Sahara Desert Extension Trip

Zagora, Morocco

NG
Nicole Griffin Wellness
  • Email address verified
18 reviews
Oct 22 - 27, 2022
Group size: 5 - 8
Sahara Desert Extension Trip
Zagora, Morocco

Nicole Griffin Wellness
  • Email address verified
18 reviews

$NaN
Oct 22 - 27, 2022
Group size: 5 - 8

About this trip

Cancellation Policy & Payment

What’s included

  • Visits to Historic Sites
    Including Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the Glaoui Palace, & the Tinmel Mosque
  • A Camel Ride
    Cruise through the dunes on the back of a camel
  • Saffron Plantation
    Learn about the cultivation and trade of saffron
  • Visit Pottery Makers
    See the region's famous green pottery being fired in the earth
  • 2 Nights in the Sahara
    Sleep under the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent (on a real bed)!
  • Traditional Music
    Enjoy live music at camp
  • Carpet Shopping
    In one of the best places in Morocco to buy carpets!
  • Tinmel Mosque
    This well-known mosque is a model of the Almohad art of the 12th century
  • Rose Garden Lunch
    Have a delicious lunch at the beautiful Domaine de la Roseraie
  • 5 nights Accommodations
  • All Breakfasts
  • All Dinners

What’s not included

  • Lunches on the Road
    Lunches, snacks and drinks on the road will be up to your discretion
  • Tips
  • Alcohol
  • Travel Insurance

Available Packages

Double Accommodations
$1,795
Single Accommodations
$2,195


Itinerary

Day 1
Palaces & Kasbahs of the South

Your Organizer


NG
Nicole Griffin Wellness
18 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

