Sapphics in the Sahara: A Queer New Year in Morocco!
Jan 8, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
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:
-
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
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:
-
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.
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/
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