- April 23 – 25, 2024
- December 01 – 03, 2024
- March 10 – 12, 2024
- May 19 – 21, 2024
- November 05 – 07, 2024
- October 01 – 03, 2024
- October 20 – 22, 2024
- September 22 – 24, 2024
About the Experience
Travel in a full and mind-expanding circle on part of the trade caravan route from ancient Marrakech to an 11th-century earthen clay fortified city through the High Atlas mountain range to tiny Berber villages to the lush oases and date palms of the Sahara and back.
Get ready for dramatic transitions–from the bustling souks to the serene desertscape. Walk through labyrinthine alleys and then days later share rocky single-track paths with agile mules. The sounds and aromas of the medinas mix with booming calls to prayer in sharp contrast to the unrecognizable silence of the Sahara.
On this adventure you’ll learn about the origins and symbolism of hennas from a local female Hennaya (Henna tattoo artist). You’ll also share an authentic Moroccan dinner and stories with a local Marrakchi family in their home.
From Marakkech, the Tizi n`Tichka (the highest paved mountain pass in Morocco) is the gateway and former caravan route to the Sahara desert. Absorb the phenomenal moment of a simmering sunset in the Erg Chegaga dunes on a true desert 4×4–a camel!
This journey combines the perfect balance of traditional accommodations, endless landscape and deeply educational opportunities at the Tamegroute Koranic Library, Argaeraie Biosphere Reserve, pilgrimage sites, mosques and medinas.
The enormity of everything will overwhelm in the most transformative way. From the desert palate to the fragrant spices, the flavours and feeling of being in Morocco are unmatched. It’s an adventure of surprises–from dinosaur fossils to walnut groves, watermelons to tree-climbing goats to road signs pointing to Timbuktu. You’ll see!
Join a fun, curious and compelling group of Wild Women on our brand new 9-day caravan through Morocco’s undeniable wonders. This is the perfect trip for our Wild at Heart community members.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, some parts of this itinerary have been impacted. For 2024 departures and until further notice, accommodations at Kasbah du Toubkal in Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas Mountains will be suspended. Instead, Wild Women will stay at the Riad Jnane Imlil.
About the Experience
Travel in a full and mind-expanding circle on part of the trade caravan route from ancient Marrakech to an 11th-century earthen clay fortified city through the High Atlas mountain range to tiny Berber villages to the lush oases and date palms of the Sahara and back.
Get ready for dramatic transitions–from the bustling souks to the serene desertscape. Walk through labyrinthine alleys and then days later share rocky single-track paths with agile mules. The sounds and aromas of the medinas mix with booming calls to prayer in sharp contrast to the unrecognizable silence of the Sahara.
On this adventure you’ll learn about the origins and symbolism of hennas from a local female Hennaya (Henna tattoo artist). You’ll also share an authentic Moroccan dinner and stories with a local Marrakchi family in their home.
From Marakkech, the Tizi n`Tichka (the highest paved mountain pass in Morocco) is the gateway and former caravan route to the Sahara desert. Absorb the phenomenal moment of a simmering sunset in the Erg Chegaga dunes on a true desert 4×4–a camel!
This journey combines the perfect balance of traditional accommodations, endless landscape and deeply educational opportunities at the Tamegroute Koranic Library, Argaeraie Biosphere Reserve, pilgrimage sites, mosques and medinas.
The enormity of everything will overwhelm in the most transformative way. From the desert palate to the fragrant spices, the flavours and feeling of being in Morocco are unmatched. It’s an adventure of surprises–from dinosaur fossils to walnut groves, watermelons to tree-climbing goats to road signs pointing to Timbuktu. You’ll see!
Join a fun, curious and compelling group of Wild Women on our brand new 9-day caravan through Morocco’s undeniable wonders. This is the perfect trip for our Wild at Heart community members.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, some parts of this itinerary have been impacted. For 2024 departures and until further notice, accommodations at Kasbah du Toubkal in Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas Mountains will be suspended. Instead, Wild Women will stay at the Riad Jnane Imlil.
