’s joining point. Please come prepared with your insurance and emergency contact details, which will be collected before setting off. Today’s driving time is approximately 8 hours in total.
After breakfast, join your leader for a walk through the valley farmland towards the Todra Gorges, towering red-hued sandstone canyons up to 400 metres 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.
Onwards to the Sahara! Drive through the changing scenery, from barren mountain sides to fertile valleys to the end of the road at the small Saharan settlement of Merzouga. On the edge of the desert, Merzouga feels wonderfully isolated. Drop your bags at your overnight camp and hop aboard your desert-ready transport: your own camel. Head out on a one-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. The Erg Chebbi dunes are constantly morphing in the Saharan breeze, shapeshifting into picturesque, undulating crests and valleys. Back at camp, your hosts will prepare a hearty Moroccan feast before you’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable tent under the stars.
Driving time today is approximately 5 hours. Your camp tonight 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. 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.
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.
Today’s driving time is approximately 10 hours. There’s much to see and do in Marrakech. If you’d like to extend your stay here, please speak with your booking agent
Inclusions
- 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
