MOROCCO WOMENS EXPEDITION

At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation, and are handpicked for total safety and quality.

As this trip involves walking from 4 to 7 hours on Day 3 to 6, you will need appropriate footwear and clothing and a good level of fitness. You will roam through picturesque valleys and the terrain along the way can be unstable; rocky as well as being hilly in points. There may be more than one river crossing, for which we suggest some sturdy crocs or closed toe sandals. We recommend bringing a warm jacket and raincoat for the evenings when it can get a little chilly.

Although you’ll be staying in guesthouses and gites, they may not be heated, so a warm sleeping bag is essential as evening temperatures can drop dramatically. You should pack a 3/4 season sleeping bag to stay comfortable.

The village accommodation on this trip is simple and you’ll be sharing rooms with your group. On Day 5 there are two big communal style rooms for the group and you may be sharing your room with up to five others. Bathroom facilities are shared, and there will be hot water available for showering in the evening.

Find out what it really means to be female in Morocco. As you travel with an all-female group and local leader, you’ll meet plenty of inspiring women along the way, and you can learn about what makes up the fabric of their daily lives.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn recipes passed down from generation to generation with a Moroccan couscous cooking lesson. You will also find out how to make fresh khobz (flatbread), and be welcomed into the home of a local woman in Marrakech for a traditional meal. These are memories that we’re sure will stay with you forever.

During your four days hiking between remote villages in the M’Goun Valley, you’ll be accompanied by a local female guide who will bring the region to life with her incomparable local knowledge and experience spanning the landscapes, histories and culture.

There is a special evening ahead as you dine on delicious local cuisine and enjoy a private performance by The Houariyates – a female music band that will fill the air and your heart with joyful songs empowering and celebrating women.

For the architecture and history fans, you’ll visit the historic town of Ait Benhaddou and its iconic mudbrick ksar which is one of the best preserved fortifications of its kind. You’ll soon see why this eye-catching site has been used in so many famous films, along with scenes from Game of Thrones.

If you’d prefer a room to yourself, a single supplement is available. This excludes Days 2 and 6 (Gite) and Days 3, 4 and 5 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please let your Adventuress Travel Mentor know if you wish to have your own room.

When is the final payment date?

This adventure can be booked with a £200 deposit. The remainder of the balance will be paid 70 days prior to departure. If booking within 70 days prior to departure then full payment will be required.

Where does the trip start?

Hotel Meriem, 154, Med El Beqal, Marrakech, 40000, MOROCCO

Comes with large spacious rooms equipped with air-conditioning and television, the hotel also has wifi in the rooms and a swimming pool.

Getting there

We can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport or departure transfer – Please enquire with your Adventuress Travel Mentor and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days before your trip departure. 

You’ll be met outside Marrakech Airport (RAK) by a transfer representative who will be holding a sign for your confirmed transfer. The driver will wait a maximum of one hour from the time the plane lands. If you experience flight cancellations, changes, or if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +44 20 4576 9838.

Alternatively, you may wish to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. We recommend agreeing on the price before you enter the vehicle. The price should be approximately MAD250 during daylight hours and MAD300 at night.

Where does the trip end?

Hotel Meriem, 154, Med El Beqal, Marrakech, 40000, MOROCCO

This hotel has large spacious rooms with air-conditioning and television as well as a swimming pool and wifi available in the rooms.

Your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends if you have a confirmed departure transfer. If your driver has not arrived at the hotel within 30 minutes of the scheduled pick up time, or your departing flight has been cancelled or changed, you should contact the transfer operator directly on: +44 20 4576 9838.

The taxi fare from your hotel to the airport will cost approximately MAD100 – MAD200 if you use a pre-booked local service. If you are hailing a taxi on the street, we recommend that you agree on the price before entering the vehicle. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.

What will the accommodation be like?

Hotel (2 nights), Gite (2 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

The very nature of visiting places off the beaten track is that the accommodation on this trip, apart from Marrakech, will be rustic and authentic. You will stay in charming family run guest houses as well as local gites. This means that you will be sharing rooms and bathroom facilities with a few of your fellow travellers. While the accommodation is basic, it is clean, atmospheric and provides an authentic experience so rarely found in travel these days. Staying in these gites and family houses allows you to experience the way local people live in this part of Morocco whilst also sustainably supporting these local economies.

For more details about accommodation, please check the day-to-day itinerary.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER 

Itinerary Changes

Itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. You must review this information before travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

Optional Activities

A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it’s recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, the operator of this tour works with operators whose safety and credentials were sighted and assessed. Although you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed and as such the staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your discretion and risk.

Add on activities:

• Marrakech – Hot Air Balloon Ride – MAD2090
• Marrakech – Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour – MAD438
• Marrakech – Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage – MAD750
• Marrakech – Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove – MAD715

VISA & PASSPORT INFO

Passport

As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your Adventuress Travel Mentor will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so you must check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your Adventuress Travel Mentor will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

Transport in Morocco

A private minibus will transport you from Marrakech to Boutghra. The road may be windy at times so make sure you are sufficiently prepared if you tend to have difficulty with mountainous drives or if you get car sick. From Day 2 onwards you will be hiking through rural Morocco. Please expect uneven, rocky paths, river crossings and some steady inclines. Nothing is too strenuous, but you should come prepared to walk for up to 7 hours a day.

CURRENCY

The currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD). You will find that ATMs are widely available in all major towns and cities. Although credit cards can be useful if you’re planning on making any large purchases such as carpets or ceramics from larger stores, you should be aware that generally they are not widely accepted. 

Please ensure you only use banks, licensed money exchangers, or hotels for changing money. They are easy to use and plenty can be found in Marrakech. Keeping your receipts from exchanges is always a good idea and using street touts is illegal. The exchanges will often only accept USD, EUR and GBP, so keep this in mind if you are travelling from a country with a different currency and be prepared. In the desert and Atlas Mountains opportunities to withdraw or exchange money are limited.

Spending Money

When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

Contingency Funds

The operators of this tour try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond their control so they reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note Adventuress in the Wild or the tour operator are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in US$ but local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

Tipping

Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across Morocco and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

Your Tour Leader

You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline US$4-7 per person (in local currency), per day, can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

Optional Tipping Kitty

On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. This is the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your discretion, and you are welcome to manage your tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.

Optional tipping kitty for this trip: MAD500 per person.

MEDICAL 

General Health

You will need good general health for this trip. If you are unwell, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

Read through the itinerary carefully and assess if this style of trip is for you. Please note that if a traveller is deemed unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, our operator reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without a refund. We recommend you consult with your Dr regarding medical travel information and necessary vaccinations before departure. A first aid kit and personal medical requirements are also recommended as they may not be easily found locally. Check your government’s foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements if you are carrying medical supplies. 

Drinking Water

As a rule, we recommend you don’t drink the tap water in Morocco, even in the hotels you’ll be staying in. The water contains different minerals than the water you may have at home and can result in an upset stomach for those who are not used to it. It generally only lasts one to two days, but this can be enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday especially when out and about and hiking. Bottled water is readily available and your leader will happily recommend safe alternatives when available. Water consumption should be about two to three litres a day. We also recommend bringing rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers in your personal first aid kit.

Asthma

The desert sand and general dust have been known to bring on bouts of asthma for some travellers. Your group leader cannot administer asthma meds and it may not be readily available while you are travelling so we recommend bringing medication with you even if you only suffer from asthma very occasionally. We’d also recommend bringing a light scarf or face mask to all travellers for comfort against any sand and dust.

Henna tattoos

Henna tattoos are commonplace in Morocco and are often a popular ‘souvenir’ with many places offering them in the touristy areas. You should be aware that some henna used to make the tattoos can contain the chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD). This can cause a painful allergic reaction, which includes swelling and an itchy rash for some.

COVID-19

The safety and well-being of our travellers, crew and suppliers is our highest priority.  Some parts of the world still require COVID-19 vaccination or testing as part of their entry requirements. Please check for any additional requirements here: Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What is the food like during the trip?

Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent. It is not particularly varied though and breakfasts often consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice which often consists of vegetarian couscous and tagine, or omelettes. This will be the case in the hiking sections of the trip and in the remote villages in Morocco. Please inform us prior to the trip if you have any dietary requirements. You may also find it helpful to bring some items of food with you from home that meet your needs.

CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFO

Morocco can have extreme weather due to its desert climate and can be changeable. The remote mountain villages often see evenings and nights dropping to 5℃ or less in the cooler months. Daytimes are normally pleasant if the sun is out, but you should be prepared for wind and possibly rain. You will want a warm jacket.

Eid Al-Adha

Eid Al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast) will take place in Morocco throughout 6 -10 June 2025. This festival honours the sacrifice of his own son that Abraham made. Animal sacrifice is a key feature of this period and animals are sacrificed by families and divided into three parts in commemoration of this. One third of the sacrifice is given to the poor and those in need; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is kept by the family. You can expect delays or sometimes complete suspension of public services during that time. This can also cause disruptions to the trip schedule. The sacrifices can take place in public and may cause distress.

Ramadan

The month of Ramadan runs throughout 1 March – 30 March 2025 and the three to four day Eid ul-Fitr festival is held at its conclusion. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice and is an important period in Muslim countries where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During this period, you will find that business hours are shortened, which can include the opening hours at some tourist attractions. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will also be closed. Although there will be delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period. The nightly Iftar celebrations that occur when the sun sets and the fast is broken are particularly joyful and are a time of community sharing and celebration. 

Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can be a fascinating time to travel, it’s a period of national holiday so patience and respect are advised. 

Who is the trip host?

Your leader on this will be a Moroccan female leader. The aim of the group leader is of course to take any stress and hassle out of your travels, to maintain the highest level of safety at all times, and to help you have the best trip possible. On this trip, your leader will play a more involved role, acting as a bridge between you and your fellow travellers and other women that you meet along the way. She will provide information and history on the places you are travelling through and offer suggestions for things to see and do, much as a recognised guide would.