DAY ONE: MARRAKECH
Salam Alaykoum–welcome to Morocco!! And to the captivating ochre city, Marrakesh, the still very much alive, and modern antique-like city. The thousand-year-old walls of the frenetic ochre city of Marrakech encapsulate a fusion of lively souks, craftsmen, red sandstone houses, mosques, museums, tidy gardens and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Our journey begins with a warm welcome at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). You can arrive at any time today but for those who arrive in the morning prior to hotel check-in time, an orientation walk will be arranged. If you plan to arrive later, don’t fret, there’s a full day-long tour of Marakech day on Day 8 and you can simply join the group for dinner tonight!
For morning arrivals, there will be a private group transfer to our sweet Riad in the beating heart of the medina quarter (old city). Riads are typically multiple story estates previously owned by wealthy merchants with central courtyards and a focal fountain.
In the afternoon, we will meet our local guide for a walking tour along the winding, rabbit warren-like streets of the medina then to the grand square of Jemaa el-Fnaa. It’s one of the largest public spaces in the world and as night falls, the square transforms into a hive of activity. Henna artists, performers, storytellers and street food vendors converge. The stalls are colourfully loaded with Moroccan treats–if the group wishes, we can stop for a cup of rooftop tea and watch the milling action of the square below.
This evening, we will walk inside the medina walls and join a Marrakchi family in their home for a shared meal of just-baked bread, Zaalouk (a classic eggplant and tomato dish), Moroccan salad, local vegetables and meat. We’ll soon learn the rhythms of etiquette and how to properly enjoy a meal, using torn bits of bread to dip in the sauces. This experience is a quiet opportunity to engage with the family, taste the local culture and learn of the city’s history.
After our fragrant and filling dinner, Naquasha, a local female Hennaya (Henna tattoo artist) will meet us at the Marrakchi family’s home. Traditionally, Henna tattoos were a ritual for newlyweds and the intricate patterns trace back a millenia. We will learn about the origins, the henna plant and the symbolism behind the oldest profession of Moroccan women before choosing a design for our palms. Naquasha will also provide instruction on how to properly care for the henna and increase its longevity.
Mesmerized by the henna ink, the unfamiliar sounds and spices, it’s time to find rest in our Riad as tomorrow is brimming with new experiences.
Meals Included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Riad la Clé d’or or similar
How much further? 30 minutes (from the airport to the medina quarter)
Roadmap: Marrakech
DAY TWO: ROCK THE KASBAH
After breakfast we’ll follow the twists and turns of the road over the High Atlas mountain range. The Tizi n`Tichka is the highest paved mountain pass in Morocco at a dizzying 2,205 m (7,234 ft). This is the gateway and former caravan route to the Sahara desert! We’ll descend into the remains of Aït Benhaddou, an 11th-century ruin of earthen clay architecture known as an ighrem (or ksar). Kasbah Ait Benhaddou was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. We’ll have time to wander around the fortified village, mud brick alleys, steep stairways and mud and straw homes that are home to four families. Men wearing Berber scarfs (or keffiyeh) to protect their skin from the sand and sun speak of the resilience and adaptations of locals living in the sometimes inhospitable arid climate.
At the top of the Kasbah (cue up The Clash’s earworm song here!) we’ll be privy to an awesome panorama over the villages and distant desert.
We’ll check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day free to explore, drink fortifying mint tea, journal, doodle and/or absorb our surreal surroundings.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Hotel Ksar Ighanda or similar
How much further? 3.5 hours
Roadmap: Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou
DAY THREE: FOLLOWING THE CARAVAN ROUTE
After breakfast, we’ll visit the nearby city Ouarzazate, south of the High Atlas mountains. It has been dubbed the “door of the desert” and more recently as Morocco`s “Little Hollywood”. We’ll pass by mudbrick kasbahs to the tiny oasis town of Agdz. Here, the Draa river and extensive palm trees are a startling contrast to the desert’s palette. Fittingly, Agdz means “resting place” and it was a vital stop on the trade caravan route to Timbuktu. Yes, Timbuktu is really a place (in Mali, Africa). Look for the landmark sign indicating the way to Timbuktu–only 52 days by camel from Zagora!
We’ll continue on to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe in the Draa River valley where we’ll spend the night. On arrival, we can take a slow walk through the palm groves, explore the ksars and countryside. While the Draa River is Morocco’s longest, snaking over 1,100 km (683 miles), it’s sometimes bone dry. The hot and dry climate of this region is favoured by date growers–over 30 varieties are grown here and are harvested from September to November. Zagora is renowned for having the best dates in the country–date night anyone?
Zagora is full of surprises from its Dinosaur Park (several fossils and remains have been found here), watermelon production and local street art by youth who were encouraged to paint street corners and residential neighbourhoods.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch (on the road), dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Dar Hnini or similar
>How much further? 3 hours
Roadmap: Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Zagora
DAY FOUR: ERG CHEGAGA DUNES
Today we’ll drive along the rugged and desolate Acacus mountains (also known as the Jbel Tadrart ranges), through vast seas of sand and the occasional verdant desert oasis of date palms to the old village of Tamegroute.
Tamegroute is known by potters for its signature green ceramic art. The glaze intensity and combination of manganese, silicon, 1% copper and Draa riverbed clay creates the characteristic moody green colour.
We’ll visit the Tamegroute Koranic Library which has an impressive inventory of ancient scientific and literary scripts, the Koran and stories of the prophet Mohammed (Note: this visit will be dependent on the library’s schedule and opening times).
After making notes for future book club meetings we’ll jump in 4X4 vehicles to access the impressive Erg Chegaga dunes. Upon arrival at the wind-sculpted dunes, we’ll ditch the 4WD for a different style of all-terrain vehicle–camels! We’ll ride the swaying “ships of the desert” to the closest dunes to take in a very memorable sunset together. Be sure to take pause and listen to the sheer silence of the Sahara–it’s a rare moment.
Tonight we will sleep in true caravan route style (*with a few more amenities and luxuries) in a bivouac canvas tent. And yes, there is a toilet (an eco-friendly one to boot!).
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch (on the road), dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Azalai Camp or similar
Roadmap: Zagora to Erg Chegaga Desert
DAY FIVE: ARGAN TREES
This morning, we’ll travel to the market town of Oulad Berhil in the valley of the Sous river.The journey is long (but rewarding!) so stretch those hamstrings! It should take approximately 8 hours and we’ll have several stops. We’ll pass through endless and seemingly fictional desert scenery and a protected reserve for the endemic and ancient argan (or argania) trees. The Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve stretches over an impressive 2,560,000 hectares.
These gnarly, thorny trees can live up to 200 years and are one of few species that can survive the relentless desert temps that can reach over 50°C. The trees are vital to locals as they provide fruit, fuel, cosmetics, medicine and the popular antioxidant and moisturizer, argan oil. In this area, Barbary sheep herding, agriculture and argan oil production are a lifeline.
If we’re lucky, we may come across the curious sight of goats climbing the argan trees in search of fruit. Argan fruit generally falls in July, when they are black and dry and the argan-loving goats are usually kept out of the woodlands by wardens. Fruit collection is controlled by law and dictated by village traditions. The “nuts” are gathered after fruit consumption by the ruminating goats (who spit them out, in case you are wondering about the consumption process).
Once we reach Oulad Berhil, we’ll check into our accommodation by the early evening and simply relax and reflect after a long day of travel and goat-searching!
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Riad Tafilag or similar
How much further? 8 hours
Roadmap: Erg Chegaga Desert to Ouled Berhil
DAY SIX: IMLIL
*Due to the recent earthquake, this day has been affected and changes to the itinerary will be updated shortly. Please note that accommodations for Day 6 and 7 will be at Riad Jnane Imlil in 2024.
We’ll beeline to Toubkal National Park this morning. Mount Toubkal is the pinnacle of the park, attracting hikers and climbers from around the world who are eager to bag the tallest mountain in North Africa. Jebel Toubkal is 4,167 m (13,671ft).
Our itinerary includes a short walk through the peaceful Berber village of Imlil. Our luggage will be transported by mule and we’ll have the opportunity to stretch our legs after the long drive on a short, uphill walk through the peaceful village to our accommodations which are only accessible only by foot or mule hooves.
After checking into the hotel, we’ll have the rest of the day to absorb the High Atlas mountain range views and apple and walnut groves that surround us. Cherries also grow here but it’s the ribs that really stick out! Barbecued lamb and barbecue ribs are a popular snack shop stop in Imlil.
There is a nearby waterfall (one hour walk) for those who are eager to explore the Imlil Cascades–please be aware that the walk is steep! Our guide can provide more information and direction on this option. Or, you may wish to recline poolside! Please note: women must wear sleeveless shirts or tank tops with long shorts.
We’ll gather later for an authentic dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Riad Jnane Imlil
How much further? 3.5 hours (driving), 1 hour (walking)/optional (to the waterfall)
Roadmap: Ouled Berhil to Imlil
DAY SEVEN: RISE AND SHRINE
*Due to the recent earthquake, this day has been affected and changes to the itinerary will be updated shortly. Please note that accommodations for Day 6 and 7 will be at Riad Jnane Imlil in 2024.
Today we’ll be on the move, on foot! Be sure to have another nous nous (half milk/half espresso)! We’ll have a guided walking tour through the town of Imlil to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. This optional hike is 6km (3.7 miles) one way with a 400m (1,312ft) gain and 400m (1,312) loss upon return. Please note that the trail is single-track and extremely rocky with some open cliffside exposure and a strong likelihood of meeting passing mules (and other hikers).
We’ll enjoy a savoury local lunch and return to our hotel and have free time for the rest of the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Riad Jnane Imlil
How much further? There’s no driving today! Just walking (4 hours to the shrine) or wandering in Imlil (unlimited!).
Roadmap: Imlil
DAY EIGHT: MARRAKECH’S MARVELS
We’ll drive back to Marrakech this morning after breakfast. After checking into our hotel, we’ll meet our local guide for a walking tour to unearth the mysteries of ancient Marrakech. Get ready for a feisty transition from the serene desertscape. Prepare to elbow your way through locals rushing by in the labyrinthine alleys. The sounds and aromas amplify the bustling souks of the medieval medina. It’s a fun sensory overload of aggressive shouting, boisterous songs, donkeys pulling carts, booming call to prayer summons and backfiring motorcycles.
Foodies and photographers will be fully occupied by the artful pyramids of fragrant exotic spices. The scattered workshops, Berber carpet displays, wood carving, leatherware, jewelry, colorful pottery and shops aglow with lanterns are a marvel. Watch artisans in their ateliers or the true art of bargaining as vendors engage in sales.
Our guide will invite us deep into the history of Marrakech, Bahia Palace and share the inspiration behind Le Giralda in Seville, Spain–the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Construction of the largest mosque in Marrakech began in the 12th century and it took three successive caliphs (Muslim rulers/successors) for the mosque to reach completion. Its 69m (226ft) Moorish minaret, vast temple, and gardens surrounding the fountain are remarkable and immense.
Lunch will be on the road or we can grab something to-go from the medina depending on timing.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at Nomad, a modern Moroccan restaurant in the medina that offers a hyper local traditional and international menu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Riad la Clé d’or or similar
How much further? 1.5 hours
Roadmap: Imlil to Marrakech
DAY NINE: DEPARTURE
This morning, sigh, our caravan route comes to an end! There will be a group transfer to the
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) after breakfast. Swap contact info, trip pics and big hugs with your Wild Women crew until next time!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: In the window seat of an airplane over the Atlantic!
How much further? 30 minutes to the airport
*Please note: We offer an extension to Essouira in 2024! Want time at the beach? Want to experience a fascinating coastal city, fish markets and a traditional Moroccan Hammam? If you are keen to extend your stay in beautiful Morocco for a few extra days please contact our Adventure Specialists at adventure@wildwomenexpeditions.com or call us at 1-888-993-1222 to book your spot!
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!Essaouira Express: 3 Day Post-trip Extension
WWE’s 3-day Essaouira express allows you to have a quick but satisfying taste of this beloved oceanside city. You’ll have the rare opportunity for a full day of exploration that you can design as you wish! Upon arrival, an expert local guide will introduce the group to the city with an orientation walk and a unique pick-your-own lunch experience at the market.
Options for your free day in the port city will be provided by the guide. Rest assured as your hotel for the two night stay is reserved and breakfast and dinners with the group are pre-planned.
On this quick coastal getaway you’ll learn of the spiritual and magnetic charm of Essaouira and why it attracted the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens and Paul Simon. In the early fifties, film director and actor Orson Welles stayed in Essaouira while filming the classic version of Othello.
While walking the labyrinthine streets and serpentine alleys of the medina (old city) look for the memorable movie scenes–or, make your own!
This extension is the ideal way to chill out on the coast and reflect on your Ultimate Morocco or Morocco Explorer experience.
What’s Included:
- 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch (seafood market), 2 dinners
- 2 nights accommodation at an oceanfront hotel
- One awesome English-speaking female guide
- City and market walking tour led by local expert
- Hammam experience (optional)
- Private ground transportation from Marrakech to Essaouira (and return)
- Optional single private upgrades subject to availability
- All applicable taxes are included in the trip price
Please contact adventure@wildwomenexpeditions.com to book!
Day 1: DESTINATION ESSAOUIRA
After breakfast in Marrakech, we’ll leave the urban density of the walled medieval city for Essaouira, on the metallic Atlantic Ocean where we’ll spend the next two nights seaside. Its reputation as a boho hippie town remains and our guide will share the legendary stories that include sultans, Portuguese fortresses, foreign merchants and the likes of Jimi Hendrix.
On an engaging orientation walk through the chronically windy city, our guide will lead us through the colourful market stalls and narrow streets while sharing insights on local life in one of North Africa’s most intriguing ports. The colourful bobbing boats in the harbour and lively fish (market) are a photographer’s dream. At the market we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a hyper local lunch. We’ll choose our catch of the day and take it to a restaurant popular with locals. Here, we’ll follow their lead and hand over our market purchase for grilling.
For vegetarians and vegans, we’ll also peruse the fresh veggie stands for salad fixings or sides to accompany the grilled fish.
After our market lunch, we’ll check into our seaside hotel and have the remainder of the day to explore Essaouira before returning to a designated meeting place for dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s sweet sleep: Coté Ocean or Miramar Essaouira (for March 10, April 23, April 29 and May 19 departures)
How much further? 3 hours
DAY 2 EXPLORING ESSAOUIRA
After breakfast (you may have breakfast at any time during the hotel’s posted hours), we will have a free day to wander the city’s marvelous sandstone streets. Cart-haulers will call out “balak, balak” (watch out!) as a reminder to wander mindfully! Our guide will have several suggestions on how to best take advantage of the day–it will be a history and hippie-dense day! There are several art galleries, ateliers and serious beachcombing to do! You can hang out with your fellow Wild Women or strike off independently if you wish.
Essaouira was formerly named Mogador (meaning “small fortress”) and the mid-eighteenth century fortified town has attracted artists, poets, musicians and filmmakers for obvious reasons. The population once swelled with British expats and in the 16th-century, a sizable Jewish Quarter.The Jewish community (40% of the population during that period) played a vital role in Essaouira’s economic development as an expanding trading post between Africa and Europe.
Legends and myths collide here and the connections to Hollywood include Orson Welles and filmmaker Ridley Scott. The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane and Cat Stevens have also been connected to Essaouira.
After a leisurely wander, and lunch (independent), the only obligation is to lie down and experience an optional steamy, rejuvenating hammam. This ritual is cleansing and purifying–all you have to do is inhale and exhale!
We’ll gather for our farewell dinner later tonight before giving into our hammam-infused relaxation.
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Tonight’s sweet sleep: Coté Ocean or Miramar Essaouira (for March 10, April 23, April 29 and May 19 departures)
How much further? As far as you wander! How long is the beach?
DAY 3: MARRAKECH BOUND
After breakfast we’ll have a private shuttle back to the busy bustle of Marrakech. This will round up your North African experience! You’ve seen the Berber villages, Moroccan topography, startling Sahara dunes, the iconic High Atlas mountain range, diverse national parks, oases of date palms and argan tree biospheres.
We’ll be back in Marrakech around lunchtime. There will be a drop-off point in the city if you are staying longer in Marrakech and an airport drop-off for those who are flying home. We recommend booking flights after 4pm today.
Hug your fellow Wild Women tight and decide, where next?
Meals included: Breakfast
How much further? 3 hours
Additional Details
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Starting At$2,995Deposit$495Duration9 DAYS
- 🇺🇸USD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
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What's Included
- 4 nights in riad accommodations, 3 nights hotel, 1 night camping (based on double occupancy)
- 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
- All ground transport in a private vehicle
- Group airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- One awesome English-speaking female guide
- Local guides in Atlas Mountains and Marrakech
- Entrance and admission fees where applicable
- Guided walking tour in Marrakech
- Dinner with local Marrakchi family in their home
- Temporary henna tattoo
- Optional private single upgrade subject to availability.
- All applicable taxes are included in the trip price