Morocco Unshrouded: Adventures in the Desert with Erika
Your TourHero
Based in Ireland, I recently transitioned to being a full-time content creator, photographer, and social media manager. I love group trips and previously went on an amazing adventure to Peru that sparked my interest in hosting my own! I've made the most amazing memories and friendships through group events and social meet-ups here in Ireland and abroad. When it comes to international adventures, I look for a mix of hiking, water activities, and cultural experiences.
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
May 12 – 18, 2025
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 12
Transportation
Minibus, plane
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
City, culture, nature, sightseeing
Your Local Guide
Wanderlust Voyages LLC is a tour operator that takes travelers on fully customizable trips throughout Morocco. They work with groups large and small and plan adventures from Tangier to the Sahara and everywhere in between. Wanderlust prides themselves in blending the expertise of a local with the understanding of what travelers are seeking. With their administrative offices in the United States and ground staff in Morocco, they are able to take care of their travelers from the initial planning phase to the final airport drop-off. They also own transportation services, a Sahara Desert camp, and have expert guides on staff, as well as vetted accommodation partners. When you travel to Morocco with Wanderlust Voyages, you know you’re traveling with the best!
Get ready for a week of mystique and intrigue as we traverse the landscapes of Morocco! Marrakech, the 'Red City' of Morocco, will get us warmed up in guide city tour. From there, we'll travel to Merzouga and spend time in the desert, enjoying a dinner under the stars. We'll go on a guided hike through the Dades Valley and witness Morocco's natural beauty. A visit to a local oasis and Berber artist studio will teach us about Moroccan culture. We'll also enjoy authentic local cuisine in restaurants and have lunch with a local family in their home. At the end of the adventure, we'll bring more than just photographs and unforgettable memories, but also wisdom from the desert. Come unshroud Morocco's mystique with me!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Mar 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.
If you cancel your trip from Mar 9, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +1) onwards, no refunds will be issued.
You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
Trip disclaimer
To offer you the best deals and group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers to book this trip. If this number is not met, or an act of force majeure occurs, TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may make the call to cancel or reschedule. If the departure is canceled or rescheduled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 8, 2025 and will receive a full refund.
We recommend booking refundable flights/accommodations just in case. This protects you from losing your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, or any other cost associated with planning your trip.
Your TourHero
Based in Ireland, I recently transitioned to being a full-time content creator, photographer, and social media manager. I love group trips and previously went on an amazing adventure to Peru that sparked my interest in hosting my own! I've made the most amazing memories and friendships through group events and social meet-ups here in Ireland and abroad. When it comes to international adventures, I look for a mix of hiking, water activities, and cultural experiences.
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
May 12 – 18, 2025
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 12
Transportation
Minibus, plane
Get ready for a week of mystique and intrigue as we traverse the landscapes of Morocco! Marrakech, the 'Red City' of Morocco, will get us warmed up in guide city tour. From there, we'll travel to Merzouga and spend time in the desert, enjoying a dinner under the stars. We'll go on a guided hike through the Dades Valley and witness Morocco's natural beauty. A visit to a local oasis and Berber artist studio will teach us about Moroccan culture. We'll also enjoy authentic local cuisine in restaurants and have lunch with a local family in their home. At the end of the adventure, we'll bring more than just photographs and unforgettable memories, but also wisdom from the desert. Come unshroud Morocco's mystique with me!
Timeline
- Day 1 · May 12, 2025 · Marrakech
- Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
- Group transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (or similar according to availability)
- Free time
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2 · May 13, 2025 · Marrakech & Merzouga
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Marrakech medina visit
- Bahia palace visit
- Flight to Errachidia
- Group transfer to accommodation (lunch along the way)
- Check-in at Kasbah Mohayut (or similar according to availability)
- Free time
- Desert SUV ride
- Dinner at desert camp
- Return to accommodation
- Day 3 · May 14, 2025 · Merzouga
- Breakfast
- Visit a local oasis
- Lunch in a local home
- Visit local artist studio
- Optional sandboarding experience (see add-ons)
- Dinner at accommodation
- Day 4 · May 15, 2025 · Rissani & Boumalne Dades
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Depart for Rissani
- Rissani Market visit
- Depart for Boumalne Dades
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Check-in at Ksar Sultan Dades (or similar according to availability)
- Free afternoon to relax
- Dinner at accommodation
- Day 5 · May 16, 2025 · Boulmane Dades
- Breakfast
- Guided hike in Dades Valley
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Return to accommodation
- Free afternoon to relax
- Dinner at accommodation
- Day 6 · May 17, 2025 · Ait Benhaddou & Marrakech
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Depart for Marrakech
- Kalaat M'Gouna visit
- Ait Benhaddou visit
- Lunch at restaurant
- Continue towards Marrakech via Tichka Pass
- Check-in at Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Day 7 · May 18, 2025 · Departure
- Breakfast
- Check out of accommodation
- Group transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · May 12, 2025
Get ready to unshroud the mystique of Morocco
-Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, meet with our driver and hop on a group transfer to our accommodation in the city.
