Imperial Cities, Atlas Mountains, and the Golden Dunes of the Sahara
Morocco: Camels to Casbahs
Overview
A world of legendary souks, golden Sahara dunes, and red-rock canyons, Morocco has a mystique all of its own. We roam the bazaars of Fes, cross the High Atlas to walk in the Todra canyon, and meet Berbers in their villages. The highlight for many is our stunning private camp nestled in remote Sahara dunes, where we’ll savor the silence and the sunsets. Along the way, our expert Trip Leaders introduce you to Morocco’s welcoming people, sumptuous flavors, and astonishing natural beauty. Optional trip extensions to the seaside artist town of Essaouira and the dramatic “blue” city of Chefchaouen are available.
Arrive: Casablanca, Morocco
Depart: Marrakesh, Morocco
Highlights
- From our private luxury camp, walk on the Sahara's golden dunes, ride a camel, or stargaze under a brilliant desert sky
- Visit the hill town of Moulay Idriss and evocative Roman ruins of Volubilis, with its marvelous mosaics
- Hike in the stunning canyon of the Todra Gorge and in the Valley of Roses
- Roam the medinas of Fes, a perfectly preserved medieval city
Itinerary
We meet in Casablanca and head to Rabat to stroll the 12th century Oudaya Kasbah. Traveling inland through olive groves, we visit the whitewashed hill town of Moulay Idriss and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a World Heritage Site, on our way to magnificent Fes. The most authentic of Morocco’s imperial capitals, Fes is a medieval dream of a city nestled in a high valley and resplendent with soaring minarets and dazzling domes. From our traditional riad in a historic quarter of the medina, we walk through a twisting network of souks, open-air cafes, and courtyards.
Crossing the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, we descend into the stunning canyon of the Ziz Gorge and make our way to our luxurious private Sahara camp, with its spacious walk-in tents, white tablecloth-service, colorful Moroccan carpets, and cozy beds. From this exclusive hideaway, explore by camel, 4WD, and on foot, and enjoy sundowners on the dunes.
In the eastern reaches of the High Atlas, we walk along serene trails amid the towering 1,300-foot canyon walls of the Todra Gorge, hike in a magnificent valley known for its fragrant roses, and meander along trails flanked by oleander hedges, almond trees, and fruit orchards. One hike brings us to the Berber settlement of Bou Thaghrar with its ruined kasbah.
En route to Marrakesh, we explore stunning Ait Ben Haddou, an 11th century mud-brick citadel often used as a film location. On our days in Marrakesh, we visit royal palaces and secret tombs. Depart on Day 12, or join our Essaouira Extension.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2+, Moderate. It combines overland travel and cultural exploration with a 2-night stay at a private luxury camp in the desert, which includes the opportunity to ride a camel, 4WD or walk in the Sahara. Most days we will be exploring a variety of cities, museums and cultural sites on foot, so being comfortable walking for several hours a day is important.
Review Trip Level Details
Average Day
- 3-5 hours on your feet exploring towns, cities, and cultural centers
- 2 hours driving
- Day 9: we hike for a total of about 3 hours and drive for 3-4 hours
Morocco has climatic variations but the weather is largely moderate, with a cooling influence from the Mediterranean and Atlantic.. In the summer months, daytime temperatures are in the 90s in the valleys, but cool down to the 70s as we gain elevation. Highs in the coastal cities are in the high 70s and low 80s. In the spring, average daytime temperatures in coastal cities range from the mid-60s to the low 80s. The Dades Valley is in vibrant bloom in early spring, from late February through March, and has cooler average highs in the 40s, dropping to lows in the 30s at night. In the north, light rains may stretch to mid-March. During the fall months, Morocco's weather is mild and dry—highs range from the 60s to the high 80s. In the north, light rains begin in November.
We enjoy first-class hotels and high-end riads in the cities and smaller, quainter lodges in the more remote areas. We spend two nights at a private Sahara desert camp while on the camel trek, where we provide all the comforts you would want in a luxury tented camp. Canvas interiors are hung with bright fabrics and carpeted with Moroccan rugs. Comfortable beds are covered by cozy duvets. You'll have a washstand, shower, and toilet within your tent, separated from the sleeping room by traditional white curtains. Meals are served in a large dining tent with a comfortable lounging area outside.
Meals will be a mix of à la carte and family style at local restaurants, cafés and hotels. Tajine (a slow-cooked meat stew often made with chicken, seafood, vegetables, olives, prunes, or almonds) is an important staple of Moroccan cuisine, as is couscous, kebab, and harira, a rich, spiced bean soup. We will also be eating dishes with a more French influence as well as seafood.
The majority of your transportation is provided in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus. On some of the smaller, more remote roads where larger vehicles cannot easily access, we use Toyota 4WD Land Cruisers. Filtered water is carried on board our vehicles at all times for your use.
In the Sahara, we enjoy two days of exploring the desert landscape via camel. On the first day, we drive into the desert to meet our camels and Tuareg cameleers. You can walk or ride camels, or you can opt to ride to camp by 4WD vehicle. The next day, several options are available—you can explore a small mountain called M'ifis and the dunes of Erg Znagui by camel, enjoy a walk, or simply stay in camp and enjoy the surroundings. The desert walking is not difficult but covers a variety of terrain with no trails, from hard-packed desert to vast sand dunes. Our camels are roped together in groups of three or four and led by a cameleer. Most people alternately ride and walk, as camel riding for long periods can be uncomfortable. You can walk if you don't want to ride a camel at all, or relax in the camp instead.
