Morocco: Marrakech & The Sahara - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What types of accommodation are included in this tour?

  You will stay in a mix of local hotels (2 nights), desert camps (2 nights), and traditional Riads (3 nights). Please be aware that some properties may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, and you might experience quirky plumbing or cold showers as Morocco is a developing country.

• What kind of meals are included, and what local cuisine can I expect to try?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners. Moroccan breakfasts are typically simple, featuring a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee. Lunches and dinners will introduce you to world-famous Moroccan cuisine with staples like couscous, tagine, and brochette. You'll also have a tanjia-making demonstration and food tastings in the Medina.

• What is the desert experience like on this tour?

  The desert experience includes hiking to a desert camp in Erg Lihoudi, catching stunning sunsets over the dunes, and sleeping near an oasis under spectacular night skies. You'll have the choice of walking or riding a camel to a lunch stop, followed by a 4x4 excursion to another desert camp at Bertam Oasis for another fireside dinner with stories and music.

• What are some of the cultural activities planned in Marrakech?

  In Marrakech, you'll attend a hands-on tanjia-making demonstration, explore local food vendors in the Medina with your CEO (Chief Experience Officer), enjoy evening tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking Jemaa El Fnaa, visit important sites like Jardin Secret and Bahia Palace, and experience Moroccan bread making at a local bakery.

• What is the physical rating of this tour, and what is the maximum group size?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2 (easy), meaning it involves some light activity. The maximum group size is 14 participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.

• How does the tour accommodate solo travelers?

  Solo travelers are welcomed and our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• Are there any specific cultural guidelines or considerations I should be aware of during the tour?

  When visiting mosques and religious monuments, modest dress is required, covering shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside of major tourist areas, conservative local dress is common. If your trip falls during Ramadan or Aid Al-Adha, there may be some limitations to services or closures, and it's important to display increased cultural sensitivity, such as avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours.

• What is the local currency, and what are the recommendations for spending money?

  The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are common, but it's advisable to check with your bank before departure and carry more than one type of card. Euros are widely accepted for exchange, along with GBP and USD. It's recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, and to consider your personal spending habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping, as tipping is customary and expected in Morocco.