-Spend the afternoon relaxing and resting from your journey.
-In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travelers.
Day 2 · May 13, 2025
See Marrakech before setting of for the desert
-After breakfast, check out of our accommodation and set off for our first full day of adventure.
-We'll meet our guide and go on a tour of Marrakech, starting with a visit to the Marrakech medina.
-From the medina, we'll wend our way through the souks to Bahia Palace, an ancient palace of the vizir of Marrakech.
-A quick flight will take us to Errachidia. From the airport, we'll travel to our riad in Merzouga at the edge of Erg Chebbi Dunes. Enjoy lunch along the way.
-Take some time to relax and refresh before we head out into the desert via SUV, speeding through the dunes to a desert camp where we'll enjoy dinner.
Day 3 · May 14, 2025
Learn about desert agriculture and immerse in Berber art culture
-After enjoying breakfast, head to a local oasis to learn about the workings of an ancient irrigation system and find out how crops are farmed in the desert.
-Stop for lunch in a local home where we'll enjoy medfouna, a local specialty.
-Visit a local Berber art studio and witness the works of a husband-and-wife pair.
-Need some adventure? Book an optional sandboarding experience in the desert. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)
-Enjoy dinner back at our riad.
Day 4 · May 15, 2025
Soak in the essence of Moroccan life at Rissani Market
-Savor breakfast before checking out of the accommodation. Today, our travels take us through the Moroccan landscapes to Boumalne Dades.
-Along the way, we'll stop at Rissani, where we'll visit its lively market, a gathering place for locals and traders.
-After visiting Rissani Market, we'll continue our journey to Boumalne Dades, stopping to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
-Arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon.
-Enjoy dinner back at our riad.
Day 5 · May 16, 2025
Hike through Dades Valley to witness the natural beauty of Morocco
-Go on a guided hike through Dades Valley, which offers an immersive journey through rugged landscapes and picturesque villages accessible only by foot.
-Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to our accommodation.
Day 6 · May 17, 2025
Round off our Moroccan adventures back in Marrakech
-We'll set off after breakfast on our journey back to Marrakech.
-Along the way, we'll stop at Kalaat M'Gouna, where rose petals dominate the landscape.
-We'll also stop at Ait Benhaddou, the ancient ksar that was once an important trade route stop.
-Our journey back to Marrakech will take us through the Atlas Mountains via the winding Tichka Pass. We'll arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
-Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where authentic local cuisine will help us close our amazing Moroccan adventure.
Day 7 · May 18, 2025
Head home with lasting memories from the desert
-After breakfast, gather your things and check out of our accommodation.
-A group transfer will take us to Marrakech Menara Airport for our flight home.
Accommodation
Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (or similar according to availability)
Riad & Spa Bahia Salam in Marrakech offers a serene escape right in the heart of the bustling medina, blending traditional Moroccan design with modern comforts. This charming riad boasts elegantly decorated rooms, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a tranquil spa featuring traditional hammams and rejuvenating treatments. Guests can enjoy the riad’s beautiful plunge pool and savor Moroccan and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With its prime location near Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Bahia Salam offers both immersion in the local culture and a peaceful retreat to unwind. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin room.
Kasbah Mohayut (or similar according to availability)
Situated within the Sahara Desert near Merzouga, this laidback hotel is built into a traditional Berber building is ideal for exploring the village, trekking the desert, or departing for camel rides. The simple rooms feature colorful accents and wood beams, as well as free Wi-Fi access, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms. A warm and friendly restaurant/bar is included on-site. Other amenities featured are a courtyard with an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and a rooftop terrace. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin room.
