morocco camel safari; sahara desert to Marrakesh tour; camel trek

Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s Sahara

The highest dunescape in Morocco’s Sahara Desert, Erg Chebbi is the setting for our camel trek. We camp at the base of Erg Chebbi to witness the sunset colors.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

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Morocco: Camels to Casbahs

Fez, Marrakesh, Essaouira, and the Golden Dunes of the Sahara

Some of the most glorious scenery in North Africa is found in Morocco, a captivating land of mud-brick casbahs, medieval medinas, and mythic charms. On our odyssey with Morocco expert Mark Gordon, we discover the country’s sensuous beauty in the epic Sahara, in royal cities, in mysterious souks, at Roman ruins, and on hikes to Berber nomad encampments in red-rock canyons sculpted by nature and time. The centerpiece of our journey is a 3-day desert trek by camel (or on foot, if preferred) across the silent, open spaces and golden dunes of the Sahara. Morocco’s evocative imperial cities also provide a visual feast, from amazing Fez, a walled city suspended in a medieval dream, and tiny Essaouira, an 18th century gem set by the sea, to Marrakesh, the vibrant heart of Morocco.

Highlights

  • Hike or ride a camel across the golden desertscapes of the Sahara
  • Roam the labyrinthine medinas of medieval Fez and Marrakesh
  • Meet the blue-robed Turaregs of the Moroccan Sahara
  • Enjoy encounters with Berbers of the high atlas
  • Explore tiny Essaouira, a charming walled city by the sea

Details

  • 15-day trip begins in Casablanca and ends in Marrakesh
  • 7 nights 5-star hotels, 1 night in charming riad, 3 nights best-available hotels, 3 nights full-service camping
  • All meals included except 1 lunch and 3 dinners
  • 3-day camel trek with 3-6 hours hiking a day, altitudes between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, 4WD support

Tour Costs

$4895 (10-15 members)
$5295 (5-9 members)

Single supplement: $580

Prices are for 2010 dates

Departures & Leaders

Apr 10-24, 2010  Mark Gordon
Oct 2-16, 2010  Mark Gordon
Oct 23-Nov 6, 2010  Mark Gordon
Nov 21-Dec 5, 2010  Mark Gordon

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Morocco: Camels to Casbahs route-map

Days 1-4
Casablanca / Rabat / Moulay Idriss / Volubulis / Fez

In Casablanca, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, then explore Rabat’s Oudaya Kasbah and the Chellah, a spectacular royal necropolis built atop an ancient Roman town. After visiting the pilgrim town of Moulay Idriss and the Roman ruins of Volubulis, we head for enchanting Fez. As we roam the honeycomb of twisting alleys, we savor the scent of spices, orange blossoms, sizzling lamb kabobs, and sweet honey cakes, and watch scenes unchanged in centuries.

Days 5-8
Sahara Camel Safari

In the silent world of the Moroccan Sahara, we experience its breathtaking beauty of ochre dunes, cobalt sky, and volcanic peaks as we ride camels (or hike) across ever-changing desertscapes. Our last camp is at the foot of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where we enjoy an incredible sunset and sunrise.

Days 9-12
Todra / Dades / Ait Ben Haddou / Essaouira

We explore the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, and walk through the desert citadel of Ait Ben Haddou. In seaside Essaouira, we discover the fishermen’s market, artisan workshops, and tiny medina.

Days 13-15
Marrakesh

Framed by the snow-capped mountains of the High Atlas, Marrakesh is a city of wonders. We discover its many facets, including Djemaa el Fna, the famed central square filled with acrobats, snake charmers, and a host of other entertainers. Depart on Day 15.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Sheraton Casablanca Hotel

Day 1 (1 night), Casablanca, Morocco

A comfortable place to unwind after the long flight from the US, the Sheraton is an international-style hotel with well-kept rooms, a friendly ...
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Le Diwan Rabat

Day 2 (1 night), Rabat, Morocco

Located in Rabat’s embassy district, this hotel is within walking distance of the atmospheric kasbah, medina, and Royal Palace. Here the ...
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Les Merinides

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Fez, Morocco

The delight of this hotel is its view over the city of Fez, which you can enjoy from the terrace bar, listening to the call to prayer echo ...
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Kasbah Xaluca

Day 5 (1 night), Erfoud, Morocco

Surrounded by desert sands on the edge of the Moroccan Sahara, this newly built kasbah-style hotel is very atmospheric, with its numerous ...
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Sahara Camps

Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Sahara Desert, Morocco

We make hiking and camping in the Sahara Desert as comfortable as possible. On the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced Berber guides ...
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Hotel Yasmina

Day 9 (1 night), Tinerhir, Morocco

The Yasmina is set into a rock wall at 6,000 feet in the most dramatic section of the Todra Gorge. The hotel's location gives us great access to the gorge, but it is a spartan accommodation.  Electricity comes from the generator and there is no central heating. The staff is friendly and the restaurant is good.

Auberge Ait Oudinar

Day 10 (1 night), Dades Gorge, Morocco

This small, family-run auberge is located on the serpentine mountain road that runs through the Dades Gorge. It has a cozy atmosphere, pleasant ...
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Hotel Es Saadi

Day 11 (1 night),
Days 13 to 14 (2 nights),
Marrakesh, Morocco

With a convenient location in the new section of the city, the Es Saadi is a 15-minute walk from the bustling medina. A five-story hotel built in ...
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Riad el Medina

Day 12 (1 night), Essaouria, Morocco

Right in the heart of Essaouira’s walled medina, this lovely riad has rooms built around a traditional open-air tiled courtyard. The rooms ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.