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Overview

Sahara Desert Extension Trip
Mhamid, Morocco
Oct 24 - 29, 2026
Nicole Griffin Wellness image
Nicole Griffin Wellness
$2,495
Deposit: $750

About your trip

Journey deep into the heart of Southern Morocco on this 6-day exploration of ancient caravan routes, breathtaking landscapes, and the rich cultures of the Sahara. Along the way, we’ll visit historic kasbahs and palaces, traveling through dramatic terrain that shifts from mountains to gorges, lush oases, and finally, the vast expanse of the desert.


Spend an unforgettable night under the stars at a luxury desert camp, where you’ll ride camels across golden dunes, hike to breathtaking vistas, and soak in the silence of the open desert. Experience the warmth of Bedouin hospitality as we share tea at sunrise and learn about the traditions of Morocco’s nomadic cultures.


To maintain balance and ease as we explore, we’ll practice yoga daily, giving you the space to integrate and connect with this extraordinary landscape.


Because the Sahara is remote, we’ve carefully designed this itinerary to make the journey as enriching and seamless as possible. Expect around 4-5 hours of driving per day, with thoughtfully chosen stops that allow us to fully experience this captivating region.

Accommodations will range from a luxury desert camp to a mix of boutique hotels and authentic kasbahs, ensuring both comfort and authenticity along the way.

Why This Experience Is Unique

This is more than just a desert tour, it’s a thoughtfully curated journey that balances adventure with deep restoration. While we travel through ancient caravan routes, stay in a luxury desert camp, and witness breathtaking landscapes, we also integrate daily nervous system care. Yoga nidra, mindful movement, and stillness are woven into the experience, ensuring you have space to process, recharge, and truly absorb the magic of the Sahara.

The Power of the Sahara

“The veil is thin here.” Many past travelers have described the Sahara as a place of deep transformation, where clarity emerges, emotions release, and profound moments unfold.

Whether it's watching the sunrise in complete silence, gazing at the vast dunes under the stars, or simply feeling the expansiveness of the desert, this is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Yoga and Mindfulness

Your practice doesn’t pause when you travel, it adapts. We take our Explore & Restore approach on the road, practicing on rooftops under starry skies, moving after long drives, and using whatever props we have access to. Every day, you’ll have space to ground yourself, reconnect with your body, and integrate the experience. And behind the scenes, I’m always tending to the group’s nervous systems, ensuring the journey feels expansive, easeful, and deeply nourishing.

Payments and Cancellation Policy

To secure your spot, place a 30% deposit; final payments will be due 60 days prior to the trip (by August 19, 2025).     


Trip insurance is required to protect against any unforeseen circumstances.  Plan to budget about $200-300 for insurance. Squaremouth is a great resource for comparing different plans.  I highly recommend selecting a plan that has a “cancel for any reason’ upgrade and purchasing travel insurance within 14 days of booking this trip to maximize your coverage options.    


Cancellation Policy: Your deposit is non-refundable. The remaining fees are fully refundable (minus any unrecoverable transaction fees) 91 days in advance. Cancellations 61 to 90 days in advance are eligible for a 50% refund of fees above the deposit. Payments made in the 60 days prior to the retreat are non-refundable. If you are able to find a replacement, we will refund your payment less your deposit and any non-recoverable fees.     


This policy exists because we need to ensure that we can meet financial obligations to our venues and in-country partners. This is why trip insurance is so helpful (and required)!  

If the trip is canceled due to COVID-19 or other unforeseen circumstances, all payments, minus the deposit will be fully refunded. Deposits are transferrable to a rescheduled trip.     

Please inquire about alternate payment plans as we are happy to make them available.   
   

*The itinerary and daily schedules may change slightly. 

What's included

5 Nights Accommodations

A mix of comfortable hotels and a luxury desert camp for an immersive experience.

All Transportation

Private, air-conditioned transport throughout the journey.

All Meals

Thoughtfully curated meals featuring local flavors and nourishing dishes.

All Entrance Fees

Full access to historical sites, kasbahs, and natural wonders.

Date Tasting

Sample over 50 varieties of Moroccan dates from North Africa’s longest palm grove.

Sleep in the Sahara

Sleep under the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent (with a real bed!) amidst the vast dunes.

Fossil Hunt

Discover ancient fossils at the prehistoric Lake Iriki and Foum Zguid.

Traditional Music

Experience the soul-stirring sounds of Bedouin music at a campfire under the desert sky.

Women's Weaving Co-op

Watch a live rug-weaving demonstration and shop for high-quality, handwoven Moroccan carpets in Taznakht.

All Tips Covered

No need to worry about gratuities; we’ve got it handled.

Airport Transfers

Included on October 29th for a seamless departure

What's not included

Travel Insurance

(required)

Alcohol

Day One

Day One image

Journeying South

Saturday Oct. 24
After an early breakfast at Bab Zouina, we embark on an unforgettable journey, traveling in a 4WD across the stunning Atlas Mountains.


