Trip 2 – Sapphics in the Sahara: A Queer New Year in Morocco!
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 28, 2026
Cultural
$2,699 USD
BOOK WITH 25% DEPOSIT
Trip 2 – Sapphics in the Sahara: A Queer New Year in Morocco!
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 28, 2026
$2,699 USD
BOOK WITH 25% DEPOSIT
NEW trip dates announced due to overwhelmingly popular demand! Start your new year under the stars, surrounded by camels, sand dunes, couscous, and community. Join Sydney and a group of 14 women, non-binary, and trans travellers for Sapphics in the Sahara – a one-of-a-kind, queer-led journey through Morocco. From the lively souks of Marrakech to mountain villages and deep into the Sahara by camel, this trip is all about joy, connection, and adventure. Expect space for reflection, big laughs, new friendships, and unforgettable moments. Come solo, with a partner, or a friend – you’ll leave with memories and chosen family that last a lifetime.
If you’re craving a bit more, extend your adventure with a two-night seaside escape in the chilled-out coastal town of Essaouira. Stroll through the medina and harbour on a guided walk, savour a fresh seafood lunch at the local market, and enjoy free time to explore, relax on the beach, or try optional activities like horse riding, surfing, or yoga.
From Sydney:
“This trip to Morocco is more than just a destination — it’s a return to the place that changed my life. In 2013, I studied abroad here, thinking I’d pursue a career in dentistry. But Morocco had other plans for me. I fell head-over-heels in love with Arab culture, the Arabic language, and something deep inside me shifted. I changed my major to Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic, and after college, I came back to Morocco in 2016 as a Peace Corps volunteer. This country has shaped me in ways I’m still uncovering — it cracked me open, reoriented my life, and showed me how transformative travel could be.
To now return, almost 13 years later, leading a group of queer travelers through this country that means so much to me… it’s hard to put into words. It’s full-circle in the most soul-stirring way. I worked with the Best in Travel team to design this trip intentionally — with all women-led experiences, a female guide, and a focus on supporting local women’s initiatives. Every detail reflects what I value: connection, culture, and creating spaces where queer folks feel safe, seen, and inspired. I cannot wait to share Morocco with you. It gave me so much — and now I get to pass a piece of that on to you!”
Trip Start: Marrakech, Morocco - Monday 19th Jan 2026
Trip Finish: Marrakech, Morocco - Monday 26th Jan 2026 (Essaouira Extension Finishes Wednesday 28th Jan 2026)
Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights (Essaouira Extension 10 Days / 9 Nights)
Accommodation: 4 Nights Hotel, 2 Nights Kasbah, 1 Night Riad (Essaouira Extension + 2 Nights Riad)
Included Meals: Daily Breakfast, 3 Lunches, 6 Dinners (Essaouira Extension + Daily Breakfast, Lunch x 1)
Group Size: Up to 14 Guests
Inclusions
7 Nights Accommodation in Handpicked Riads and Boutique Hotels
Daily Breakfast
4 Dinners at Selected Restaurants or Riads
2 Lunches Including Tawesna Women’s Cooperative and Cooking Class Meal
Private Ground Transportation Throughout the Trip
English-Speaking Local Tour Leader
Local Guides in Marrakech and Aït Benhaddou
Welcome Meeting in Marrakech
Guided Tour of Marrakech Medina Including Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Koutoubia Mosque
Street Food Tour in Marrakech
Traditional Home-Cooked Dinner with Music and Henna Ceremony
Scenic Drive Through Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains
Visit to Kasbah Amridhil in Skoura
Drive Through Dades Valley and Stop at Todra Gorge
Sunset Camel Ride in the Sahara Desert
Sunrise Camel Ride in the Sahara Desert
Overnight Stay in Desert Riad
Guided Walk Through Aït Benhaddou Ksar
Cooking Class at Amal Association with Lunch
Rooftop Farewell Dinner in Marrakech
Essaouira Extension - 2 Nights Accommodation at Riad Dar L’Oussia or Similar
Essaouira Extension - Daily Breakfast,
Essaouira Extension - Seafood Market Lunch Experience in Essaouira
Essaouira Extension - Private Ground Transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira
Essaouira Extension - Local Guide for Essaouira Orientation Walk
Essaouira Extension - Visit to Harbour, Medina, and Fish Souk in Essaouira
Essaouira Extension - Free Time in Essaouira for Independent Exploration
Essaouira Extension - Optional Activities Available to Book Locally (Horse Riding, Surfing, Yoga, Cooking Class)
Exclusions
Arrival/Departure Flights
Airport Transfers
Visa/Entry Requirements
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Personal Expenses incl Tips
Travel Insurance (Required)
Your Host
Sydney Cason
Hi, I’m Sydney — a content creator, storyteller, and proud lesbian solo-traveler building spaces for sapphic women, non-binary, and trans folks to explore the world together. After years of travel and self-reinvention, I realized how life-changing it is to feel truly seen while adventuring — and how rare that can be for queer folks! That’s why I started hosting trips where queerness isn’t just welcomed, it’s a true pillar of the trip.
