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Morocco Camels & Casbahs Hiking Tour

A Legendary Saharan Journey & Dazzling Marrakech


On this extraordinary adventure through Morocco, discover the kingdom of blueberry skies and peach-hued dunes, lush oases, and the rugged Atlas Mountains. Catch the buzz of Marrakech's ancient medina and follow coastal roads to Essaouira. Explore age-old casbahs and UNESCO-listed wonders, including the Roman ruins at Volubilis, historic Rabat, and the 9th-century Medina of Fes. Spend the next four days on a scenic camel trek through the legendary Sahara, crossing majestic sand dunes, and sleeping in desert camps under star-kissed skies. Sip mint tea in traditional Berber villages and delight in warm Moroccan hospitality every step of the way.

14 Days • 13 Nights

On this extraordinary adventure through Morocco, discover the kingdom of blueberry skies and peach-hued dunes, lush oases, and the rugged Atlas Mountains. Catch the buzz of Marrakech's ancient medina and follow coastal roads to Essaouira. Explore age-old casbahs and UNESCO-listed wonders, including the Roman ruins at Volubilis, historic Rabat, and the 9th-century Medina of Fes. Spend the next four days on a scenic camel trek through the legendary Sahara, crossing majestic sand dunes, and sleeping in desert camps under star-kissed skies. Sip mint tea in traditional Berber villages and delight in warm Moroccan hospitality every step of the way.

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Marvel at the mesmerizing old medinas of Marrakech and Fes, with their bustling ancient souks

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Trek the spectacular sand dunes of the Sahara on camelback, camping under star-strewn desert skies

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Hike through Berber villages to lush oases and follow trails past ancient kasbahs in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

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Highlights


  • Marvel at the mesmerizing old medinas of Marrakech and Fes, with their bustling ancient souks
  • Trek the spectacular sand dunes of the Sahara on camelback, camping under star-strewn desert skies
  • Hike through Berber villages to lush oases and follow trails past ancient kasbahs in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Morocco Camels & Casbahs Hiking

Start: Marrakech, Morocco  End: Marrakech, Morocco

Itinerary


  • Arrive in Marrakech

    Day 1

    Welcome to Morocco! Arrive in Marrakech this morning and meet your MT Sobek representative at the airport. After transferring to the hotel, join your guide and group for a trip briefing and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Jardin Majorelle, an enchanting botanical and artist's landscape garden containing a variety of cacti, palms, and other plants—as well as a Cubist villa painted in striking “Majorelle Blue,” a color patented by the garden's designer. Tonight, savor a welcome dinner with your trip leader at a restaurant in the medina, and enjoy the famed buzz of Djemaa El Fna square, with its snake charmers and fire-eaters.

    Accommodation: Es Saadi Hotel

    Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  • Discover Mesmerizing Marrakech

    Day 2

    Head out and explore the "pearl of the south." Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech is one of Morocco's oldest cities, replete with gorgeous gardens and pink Moorish-style buildings. Discover the Bahia Palace, a beautiful vizier's palace decorated with intricate stucco work, mosaics, and courtyard fountains. Also visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a historical Islamic college built in the 16th century that is of great cultural and architectural significance. Have lunch in the medina, then wander its labyrinthine streets and alleyways, visiting souks selling Moroccan lanterns, Berber carpets, ceramics, and other local crafts.

    Accommodation: Es Saadi Hotel

    Activity: 5.5 hours guided city touring

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Journey to Essaouira

    Day 3

    Rise for a drive to the lively port city of Essaouira (formerly known as Mogador), famed for its beautiful 18th-century ramparts and traditional character. After lunch, take a tour of the "Wind City of Africa" and explore its atmospheric, UNESCO-listed medina. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with quaint artisan shops and cafes and check out the sweeping harbor views as you stroll the fortifications. Overnight in a charming hotel on the Atlantic coast.

    Accommodation: Hotel Le Medina Essaouira MGallery

    Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Follow the Coast Road to Rabat

    Day 4

    Head north on the coastal road to Safi, then continue on a cliffside stretch with beautiful sea views to Oualidia—the "oyster capital of Morocco." Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with views over the pretty lagoon. Next, enjoy a pleasant drive to Rabat. This afternoon, explore Rabat's iconic Hassan Tower, a red sandstone minaret flanked by unfinished stone pillars. These are the remnants of a massive unfinished mosque that is an important historical monument and a symbol of Rabat. Enjoy a night at a delightful family-run guest house in town.

    Accommodation: Villa Mandarine

    Transportation: 6.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Visit Meknes & Travel to Fes

    Day 5

    After breakfast, set off on your journey to Meknes, an enchanting imperial city built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th century. Marvel at the grand historic gateway of Bab Mansour and enjoy lunch before continuing to the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins at Volubilis. Arrive at your hotel in Fes by sunset.

    Accommodation: Hotel Les Merinides

    Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore the Wonders of Fes

    Day 6

    Dive right into the medieval walled city of Fes, where thousands of craftsmen ply their trades. Observe the magnificent UNESCO-listed medina from scenic viewpoints and then visit the King's Palace, Fes el-Jedid with its old Jewish quarter, and Fes el-Bali (the oldest section). Here wander through some of the best souks in the world, including the henna, brass, and leather tanners' souks. Marvel at the fabulous architecture, taking in the great Kairaouine Mosque, the largest in Morocco. Break up the day with a hearty lunch right in the center of the action.

    Accommodation: Hotel Les Merinides

    Activity: Full day city touring

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Journey Along the High Atlas Mountains to Erfoud

    Day 7

    Rise early for a gorgeous drive to the oasis town of Erfoud. The journey takes you through cedar forests in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains up to the mountain town of Ifrane at 5,463 feet. Travel onward to your lunch stop in Midelt, situated between the Middle and High Atlas mountains, before ending the day in Erfoud — your gateway to the Sahara Desert.

    Accommodation: Hotel Xaluca

    Transportation: 7-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Head into Erg Chebbi on Camels

    Day 8

    Start the day with a visit to a traditional village and then transfer by minibus to Derkaoua and Yasmine Auberge. From here, absorb the wonders of the desert as you travel on foot and by camel to the remote eastern side of Erg Chebbi — home to the largest and most spectacular dunes in Morocco. This afternoon, you'll climb an incredible 400-foot-high dune, giving you epic desert views! Return to camp for dinner and a night under the stars.

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek

    Activity: 4.5-hours camel trek and walking

    Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Trek by Camel to Erg Znigui

    Day 9

    Mount camels for a thrilling ride south along the massive dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the dunes near Merdani before continuing across a dramatic black plateau dotted with red dunes to Znigui. Along the way, you may occasionally pass nomads tending to their herds amidst the pumpkin-colored sea of sand. Camp on the dunes near Znigui tonight.

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek

    Activity: 5-hours camel trek and walking

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Ride Camels & Visit with Nomads

    Day 10

    Rise today for another exciting camel ride, this time to the rock of Beigga, a mixture of standing stones and sand. Stop for tea in a nomadic camp or village along your journey. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a tent on desert sands before setting off on a dune walk, giving you a real sense of space amidst this vast ocean of sand. Return to the camp in the afternoon.

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek

    Activity: 4.5-hours camel trek and walking

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Enjoy Your Last Camel Trek & Drive to Skoura

    Day 11

    Bid farewell to the desert early this morning and enjoy your last camel trek back to the road. Meet the minibus and journey on to Skoura, passing Rissani, Tinejdad, and Tinerhir on the way. Stop for a short hike by a wadi, followed by lunch in the Dades Valley before arriving Skoura later in the afternoon. Spend the night at a kasbah hotel located in the palm grove of Skoura.

    Accommodation: Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette

    Activity: 2 hours camel trek and hiking

    Transportation: 5.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Drive to the Ancient Village of Ait Benhaddou

    Day 12

    This morning, drive to Skoura's palmeraie (palm grove), a beautiful oasis of date palms and other fruit trees such as olive, pomegranate, almond, and fig. Learn about its ancient and ingenious underground irrigation system, then visit Amridil, one of the old ksars (fortified villages) located in the oasis. After lunch, drive to Ait Benhaddou, a historic ksar on the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your riad-style hotel.

    Accommodation: Riad Ksar Ighnda

    Activity: 2 hours walking

    Transportation: 2.5 hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Return to Marrakech

    Day 13

    Rise early today for your return drive to Marrakech, crossing the rugged Tichka Pass at 7,300 feet and then descending to the plain of Marrakech. Check into your luxury hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, with time to explore the city or enjoy the hotel's amenities. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner in the medina.

    Accommodation: Es Saadi Hotel

    Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart for Home

    Day 14

    Bid farewell to Morocco this morning as you transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

Why Travel With Us?


  • MT Sobek has been exploring Morocco since 1975 so you're in expert hands on this unique journey.

  • Discover Morocco's ancient cities, cultural hubs and desert dunes with our knowledgeable and longtime guides who offer rich insights into the local culture and way of life.

  • Our camel trek traverses some of Morocco's most secluded and breathtaking desert scenery, complete with comfortable tents and impeccable service from our Saharan team.

Dates & Prices


Your Guides


The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Abdellah A.

Abdellah A.

