Nicole Griffin Wellness
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9 reviews
Mar 23 - 27, 2024
Group size: 3 - 8
Sahara Adventure (Extension Trip)
Mhamid, Morocco
Nicole Griffin Wellness
- Facebook verified
- LinkedIn verified
9 reviews
$NaN
Mar 23 - 27, 2024
Group size: 3 - 8
About this trip
Embark on a 6-day exploration of the cultures of Southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert. En route to the Sahara, we will travel along ancient caravan roads and visit historic kasbahs and palaces.
The dramatic landscape transitions from mountains to gorges to oases and eventually to the desert. We will spend two nights under the stars at a luxury desert camp, riding camels, hiking up dunes, and resting in the vast open space.
We will learn about traditional Bedouin (nomadic) cultures, have coffee and tea as we watch the sunrise over the dunes, and have plenty of down time. We will also practice yoga each day to maintain balance and ease as we explore.
Since the Sahara Desert is very remote, we have carefully curated this trip in order to break up the driving. This will allow us to see more of this fascinating region of Morocco while spending less time in the car each day.
Expect to spend about 5 hours each day driving and expect a range of accommodations on the road (from desert camp to budget hotel to full-service hotel).
What’s included
- 5 Nights Accommodations
- All Transportation
- All Meals
- All Entrance Fees
- Visit to Kasbah TelouetA beautiful former palace with some of the most spectacular tile work in all of Morocco
- Draa Valley Date TastingThe longest palm grove in North Africa, and where all of the Moroccan dates come from - over 50 kinds
- Visit a Nomad FamilyTaste traditional sand bread and tea
- 2 Nights in the SaharaSleep under the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent (on a real bed)!
- Fossil HuntAt the prehistoric Lake Iriki and Foum Zguid
- Traditional MusicEnjoy live music & campfire after dinner with traditional bedouin songs performed
- Visit a Carpet Co-opAt the Women's Weaving Co-op in Taznakt. See a rug weaving demo & shop for high quality traditional Moroccan rugs
- Visit the Tinmal MosqueA well-known mosque that is a model of the Almohad art of the 12th century.
- Daily Yoga PracticesIncluding Yoga Nidra under the stars
- Tips
- Airport Transferson March 28th
- Travel Insurance(required)
- Alcohol
Available Packages
Double Booking
$1,895
Deposit: $500
Single Booking
Please note that all bathrooms in the desert camp are shared, but each individual stall for showers & toilets are private within that shared space.
$2,395
Deposit: $500
Itinerary
Day One
The Road South
Saturday March 23:
After an early breakfast and yoga at Bab Zouina, the excursion begins in a 4wd car crossing the Atlas Mountains along the Oued Zat.
The road winds its way through traditional Amazigh villages built with mud bricks and surrounded by green terraces and majestic mountains. The colors of the landscape change after each turn until the arrival at the Tizi N Tichka pass (7,400 feet above sea level).
The descent to the South goes through Telouet, an old merchant hub on the salt road to Timbuktu. After lunch in the village and a visit to the Glaoui Palace (to admire the zellij and cedar woodwork of the princely salon).
We will stop to enjoy a scenic view at an overlook above the Draa Valley (the longest palm grove in North Africa, and where all of the Moroccan dates come from - over 50 kinds).
Approximately 5-6 hours driving with stops
Spend the night in Agdz at Hara Oasis or similar
Your Organizer
Nicole Griffin Wellness
9 reviews
Explore the world alongside Nicole Griffin, a masterful restorative yoga teacher and seasoned retreat leader. With a passion for mindful travel, she expertly fuses cultural immersion + restorative practices, crafting journeys that nourish body + soul. Let Nicole guide you through mindful retreats that transcend the ordinary, inviting you to connect, discover, and expand amidst breathtaking landscapes. With 15 years of experience, she brings mindfulness to every adventure, ensuring your travels are as transformative as they are inspiring
Reviews
KC
Nicole hosted an amazing trip through Marrakesh and the Sahara desert. Everything was organized and planned out very thoughtfully. Taking this trip with someone who knows the area and the people of Morocco made for a unique experience and brought us to many hidden gems of Morocco. In addition, I always felt extremely safe and at ease amidst a language and culture I knew nothing about, thanks to Nicole and her network of people to guide us. I have already recommended that many of my friends book the same trip!
By Kristonn C for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on Jun 04, 2023
Nicole has created a WONDERFUL retreat itinerary rich with attention to detail and an understanding of the broad sweep of a cohesive experience. She does all this in her soft spoken manner, never intrusive but steadfast in the understanding of what makes a great experience for travelers who are meeting for the first time embarking on a wild ride of smells, colors, tastes, sensations and moving experiences. Nicole's understanding of the nervous system and how this aspect of the body MUST be attended to, especially when out of a person's comfort zone, is what sets her apart as a retreat leader. Her directional flow of the retreat itinerary meets the amp-ed up energy of the body that comes with long travel days and the excitement of landing at the destination. Nicole expertly meets the traveler "where they are at" with rich professionally guided experiences through the ancient Marrakesh Medina to the calming long days of driving towards the desert with stops at various places of interest. She does this in a way that I never felt hurried or shuffled along, ticking off this and that. By the time we arrived at the desert, the collective group energy was relaxed, cohesive and ready for the expansion the Sahara desert offers. Bravo!