From the moment we arrived, we knew this would be something special. Every detail - from the warm welcome at the riad in Marrakech to the final sunrise among the golden dunes of the Sahara - reflected an incredible level of care and intention. Nicole has clearly poured her heart into curating a deeply personal and authentic experience. Having lived in Morocco she shares her unique perspective and the special relationships she has with many of the people we met. Each day felt perfectly balanced between rejuvenating yoga sessions, cultural immersion and moments of quiet reflection. We explored the labyrinth of the Medina, where every turn revealed another story. We wandered through spice-scented souks, admired intricate tile work and sipped gallons of mint tea. There was never a sense of being rushed; every experience felt carefully cultivated to allow us to feel the rhythm of Moroccan life. The journey through the Sahara was nothing short of magical. Being surrounded by the stillness of the desert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The attention to comfort and detail was extraordinary - cozy campfires, nourishing meals and the outstanding company of friends old and new. What stood out most was how personal and intimate everything felt. This is not a cookie cutter experience - it is cultivated with care, cultural sensitivity and genuine human connection. From intimate tea ceremonies with Berber hosts to meals shared in their homes, every moment felt intentional and heart-centered. I returned home feeling deeply grounded in spirit - a true reset for the mind and soul. If you are seeking an unforgettable blend of yoga, adventure and authentic cultural connection, this Moroccan and Sahara retreat is simply exceptional.
By Jennifer S for Sahara Desert Extension: A 5-Day Immersive Journey on Nov 12, 2025
Truly, the adventure of a lifetime! Incredible curated trip with the most fantastic lead, Nicole. The first week of the mindfulness retreat at Bab Zouina was truly wonderful start: great medley of yoga and lovely daily rituals, with marvelous day trips, hikes, tours interspersed with bits of rest and spa time indulgence throughout. Amazing memories from the first half of the retreat... and then we set off for the Sahara... led by Nicole and local spectacular Sahara guides and Caravan experts, Mustapha and Mohammed (my new brothers across the Atlantic). Everything from a night at the gorgeous Hara Oasis under the date palms, surrounded by peacocks, little luxury cottages and a marble tiled pool overlooking the view. To the homecooked lunch on our last stop before the road literally ends into endless dunes and fossilized lake beds. Landed at another luxury Oasis in Chegaga in the middle of the dunes. Camel ride to the tallest dune in time for sunset, live music by the campfire under the most incredible blanket of stars after a delicious dinner and 5 star service from our hosts, the inimitable Ahmed and his lovely team. On to the UNESCO world heritage site Ait Ben Haddou, a 1000+ year old mid brick castle city where gracious host Mohammed and his family have resided for over 400 years. The castle is updated with solar power to provide wifi for guests and a few appliances (you can charge your things no problem), but not enough to feasibly provide electrical lighting through the ancient walls, so it's life by candlelight inside. AMAZING. I felt like a princess in my mud brick castle tower, with restorative roof-top yoga under the stars. Brother Hassan lives on-site, and makes amazing Amazigh (Berber) jewelry and Mom makes beautiful multicolor and patchwork coats. Stopped at a Moroccan carpet weaving co-op, where every one of a kind work is lovingly handcrafted into a piece of art that tells its own unique story. Toured amazing ruins with incredible signature tile work Morocco is famous for. Ended the last night of our journey at 2Ciels in Marrakech, gorgeous French inspired hotel in the heart of downtown by the Medina, where it's easy to have a last authentic Moroccan meal and grab last minute gifts. Such an incredible journey, yoga throughout to ground our group on the road, and the most passionately curated cultural immersion and feast for the senses. This trip and retreat is a MUST. Viva Morocco and Viva Sahara!! Thank you Nicole Griffin Wellness for the trip of a lifetime, I cannot wait to return.
By Sarah S for Morocco Mindful Travel Retreat on Nov 04, 2025
Truly, the adventure of a lifetime! Incredible curated trip with the most fantastic lead, Nicole. The first week of the mindfulness retreat at Bab Zouina was truly wonderful start: great medley of yoga and lovely daily rituals, with marvelous day trips, hikes, tours interspersed with bits of rest and spa time indulgence throughout. Amazing memories from the first half of the retreat... and then we set off for the Sahara... led by Nicole and local spectacular Sahara guides and Caravan experts, Mustapha and Mohammed (my new brothers across the Atlantic). Everything from a night at the gorgeous Hara Oasis under the date palms, surrounded by peacocks, little luxury cottages and a marble tiled pool overlooking the view. To the homecooked lunch on our last stop before the road literally ends into endless dunes and fossilized lake beds. Landed at another luxury Oasis in Chegaga in the middle of the dunes. Camel ride to the tallest dune in time for sunset, live music by the campfire under the most incredible blanket of stars after a delicious dinner and 5 star service from our hosts, the inimitable Ahmed and his lovely team. On to the UNESCO world heritage site Ait Ben Haddou, a 1000+ year old mid brick castle city where gracious host Mohammed and his family have resided for over 400 years. The castle is updated with solar power to provide wifi for guests and a few appliances (you can charge your things no problem), but not enough to feasibly provide electrical lighting through the ancient walls, so it's life by candlelight inside. AMAZING. I felt like a princess in my mud brick castle tower, with restorative roof-top yoga under the stars. Brother Hassan lives on-site, and makes amazing Amazigh (Berber) jewelry and Mom makes beautiful multicolor and patchwork coats. Stopped at a Moroccan carpet weaving co-op, where every one of a kind work is lovingly handcrafted into a piece of art that tells its own unique story. Toured amazing ruins with incredible signature tile work Morocco is famous for. Ended the last night of our journey at 2Ciels in Marrakech, gorgeous French inspired hotel in the heart of downtown by the Medina, where it's easy to have a last authentic Moroccan meal and grab last minute gifts. Such an incredible journey, yoga throughout to ground our group on the road, and the most passionately curated cultural immersion and feast for the senses. This trip and retreat is a MUST. Viva Morocco and Viva Sahara!! Thank you Nicole Griffin Wellness for the trip of a lifetime, I cannot wait to return.
By Sarah S for Sahara Desert Extension: A 5-Day Immersive Journey on Nov 04, 2025
The people were great. The food was great. The accommodations were great at Bab Zouina. The guided daily tours of the area were great. Everything but he shopping was included. One of the best vacations I've ever had. I already take Yin relaxation classes with Nicole, at home, so I knew the yoga would be great,....and relaxing.
By Clay B for Morocco Mindful Travel Retreat on Oct 31, 2025
This trip gave me the chance to slow down, listen to what truly matters, and reconnect with my spirit. If you’re longing to find yourself again, or to connect with the global community in a meaningful, heartfelt way, this journey is for you. My mind, body and spirit feel renewed!
By Jessica E for Morocco Mindful Travel Retreat on Oct 21, 2025
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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
LP
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
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