Please note: Camels can be unpredictable animals. It is possible for the camel to stumble on rough terrain or make a sudden erratic movement. Since camels cannot be saddled as securely as horses, the possibility of a fall is increased. It's important to follow the instruction and guidance of your Trip Leader, and to stay alert while riding. Anyone participating in this optional activity must acknowledge the inherent risks in riding and perhaps falling from the saddle, and agree to accept responsibility.
Client Testimonials
"This was my first group 'adventure travel' trip and it exceeded all my expectations. I could not have enjoyed so many aspects of Moroccan life and culture had I been traveling on my own."
Catherine F.
Brooklyn, NY
"This trip was well thought out with an itinerary that captures the spirit of the country. It was everything I had hoped for, and this trip had been on my list for years!"
Cindy B.
St. Louis. MO
"A well designed trip. We saw a lot, traveled a lot, but the pace was just about perfect. We got to see so many different aspects of Moroccan life, in so many different settings. Well done."
Darin P.
Rye, NH
"A great blend of history, culture, scenery, and food."
Dave C.
Clackamas, OR
"I really liked the pace of the trip and the flawless planning. Our Trip Leader has fantastic rapport with the locals throughout the country."
Dave S.
Olympia, WA
"This was the trip of a lifetime and I was not disappointed! Our guide was very kind, informed, educated, and flexible when needed. The riads were world class! I loved the range of activities and locations."
Debbie A.
Studio City, CA
"It was our 13th WT trip and we were not disappointed. We continue to be loyal clients because of trips like this."
Dennis K.
Shaker Heights, OH
"A jam packed trip. The desert camp was fantastic—what a unique experience! "
Hannah S.
Dripping Springs, TX
"An amazing range of sites, landscape, activities: the desert trek was a really unique experience that I’ll remember always; the mountain landscape was gorgeous; visiting Essaouira gave us a taste of the coast; everything was well organized but allowed flexibility."
Heather J.
Washington, DC
"I knew this trip would be great but it was BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS! What an exciting, exotic, beautiful, and diverse country. I loved the High Atlas Mountains, so exceptionally scenic, the cities, medinas, and the sights, sounds, and aromas. The people were very friendly and gracious. The Sahara is very interesting. Marrakesh is a happening, fun city and coastal Essaouira is pretty and peaceful. I loved it all!"
Jan J.
Gilford, NH
"We can depend on Wilderness Travel to offer exceptional trips and great attention to detail, and the quality of the Trip Leaders is unsurpassed."
Joceln S.
Arvada, CO
"It was your beautiful catalog that turned me onto the idea of this trip."
Karen G.
New York, NY
"The details of the itinerary, the schedule, and logistics could not have been better."
Karl S.
Arvada, CO
"Our Trip Leader and his team did a great job of introducing us to the amazing cultural, geographic, and historical diversity of Morocco."
Kitty L.
Chicago, IL
"The experience was everything I had hoped for. The camping portion was excellent and the crew was top-notch."
Larry M.
Anchorage, AK
"This is the kind of trip that has you itching to return before it even ends."
Laura B.
Seattle, WA
"What a super country, what tremendous experiences had by all, and our Trip Leader made it all a blast from beginning to end. Thanks, Wilderness Travel, once again, for a wonderful trip."
Laura B.
Tucson, AZ
"This was the most fascinating trip we have been on with WT. The Sahara, the gorges, and the mountains were my favorites, also the visit with the nomad family."
Margaret J.
Charlottesville, VA
"The Sahara camel trek/camping was definitely the highlight! Waking at sunrise at the dunes was a beautiful sight."
Maria S.
Yardley, PA
"The more the trip went on, the more I began to appreciate how well it was organized. It give us a great exposure to all the Morocco has to offer."
Mark S.
North Oaks, MN
"Great tour, beautiful country, wonderful people."
Patricia B.
New York, NY
"Probably the best WT trip we've taken, and they were all outstanding!"
Robert B.
Oakland, CA
"I will recommend this trip to everyone."
Rochelle Z.
New York, NY
"It was extraordinary!"
Sharon L.
Bellevue, WA
"One of the best guided trips we have ever taken. Our Trip Leader's guiding skills are very good and his knowledge of Morocco's culture is encyclopedic."
Stephen M.
Woodland, CA
"Everything was first rate. The Desert Camp was simply gorgeous and outstanding in comfort and service. Through the expert leadership and guidance of Ali and the WT staff, we feel we have gotten to know and love Morocco."
Steven A.
New York, NY
"This is our 5th Wilderness Travel trip and one of the best. The diversity of locations and experiences, the knowledge and capacity of the guide, and the wonderful people of Morocco made it very special."
Susan K.
Golita, CA
"Morocco was wonderful in so many ways and I'm sure my impressions were heightened by the flawless trip organization and leadership provided by your tour."
Susan L.
Cameron Park, CA
"Morocco is a wonderful, exotic country. Everything was handled with care and professionalism. A first-class operation."
Virginia W.
Danville, CA
"The itinerary was superbly planned. Lots of very nice touches, beginning with dinner at Rick's in Casablanca, staying in a riad in Essaouiria, horse-drawn carriages to the medina in Marrakesh."
Walter P.
Austin, TX
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Itinerary
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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.