PHONE & INTERNET ACCESS

WiFi

WiFi is usually free in hotels. Please ask upon check-in. Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of Morocco and at most of the accommodations used. Many restaurants and cafes (especially in tourist areas) offer customers free WiFi. Internet cafes are widespread with reasonably fast connection except in more remote areas.

Mobile

SIM cards can be bought at the airport (or at kiosks everywhere) for use while travelling in Morocco and are relatively cheap. It is sometimes a better idea to purchase an e-sim prior to travelling which can be activated upon landing in the country.

SAFETY

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. 

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items.  

We recommend leaving your jewellery at home, you won’t need it. We also recommend a good luggage lock.

Free Time

During your trip you’ll have some free time to do with as you wish. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. 

Scams:

Be aware of any particularly ‘helpful’ locals who want to show you where to go or take you to a local spice shop. They often ask to be your local guide for the day and will expect payment when you arrive at your destination. This is mainly in the busier, more touristy areas. Please note that these people are definitely not registered guides and will try and get as much money from you as they can. A friendly ‘no thank you’ (or ‘la shukran’) should be enough to fend them off although some are more persistent than others.

While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, no matter where you are, and particularly in the more touristy cities. Exercise caution if you are walking alone at night and we would encourage you to walk together and on main, well-lit thoroughfares. You should be particularly vigilant on public transport where opportunities are plentiful for pickpockets. Just taking simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce the risk of your valuables going astray.

Fire Precautions:

Local laws regarding tourism facilities in this region may differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation will have a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

Traffic and Driving on the other side of the road

Traffic may be more chaotic than you might be used to. Depending on where you come from please note that drivers here may drive on the opposite side of the road. Always look both ways before you cross any road. Please also be aware of mopeds and bikes whilst walking around the narrow streets of the Medina. Be aware!

Women’s Safety

Women should exercise caution when travelling in Morocco. Although the actual risk of an incident occurring on your trip is extremely low, we’ve made a brief list of some practical ways you can look after your safety and peace of mind while you are travelling here:

– As with all travel, use common sense and keep your wits about you, be observant.
– Respect the local dress codes and customs, this will go a long way. Dressing conservatively is recommended.
– Avoid isolated areas when you are alone, this goes for any time of day.
– Lock your door when you are inside your room. Keep your door locked when you are leaving your room, even if it is just briefly.
– If hotel staff need access to your room for any reason, request that they do this while you are out. Alternatively, you can wait at the reception while they carry out their cleaning or repairs.
– Always take a hotel card with you when going out so that you have the hotel address and any contact numbers to hand immediately.
– If you do encounter any inappropriate behaviour, please inform your leader straight away.

Who is the tour operator?

The operator for this trip is Intrepid Travel

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. Make sure that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. 

Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Packing as lightly as possible will make your life more comfortable, we find, and please make sure that you can lift and carry your own luggage. You should also be able to walk with it for short distances or carry it up and down a flight of stairs. Our travellers have regularly commented that they find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip free from the worry about carrying heavy bags! You should aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles for ease of lifting and carrying and for when wheeling isn’t an option such as over rough surfaces or going up steps.

If you are planning on using public transport, we’d thoroughly recommend a lock for your luggage and keeping your luggage light and small as larger suitcases may not be permitted and are tricky to manoeuvre.

You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, and maybe a waterproof pouch/bag for sensitive items. Appropriate footwear and clothing are required for the hiking element of this trip.

LUGGAGE

One small soft-sided bag (no more than 15-20 kgs in total per person) plus a day pack are essential. We do not recommend hard or externally framed suitcases. These are difficult to store and harder to move around. Your main luggage will be taken by mules and you will not have access to it during your hike so you absolutely need a day pack for your essential everyday items, and this must be carried by you, so consider the weight you’ll be carrying on the long days of hiking.

VALUBLES

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, they will weigh you down and are just another thing to worry about. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep any copies separate from the originals. Although not valid, a photocopy will make it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. Having stored images of these documents on your phone or camera is also a good idea.

PACKING LIST

– 3/4 seasons sleeping bag
– Day pack
– Torch/head torch
– Ear plugs and eye cover if you are a light sleeper
– Personal medications (plus extra)
– Sun Cream, sunglasses and a hat
– Anti-bacterial hand wash
– Insect Repellent
– Extra Batteries
– Wet wipes
– Warm trousers
– Long-sleeved thermal top and long johns
– Hiking boots with good ankle support
– Closed toes sandals or old trainers to cross streams and rivers
– Waterproof jacket and trousers
– Toilet paper
– Towel
– Water purification tablets

WATER BOTTLE

You should bring your own water bottle that can be refilled along the way. Bottled water can be difficult to avoid when travelling, especially given our tap water advice, but please make use of the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When bottled water is unavoidable, buying the largest available is a good method, and then you can decant it into your smaller bottle for the day. You will need to carry at least 2L of water with you during the hiking element of the trip.

Drones in Morocco

Regardless of whether they are for professional/commercial/personal use, drones are not permitted in Morocco.

Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date. 

Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information

This booking will be subject to Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions