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Intro to Rock Climbing and Yoga in Morocco

Scale the cliffs of Todra Gorge in the Atlas Mountains, perfect your downward dog and sleep under the stars in the Sahara Desert

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Trip Ref #10430

Intro to Rock Climbing and Yoga in Morocco

Scale the cliffs of Todra Gorge in the Atlas Mountains, perfect your downward dog and sleep under the stars in the Sahara Desert

DURATION

6 nights

LOCATION

Morocco

ANNUAL LEAVE

5 days

SEASON

Feb-May, Sept-Oct

GROUP SIZE

Up to 12 people

MEETING POINT

Marrakech Menara Airport

ACCOMMODATION

Classic

Riad · Guesthouse · Glamping

OVERALL RATING

5.0

Based on 57 reviews
DIFFICULTY

Moderate

No climbing or yoga experience is needed, just a sense of adventure and moderate fitness levels

Trek through dramatic wadis and canyons and tackle Morocco’s only via ferrata

Embrace your inner zen with sunset and sunrise yoga sessions deep in the dunes of the vast Sahara

Bed down in a traditional riad in the heart of Marrakech and a luxury camp in the desert

Featured as one of 'the best holidays balancing eco-credentials with a good time' by The Independent

Day 1

Welcome to Marrakech

Fly into the colourful city of Marrakech and head to your traditional riad in the historic medina. Spend the day exploring the souk and the unforgettable main square, the ever-changing show that is the Jemaa el-Fnaa – a place that’s been beguiling and entertaining travellers for centuries. Finish the day meeting your crew over dinner to hear all about the adventure ahead.

Day 2

Road-tripping to the gorge

Driving

6hrs

Up bright and early for your road trip across the country. Passing through the Atlas Mountains, you'll pause at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou for a quick look around and to grab some lunch. The journey then continues all the way to the limestone cliffs of Todra Gorge, a natural oasis with a river running through the middle and a dense 'palmeraie' (date palm forest) on either side.

Day 3

Time to scale some cliffs

Climbing

5hrs

Yoga

1 hr

You'll have a briefing this morning with your climbing guide and get set up with your kit before heading on foot to the entrance of the gorge. The 400m near-vertical red rock cliffs are a climber's mecca, with plenty of routes available for total novices to progress along. You'll spend the day getting to grips with the equipment and your technique before heading back to the guesthouse late afternoon. After a bit of time to chill, there'll be a pre-dinner yoga class to limber up and stretch out. Dinner will be a social affair and hearty affair.

Day 4

Higher and higher

Climbing

5hrs

Yoga

1hr

Building on the skills you learned yesterday, you'll hit some new routes as you start to get a feel for the rocks and the surroundings. You'll be climbing in an area with some shade so there's plenty of downtime if needed - and of course, a picnic lunch when you're ready or a quick walk to the local village to grab anything else you fancy. Heading back to the guesthouse late afternoon you'll again have another yoga class on the roof as the sun sets. This is the perfect way to relax before dinner and the roof is also a relaxing place to hang out a star-gaze at the end of the day.

Day 5

Hiking, mint tea and Sahara-dwelling

Hiking

3-4hrs · 13km · 400m up · 400m down

Yoga

1hr

Switch your climbing shoes for hiking boots today as you set off on a 13km loop of the gorge. Passing goat-herders, wandering donkeys and nomadic locals along the way, you'll follow the path to a plateau with 360° views across the Atlas Mountains. Back at the guesthouse, it's time to head to Merzouga. You'll travel part by private bus or car and part by 4x4 desert truck to get to your luxury camp in the dunes. There'll be time for a bit of sandboarding before a relaxing sunset yoga session. Dinner is served in one of the open tents, the vastness and silence of the desert providing a dramatic backdrop.

Day 6

Sunrise yoga and via ferrata

Get up pre-dawn to capture the magical sunrise over the Sahara. You'll have a gentle yoga class in the early morning rays to energise for the day, before heading back to Todra Gorge. Time to experience Morocco's only via ferrata and be rewarded with epic views of over the gorge. You'll follow an iron-railed route and be clipped in with a harness – although it might feel scary, you're very safe. There is the option to challenge yourself further by taking on a short but exposed wire bridge, the ultimate adrenaline fix. Head back to the guesthouse for a final yoga session (optional!) and a traditional Moroccan feast.

Day 7

Back to the city

Driving

7hrs

Back to Marrakech today, this time via Ouarzazate, an ancient city famed for being the setting of the 1962 film 'Lawrence of Arabia' and also most recently for housing the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant project. There'll be plenty of time to soak up the High Atlas views from the bus and reflect on your adventure before getting back into Marrakech late afternoon for goodbyes and flights home.

Included

Guides

Expert, English-speaking, qualified guides

Accommodation

4 nights in a local guesthouse, 1 night in a riad, 1 in a Berber desert camp

Meals

All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners

Transfers

Transfers from the airport and throughout the trip

Equipment

All climbing and yoga equipment, except climbing shoes.

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Visas where required

Day 1

Riad · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 4

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Glamping · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tajines (a stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous and pastilles (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger.

Breakfast will usually feature bread, jam, cookies, fruit, juice, coffee and milk. Packed lunches will be a mix of local ingredients such as bread, cheese, olives, salad etc. Dinner will usually include soup, a classic Moroccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts and fruit.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request it on your passenger information form.

What is the accommodation like?

Marrakech

You'll stay in a beautiful riad - a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size, however, all are chosen for their excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor and welcoming service.

Todra Gorge

You'll spend your nights in Todra Gorge at the Auberge Tizgui. This locally owned and run guesthouse is famed for its hospitality and rooms are decorated traditionally. You'll stay in twin-share rooms by default.

Sahara Berber Camp

You'll spend one night in a Berber camp in the dunes of the Sahara. This is definitely more glamping than camping; each tent has raised beds and an en-suite as standard. There's plenty of space to enjoy the peace of the desert and to have a chat around the fire at night.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and single tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking as this is subject to availability.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Marrakech Airport (RAK)

Arrive any time on Day 1

Ends

Marrakech Airport (RAK) or Marrakech Centre

17:00 Marrakech Airport / 18:00 Marrakech Centre

Transfers

On arrival you will be collected at the airport, a transfer is included for anytime you arrive on Day 1. For those arriving early, a transfer is still included at no extra cost, please arrange this with your host.

At the end of the trip, you can choose to be dropped off at the airport or in the city centre. For those flying the evening of the last day, we suggest booking flights that depart after 19:00.

For those wanting to stay on, extra nights and transfers can be arranged with your host at an extra cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information. In addition, please get in touch with your host directly if you'd like to discuss extra days climbing.

Travel options

There are daily flights to Marrakech from major airports across the UK and Europe.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • All your climbing and yoga equipment

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Small daypack (15+ litres) which will also double as an overnight bag for your night in the desert

CLOTHES

  • Rock climbing shoes (see FAQ)
  • Breathable wicking layers with some stretch for climbing (shorts, leggings and t-shirts are all fine)
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Lightweight long sleeve top for sun/wind protection
  • Casual clothes for hot/warm weather
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Scarf/something to cover shoulders for women (not needed while climbing)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Underwear & socks
  • Something to sleep in
  • Hiking boots or shoes (worn-in)
  • Sandals (for leisure time, non technical)

FEB-MARCH/OCT-NOV only:

  • Warm hat
  • Gloves

OTHER

  • European travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc.)
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
  • Sleep mask
  • Lip balm

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Double or Twin)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Double or Twin)

Per Night

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Single)

Per Night

Pre/post-trip HB accommodation in Marrakech (Double or Twin)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip HB accommodation in Marrakech (Double or Twin)

Per Night

Pre/post-trip HB accommodation in Marrakech (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip HB accommodation in Marrakech (Single)

Per Night

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade

Per Person

Airport transfer to/from other Marrakech accommodation (one way)

Payable Before Departure

Airport transfer to/from other Marrakech accommodation (one way)

Per Person

Airport transfer to/from trip accommodation in Marrakech (one way)

Payable Before Departure

Airport transfer to/from trip accommodation in Marrakech (one way)

Per Person

- Matthew(May 2023)

One of the best trips of my life! Todra Gorge is so incredibly beautiful and I felt like I wanted to stay forever. The hosts Dan and Natalie were so very kind, warm and helpful throughout the entire trip. They really do put their hearts and souls into ensuring everyone has a great time and it really shows. Couldn't recommend enough!

- Simran(May 2023)

I really enjoyed my week in Morocco with Dan, Natalie, Max and the group. As someone primarily interested in climbing it did not disappoint and left me wanting more. The whole experience felt very authentic and I was pushed outside my comfort zone in a safe and supported manner. This allowed me to reach new heights with my climbing and give me more confidence going forward. The hiking, via Ferrara, trip to the Sahara and Yoga were all really good as well. I would highly recommend this trip!

- Stu(May 2023)

If you're umming and arring about booking, just do it. Value for money is excellent, the hosts are fantastic and organised, and the trip will feel like an adventure all whilst being exceptionally well set out. I cannot recommend enough

- George(May 2023)

This trip was easily one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had. Todra Gorge is a beautiful place with amazing scenery and climbing opportunities. I learned some really valuable climbing skills whilst working with the guides and feel confident going on more roped climbing adventures.

Natalie and Dan are absolute icons! Very warm and kind people. The group was amazing, I'm hoping to be able to on more adventures with them soon.

I left Todra Gorge with my heart overflowing, and I can't wait to return! ❤

- Jess(May 2023)

This trip was so great! I love how much we got to do in a relatively short time. Dan and Nat were great guides/hosts and I loved the feeling of being challenged by new experiences. I couldn’t recommend it more.

- Candice(April 2023)

The trip to Morocco was unforgettable. Dan and Natalie were excellent hosts and every activity was carefully thought out and tailored to the needs and ability of the group. Every minute of the day was filled with climbing, yoga, hiking, drumming, sandboarding, eating incredible Morocco food and drinking mint tea and amazing cinnamon coffees.

As a semi-experienced indoor rope climber I was worried that the pace would be a little slow, but Dan and Max ensured every member of the group was knowledgable and safe climbing outdoors and catered all the climbs to different levels, gently encouraging you to reach out of your comfort zone.

Nat delivered wonderful, yoga sessions. It was so refreshing to be able to have a giggle whilst also having some well structured sessions to stretch after climbing. The sunrise and sunset yoga was incredible.

Dan and Natalie are so well integrated into the local community and clearly care for the local environment, people and dogs!

Finally, all 11 members of the MBA group were friendly, adventurous and an overall great bunch. We had a good laugh and I can safely say I have made some lifelong friends. Don’t be put off by the long drives, they were all worth it!

- Daniel(April 2023)

As a first time solo traveller and somebody who had never climbed prior to the trip, I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun multi-activity holiday!

Dan, Natalie and Max were great hosts. All very knowledgable in their field, always prioritising health and safety and all round lovely people!

The group dynamic was perfect, a wide mix of ages, backgrounds and personalities! A highlight of the trip was definitely getting to know likeminded people and sharing this adventure with them. I’ve already made plans to meet up and climb with some of those who I met on the trip!

My personal highlight was finding a new hobby in climbing. As an inexperienced climber I felt safe at all times and really enjoyed the teamwork aspect of top rope climbing!

- Tom(April 2023)

I had a fabulous time with on this trip and created memories for a lifetime. Loved the location and the company so much I stayed an extra 3 nights!! Dan, Natalie and co are wonderful hosts and look forward to seeing them again one day.

- Terry(April 2023)

If you are looking for your first climbing adventure then this is it! It may state beginner but caters for all climbing abilities!

- Kathryn(April 2023)

What an amazing week. A well organised trip with a great group. Nat, Dan and Max made sure that everything went smoothly and were great teachers of yoga and rock climbing. The accommodation was good and clean and our hosts were very attentive. Highlights: the climbing was amazing, I had never done outdoor climbing before and very limited rope climbing and I get a little bit scared of heights at times but managed to do lots of climbs and enjoyed it! The Sahara desert experience was like nothing I had ever seen before: stunning! And the luxury tents were so comfy. Thank you Dan and Nat for this amazing trip. Would highly recommend

We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 424kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

As this is an introductory trip, you do not need any previous experience rock climbing or practicing yoga. Both activities can be tailored to your experience so while absolute beginners are very welcome, so are those who have experience in both. Todra Gorge offers a multitude of quality single and multi-pitch sports climbs for all grades so there really is something for everyone. You should have a reasonable level of fitness for the hiking day but this can be taken at your own pace and if you'd rather sit it out, this is totally fine too.

All activities are also totally optional - so if you decide that yoga isn't for you or you would like to only climb for a little bit each day, this is of course absolutely fine, you are on holiday after all!

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Drinkable water is collected from the gorge while you are out and about - and water bottles can be filled up at each accommodation so some reusable bottles will be well used.

Todra Gorge is known for long dry months usually from February to November. In February to March, daytime temperatures sit around 15-20°C and drop to below 10°C at night. April and May will be a bit warmer, usually around 25°C in the day but again, cooler at night. The months of June-August are too hot to run the trip so it resumes again in September when daytime temperatures can still hit 30°C. It starts to cool a little in October and November, then becomes too cold for climbing in December and January. Moroccan heat is dry as so much of the landscape is desert - rainfall is rare in the months the trips runs but isn't unheard of. If you do experience rain it is likely to be short and sharp and often a welcome relief to the heat.

As you will be travelling by private bus to Todra Gorge and back, you can just take your bag with you all the way.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

You will need to bring your own climbing shoes. If you don't have already, these can be bought for approx. £30 from Decathlon or similar. You should buy those that fit comfortably in the shop - don't follow advice for them to be extra tight or a smaller shoe size than you would normally wear - your feet will swell with the heat in Morocco anyway so finding a pair that fit like normal shoes and no tighter is important.

Ramadan will take place from 10th March to 8th April 2024. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, especially to witness celebrations where the fast is broken in the evenings, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip although you should be aware that dinners will be served after locals break their fast in the evenings.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

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