Morocco
High Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert
Join us on a unique adventure to the fascinating, historically rich and culturally diverse nation of Morocco!
Morocco
Small Group Adventure
May 18 - 26, 2025
With optional one night pre extension.
11-Days, 10-Nights
Priced from:
$xxxx.00USD
per person, double occupancy $1000 USD Deposit Due with registration
Questions?
Call Us. +1 623.561.0846
WE ARE YOUR
ADVENTURE CONNECTION
What is around the bend in the road just up ahead?
Explore with us the Kingdom of Morocco. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the quiet Berber villages nestled deep within the High Atlas Mountains to the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert…
Appealingly exotic, be transformed into a world filled with saturated color layered in varied textures. The sights, the sounds, and the spice-filled aromas are blended into a mesmerizing intoxication. You may feel like you are dreaming, but you will be wide awake, not wanting to miss a moment.​
Special Opportunity: We will have the honor of stopping and having lunch with some of the girls from Education For All. On Jo Ann Taylor’s first visit to Morocco she was introduced to the program by two of the founders and brothers Mike McHugo and Chris McHugo and had the opportunity to meet a few of the very impressive students. Very few girls from rural communities in Morocco get the opportunity of continuing their education after primary school. To help tackle this, Education For All, is building and running girls’ boarding houses near secondary schools, so girls from rural families can continue their education.
EXCLUSIVE! This trip was designed by Jo Ann Taylor, co-founder of The Walking Connection and our local partner. Built with safety, social distancing, and serenity as priorities, this is the perfect vacation for a private family or group of close friends.
Your Experience
From unique cultural hikes and camel treks to amazing boutique properties with an authentic charm, this adventure brings a new perspective on the Moroccan Kingdom.
Level of Comfort
The sleeping accommodations on this journey are very comfortable and always with lots of personality. Although star ratings are not particularly helpful when it comes to character-filled small boutique hotels in Morocco all properties boast 4 stars.
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For us luxury means authentic. It is not about the number of stars on a wall, but the real-life encounters along the way. To really understand a place you must meet the people.
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Since we are traveling through cities, mountain passes and into the great Sahara Desert the temperatures will vary. We expect the weather to be basically dry with some warm days and cool evenings.
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COVID RESPONSE:
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We will be following the Adventure Travel COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines using international industry standards, public resources from the CDC, WHO, governments, and tour operators.
Level Of Activity
For most, the walks and off-road rugged hikes will be considered MODERATE with an option for a more difficult summit trek. We define this category of adventure and walking tour as:
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Moderate - Planned Serendipity
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Each day usually consists of 3-5 hours of activities most centered around walking over various terrains.
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The terrain includes mountain paths with uphill and downhill components, sand dunes and city sidewalks in Marrakech.
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Achieving a specific destination (point A to B) is the goal when hiking to the trekking lodge or the Summit hike.
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Other activities may include a camel trek and 4WD over rough terrain.
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Your day pack will include a liter of water, snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen, and personal items.
Day-By-Day
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
DAY 1 - Welcome to Marrakech
The perfect place to relax after your long journey to this country filled with wonder.
Welcome dinner with Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, co-founders of the Walking Connection and your hosts on this premier small-group journey.
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Arrive at your convenience and transfer to our lovely boutique hotel, Riad Les Yeux Bleus.
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Located in the Bab Doukkala district, one of the most picturesque quarters of the medina and within walking distance from the square of Jemaa el Fna in the heart of Marrakech.
Recently renovated by a team of talented Marrakech artisans the new Riad Les Yeux Bleus opened its doors for those keen to experience Moroccan hospitality at its best. And we will do just that….
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Overnight: Riad Les Yeux - Night 1 of 1
Meals included: Dinner
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DAY 2 - The Atlas Mountains Await
We’ll journey into a different world, nestled into the folds of the impressive Atlas Mountains. The greatest mountain range of North Africa, it is perhaps the most beautiful and intriguing part of Morocco. Sprinkled with Berber Villages the way of life has changed little for centuries. It has retained a remoteness which until recent decades was virtually untouched where a whole new experience awaits for those like us that venture in.
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​Overnight: Kasbah du Toubkal - Night 1of 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photo Credit: ColinRuggiero
The tranquility of Berber village life provides the perfect contrast to the hubbub of the city. Our authentic destination is situated in the Toubkal National Park and is beyond the main road system. From the village of Imlil, footpaths and mule tracks mount through lush, irrigated terraces, apple orchards and walnut groves to other villages where for centuries traditional values and hospitality are unaffected by the outside world.
DAY 3 - Optional Treks and Village Walks
Option 2: short guided walks in the area including cultural visits in the surrounding village to take in the Berber way of life and meeting some of the friendly local people. Enjoy the village of Targa Imoula, visible from the roof of the Kasbah, with shady orchards and walnut groves on route. Walks will be discussed the night before and determined by the interest and ability of the group. Afternoon relax or explore on your own.
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Option 3: Summit Mount Toubkal, this is the start of two full days of trekking. Your first day you will set out with your guide and mule support to overnight at Mouflons Refuge Hut (3208m).
Regardless of levels of fitness this area is accessible to all. There is a wide range of walking and trekking possibilities, from a short ramble through the villages that surround the Kasbah, to a more demanding overnight trek. You have the opportunity to choose what is best for you.
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Option 1: full day trek to Azzaden Trekking Lodge with picnic lunch along the way. Mule support will be arranged for overnight bags. This option is suitable for those that have the ability and desire to hike a full day, 2 days in a row. Two guides will be with us so you can go at your own pace. The mule trails around the valleys are well contoured and kept in excellent condition. Overnight at Azzaden Trekking Lodge. The lodge has very limited availability, single rooms are not available.
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Overnight: Kasbah du Toubkal - Night 2 of 3
(Azzaden Trekking Lodge OR Mouflons Refuge Lodge for trekkers)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Optional Treks or Local Walk
Option 1: return trek to the Kasbah via an alternate route. Full or half-day options available.
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Option 2: short guided walk will again be determined by the group with the possibility of a walk through the village of Mzig, hidden away around to the West. At the Kasbah enjoy a bread-making demonstration by one of the local women.
Option 3: early wake up for SUMMIT DAY! From Mouflon Hut you will trek up to the Toubkal Summit (4167m). After your summit, you will return to Mouflon Refuge Hut then back down to the Kasbah.
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Overnight: Kasbah du Toubkal - Night 3 of 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Celebrate in the evening our authentic experience amid the Atlas Mountains with a wonderful dinner together.
Day 5 - Travel the Mountain Pass to Draa Valley
After breakfast say our farewells and depart on our journey towards the Sahara Desert. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via one of the highest mountain passes in Morocco, the Col du Tichka (2260 m/ 7415 ft), travelling through some spectacular scenery and then descending to the famous Draa Valley
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Overnight: Dar Hnini - Night 1 of 1
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Sub Saharan Berber fairytale-like villages built mostly from mud bricks set along the edges of the green date palms. It’s a land of ancient Jewish and Berber communities, medieval Islamic libraries, and shrines of desert saints. Draa Valley is the living oasis of the world, that will grab you by heart. Paradise awaits us!
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Your private chauffeur transfers you from the airport to Hotel Villa Nobile Boutique Hotel in Old Town Dubrovnik. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and undoubtedly Croatia’s most popular destination.
An afternoon guided walk ends with an unforgettable welcome dinner with an amazing view.
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Cheers and Welcome to Croatia!
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Overnight: Hotel Villa Nobile - Night 1 of 3
Meals included: Dinner
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Day 6 - The Sahara Desert
After breakfast we will head for the surreal Sahara Desert. As it slowly gets more arid, we will reach Tamegroute, famous for its green glazed pottery.
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Our luxury camp is located adjacent to the highest dunes in Morocco. The afternoon offers your choice of Camel trekking, sandboarding, guided walks or climbing the dunes, But to many, the ability to slow down, enjoy the vast empty vistas, and step back for a moment reflect, is what will make the trip to the desert so memorable.​
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Overnight: Erg Chigaga Luxury Camp - Night 1 of 2
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sundowners anyone? In the evening we will head to the top of the dunes to watch the sunset and changing colors in the vistas with the special golden light at dusk.
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Day 7 - Camel Trek & Night Under the Stars
​After an excellent dinner, gather around the campfire with the Berber staff to sing and play drums. Combined with the magic of the night sky it will be a moment in time that will never fade.
For those that are keen, early morning wake up for a walk up the big dunes for sunrise. Only 1 person in 20 witnesses this beautiful start to the day.
After a leisurely breakfast depart for either a camel ride or trek into the desert followed by a tranquil picnic lunch under a tamarisk tree in the dunes.
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In the afternoon return to camp with time to relax, doze in the hammock, and watch the bread being baked in the hot sand. Feeling more energetic? There is still plenty to do -- sandboarding, cycling or check in with the chef who will demonstrate the art of Moroccan cooking.
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Overnight: Erg Chigaga Luxury Camp - Night 2 of 2
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Crossroads of Africa
After a leisurely breakfast at the camp, we will set out again by 4WD and head towards the province of Ouarzazate once a crossroads for African traders and caravans.
Along our route, we will travel through the Berber carpet making town of Taznacht. With an array of beautiful choices we will take the time to learn more about the weaving process.
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Overnight: Hotel Riad Ksar Ighnda - 1 Night
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our evening will be spent at a lovely riad where the stunning light captures the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Day 9 - World Heritage Site: Aït Benhaddou
Before the throngs of tourists arrive we will walk the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou. Built around 1,000 years ago, this village still enchants. This impressive 17th century fortified collection of earthen buildings is world famous and has been used as a backdrop for many films such as Gladiator and the Game of Thrones series.
After our visit we will head back through the mountain past and return to Marakech
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Overnight: Riad Les Yeux - Night 1 of 2
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 11 - Departure day
It is time to say farewell. A private transfer will be provided for your departure from the Marrakech airport.
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Meals included: Breakfast
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Day 10 - Explore Marrakech
In the morning we will set out with our local guide to discover the ancient ways, exotic pulse and uplifting energy of the legendary “Red City” of Marrakech that coexists in friendly symbiosis with modern and vibrant urban life.
We will be introduced to the mysteries of the medina with its wide array of wares on display in the colorful souks.​
​Overnight: Riad Les Yeux - Night 2 of 2
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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The afternoon will be your time to do some exploring on your own and perhaps discover that perfect place to watch the sun go down as the city bustles below.
Lodging of Distinction
<<<< Kasbah du Toubkal Just 60 km from Marrakech, the kasbah is situated in Imlil at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Described by Condé Nast Traveler as “having the best rooftop views in North Africa…this is the country’s first and foremost mountain retreat”.
Dar Hnini >>>>
Away from the bustles of everyday life, Dar Hnini slows down our pace and will fuse you into the simplicity of life that existed in this region for centuries. Designed in harmony with the natural environment, Dar Hnini blends the green of the natural surroundings with the Moroccan architecture of elegance and modern comfort. Private secluded villas luxuriate into the calm oasis of a natural paradise.
Photo Credit: Maasai Wanderings
Photo Credit: Maasai Wanderings
Photo Credit: Maasai Wanderings
Questions?
Great! We love talking about travel and our fun adventures. Give the details below a quick look. You might find answers there. Or email us: info@WalkingConnection.com or TEXT US: +1 623.800.3649. OR, call us at +1 (623) 561.0846 to speak with a team member. We are at your service, so please don't hesitate to reach out!
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
*Hosted by Gene & Jo Ann Taylor, Walking Connection co-founders.•Meals per the itinerary •Bilingual certified local guides eager to share their extensive knowledge, history and culture •Ten nights accommodations in small authentic boutique hotels.• All activities with related transportation. •Entrance fees and permits •Detailed “Know Before You Go” information including recommended website, reading lists, packing list, what to bring, weather and much, much more
*Gene and Jo Ann will both host with a minimum number of 8 guests
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WHAT DOES THE PRICE NOT INCLUDE?
•International round trip airfare or departure taxes. •Local guide gratuities. •Covid-19 testing or vaccinations. •Travel insurance. •Airport transfers other than scheduled group transportation at beginning and end of itinerary •Early check-in or late check-out
•All items of a personal nature, including beverages and shopping • Photographs or phone calls. • ​No discounts or refunds on any unused portion of the tour.•Anything that is not expressly stated in the itinerary or on the inclusions page as included. •Travel Insurance is not included, we recommend Generali Global Assistance
WHO IS GOING ON THIS TRIP?
This adventure is a small group journey. Our adventures typically have between 6 - 12 guests. Walking Connection travel experiences are planned so that they can be inclusive for a variety of abilities of positive and like-minded guests, happy to enjoy nature, culture, history, and fantastic food along the way.
WHAT IS THE RESERVATIONS & CANCELATION POLICY?
Cancellation, Penalty & Refund Policies: Should you have to cancel your tour the following terms will apply: Due to the exclusive and small group nature of this adventure all deposits are nonrefundable. If canceled 91 days prior to trip departure your deposit can be used as a credit for a future trip for up to 12 months. The final payment is due 90 days before departure. For the full cancellation policy and terms, please ask for the details below.
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