The Moroccan Nomad

The Moroccan Nomad

The Moroccan Nomad

10 Days

Morocco

Tizi Village (2), Ait Benhaddou (1), Dades (1), Sahara (1), Ouarzazate (1), Marrakech (2)

Overview

Explore bustling souqs, ancient kasbahs, and the majestic Sahara Desert on this incredible adventure through Morocco. This immersive program offers a blend of cultural experiences and adventure, from volunteering in a High Atlas Mountain village to riding camels across golden sand dunes. Discover the rich history and vibrant traditions of Morocco, all while forming meaningful connections with the local communities. This 10-day journey through Morocco promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of this captivating country.

Route Map

The Moroccan Nomad

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant souqs of Marrakech while practicing your bargaining skills .
  • Work on community projects in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, contributing to ongoing projects.
  • Navigate the markets of Ait Benhaddou in a fun scavenger hunt.
  • Visit the majestic Dades Gorges and learn about the ancient way of life in southern Morocco at the 17th-century.
  • Ride camels across the Sahara to a Bedouin camp, where you’ll enjoy local cuisine and music at a desert camp.
  • Witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Sahara dunes before heading to the historic city of Ouarzazate.
  • Discover the architecture and cultural heritage of Marrakech, dining in the UNESCO heritage Jamaa Fna square.
  • Reflect on your journey and bid farewell to the local communities and friends you’ve made along the way.

Itinerary

Arrive in Marrakech and meet your leaders before heading to Tizi Village, located in the heart of the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. Tonight, savor your first Moroccan Tagine for dinner as you get to know some of the local villagers and get oriented to your new home away from home. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s first full day. Overnight: Tizi Village

Let the service begin! After breakfast and a quick lesson in Moroccan style Arabic (Darija), you will start work on a community project. Our initiatives are ongoing and long-term, and your contribution will depend on your travel dates. Work alongside community members on

Overnight: Tizi Village

After an early morning breakfast and a quick lesson in Darija, head to the service site to spend the morning on your final service tasks before leaving the village in the afternoon. Have lunch and get ready to hit the road toward the south, arriving in the 14th-century village of Ait Benhaddou to stay for the night in a beautiful mudbrick Kasbah room.

Overnight: Ait Benhaddou

After breakfast and a post-service discussion, divide into teams and let the scavenger hunt begin. Using clues, navigate the markets to search for and collect listed items with your team as you work on your language and bartering skills. Have lunch and drive to Dades Gorges, stopping along the way at the 17th-century Kasbah Amridil to learn about the region’s history and the ancient way of life in southern Morocco.

Overnight: Dades

After breakfast, visit the local association to learn more about Henna and cumin-making processes before exploring the nearby palm gardens and natural rock formations. Hit the road towards the Sahara, stopping in Rissani to learn about the Alaouit Dynasty at its founder’s mausoleum. Drop your heavy bags off at a riad in the desert outpost town before hopping on a camel for a ride to our Bedouin camp. Enjoy tea, local cuisine, and rhythmic beats of desert musicians around a campfire.

Overnight: Sahara

Wake up early to witness an incredible sunrise from the nearby dunes. After breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert and the “Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs.” In the evening, gather for a mid-trip discussion to reflect on your experiences and learnings so far.

Overnight: Ouarzazate

Time to head to Marrakech! Take the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs, stopping at the 17th-century Amridil Kasbah to learn about the ancient way of life in southern Morocco. Arrive in Marrakech and observe the intricate architecture before dining in the UNESCO heritage Jamaa Fna square.

Overnight: Marrakech

Spend your last morning in Marrakech exploring the medina. Walk through the souqs, practice your photography skills, and shop for unique local goods after learning how to bargain like a Moroccan. In the afternoon, finish your program by heading back to Sbiti village for a proper goodbye to your friends and the community members.

Overnight: Marrakech

Wake up early to bid ‘bsslama’ to Morocco. Drive to Marrakech Menara International Airport, where your flight home awaits, bringing your epic journey to a conclusion. We hope your time here, the experiences shared, and the reflections will stay with you for a lifetime. After some final group photos and high-fives from Team Morocco, it’s time to say goodbye.

Overnight: Flight home

This Trip Includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • All accommodations on program
  • All transportation in-country
  • All meals on the program
  • All activities as outlined in the itinerary
  • A Tour Director available 24 hours a day from when you arrive until you depart
  • Sightseeing tours and excursions led by local guides as specified
  • Airport transfers and transportation between destination cities
  • Travel insurance for all participants
  • 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance
  • Support from GEC representatives abroad

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