Marrakech > Ait Bouguemez Valley > Toudra Valley > Sahara Desert > Ouarzazate > Marrakech
Please note that this tour is unavailable from December to February due to potential for roads to be blocked due to snow.
Are you ready to discover the exotic and beautiful country of Morocco?
Take this unforgettable Great Journey offering 9 action packed days of adventure and discovery. Beginning in the ex0tic and bustling city of Marrakech and venturing through the stunning High Atlas Mountains and into the world famous Sahara Desert.
Visiting majestic waterfalls, stunning mountains and the rich fertile valley’s in between, crossing the High Atlas Mountains alone will leave you with memories to last a lifetime and that is just the beginning. Along the way meet locals to get a glimpse of their traditional way of life in the Berber Villages. Enjoy a mint tea with a family and sample delicious foods like the richly spiced tangine.
This 9 days really shows you the contrast that is Morocco.
Included is the exploration of a desert oasis with its lush rows of date palms and then venturing out into the endless sand dunes of the Sahara Desert on a camel trek to stay in a desert camp. Taking in the beautiful desert sunset and sunrise and enjoying traditional music by a camp fire under endless stars of the night sky.
Returning to Marrakech you will have time to explore this vibrant city including the markets and twisting alley’s that make up the ancient Medina with its rich and colourful array of shops and temples.
This fully inclusive Great Journey lets you discover this incredible country hosted by your own private guide. So when your ready book what will be an adventure of a lifetime as you discover the lives of the nomads.
Inclusions:
- English speaking tour guide.
- City tour of Marrakech and Ait Benhaddou
- Modern air-conditioning vehicle during the trip
- Professional driver
- Fuel and all road taxes
- Guided tour of Marrakech
- Toudra Valley and Gorge Exploration
- Ouarzazate Tour
- Camel Trek
- 8 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 2 lunches (on Day3 & Day 5)
- 7 nights’ accommodation in hotels and guest houses
- 1-night accommodation at the Berber camp
Is this Tour for me?
TRAVEL STYLE | Private getaway perfect for couples, families, friends or the solo adventurer. |
SERVICE LEVEL | This package is a premium quality Great Journey hosted by our Local Expert Partner – EasyGo Tours. |
PHYSICAL RATING | Great for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Hiking on the 3rd day, but if not interested, our partner will provide other exciting activities. |
TRIP TYPE | Private fully inclusive package tour. |
Pricing for Guest (USD):
Travelling Style | Standard | Deluxe |
Solo Traveller | $2258 | $2718 |
Twin Share | $1351 | $1620 |
Triple Share | $1125 | $1420 |
4 – 6 Guests | $1045 | $1310 |
7 – 12 Guests | $940 | $1230 |
For group bookings larger than 12 please connect with us for pricing.
Day 2: Ait Bouguemez Valley (B,D)
Marrakech > Ait Bouguemez Valley
This morning we will enjoy a stunning drive to the majestic waterfalls of Ouzoud. These falls are the highest in North Africa and we will admire the scenery from one of the cafe terraces while drinking some mint tea.
Afterwards, we will drive onward to the town of Azilal and into the High Atlas Mountains. Arriving in the afternoon at the valley of Ait Bouguemez known as the happy valley which is our overnight destination.
This valley is one of the most beautiful in the High Atlas Mountains. It is located at an altitude of over 2000m above sea level. Once in the valley, we will go for a short walk to meet up with the locals in the village and explore the terraced fields and visit a local house for some tea with a local family.
Overnight at Ait Bouguemez Valley
Day 3: Ait Bouguemez Valley (B,L,D))
Meeting the Nomads
After breakfast, we will start a hike to reach one of the Nomads favorite places for the summer months where they look after their livestock. Its two and a half hours to reach the Izoughar Plateau, where hundreds of sheep, goats, donkeys and camels graze during the summer months.
We will visit one of the Nomad Families to learn how they spend their day. We will also have some tea with them. Late in the afternoon, we will make our way back to the village for our second night in this stunning valley.
Overnight at Ait Bouguemez Valley
Day 4: Toudra Valley (B,D)
Ait Bouguemez > Roses Valley > Toudra Valley
Today our adventure will continue as we drive through the Ait Bouguemez Valley passing by many Berber Villages, with houses built with stones to resist the snowy months of winter. Then we will cross two of the High Atlas Mountains Passes. Firstly we wind our way through Tizi N’ Ait Imi with an elevation of 2941 above the sea level. Then we cross Tizi N’ Ait Hmed reaching 3005m of altitude above the sea level. The views here are stunning including the summit of the Ighil M’Goun Peak with its altitude of 4071m making it the second highest mountain in Morocco after Toubkal.
