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 FIVE: ARGAN TREES

DAY SIX: IMLIL

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.

Tonight we will have a pampered stay at Kasbah Toubkal, an eco-guesthouse that has been sustainably designed. The local community was involved throughout the process and 5% of each booking is contributed to Education for All, an organization founded by the owner of the Kasbah that supports rural Moroccan girls and their continuing education.

We’ll gather later for an authentic dinner together.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Kasbah du Toubkal or similar
How much further? 3.5 hours (driving), 1 hour (walking)/optional (to the waterfall)
Roadmap: Ouled Berhil to Imlil

DAY SEVEN: RISE AND SHRINE

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: Kasbah du Toubkal or similar
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