The Ultimate Adventure Through Morocco
An epic journey from Casablanca to Marrakech, via Chefchaouen, Fès, the Sahara Desert and Todra Gorge
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with a local, English-speaking guide plus specialist guides in Akchour, Fes and TodghaAll accommodation
4 nights in hotels, 4 nights in cosy riads and an unforgettable night under the Saharan starsMeals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
Rock climbing gearSmall ‘Like-minded’ Groups
Solo-friendly by design, our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Explore kasbahs, Berber-Roman ruins, cobalt blue streets and bustling medinas in Morocco’s ancient cities and walled villages
Hike in the shadow of undiscovered peaks in the verdant Rif Mountains and wild swim in the cool waterfalls of Akchour
Snooze under countless stars at a Saharan Berber camp and try your hand at rock climbing on the ravine walls of Todra
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Casablanca
Your host will meet you on arrival at Casablanca Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Moroccan restaurant and have a chat through the adventure to come with your tour leader and fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Hiking
Driving
Leave Casablanca behind after breakfast as you settle in for the road trip to Chefchaouen, the famous ‘Blue City’ and one of Morocco's most iconic locations. Head out for a walk through the winding cobblestone streets, surrounded by cobalt-hued walls dotted with tiny local craft shops, before a spot of people-watching in the shaded medina. Hike up to the Spanish Mosque for amazing sunset views of the blue town nestled on the hillside and cradled by the Rif Mountains.
Day 3
Akchour Falls
Hiking
Head outside the Blue City today for a hike to Akchour Falls, a hidden gem nestled in the Rif Mountains. The trail winds past rivers, small cascades, rock formations and through a verdant forest until you reach Akchour, where the falls plummet into the turquoise pond below. Tuck into a well-deserved picnic lunch at this beautiful spot and enjoy some downtime here, before heading back to Chefchaouen for a free evening to explore the restaurants and bars.
Day 4
Chefchaouen to Fès, via Volubilis
Hiking
Driving
Hit the road to Fès after breakfast, with a spectacular pit-stop en route: the ruins of the ancient Berber-Roman city of Volubilis. This was an important outpost of the Roman Empire and is the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco. Walk around the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site before hiking on to the nearby holy town of Moulay Idriss, perched on the Zerhoun Mountains, where white cube houses are dotted on the green hills. Grab lunch and do some people-watching in the walled medina, where you'll see devotees honouring at the shrine of Morocco's first Islamic leader. Driving on to Fès, once the intellectual and spiritual heart of Morocco, check in to your next riad and head out to explore the narrow old alleyways before tucking into a delicious dinner of traditional Fès dishes.
Day 5
Fès
Meet up with a local guide today and delve into the sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells. Meander through Bab Boujloud and get lost in the labyrinth of the medina where workshops, tailors, bazaars and restaurants are dotted throughout packed passageways. Rub shoulders with locals and donkey carts and wind up at the unusual Chouara Tannery. Visit the Mosque of Kairouine, which was once the leading spiritual and educational centre of the Muslim world. Enjoy some downtime at your stunning riad and an evening free to explore the city's options for dinner.
Day 6
Road trip to the Sahara
Hiking
Driving
Leave the hustle of the city behind on an amazing road trip through the High Atlas Mountains, driving along fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests and barren, rocky landscapes to the small town of Midelt, where you'll tuck into a picnic lunch. Carry on through ever-changing scenery from the mountains to the desert, all the way to the Saharan village of Merzouga, surrounded by the dusty orange sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Settle into your Berber camp, hike to the top of a dune for a golden sunset glimmering through the desert, and watch the clear sky turn into an array of dazzling stars.
Day 7
Merzouga to Todra Gorge
Driving
Climbing
Rising early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the Sahara, you'll bid farewell to your Berber hosts at camp as you head towards Todra. Stop on the way for a walk at Ksar El Khorobat, an ancient walled village where the families who live here preserve the centuries-old lifestyle. Have lunch at a nearby kasbah, then continue the journey to the Todra where the adventure is ramped up. Meet up with a local rock climbing instructor, listen to some introductory tips and get kitted up to tackle a series of easy climbing routes set in the spectacular high walls of the gorges. If you don't fancy climbing, you may prefer to have a wander around the picturesque limestone river canyons.
Please note: The rock climbing activity is not possible on the trip starting on 19th July 2024. Instead, this will be replaced by a moderate 3-5 hour bike ride with rest breaks around Todra Gorge. Mountain bikes and helmets will be provided.
Day 8
Hike the Todra Gorge
Hiking
Time for the biggest hike for the trip today as you trek through the spectacular Todra Gorge. Start off on the trail meandering through fertile palm groves, passing farmers and their children along the way. Sip some thyme tea with a nomad family in the mountains before hiking deeper into the gorge, finding yourself surrounded by the breathtaking 400m high limestone high cliffs which flank the Todra River, the walls getting narrower the further you hike into the ravine. In the evening, relax with a typical hammam experience in a public bathhouse alongside locals in Todra.
Day 9
Todra to Marrakech
Driving
After enjoying your last Berber breakfast, drive to explore a slice of the 11th century. Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since then, is one of Morocco's most iconic sites. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of the old town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. After that, continue the drive through the winding roads of the Atlas bound for Marrakech – an ancient, exotic city wrapped in European modernity. The evening is yours to spend at leisure: savour a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 10
Farewell, Morocco
Your adventure comes to an end as your host transfers you to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7 – Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tagine (a stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous and pastilla (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often softly spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger.
Breakfast will usually feature bread, jams, cookies, fruit, juice, coffee and milk. Dinner will usually include soup, a classic Moroccan tagine, couscous, olives, nuts and fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger information form.
What is the accommodation like?
Casablanca
On your first night of the trip, you'll usually stay at the 3-star Al Walid hotel in Casablanca in twin-share rooms with an en suite bathroom. The hotels offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a bar as well as a gym.
Chefchaouen
In the Blue City, you'll stay at Hotel Ziryab, a beautiful hotel in the heart of Chefchaouen. It has a restaurant and café serving traditional Moroccan and international dishes, a terrace with panoramic views of the medina and a pool. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Fes
In Fès you'll spend two nights at either the Riad Al Makan or the Riad El Yacout, both are stunning and are positioned in the medina. They each have a sun terrace overlooking the old town, plus a spa, with optional massage services and a range of treatments available. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Sahara Desert
Beneath the clear starry skies of the Sahara Desert, you'll stay at Sunny Luxury Camp, a family-run Berber camp nestled in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Each of the luxury tents has authentic decor, modern toilets and showers. You'll enjoy warm and friendly Moroccan hospitality throughout the camp, with traditional teas and cakes and a campfire at night.
Todgha Gorges
You'll spend two nights at Hotel Taborihte, an authentic kasbah full of history and charm. Set on the edge of the beautiful Todra Gorge, this charming accommodation features simple but clean rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms with hot-water showers. The hotel's location gives great access to the gorge and the views from the swimming pool and terrace are stunning.
Marrakech
Your final night of the trip in Marrakech is spent at either the 3-star Racine Hotel, the Stars Hotel, or Hotel Almas. All offer Wi-Fi access in all areas and twin share rooms with en suite bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy a lovely outdoor pool and sun terrace.
Nb. In 2024, your final night will be at the nearby Red Hotel in Marrakech.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Marrakesh Menara Airport
Any time on Day 10
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at the international airport in Casablanca and transfer you to your riad in the city. On the last day of your trip, your host will transfer you from your accommodation in Marrakech to the airport in time for your flight home. Please note that mobile boarding passes are not accepted at Marrakech airport. You will need to present a printed boarding pass on departure.
For those arriving early or 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.
Travel options
There are direct flights to Casablanca from the UK and various major hubs in Europe, as well as direct flights to Casablanca from New York. There are myriad indirect options into Casablanca depending on your start point. There are return direct flights from Marrakech to major airports across the UK and Europe, though currently there are no direct flights between Marrakech and North America, so you'll need to transit en route, depending on your carrier.
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 equipment for rock climbing
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Small daypack (15+ litres)
CLOTHES
- Breathable wicking layers with some stretch for hiking and 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
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Underwear and socks
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots or shoes (worn-in)
- Sandals and/or casual shoes (for leisure time, non technical)
- Socks and an additional warm layer for cool/cold evenings from November-March
OTHER
- Universal 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
- Face mask
- Lip balm
Post trip accommodation in Marrakech (Double/twin room)
Payable Before Departure
Post trip accommodation in Marrakech (Double/twin room)
… Per Night
Post trip accommodation in Marrakech (Single room)
Payable Before Departure
Post trip accommodation in Marrakech (Single room)
… Per Night
Pre trip accommodation in Casablanca (Double/twin room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre trip accommodation in Casablanca (Double/twin room)
… Per Night
Pre trip accommodation in Casablanca (Single room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre trip accommodation in Casablanca (Single room)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private airport transfer - Casablanca airport to accommodation
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - Casablanca airport to accommodation
…
Private airport transfer - Marrakech accommodation to airport
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - Marrakech accommodation to airport
…
Off the beaten track
Such a great & well planned trip through parts of Morocco I'd never have discovered alone. Days alternated between activity and travel.
We covered a lot of ground but with changing landscapes, lots of well-chosen stops and a great guide and driver (thanks, Mo & Slimane!) it never felt like too much travelling.