Once we cross both passes, we will be at the southern side of the High Atlas Mountains, which is the beginning of the Sahara Desert. We will drive through the picturesque M’Goun Valley which is home to many Berber Villages and arrive at Kalaat M’Gouna which is the famous capital of the area known as the Roses Valley and that will be our stop for lunch.
After a delicious meal, in one of the local restaurants, we will drive approximately one hour to the east to reach the Toudra Valley. In the late afternoon, we will explore the Toudra Gorges which is the highest and narrowest gorge in Morocco. Make sure you get some photos of this amazing landscape before heading back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.
Overnight at Toudra Valley
Day 5: Sahara Desert (B,L,D)
Toudra Valley > Sahara Desert
After breakfast at the chosen hotel in the beautiful Toudra Valley, we will head east again passing by the ancient towns of Tinjdad and Erfoud which is home to the Nomads from the Ait Atta Tribe in the winter months. Our lunch stop will be at Rissani Town to again sample the trditional cuisone before continuing into the endless Sahara Desert sand dunes to reach the town of Merzouga.
After a relaxing mint tea its time to board your camel or “ships of the desert” to journey into this famous desert. Camels take us back in time as the caravans have traversed the desert for many centuries.
Half way to our camp, we will stop to enjoy the majestic sunset from one of the big sand dunes. Once in the camp, we will have time to soak in the atmosphere of the breathtaking desert. After a traditional dinner under the stars, we will enjoy our time listening to some Berber and Saharian Music performed by our Berber Team.
Overnight at Sahara Desert
Day 6: Ouarzazate (B,D)
Sahara Desert > Ouarzazate
We start our day early to catch the stunning sunrise from one of the sand dunes close to our camp, then have our breakfast. We will ride our camels back to meet our driver and vehicle then drive west exploring the oasis towns of Alnif and Tazarin along the way.
N’kob is where we take a break in our journey and enjoy lunch. then we leave the desert behind and enter the Draa Valley, famous for its mouth watering dates before crossing the Anti Atlas to reach the city of Ouarzazate, where we will spend the night.
Overnight at Ouarzazate
Day 7: Marrakech (B,D)
Ouarzazate > Mararakech
After breakfast, we visit the movie studio, where many famous international movies were filmed such as Kingdom of Heaven, The Way Back, The Passion of the Christ, Ben Hur and Kundun.
Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert and we will explore this city before heading to the the famous Ait Benhaddou Village which is one of the oldest villages in the south of Morocco. historically it was an important stop for the caravans on their rout between Marrakech and Timbuktu, now, the village is a UNESCO heritage listed site and it is used as background for a many movies such as Gladiator and Prince of Persia.
After the visit to the old village and lunch in one of the local restaurants. we will cross the High Atlas Mountains to get to Marrakech through majestic Tichka Pass which has an elevation of 2260m.
Overnight at Marrakech
Day 8: Marrakech (B,D)
Welcome to Marrakech. The city of 7 Saints, the red city, the city of the palms, are all names this famous city is known by. This morning you will have a guided tour of the old medina which is like travelling back in time. Discover this important part of Moroccan history, by visiting the ramparts of El Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and wander through its Souks.
In the afternoon you can enjoy some free time to explore the medina on your own and lose yourself amid its thousands of alleyway, or treat your self with a relaxing massage in one of the Hammams. At night we will meet up for a farewell dinner.
Overnight at Marrakech
Click on the tabs below to view our partner Hotels and Resorts.
Our Chosen Partner Hotels, Riads and Desert Camps
These are our selected Hotel Partners and in the unlikely chance that our Partner Hotels are unavailable, we reserve the right to provide an alternative comparable hotel. If you are not satisfied with the available alternative, then Guests may cancel their booking and receive a full refund.
Great Journey
Exclusions
- Visa fee
- Flights & airport taxes
- Other personal expenses
- Beverages
- Other activities
- Tips, and all services not clearly mentioned
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel Insurance which is required
Guide surcharge:
Guide Type | Individual | Group |
French speaking guide | $55 per day | $65 per day |
German Speaking guide | $80 per day | $85 per day |
Spanish speaking guide | $55 per day | $65 per day |
Remarks
- Make sure to provide the requirements to enter Morocco on this link: https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/travel-info/covid-19-travel-safely-to-morocco
- Prices are net per person in United States Dollars (USD) and are subject to change without prior notice
- Prices are based on twin-share basis except solo travellers and are subject to room availability upon Package booking
- No refund for any un-utilized Package
- Surcharge for other languages speaking guide (Advise at time of booking)
- Airport transfer surcharge of USD 5 per person each way for pick-up or send-off from 21:00 hrs to 06:00hrs (adjust based on group size)
Child policy
- Child under 2: Free of charge
- Child under 12 years old sharing room with adult: 50% of package cost for Adult twin share price
- Child 12 years old and above: 100% of adult cost
CANCELLATION:
- Period before arrival* Amount of Cancellation of the holiday price
- More than 60 days before arrival- Free Of Charge (FOC)
- More than 45 days before arrival– 30%
- Less than 21 days before arrival – 50%
- Less than 14 days before arrival – 80%
- Failure on traveling date at point of arrival 100%
Local Culture
The Moroccan people are very modest, so avoid wearing clothes that are too short or revealing in public and in particular at religious or culturally significant places.
