Morocco and the Sahara Desert are on many a bucket list, but it’s the kind of place that you might not want to go alone. That’s where we come in. You’ll be surrounded by women just like you the whole way, and we’ve worked with a woman on the ground in Morocco to come up with a special itinerary where we can see the best of the country and meet local women so we can better understand the culture.
To learn more about this trip, you can join us for a Trip Preview on Wednesday, Dec. 17th at 6:30 pm ET. RSVP here.
We’ll be starting in Marrakesh, with all its bustle and exoticism, then head into the rugged Atlas Mountains to visit a small village where life continues as it has for centuries. We’ll stop at a lush oasis, with expansive palm groves, historic kasbahs, and traditional mud-brick architecture. Then it’s into the Sahara. It’s not a short drive, but the chance to soak in the wonders of this landscape of golden dunes and the Berber culture is worth the time.
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You’ll ride a camel, stroll through souks and gardens, listen to traditional music while sitting by a campfire under the Saharan stars, sleep in a luxurious tent among the dunes. But perhaps most memorable are our hands-on classes with Moroccan women, where you’ll learn crafts, cooking, and more – and celebrate new friendships.
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Immerse yourself in the historic medina of Marrakesh, shopping the bustling souks for textiles, spices, leather goods, and other crafts, and visiting artisans’ workshops.
Bond with your fellow travelers and Moroccan women as you experience hands-on tea, baking, henna, pottery-making, and other authentic and unforgettable traditional rituals.
Get far from the tourist rush in a small Berber Village in the ancient Atlas mountains; witness life as it has gone on for centuries.
Ride a camel through undulating sand dunes of the Sahara Desert; spend Midnight (and more) at an Oasis; experience glamping in a luxurious, traditional tent in the desert.
Sample the yummiest Moroccan food, from sunset cocktails and mint tea to delectably spiced tagines.
Born in the UK and a Texas resident since 2000, Vanessa went back to school at 48 for a degree in Culinary Management. She worked in hospitality in Alaska for Holland-America cruises, then spent time volunteering in Hawaii, Zimbabwe (for a lion conservation project) and was on the flight support team at Austin’s private airport.
Vanessa says she was “born a gypsy and is happiest when traveling, especially in her vintage RV she calls Mabel.
Arrive in Marrakesh and settle into the vibrant city atmosphere with a welcome dinner. Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine in a charming setting, perfect for unwinding and gearing up for the adventures ahead.
PLEASE NOTE: ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE. When an itinerary meets the real world, we often have to pivot slightly. If we have to make a change, the replacement will be of equal or greater value.
Dive into the heart of Marrakesh by exploring its historic medina, a short walk from many central accommodations. Navigate the maze of bustling souks where the vibrant displays of textiles, spices, and crafts capture the essence of Moroccan commerce. Covering approximately 2 km on foot throughout the day, you will visit skilled artisans in their workshops, gaining insight into the intricacies of traditional Moroccan crafts.
Participate in a women’s pottery class, where local female artisans will guide you through the delicate art of shaping and decorating pottery. After a day rich with cultural immersion and about 3-4 hours of exploring and interacting, relax with an evening meal on a terrace. Enjoy traditional Moroccan dishes as you overlook the medina, bathed in the golden hues of sunset, providing a picturesque end to a fulfilling day. This experience not only brings you closer to the culture but also supports local artisans directly.
Begin your journey with a scenic 45-minute drive covering approximately 35 km south of Marrakesh to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is the enchanting Jardin Bio Aromatique Ourika, where the lush landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for learning about Argan oil production and the cultivation of saffron, Morocco’s red gold. Enjoy interactive sessions that immerse you in the traditional methods still used today.
Following this, a short 20-minute drive takes you further into the mountains to Anima Garden. This extraordinary botanical garden spans over 2 hectares and is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant flora but also integrates mesmerizing sculptures and art installations. Conclude your day trip by soaking in the serene mountain views and the creative ambiance of Anima, before heading back to Marrakesh, feeling refreshed and inspired by nature’s and human creativity.
Set off early from Marrakesh for a scenic 2.5-hour drive (160 km) to the breathtaking Ouzoud Waterfalls. Marvel at this natural wonder with stunning views and chances for hiking and photography. Spend a couple of hours enjoying the cascading waters and local wildlife.
Next, travel 40 km (about 1 hour) to Azilal for a visit to the M’goun Geopark Museum. Discover the region's geological heritage, including fossils and rock formations. Afterward, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before continuing for 1.5 hours (70 km) to R’bat Village, where you’ll stay overnight at the Ecolodge Adazen, a peaceful retreat in nature.
Start your day joining the village women in traditional bread-making, learning the age-old techniques that have been passed down through generations. This is followed by a leisurely 2-hour hike around the village, where you can absorb the breathtaking landscapes and gain deeper insights into the local flora.
Upon returning to the lodge, engage in the soothing ritual of Moroccan tea making. Learn about the significance of tea in Moroccan hospitality and the intricate process involved in brewing the perfect pot of tea.
Spend the evening relaxing in the stunning surroundings of the village enjoying a traditional dinner at the ecolodge.
Begin your day with a gentle morning hike in the village, greeted by crisp air and the sun's golden glow over the landscape.
Participate in making couscous, a Moroccan staple. Learn the steaming process and skills to create this special dish.
In the afternoon, visit the local women’s cooperative funded by Atlas Outdoor. Here, witness and participate in soap making, supporting the local economy and empowering village women. Experience agriculture by working in the fields alongside them.
Spend your evening with village women in a henna session, learning about this beautiful body art and its cultural significance.
This full day of activities connects you with Moroccan culture and supports sustainable tourism. Conclude your experience knowing your visit positively impacted the local community.
Today’s adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Atlas Mountains and the stunning Tassaout Valley. Begin your day with an invigorating drive through landscapes that shift in color and terrain, covering about 150 km over approximately 3.5 hours. Your route ascends to the impressive height of approximately 2,200 meters, where you are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the rugged mountain vistas. Spend some time here soaking in the serene beauty and the crisp mountain air. In the village of Ait Alla, enjoy a meaningful cultural exchange during a traditional lunch with a local Berber family.
Afterward, begin your descent towards the oasis of Skoura, an approximately 2-hour drive covering around 80 km. Skoura is an enchanting town renowned for its expansive palm groves, historic kasbahs, and traditional mud-brick architecture that tells tales of Morocco’s rich history. Upon arrival, explore the lush landscapes and architectural wonders of Skoura, enjoying the contrast between the arid peaks and the verdant oasis, providing a perfect end to a day filled with natural and cultural explorations.
Embark on an epic journey from Skoura to the enchanting Merzouga, covering about 350 km in roughly 5 hours. This route showcases Morocco’s dramatic landscapes, shifting from lush oasis to beautiful desert.
Upon reaching Merzouga, start your unforgettable desert camp experience with a traditional camel ride, exploring the dunes on the way to your campsite.
As the sun sets, enjoy a stunning display of colors over the sands, followed by a campfire under the stars with local music celebrating the region's rich heritage.
End your day in a traditional tent, where the tranquil desert surroundings provide peace and a deep connection to nomadic life.
Start your day in Merzouga with an exhilarating 4×4 Sahara ride deep into the desert. This guided tour covers several kilometers of sandy landscape, showcasing the beauty of the Sahara. The thrilling ride lasts about 2 hours, perfect for soaking in unique views and capturing stunning photographs.
After your 4×4 adventure, join a local family to learn how to make Medfouna, or Berber pizza. This traditional dish is made by stuffing dough with meat and vegetables, then baking it in the sands under a fire, infusing the pizza with incredible flavors.
Cap off your day with a Gnaoua music performance, featuring rhythmic melodies and hypnotic drum beats by local musicians. This experience offers profound cultural insight into the Gnaoua heritage and traditions.
Set off on a drive from Merzouga to Ouarzazate, covering approximately 370 km over a span of 5 to 6 hours. This route presents a diverse panorama, transitioning from the golden dunes of the desert to the stark, rocky landscapes characteristic of the Ouarzazate region.
Upon reaching Ouarzazate, visit a women’s cooperative that specializes in the production of spices. During your visit, you’ll be introduced to the intricate processes of growing, harvesting, and preparing spices, and learn about their traditional uses and medicinal benefits.
This experience not only deepens your understanding of local customs and culinary practices but also highlights the role of women in sustaining and sharing cultural and economic practices within their community.
Travel back from Ouarzazate to Marrakesh, a journey that spans about 200 km and typically takes around 4 hours. This drive offers a final opportunity to enjoy the stunning Moroccan landscape as you transition from the arid, mountainous terrain around Ouarzazate to the lush, bustling ambiance of Marrakesh.
Once in Marrakesh, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon designed to rejuvenate and pamper. Visit a traditional Moroccan hammam, where you can experience the revitalizing effects of a steam bath, followed by a Ghassoul clay wrap treatment. This natural volcanic clay, sourced from the Atlas Mountains, is renowned for its purifying and skin-softening properties.
This indulgent experience provides a perfect conclusion to your travels, offering a soothing contrast to the adventurous activities of the previous days.
We want to give you one more day to relax in this magical city. Visit places you didn’t see at the beginning of your trip, or re-visit favorite spots.
We’ll join up at the end of the day for a farewell dinner.
Conclude your Moroccan adventure with a transfer to the departure airport.
Inclusions:
12 Nights Lodging
Daily Dinners
10 Lunches
Daily Breakfast
Airport Transfers
Ground Transportation
All activities noted in the itinerary
Exclusions:
Roundtrip Airfare
Two Lunches in Marrakech
Alcohol
Travel Insurance
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff
Visa and Passport Fees
I thought I knew why Morocco was on my bucket list, but it turns out, there were so many more important reasons. Learning about the Berber culture and history; experiencing their villages, food, way of life, music; and their amazing hospitality, truly made this a trip of a lifetime. Thank you, NextTribe, for providing an experience I would have NEVER had on my own. And, of course, meeting new NextTribe friends is always a positive!
Melanie A.
Being in the Sahara was magical. The camel ride to the camp, visiting a nomad village, walking in the dunes, the night sky, music and fire, lovely convivial meals, and retreating to those wonderful tent spaces to sleep and reflect made that experience the high point of the trip.
Suzanne R.
Getting There: You will need to arrive in Marrakech on or before Saturday, February 21st. Your flight from the US may depart the day before, so please double check your arrival date when booking.
Fly into and out of Marrakech Menara airport (RAK) Your first activity is dinner together that evening.
Your departure flight may leave at any time on Thursday, March 5th.
Airport transfers are provided both ways.
Arriving Early? If you want to arrive early and stay in the same hotel, you should contact our tour guide directly to arrange.
Our first hotel is linked below, scroll down for details.
Passport & Visa: Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after the last day of the trip. No Visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Morocco.
Cancellation: The last day to cancel this trip and receive a refund is November 21, 2025. Your deposit is non-refundable but can be applied to another NextTribe trip booked within one year.
Legal Stuff: For complete terms of service, see below
Next Tribe requires all international travelers to purchase travel insurance.
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