Nicole anticipated needs from her travelling "go bag" with all manner of medicinal helps to having snacks always at hand, just in case, she had us covered with her sweet and generous smile. Nicole responded to almost every question with a variation of, "sure, let me see what I can do to help you with that." This infectious attitude made our particular group excited to rise to any and all occasions to support each other.
Lover of all things beautiful, entranced by the magic of Moroccan arts and the skill of the artisans, Nicole's obvious love of this magnificent country will seep into the very marrow of your bones. Say Yes! to Morocco with Nicole.
By Tina R for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on May 09, 2023
I have been fortunate to enjoy some wonderful travels so far in my life. This time with Nicole in Morocco is now the shining star at the top of travel memories. I had been curious about Morocco for years, and now I know exactly why I was so drawn. I didn’t think I wanted to plan all the details or navigate my way independently. Finding this supported small group with Nicole was so meant to be! Nicole pulls together all the people, places, and authentic cultural experiences that will show you why she loves Morocco so much. This carefully curated journey really showcased the artisans and craftspeople who help make Morocco the beautiful magical place that it is. And meeting with local women who are creating their own unique paths in this country was especially inspiring. There may be some truth to stereotypes about challenges you encounter in Morocco, but I promise you that the beauty, and kindness, and hospitality you can find far outshines any of that. And with Nicole and her support team managing so many details you will feel so well taken care of. Nicole also weaved in her very kind, wise mindfulness and centering practices to help us hold the full days. All of your senses will be overflowing with the wonder of Morocco!
By Susan F for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on Apr 15, 2023
I cannot recommend Nicole and this retreat enough. Morocco is an aesthetically beautiful place and the vibe is so different than where I am from in the United States (KCMO). This retreat was a reminder of the expansiveness of the world and that there are so many different ways to pace oneself.
Nicole is a thoughtful group leader. There is not one detail that is left unconsidered. She knows the region, the language, and the cultural norms to help one feel at ease. There is enough activity to keep one engaged and enough down time to keep one rested.
I will continue to recommend this retreat to everyone. It was an experience that I will hold dear for my entire life. Thank you Nicole!
By Sharese Y for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on Apr 11, 2023
When doing more adventurous travel, I often struggle to find the right balance of “DO ALL THE THINGS” and “actually, this is vacation and I should rest so I return revitalized.” Luckily, Nicole’s thoughtful planning helps establish that balance for you. Yoga nidra under the stars. Camel rides. Sunrise over the dunes. Respectful and helpful drivers and translators prepared to help you accomplish anything. Nicole has brought everything together for an experience as engaging as it is relaxing. Morocco is a second home for Nicole, and she ensures it feels like one for you as well. Her support ensures you aren’t limited if there’s something off-plan that you want to experience, but you feel like you’ve gotten the full experience even if you do nothing more than what’s on the agenda. Her calming energy means that even when you’re extremely type A, you never worry about what comes next. I am so lucky to have had this experience, and I want to go back immediately. You will too.
By Margaret T for Sahara Desert Extension Trip on Dec 26, 2022
References
Nicole hosted an amazing trip through Marrakesh and the Sahara desert. Everything was organized and planned out very thoughtfully. Taking this trip with someone who knows the area and the people of Morocco made for a unique experience and brought us to many hidden gems of Morocco. In addition, I always felt extremely safe and at ease amidst a language and culture I knew nothing about, thanks to Nicole and her network of people to guide us through the trip. I have already recommended that many of my friends book the same trip!
By Kristonn C on 04 Jun, 2023
I traveled with Nicole to Morocco for a Yoga and Culture Retreat. Words cannot do this experience justice! It was an incredible, exciting and varied trip, always returning to the peaceful oasis of Bab Zouina. Nicole planned a series of amazing visits and locations for us to enjoy. Her breadth of knowledge and love for the art, culture, enviroment, and the Moroccan people shined in the passion that she put into planning this retreat. Her love for Morocco is inspriring and it's contagious! That love spread to me after experiencing the country and all that it has to offer through this once-in-a-lifetime trip. I cannot wait to return to visit my new Moroccan family! I highly recommend Nicole and her retreats.
By Laurie P on 02 Dec, 2022
This retreat exceeded expectations for its combination of culture and yoga. Each day was constructed to accommodate a great deal of activity with yoga to complement. I hope to join Nicole someday again!
By Sondra A on 06 Jan, 2021