The winding road leads us through traditional Amazigh villages, where mud-brick homes nestle among vibrant green terraces, set against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. As we navigate each curve, the landscape shifts, revealing new colors and vistas, culminating at the breathtaking Tizi N Tichka pass at 7,400 feet above sea level.


We descend into the South, passing through Telouet, a once-thriving merchant hub on the salt route to Timbuktu. Here, we stop for lunch and explore the Glaoui Palace, marveling at the intricate zellij tiles and the exquisite cedar woodwork in the princely salon.


Our travel time today is approximately 4 hours, with stops for tea and to absorb the beauty and history along the way.


In the evening, we arrive in Aitbenhaddou, where we'll settle into the historic Kasbah Tebi (or a similar venue), to unwind, enjoy dinner and a relaxing restorative rooftop practice.

Day Two

Day Two image

Sunset in the Sahara

Sunday Oct. 25

After breakfast and a grounding morning yoga practice, we continue into the heart of the Saharan Desert, arriving at our desert camp at the foot of the majestic Chegaga dunes—arguably the most awe-inspiring dunes in all of Morocco.

Next, we continue to the village of Taznakht, renowned as a hub for traditional Amazigh carpets, nestled on the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains. Here, we’ll visit a Women’s Weaving Co-op, where you’ll witness a live demonstration of the intricate art of rug weaving and have the opportunity to purchase authentic Moroccan rugs directly from the artisans.

After leaving the road behind, we will drive through the striking dry lake of Iriki, and stop to explore ancient fossils, a fascinating glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past.


In the evening, we embark on a serene camel ride as the sun begins its descent, followed by a peaceful walk atop the highest dunes in Morocco. This is a rare chance to connect deeply with the vastness and beauty of the desert, creating unforgettable moments in nature’s embrace.


As the sun sets, we’ll watch the golden light fade over the dunes, marveling at the endless horizon. After a delicious dinner, we gather around the campfire to enjoy traditional Bedouin music, letting the melodies carry us into the stillness of the Sahara’s star-filled sky.


To close the day, we'll guide you through a special Yoga Nidra session beneath the stars, allowing you to fully relax and integrate the experience before heading to bed in your cozy desert camp bed.


The journey today is approximately 5-6 hours, with stops to savor the landscape.

Overnight: Luxury desert camp, where comfort meets adventure.

Day Three

Day Three image

Rockin' The Kasbah

Monday Oct. 26

After leaving the desert behind, we arrive at a charming kasbah at the edge of the Sahara. This day is designed to help you land after the big adventure of the dunes, offering time to rest, integrate, and soak in the beauty of the area.

We’ll settle in, enjoy the pool, wander the grounds, and savor exceptional home-cooked food prepared with care. The pace is unhurried, giving you space to nap, journal, or simply take in the desert air.

As evening falls, we’ll be treated to a private concert by Daraa Tribes, a powerful fusion of Saharan traditional music, blues, and rock. Their music carries the stories and rhythms of the desert, offering a soulful and celebratory close to the day.

Travel time today is approximately 3 hours, with scenic stops along the way.


Overnight: Kasbah AItisfoul or similar

Day Four

Day Four image

Ancient Caravan Routes

Tuesday Oct. 27

We begin the morning with morning movement on the rooftop overlooking the palms and sand.

Our journey continues through an ever-changing landscape. As we move away from the Sahara, the terrain gradually transforms from arid plains to fertile valleys, and eventually into the dramatic scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. This drive offers a visual reminder of Morocco’s incredible diversity, with plenty of stops to take in the views.

We arrive near Ouarzazate and settle into our kasbah, where the afternoon is intentionally open. Spend time by the pool, rest, or enjoy the quiet luxury of having nowhere to be.

Dinner is enjoyed together, followed by a relaxed evening and a good night’s rest.

Travel time today is approximately 4 hours, with scenic stops along the way.


Overnight: Ksar Ighnda or similar near Ouarzazate

Day Five

Day Five image

Back to Marrakech

Wednesday Oct. 28

Our final morning begins with a closing practice, offering space to reflect, integrate, and move.

After breakfast, we travel back to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains once more. We anticipate arriving around 4:00 p.m., giving you time to rest, refresh, or enjoy a bit of the city on your own.

In the evening, we’ll gather one last time for a special farewell dinner at one of Marrakech’s best restaurants. This final meal together is a celebration of the journey, the landscapes we’ve moved through, and the connections formed along the way.


The drive today is approximately 3-4 hours, with scenic stops along the way.


Overnight: Hotel Dellarosa or similar in Marrakech.

Day Six

Day Six image

Departures

Thursday Oct. 29

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departures and airport transfers. You can book your flight anytime today.

Location

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1. Mhamid, Morocco

Mhamid, Morocco

About your organizer

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

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