MOROCCO ADVENTURE: Mountains to Desert
27th April - 5th May 2024
Experience the heart of Moroccan Culture on this women only Morocco tour.
Embark on an exciting journey that explores the remote valleys and villages of the Atlas Mountains, and sleep beneath giant dunes in the Sahara Desert. Immerse yourself in the Moroccan culture by enjoying authentic meals, dancing, and cooking with local women.
- 9 days (5 days Leave)
- Moderate
- Morocco
- Women only Morocco tour led by Local female guides and Adventuress host
- Rich cultural experiences, from cooking to dancing, with the local women
- Stay in traditional Riads and Gites, embracing the warm hospitality of of the locals
- Guided hikes in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert led by Morocco's first female guide, with 20+ years experience
- Sleep beneath the stars beside a gigantic sand dune in a remote camp
- Meet and learn about Nomadic tribes
- See the sights and learn the history of Marrakech from local guide
- Shop in the beautiful colourful markets
- Meeting other like-minded Adventuresses
27 April - 5 May 2024
- Members price £899
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Welcome to Morocco!
Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and meet your roommates. Later in the day, you’ll meet the rest of your Adventuress Fam and Trip Host for an enjoyable dinner.
Afterward, brace yourself for the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, where you’ll be entertained by singing, dancing, and games.
No meals included on this day
Accommodation: Riad, shared rooms
DAY 2
Our journey to the Dades Valley begins after breakfast, as we board a comfortable mini bus for a leisurely ride. To break up the trip, we’ll stop at the world-famous Ait ben Haddou Kasbah, which has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site for its well-preserved clay fortifications.
During our stop, we’ll enjoy a freshly cooked lunch at a women’s cooperative and learn about daily life in the Atlas Mountains. Then, we’ll hit the road again, taking in the stunning views of the mountain sides and valleys as we make our way to the breathtaking Dades Valley.
Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed with a hearty dinner at a cosy guest house.
Transfer time: 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Guest house, shared rooms
DAY 3
Today our hike will be led by one of Morocco’s most famous guides, Hafida Hdoubane, who became the first female guide in Morocco 20 years ago. Hafida grew up in the mountains and is an expert on the region, eager to share her knowledge as we meander through breathtaking open fields and charming villages where we will be introduced to the friendly locals.
Our hike will be an adventurous one, occasionally requiring us to wade through small streams and shallow rivers. A great way to stay cool as we explore the natural wonders of the Moroccan countryside.
Our trail will take us far away from the ordinary, as we venture into the remote and stunning Taghia Gorge, with its towering cliffs.
We’ll spend the night in a Berber home, participating in a weaving demonstration and marvelling at the intricate handcrafting of Moroccan rugs. Later, we’ll cook and savour delicious local cuisine.
Hike time: 6hr | Difficulty: Moderate
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Berber home, shared rooms
DAY 4
Another day of exploring off the beaten track in the Atlas Mountains.
We will hike to Mgoun canyon through beautiful landscapes, admiring the lush green vegetation that has been left behind after the winter rains.
For lunch, we will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience by cooking with the women of a Nomadic tribe in the caves. This is a rare opportunity to meet this elusive community, who spend their lives moving from one region to another. Our guide has a close relationship with the women, so we will have the chance to learn about their unique way of life.
Our next stop will be our guest house where we may be treated to some traditional folk music.
Hike time: 6hr | Moderate
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Guest house, shared rooms
DAY 5
Today we have the opportunity to give our feet a well deserve rest, as we relax into our comfortable transfer to the Sahara desert. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the majestic views as mountains give way to rolling dunes.
In the evening we will arrive at a comfortable riad in the adobe Kasbah of Ouled Driss where we can explore the village before spending the evening sharing our excitement for our following day in the Sahara.
Transfer time: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Riad, shared rooms
DAY 6
Today we cross the desert on foot, hiking through palm forests to catch some shade. To avoid hiking on sand we will favor trekking through hamadas, which are areas with harder ground.
Our destination will be the grand golden dunes of Erg Sahel, which we can climb to get a spectacular view of the sunset casting long shadows across the vast landscape.
Should the weather allow, we will have a breathtaking view of a million stars over head. Shh!..Can you hear that? The sound of total tranquility!
Tonight we will spend the night tents, camping beside the dune.
Hike time: 5hr | Moderate
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Desert camp, tented
DAY 7
The morning starts with a 3 hour hike back to our vehicle.
After all of that excitement, it’s time to unwind on our journey back to Marrakech. Our journey will be broken up with plenty of stops to stretch our legs and a bite to eat.
Back in Marrakech we will be treated to a hearty meal cooked by a local host family, who will also show us the ancient art of henna painting, a centuries old tradition used to bring people together.
Tonight will be spent in our original Riad. You’ll have the option to stay in, or head back out to explore the city by night.
Hike time: 3hr | Moderate
Transfer time: 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Riad, shared rooms
DAY 8
It’s time to head back to the vibrant city of Marrakech.
You have the option to take a guided walking tour or explore the city at your leisure. If you choose to join the tour, you’ll have the privilege of being led by a knowledgeable female guide who will enlighten you on the city’s intriguing history as well as its present-day lifestyle. The tour will cover major sights, giving you a clear sense of the city’s layout.
After the tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore further. You may want to wander through the medina’s labyrinthine streets and pick up some handmade gifts, or relax on a rooftop terrace while savouring a cup of traditional mint tea.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Riad, shared rooms
DAY 9
As we prepare to depart, we will attempt to pack all of our souvenirs into our bags. Then, we’ll gather for a final breakfast to reminisce about the unforgettable journey we’ve shared. We’ll exchange contacts and bid each other farewell, with the hope of reuniting on another Adventuress adventure someday soon.
Meals included: Breakfast
INCLUDED
- 8 Nights accommodation, including a riad, mountain guest houses, and desert camp
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private transfers to and from locations and activities
- 2 guided hikes in the Atlas Mountains
- 2 guided hikes in the Sahara desert
- Cultural workshops: Cooking, dancing, henna, weaving
- Guides, host, mules, cooks
- Pre-trip group Whatsapp
- Photos of you on your adventure
- 'Discover Marrakech' downloadable guide
- Financial Protection on your payments
- Small group adventure with other Adventuresses (max 12)
- Trip logistics taken care of
- A lot of laughs
INCLUDED
- 8 Nights accommodation, including a riad, mountain guest houses, and desert camp
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private transfers to and from locations and activities
- 2 days guided hike in the Atlas Mountains
- 2 days guided hike in the Sahara desert
- Cultural workshops: Cooking, dancing, henna, weaving
- Guides, host, mules, cooks
- Guided tour in Marrakech
- Pre-trip group Whatsapp
- Photos of you on your adventure
- 'Discover Marrakech' downloadable guide
- Financial Protection on your payments
- Small group adventure with the Adventuress community (max 12)
- Trip logistics taken care of
- A lot of laughs
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- 'Kitty money' for tips and optional extras
- Flights or transport to and from Marrakech at start and end of trip
- Airport transfers
- Travel Insurance (essential)
- Personal expenses
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- 'Kitty money' for tips and optional extras
- Flights or transport to and from Marrakech at start and end of trip
- Airport transfers
- Travel Insurance (essential)
- Personal expenses
YOUR GUIDE
Hafida Hdoubane
In 1994, Hafida made history by becoming the first female guide in Morocco. Despite opposition from society, she bravely pursued her dream of introducing people to the breathtaking beauty of Morocco. Since then she has lead hundreds of tours, to every corner of Morocco.
Hafida enjoys leading people off the beaten track for authentic unforgettable experiences away from crowds of tourists. Hafida has an infectious laugh and smile with palpable positive energy.
Due to her fame in Morocco she has been featured by National Geographic, BBC, Conde Nast Traveler, and Morocco World News.
YOUR HOST
Kate Capelli
Your Trip host and coordinator is Adventuress in the Wild founder and guide Kate Capelli.
Kate fell in love with the energy of Morocco and felt an affinity with the people and incredibly diverse landscapes. She cannot wait to share this adventure with the community.
She will be on hand for plenty of recommendations and any questions you have throughout the trip, and of course will be bringing the Adventuress vibe!
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying in a mix of accommodation from a traditional Riad in the heart of Marrakech, to rustic Gites, and a desert camp.
Your Day 1, 8 & 9 Riad in Marrakech is a stones throw from the bustling main square, and the labyrinth of Medina souks, perfect for exploring the sights.
A Riad is a traditional Moroccan home, featuring a garden courtyard in it’s centre open to the (typically) blue sky
Morocco is world famous for outstanding hospitality and smiling locals who are always happy to pour us a mint tea…Or three!
MARRAKECH
Prepare to have your senses awakened as Marrakech tantalises with vibrant decorations, the aroma of exotic spices, and the sounds of music that fill the air.
As a group, we’ll explore the maze-like Medina souks (marketplaces), admiring the mesmerising historical architecture that will leave you wondering why we don’t all paint our homes with beautiful colors.
At sunset, the Jemaa el-Fna square comes alive, buzzing with energy and excitement! This is where we can grab some delicious street food and get involved with the nightly entertainment and games.
ESSENTIAL INFO
To benefit from big discounts on this trip and other events see the Adventuress Membership page
This women only Morocco tour has been specially tailored for those who identify as female
Research has shown that there is a ‘Confidence Gap’ between men and women, which is very clear when it comes to the world of outdoor adventure!
Research has shown that girls are taught from a young age to avoid adrenaline-rushing pursuits, making them 2.5 times less likely to explore the outdoors compared to men.
Our trips are designed to challenge comfort zones and build confidence through outdoor adventure.
Are you ready to meet your wild side?
Morocco is generally known for its friendly locals and is considered a safe destination. However, as with any major city, it is not recommended to walk alone at night, especially for women, as they may receive unwanted attention from men. Fortunately, we will be travelling as a group, which greatly minimises any such encounters.
During the day, you may encounter locals offering to act as guides or help carry your bags, only to request money afterward. These are common scams, primarily in Marrakech, that can be easily avoided with a polite refusal.
When walking in the Medina souks, or most streets in Marrakech, you will need to be aware that motorcycles will pass you continuously, and pedestrians are expected to stay out of the way.
It’s worth noting that Marrakech is a popular destination for tourists, so you’re likely to see many others exploring the city as well.
To respect local customs, it’s expected that shoulders and knees are covered, and favour loose fitting clothing.
In Marrakech, please avoid interacting with snake charmers or monkey entertainers, as they often mistreat the animals in their care. If you take photos, the performers will likely ask for money.
Petty theft such as pick-pocketing can be common in areas such as the main square of Marrakech or medina souks. It is advised to keep money and phones out of reach in a money belt.
If you have any other concerns about safety in Morocco, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Always ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity and two blank pages.
British nationals currently don’t need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 90 days.
(As of 4th January 2024)
If you are not a British national please be aware that it is your responsibility to check your country’s visa entry requirements for Morocco
There are no COVID-19 related restrictions in place for Morocco
Below is a recommended packing list to get the most out of your adventure. For the weather, in the Sahara we can expect very high temperatures, but in the evenings in the mountains it can get down to 6 degrees, so pack for all instances.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & MONEY
- Passport
- Visas (If needed)
- Insurance docs (inc contact number and policy number)
- Flight tickets (You will need paper tickets when departing from Marrakech airport. This can be arranged at the hotel)
- Cash for tips kitty**
- Copies of documents
- Money belt or pouch
LUGGAGE
Keep in mind when packing that the weather in Morocco in the mountains and desert can vary from very hot during the day to very cool at night.
A 40 litre pack is recommended for this trip. During our tour your larger backpack will be loaded onto a mule during the hikes, and they cannot take suitcases. We strongly recommend keeping your pack weight under 10kg to keep the mules safe. You will also be required to carry your pack from the road to your riad in Marrakech. (5 min walking)
Whilst hiking you will carry a smaller day pack (20 litres recommended) with all of your essentials you’ll need for the day until you reach your accommodation.
- 40 litre backpack for everything that you need
- 20 litre day pack for use whilst trekking and exploring
- 1 litre water bottle/ Nalgene (Morocco can get toasty!) An extra bottle of water will be provided each day the trekking guide.
- Water purification tablets for emergency, we will be provided with bottled water.
- Ear plugs & eye mask
- Head torch & spare batteries/charger
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Travel sickness pills if needed (windy roads on transfers)
- Packable microfibre towel for drying feet from river crossings.
- Toilet paper
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Mid or high ankle hiking boots (Already broken in)
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters/Compede
- Electrolyte sachets
- Water shoes with good traction on soles for river crossings such as old trainers. Water shoes with thin soles may not be adequate.
- Long sleeve and trouser thermals (Merino wool recommended)
- Synthetic top and bottom for hiking (It is frowned upon to expose shoulders and knees in Morocco)
- Synthetic hiking underwear
- Warm jackets/jumper/trousers for night time such as a fleece and packable down jacket (It can get down 6 degrees at night)
- Swimwear
- Sun lotion
- Bug repellant
- Sun glasses
- Sun hat or breathable buff to cover head
- Hiking socks
- Battery pack for electronics
- Hiking poles (if desired. If travelling with carry-on please check with airline if poles are permitted)
- Plug adapter (two round pins)
- Headphones/cards/book (if desired)
Drones are not permitted in Morocco
**Tip kitty – Tipping tour staff is generally expected in Morocco, to make this easier our guide Hafida will hold a kitty which each of us will contribute to. The amount collected will depend on the final group size, but it is recommended to contribute around 250MAD/35EUR
This trip needs a minimum of 2 Adventuresses to run.
At Adventuress in the Wild our mission is to support women working in the adventure industry, as we realise the empowering impact they are making on the women that they lead.
To enter the world of guiding as a female in Morocco is incredibly tough as they are defying social expectations.
What makes this trip so special is that we will be led through the Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert by the first ever female guide in Morocco, with 20+ years of guiding experience.
Your host will be Adventuress in the Wild founder Kate Capelli
Your Marrakech tour guide will also be female.
During this trip you will learn about the Moroccan way of life from many of the local women who work closely with our guide.
There will be some male staff in our ground crew on this trip, and potentially a documentary maker.
This trip is graded moderate and manageable for most.
You must be comfortable with hiking for up to 6 hours in a day in hot weather conditions.
Our trails will be mostly flat with some occasional ascents and descents. We will also encounter some river crossings potentially to knee depth.
If joining this trip you will be required to take part in the hiking activities, as this is how we will travel from to each nights accommodation as a group. If you wish you are able to opt out of the cultural activities in the evening, but we encourage everybody to get involved to fully enjoy this unique experience.
On our last full day in Marrakech you will have the option to join a guided tour of the city, or take free time to explore at your own leisure.
Personal Insurance must be taken out to attend this trip.
Cover should include personal injury, emergency medical cover, and cancellation cover. The insurance must cover the specific activity you’re taking part in.
To take part in this trip you are required to have a reasonable level of fitness. If you have any underlying or historical medical conditions that may flare up whilst hiking, then please make us aware upon booking. When taking out insurance please ensure that you make them aware of any pre-existing medical conditions.
For recommended vaccines and health advice for Morocco, see the ‘Fit for travel’ NHS guidelines via their website here
If bringing personal medication, be sure to bring the original packaging.
95% of our trips are made up of solo Adventuresses from all over the UK. Everybody admits to feeling nervous during their first adventure, but by the end of your trip you’ll feel like you’ve made friends for life. Bonds are formed very quickly, and every trip is introvert friendly!
April/May is one of the best times to explore Morocco, as the extreme summer heat has not yet begun, but the nights are a little warmer than during the winter. Please read the packing list to prepare for the trip, as you will need clothes for both hot and chilly weather.
In spring we may experience some lush vegetation left behind from the winter rains.
In the Sahara highs can reach 30 degrees during the day, but drop to 13 degrees at night.
In the Atlas mountains we will expect it a little cooler than this, with highs around 25 degrees.
Start: Day 1, check-in from 3pm – Riad Dar Marhaba, Moulay Abdelkader, 110 Derb Dabachi, Medina, 40000, Marrakech. Directions will be sent in your info pack.
If needing to arrive earlier please let us know
End: Day 9, same location as above following breakfast breakfast
When booking a trip with us, you’ll have the opportunity to speak to others joining your trip in a Whatsapp group. This is where you can discuss travel options, and maybe even get together pre-trip! Your trip host will be in the Whatsapp group to answer any questions you may have, and closer to the date your guide will also be added.
The chat will be opened in the weeks leading up to the trip. Until then feel free to contact us with your questions.
You will be sharing rooms during this trip.
In Marrakech there will be 3 Adventuress to a room with en-suite bathrooms. The riad in Marrakech is nice a comfortable with a beautiful courtyard.
During our time in the mountains and desert the guest houses will be rustic, providing a very authentic experience and peek into how the locals live. The bathrooms may be shared with other guests.
There are no private rooms available on this particular trip.
Regular direct flights run from the UK to Marrakech Airport serviced by different airlines
To reach the hotel from the airport it is advised to take a taxi.
The hotel is a 20 minute cab ride from the airport.
On this trip you will be provided with the meals as stated in the itinerary
Vegetarians will be catered for, but the selection will be more limited here than what you might find at home.
Breakfasts will usually consist of different freshly baked breads with spreads and omelet. Dinner in the remote areas of our journey will consist of meat or vegetable tagines, or couscous.
Vegans or those with a special diet may struggle due to the limited options, so it would be advised to bring some of your own food if this is the case.
On our first and last evening we will have a restaurant booked in Marrakech. We always strive to book restaurants with veggie and vegan options available. These dinners are optional and not included in the trip cost.
Carrying at least 2 litres of water is recommended for the activities. Some tap water in the mountains may be drinkable, however we do not recommend drinking without first treating with water purification tablets first.
Alcohol can be difficult to find in Morocco, with only a few restaurants in Marrakech selling beer and wine, usually at a high price.
There will be a maximum of 12 Adventuresses on the trip.
1 Adventuress host will be along for the fun
BOOK NOW
- Members Price £899
All bookings are subject to Booking Conditions
Bookings close 15th April 2024
THE ADVENTURESS VIBE
Conquer your mountains
Adventuress is all about pushing your boundaries to experience life beyond your comfort zone
What’s waiting for you there? A sense of empowerment that’ll leave you filled with confidence, and the realisation that you have it in you to achieve more than you ever imagined
Our guides and members of the community are super supportive, and above all we love to have fun. Laughter is 100% guaranteed
Our ethos
We recognise that some of you do not feel like you are represented in the world of outdoor pursuits, so we are on a mission to show that the outdoors is for everybody, so lets get out there and have some amazing adventures
- Diversifying the outdoors
- Women supporting women
- Community