Ksar Sultan Dades (or similar according to availability)
Ksar Sultan Dades offers nine beautiful rooms, each tastefully decorated and carefully furnished with your comfort in mind. Every room has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, along with hot water, air conditioning, and heating. A haven of peace, with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Ksar Sultan Dades boasts three beautiful panoramic terraces, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a spa. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin room.
Included
2 nights in Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (or similar)
2 nights in Kasbah Mohayut (or similar)
2 night in Ksar Sultan Dades (or similar)
Shared double occupancy in accommodation
All breakfasts
Five lunches (vegetarian optional)
Six dinners (vegetarian optional)
All activities described in the itinerary
One group airport arrival transfer
One group airport departure transfer
City guide in Marrakech with entrance to Bahia Palace
SUV excursion in the Sahara desert
Merzouga oasis guide
Dades Valley hiking guide
Local taxes and fees
Ground transportation via minibus with English-speaking group assistant, WiFi, and water
Domestic airfare from Marrakech to Errachidia with 20kg checked luggage
Not included
Internatinoal flights
All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions
Optional add-ons
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Beverages other than water and tea during included meals
Snacks and incidentals
Hotel services such as room service or laundry
Free time or optional activities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the cancellation policy section on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Available add-on
(Day 3) Sandboarding experience
In the afternoon, head back out into the dunes to test your balance with sandboarding. Your driver will be able to take you to the best spots, however high you would like to go, and help you get the hang of it as you zoom down the side of a towering red dune.
Price: EUR 29
12 spots left
Single Room Upgrade
Upgrade to a room of your own for the duration of the trip.
Price: EUR 250
2 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Mar 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.
If you cancel your trip from Mar 9, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +1) onwards, no refunds will be issued.
You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
Trip disclaimer
To offer you the best deals and group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers to book this trip. If this number is not met, or an act of force majeure occurs, TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may make the call to cancel or reschedule. If the departure is canceled or rescheduled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 8, 2025 and will receive a full refund.
We recommend booking refundable flights/accommodations just in case. This protects you from losing your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, or any other cost associated with planning your trip.
- Ksar Sultan Dades - Ksar Sultan Dades
- See the red clay structures of Ait Benhaddou. - Pixabay: JimboChan
- Get your cameras ready for a day of pristine vistas. - Unsplash: Sergio Gómez
- We'll arrive in the Boumalne Dades, nestled in the scenic Dades Valley. - jewad alnabi
- Meet up with your professional hiking guide who will take you through the Dades Valley and lead you up the sides of the valley. Marvel at the views! - Wikimedia Commons
- Stop in Kalaat M'Gouna, where thousands of pounds of rose petals are harvested each year to be distilled into rose water and rose oil. - Wikimedia Commons
- Riad & Spa Bahia Salam - Riad & Spa Bahia Salam
- Riad & Spa Bahia Salam - Riad & Spa Bahia Salam
- A warm welcome to Morocco awaits in vibrant Marrakech! - Annie Spratt
- We'll tour the colorful Rissani Market, the perfect place to find a unique souvenir. - Pixabay: Daniel Wanke
- Kasbah Mohayut - Hotel Kasbah Mohayut
- Kasbah Mohayut - Hotel Kasbah Mohayut
- Meander through Marrakech's maze-like medina - Pexels: Taryn Elliott
- Bask in the splendor of Bahia Palace - Unsplash: Niel Taelman
- Head out to a local restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner. Savor the flavors of Moroccan cuisine, mingle with your fellow travelers, and celebrate the start of an unforgettable journey! - Annie Spratt
- As a special treat, we'll have the privilege of dining with a local family in their home, enjoying traditional Moroccan food, storytelling, and warm hospitality. - Pixabay: chefmouhcine
- Enjoy a night of dinner, music, and fun underneath a blanket of stars in the Sahara. - Unsplash: Sergey Pesterev
- Test out your balance with a sandboarding session down towering dunes. - Tamara Bravo
- Add-on: Single supplement - Khadeeja Yasser
- Visit a Berber art studio and appreciate the artworks of a husband-and-wife pair. - Brigitta Schneiter
- Visit a local oasis and learn the techniques of desert agriculture. - Mographe
- Speed through the desert and ride the dunes in an SUV. - Desert Morocco Adventure