These trips are for new and experienced travelers alike. They’re designed to be safe, joy-filled, and deeply affirming — they are a place to see the world and connect with a community that just gets you. Whether you come solo, as a couple, or with a friend — show up curious and exactly as you are. I can’t wait to travel with you!
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Marrakech
Arrive in the colourful and chaotic charm of Marrakech by 3 PM and check in to your stunning boutique riad. As the sun begins to set, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a relaxed welcome meeting to go over the journey ahead. In the evening, we’ll head to the iconic Restaurant Al Fassia, known for its exceptional Moroccan cuisine and proudly run entirely by women – a delicious and empowering start to your adventure.
🏨 Accommodation:
-
Palm Menara Hotel or similar
🍽️ Meals:
-
Dinner at Al Fassia Agdal
✅ Activities:
-
Welcome meeting
-
Group dinner in a traditional female-run restaurant
Day 2 Discovering Marrakech & Cultural Evening
Step into the heart of Marrakech with a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Medina. Explore the intricate beauty of Bahia Palace, the historic Saadian Tombs, and enjoy a photo stop at the majestic Koutoubia Mosque. After a stylish lunch at La Maison Arabe, spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant souks at your own pace. In the evening, dive deeper into local culture with a street food tasting, followed by an intimate home-cooked dinner with traditional Houariyate music and a henna ceremony – a joyful celebration of Moroccan hospitality.
🏨 Accommodation:
-
Palm Menara Hotel or similar
🍽️ Meals:
-
Breakfast
-
Lunch at La Maison Arabe (or similar)
-
Home-cooked dinner at Dar Zineb (or similar)
✅ Activities:
-
Guided Medina tour (Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque)
-
Free time in the souks
-
Evening street food tour
-
Traditional dinner with music & henna
Day 3 High Atlas Crossing to Skoura Oasis
Today’s journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop in the peaceful Ounila Valley to visit Tawesna – a women-run cooperative where you’ll enjoy a heartfelt, home-cooked lunch supporting local livelihoods. Continue to the Skoura Oasis, a lush palm-dotted haven where you’ll visit the historic Kasbah Amridhil before settling into your charming kasbah accommodation nestled in nature.
🏨 Accommodation:
-
Chez Talout Ecolodge or similar
🍽️ Meals:
-
Breakfast
-
Lunch at Tawesna Women’s Cooperative
-
Dinner at your accommodation
✅ Activities:
-
Scenic drive via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
-
Community visit and lunch
-
Guided tour of Kasbah Amridhil
Trip Photos
Important Notes
ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).
ESSAOUIRA EXTENSION:
Pricing for the 2 night trip extension to Essaouira will be dependent on how many people book. Please select the extension add-on option at check-out if you are interested, and pricing will be confirmed once the main trip is confirmed. Pricing is likely to be around $399 USD for a shared room. Note that Sydney will not be attending the extension on this trip.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to visit the countries included in this trip, and to ensure that your passport has the required validity. More information can be found in the destination guide.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/morocco-destination-guide/
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We do not recommend booking flights until your trip is CONFIRMED.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available. We do not recommend organising this until your trip is CONFIRMED. For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
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