Ask permission before taking someone’s photo.
Due to the nature of travel in Africa, a backpack is more suited to this trip than a suitcase.
Local Dress
In Africa, the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing, try to choose long, loose, lightweight, clothing that will keep you comfortable in the mostly hot African climate however desert nights can be cold so also pack some warm clothing.
Local Flights
There are no flights on this Package
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel, please refer to your Green Cultural Travel tour voucher. Alternatively, contact the Green Cultural Travel office or your travel agent.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you. However, if you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled for any reason, please contact us immediately. Please refer to our emergency contact details.
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact us in an emergency, it is best to call either the Green Cultural Travel Local Representative or our Green Cultural Travel Local Office first. If you don’t receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible.
Emergency contact numbers
EasyGo Tours
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit during your entire vacation. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible.
Most travellers carry a small to medium size backpack or rolling bag or suitcase.
You will also need a day pack or bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Visas
Please note that visas for entry into your Destination are the responsibility of each individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from, and where you are going. Rules do change. For the most up-to-date information, please check your government’s foreign ministry website or contact your travel agent.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others, while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs. Consider your likely spending habits when budgeting for drinks, shopping and tipping.
Money Exchange
During your holiday, you will use the Moroccan Dirham. Because currency exchange rates in Africa do fluctuate quite frequently, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date information on exchange rates: www.xe.com
The best way to access local currency in Morocco is from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) with a debit card. ATMs are readily available throughout Morocoo and will usually accept cards from both the Visa and MasterCard international networks. If possible, travel with both a Visa and a MasterCard to provide backup in case of loss or access problems with one card. Please note, your bank will usually charge a fee for overseas withdrawals.
You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but not a substantial amount as carrying only cash is high risk. The ideal mix is two or more ATM card/s with some cash as back-up.
Credit cards are accepted at some upmarket hotels and restaurants, and some larger stores if shopping for big items. They are of no use at smaller establishments.
Cash advances with your credit card are also possible at some banks. However, the process is time-consuming and tends to attract high fees.
Traveller’s cheques can be tricky, time-consuming and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, you may choose to bring one or two cheques in case of emergency. American Express travellers’ cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange.
Tipping
Depending on the service, it is customary in Africa to tip service providers, such as waiters, approximately 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your holiday. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is an opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
We recommend that you carry a small First Aid kit, hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes, and any personal medical supplies you might require.
Please be aware that for those Packages that are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. For legal reasons, our Green Cultural Travel representatives are prohibited from administering any drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Africa, pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs available in your home country, but they are usually locally produced and may have different names. To ensure you can access to the right treatment, ask your doctor for the details of the active components and dosage instructions if you think you might need to purchase prescription medication while here.
When selecting your trip, please read the brochure and itinerary carefully to assess your ability to cope with our style of travel.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt for keeping your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash, and other valuable items safe. Leave your expensive jewellery at home. You won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables while on tour. We recommend a lock for securing your luggage.
During your journey, you will have some free time to pursue your own interests. You can relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your Green Cultural Travel representative can assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary. We, therefore, offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your personal judgment before selecting an activity in your free time.
Although the locations you will visit on your selected Package are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering about at night. We recommend our guests stay in small groups and take taxis for any night time excursions, including restaurant visits.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Medical Form
As a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their personal luggage. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. These requirements ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to complete their chosen trip comfortably.
While our Representatives work hard to ensure all our traveller’s needs are catered for, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
A Word of Warning
When exploring on your own carry only the necessary minimum with you and use a well-hidden money belt for cash and credit cards. The majority of your valuables, including your passport, should be left in the hotel safe. You can organise use of the safe at the reception of your accommodation. There is no need to get paranoid, just be cautious.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our packages. Your Green Cultural Travel representative will communicate with you prior to your departure to ensure you have insurance in place and we will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance, we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name.
Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.
Green Cultural Travel – Community Programs
As we are owned by Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited UEN 201705140R a Singapore registered “Not for Profit” company our profits allow us to continue our support of community projects in the destinations our guests visit.
Purchasers of our Packages will automatically become members of our Green Cultural Travel Hub and Members of our Hub receive a bi- monthly magazine and access to some great travel specials and follow the progress of the community programs we support. Guests can also take the opportunity when booking a Package to make their own donation to Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited.