Moroccan Wanderer
The colors, sounds, and smells of Morocco will welcome you from the moment you step off of the airplane in Casablanca. On the first night, you will be immersed in the UNESCO-acclaimed Jemaa El Fna square in Marrakech where thousands of vendors hawk their potions, dried fruit, and tea concoctions. Smoke billows above the lively market as people haggle in animated Arabic while the Koutoubia Mosque's call to prayer echoes throughout the medina.
Over the Mountains
After a full day of discovering the wonders of Marrakech, you will wake up and head to the Atlas Mountains. Visit the picturesque Cascades d'Ouzoud waterfall near the village of Ait Bougamez nestled in a beautiful mountain valley among the craggy High Atlas Mountains. Among the local goat herders and farmers of Ait Bougamez, you will take part in important community service projects assisting the local girls' school over the next several days. Eat traditional Moroccan tagine with your generous Berber hosts as you learn about life in the mountains. Once your hard work is through, climb into a four-wheel-drive and head off the paved road for the next few days before arriving at the vast Sahara Desert.
Across the Desert
From the gateway town of Merzouga, don your blue Tuareg robe and ride your camel into the Sahara. Spend the night under the desert stars as you sleep in the traditional tents of the nomads and listen to tales of life in the desert. You'll return to Merzouga to rest before heading out to UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. If you decide the spectacularly restored mudbrick kasbah makes for a perfect photo opportunity, you are not alone as Both The Mummy and Gladiator were filmed here. After this thorough desert introduction, it's time to head for the coast!
Into the Sea
Enter the white-walled medians of Essaouira, the funky beach town that Jimi Hendrix is rumored to have frequented. Spend a day on the sand basking in the sun before your afternoon surf lesson. In the evening, barter for the catch of the day at the local fish market and enjoy a fresh seaside meal with your friends. When your time in Essaouira is through, drive up the winding coast to Morocco's largest city, Casablanca. Here you'll discover the impressive Hassan II, the second largest mosque in the world and the only one in the country open to non-Muslims.
Next, it is time to board your flight home or, for an action-packed four week adventure through Morocco, connect to Medinas, Mountains, and the Mediterranean. This will allow you to see northern Morocco, including the charming mountain town of Chefchaouen and the famous leather district of Fez. Connecting these two trips will make for an unforgettable adventure and give you an unparalleled understanding of lively Morocco.
If you have questions about this or any of our other Morocco programs, please e-mail morocco@rusticpathways.com.