The tour took us properly off the beaten track - I particularly loved the hammam where the local kids were agog at tourists. And the additional guides we had in Fes and Volubilis were so informative and entertaining.
Mo went out of his way to accommodate different requests, and was super considerate and thoughtful.
Recommended!
Wonderful adventure
This really is a great adventure to some of the highlights of Morocco and particularly to some of the off the beaten track places and people you'd rarely find on your own. This was my 4th time in Morocco but it definitely felt like the most authentic trip and I learned a lot.
Our guide/host, Mo, was fabulous. Knowledgeable, considerate and enthusiastic about his country and wanting you to have the best trip possible. Our driver, Sliman, was also great. We covered so many kilometres but he did them all so carefully and patiently, with a smile on his face.
There was a lot of driving involved, but it never felt like as many hours as it actually was because they are clever with stops and breaking up the driving days with the high activity days. And if you want to see the breadth and depth of places you do on this trip you're going to have to cover a few kilometres.
We couldn't do the rock climbing due to weather/temperature which at first I was a little disappointed about, but we were given options for alternative things to do and the lunch that formed part of the option we chose, at a Berber house, was the best meal we had (and all the meals were very good!).
Highly recommend this trip if you want a mix of activity, culture, good food and sightseeing.
Fantastic group and host
Overall, I had a great time on this trip. There are a few things I’d change or suggest but it was made up for by having a lot of off-the-beaten-path experiences we probably would have never had traveling on our own.
Fantastic trip allowing me to see the best Morocco has to offer. Perfect mix of activities and sightseeing. Accommodations were top notch especially glamping in the Sahara!
Amazing experience that’s truly “off the beaten path”. Perfect balance of outdoor, physical activity and true tourism / cultural experiences. There was just enough physical activity to feel active and energised but still plenty of other activities to make it feel like a vacation. Hamid (the guide) was funny, friendly, knowledgeable, and open which really brought the group together. Overall highly recommended.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 625kg 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 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. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
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.
This is a very light physical adventure, with limited strenuous activities. The longest hike is a 12km distance with 400m elevation gain and loss which is easily doable by anyone with basic fitness levels, and capable of walking for a few hours. There are plenty of stops with a long picnic and rest at the falls to relax and recharge for the hike back down. No prior experience is needed for the intro to rock climbing, your instructor will talk you through how to start and again, no prior fitness is needed here, just a sense of adventure. All physical activities can also be opted out of if you're not keen on giving them a go.
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 but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
50 MAD per person, per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, 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.
Tap water in Morocco is not safe to drink for travellers. The tour vehicle will have a large vat of water that you are able to top your water bottles up from. Most hotels will also provide safe drinking water so single-use water bottles should not be needed. Please bring your own reusable water bottle to fill up throughout the trip.
Morocco has a sub-tropical climate with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, although they can soar to 35°C in the summer and fall to as low as 5°C in the winter. However, the weather varies from region to region due to the country's geographical setting. The eastern and southern regions are very dry and hot all year round as they are surrounded by the scorching Sahara Desert, while the Atlas Mountains, which snake from south to north and divide the country in half, make the climate in the centre more extreme with unforgiving heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. This trip visits a big variety of Morocco's climatic regions which makes for a trip perfect for tackling any time of year.
As this trip starts in one city and ends in another, it's not logistically suitable to leave your luggage in Casablanca at the beginning. The tour vehicle will transport your luggage between each point of the trip.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of exploring.
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 always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
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Guaranteed to run
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Flexible payments
Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Happiness Guarantee
We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it.
Full financial protection
To give you complete peace of mind we’re backed by ABTOT and ATOL memberships
Tried & Trusted
We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 900 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.
Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together.
DEPARTURE DATES
Monday • 6th May 2024
to Wednesday • 15th May 2024
Friday • 19th July 2024
to Sunday • 28th July 2024
Friday • 27th September 2024
to Sunday • 6th October 2024
Friday • 8th November 2024
to Sunday • 17th November 2024
Friday • 22nd November 2024
to Sunday • 1st December 2024
Friday • 14th February 2025
to Sunday • 23rd February 2025
Friday • 18th April 2025
to Sunday • 27th April 2025
Friday • 2nd May 2025
to Sunday • 11th May 2025
Friday • 16th May 2025
to Sunday • 25th May 2025
Friday • 12th September 2025
to Sunday • 21st September 2025
Friday • 26th September 2025
to Sunday • 5th October 2025
Friday • 10th October 2025
to Sunday • 19th October 2025
Friday • 7th November 2025
to Sunday • 16th November 2025
Friday • 21st November 2025
to Sunday • 30th November 2025
