Skip to main content
SOLD OUT Creator

Sapphics in the Sahara: A Queer New Year in Morocco!

Jan 8, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026

Cultural Cultural

$2,699 USD

SOLD OUT!

Sapphics in the Sahara: A Queer New Year in Morocco!

Jan 8, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026

$2,699  USD

SOLD OUT!

Ring in the new year beneath a sky full of stars, surrounded by camels, dunes, couscous, and chosen family. Join Sydney and a group of 14 other women, non-binary, and trans explorers for Sapphics in the Sahara — a one-of-a-kind, queer-led group journey through Morocco. We’ll wander the winding alleys of Marrakech, sip mint tea in mountain villages, and camel trek deep into the Sahara for a New Year’s adventure you’ll never forget! This is a space for affirmation, joy, exploration, reinvention, and deep belly laughs. Come solo, with your partner, or a friend — either way, you’ll leave with stories, a new chosen family, and memories you’ll never forget.

If you are keen for a little more adventure, why not unwind by the sea with a two-night trip extension in the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira. Enjoy a guided walk through the medina and harbour, a unique seafood market lunch experience, and plenty of free time to explore, relax on the beach, or join 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 - Thursday 8th Jan 2026

Trip Finish: Marrakech, Morocco - Thursday 15th Jan 2026 (Essaouira Extension Finishes Saturday 17th 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

Welcome to Morocco! Arrive in vibrant Marrakech by 3 PM and check into your beautiful boutique riad. In the early evening, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at Restaurant Al Fassia, a renowned local gem managed and staffed entirely by women – the perfect introduction to Moroccan hospitality and cuisine.

🏨 Accommodation:

🍽️ Meals:

  • Dinner at Al Fassia Agdal

Activities:

  • Welcome meeting

  • Group dinner in a traditional female-run restaurant

Day 2 Discovering Marrakech & Cultural Evening

Dive into Marrakech’s rich history and vibrant culture. Start with a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Medina, including visits to Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and a photo stop at the Koutoubia Mosque. Enjoy lunch at a stylish spot like La Maison Arabe, then spend the afternoon wandering the colourful souks. In the evening, enjoy a street food tasting experience followed by a home-cooked dinner with live Houariyate music and a traditional henna ceremony.

🏨 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

Leave Marrakech behind and cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Stop at Tawesna, a women’s cooperative on the edge of the Ounila Valley, for a home-cooked lunch supporting the local community. Arrive in Skoura and visit the historic Kasbah Amridhil before checking in to your peaceful oasis-style accommodation.

🏨 Accommodation:

🍽️ 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

Day 4 Dades Valley, Todra Gorge & Merzouga Desert

Today, take a scenic drive through the dramatic Dades Valley and stop to explore Todra Gorge. Continue your journey to the edge of the Sahara Desert. In Merzouga, mount a camel for a magical sunset ride into the dunes. Tonight’s dinner is served under the stars at your peaceful desert riad.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Riad Chebbi or similar

🍽️ Meals:

  • Breakfast

  • Dinner in the desert

Activities:

  • Scenic drive through Dades Valley

  • Stop at Todra Gorge

  • Sunset camel ride into the Sahara

  • Optional traditional music by the campfire

Day 5 Sunrise Camel Ride & Aït Benhaddou

Begin your day with a tranquil sunrise camel ride. After breakfast, head west to Aït Benhaddou – a striking UNESCO-listed fortified village featured in numerous films. Explore its narrow alleys and climb to the top for panoramic views. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in this atmospheric location.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Kasbah La Cigogne (standard room) or similar

🍽️ Meals:

  • Breakfast

  • Dinner at your accommodation

Activities:

  • Sunrise camel ride

  • Drive to Aït Benhaddou

  • Guided walk through the ksar

Day 6 Return to Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Marrakech with a tea stop en route. On arrival, check in to your riad and enjoy free time to shop, explore, or unwind. Optional hammam and spa experiences are available if you’d like to indulge in some Moroccan-style relaxation.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Palm Menara Hotel or similar

🍽️ Meals:

  • Breakfast

Activities:

  • Scenic drive from Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech

  • Optional hammam & massage (approx. 770 MAD pp)

Day 7 Cooking Class & Rooftop Farewell Dinner

Today you’ll join a meaningful cooking class at the Amal Association, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women through culinary training. Prepare a traditional tajine and enjoy it for lunch. The afternoon is free before gathering for a special farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with sweeping city views.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Palm Menara Hotel or similar

🍽️ Meals:

  • Breakfast

  • Lunch from the cooking class

  • Rooftop farewell dinner (e.g., Safran by Koya)

Activities:

  • Cooking class at Amal Association

  • Rooftop farewell dinner

Day 8 Departure from Marrakech or Extension to Essaouira

For those departing today, you’re free to head off any time after breakfast – with your camera roll bursting with unforgettable moments and your heart full of memories to last a lifetime.

After breakfast in Marrakech, head west towards the Atlantic coast on a scenic 3-hour drive to Essaouira. Upon arrival, join a local guide for an orientation walk through the medina, exploring the bustling harbour with its vibrant boats and traditional fish souk. Select your own fresh seafood and vegetables from the market, then bring them to a local restaurant to be grilled and shared with the group for an unforgettable lunch experience. The evening is free to explore Essaouira’s relaxed coastal charm at your own pace.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Riad Dar L’Oussia (Comfort Room) or similar

🍽️ Meals:

  • Breakfast

  • Seafood market lunch (fresh catch cooked to order)

Activities:

  • Guide-led orientation walk through the medina and harbour

  • Fresh seafood market selection and group lunch experience

Extension - Day 9 Essaouira Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to discover the bohemian charm of Essaouira at your leisure. Wander the winding alleys of the sandstone medina, relax on the wide beach, or browse artisan boutiques and galleries. A range of optional activities can be arranged locally, from horse riding and surfing lessons to cooking classes and yoga sessions.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Riad Dar L’Oussia (Comfort Room) or similar

🍽️ Meals:

  • Breakfast

Activities:

  • Free day for self-guided exploration

📢 Optional Activities (booked locally):

  • Horse riding (approx. 2 hrs – 423 MAD)

  • Cooking class

  • Surfing lesson

  • Yoga session

Extension - Day 10 Essaouira to Marrakech & Departure

Enjoy a leisurely morning and some final moments in Essaouira before beginning the return journey to Marrakech (approx. 3-hour drive). Upon arrival, the extension concludes. You are free to continue exploring independently or make your way to the airport for departure (transfer not included in price).

🍽️ Meals:

  • Breakfast

Activities:

  • Return transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech

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.

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:
This trip is CONFIRMED.

BOOKING FLIGHTS:
As this trip is CONFIRMED, you are able to book flights.

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. 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/

Recent Reviews

Click the button below and be the first to review this.

Taken this trip before?

Click the button below and be the first to review this.

Leave a review

Leave a review by completing the form below

Rating:
Got questions?

Register your interest for

Sapphics in the Sahara: A Queer New Year in Morocco!



    Contact us

    Please fill in this form and we’ll be in touch soon.



      INSTAGRAM

      @bestintravel