Abdellah was born in the Central High Atlas Mountains in the Amazigh (Berber) village of Ait Bougumez. Mountain adventure has always been Abdellah's true passion and he has over 20 years of experience in travel and tourism-formally earning his mountain guide degree certification in 2005. Abdellah is fluent in English, French, Amazigh, and Arabic, and enjoys sharing his wondrous country, including the local culture in the Atlas. He loves to organize meetings with local families and nomads for MT Sobek travelers.

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Start the day with a visit to a traditional village and then transfer by minibus to Derkaoua and Yasmine Auberge. From here, absorb the wonders of the desert as you travel on foot and by camel to the remote eastern side of Erg Chebbi — home to the largest and most spectacular dunes in Morocco. This afternoon, you\'ll climb an incredible 400-foot-high dune, giving you epic desert views! Return to camp for dinner and a night under the stars.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => 1-hour private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 33.022 [Longitude] => -7.92 ) [8] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 9 [DayTo] => 9 [Headline] => Trek by Camel to Erg Znigui [ActivityOverview] => 5-hours camel trek and walking [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] => Mount camels for a thrilling ride south along the massive dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the dunes near Merdani before continuing across a dramatic black plateau dotted with red dunes to Znigui. Along the way, you may occasionally pass nomads tending to their herds amidst the pumpkin-colored sea of sand. Camp on the dunes near Znigui tonight. [Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 31.1444 [Longitude] => -3.966 ) [9] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 10 [DayTo] => 10 [Headline] => Ride Camels & Visit with Nomads [ActivityOverview] => 4.5-hours camel trek and walking [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] => Rise today for another exciting camel ride, this time to the rock of Beigga, a mixture of standing stones and sand. Stop for tea in a nomadic camp or village along your journey. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a tent on desert sands before setting off on a dune walk, giving you a real sense of space amidst this vast ocean of sand. Return to the camp in the afternoon. [Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 31.145 [Longitude] => -3.965 ) [10] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 11 [DayTo] => 11 [Headline] => Enjoy Your Last Camel Trek & Drive to Skoura [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours camel trek and hiking [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] => Bid farewell to the desert early this morning and enjoy your last camel trek back to the road. Meet the minibus and journey on to Skoura, passing Rissani, Tinejdad, and Tinerhir on the way. Stop for a short hike by a wadi, followed by lunch in the Dades Valley before arriving Skoura later in the afternoon. Spend the night at a kasbah hotel located in the palm grove of Skoura. [Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => 5.5-hour private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 31.087 [Longitude] => -6.556 ) [11] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 13 [DayTo] => 13 [Headline] => Return to Marrakech [ActivityOverview] => [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] => Rise early today for your return drive to Marrakech, crossing the rugged Tichka Pass at 7,300 feet and then descending to the plain of Marrakech. Check into your luxury hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, with time to explore the city or enjoy the hotel\'s amenities. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner in the medina. [Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => 4-hour private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 31.631 [Longitude] => -8.018 ) [12] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 14 [DayTo] => 14 [Headline] => Depart for Home [ActivityOverview] => [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] => Bid farewell to Morocco this morning as you transfer to the airport for your departure flight. [Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 0 [Dinner] => 0 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 31.3625 N [Longitude] => 8.02 W ) [13] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 12 [DayTo] => 12 [Headline] => Drive to the Ancient Village of Ait Benhaddou [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours walking [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] => This morning, drive to Skoura\'s palmeraie (palm grove), a beautiful oasis of date palms and other fruit trees such as olive, pomegranate, almond, and fig. Learn about its ancient and ingenious underground irrigation system, then visit Amridil, one of the old ksars (fortified villages) located in the oasis. After lunch, drive to Ait Benhaddou, a historic ksar on the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your riad-style hotel. [Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => 2.5 hour private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 31.038 [Longitude] => -7.124 ) ) [ActivityHighlight] => Touring cities and ancient sights includes walking up to 2-3 hours on uneven cobblestone streets and some dirt trails. In the Sahara, you may be riding a camel for up to five hours through sand dunes and on somewhat hilly terrain. No previous experience is required. [Trip_Level] => 3 )

Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 3. Touring cities and ancient sights includes walking up to 2-3 hours on uneven cobblestone streets and some dirt trails. In the Sahara, you may be riding a camel for up to five hours through sand dunes and on somewhat hilly terrain. No previous experience is required.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 2

5.5 hours guided city touring

Day 6

Full day city touring

Day 8

4.5-hours camel trek and walking

Day 9

5-hours camel trek and walking

Day 10

4.5-hours camel trek and walking

Day 11

2 hours camel trek and hiking

Day 12

2 hours walking

*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.

Accommodations


Upscale city hotels, enchanting riad retreats, charming guesthouses, and MT Sobek mobile camps in the desert.

Riad Ksar Ighnda
Riad Ksar Ighnda

Overlooking the Atlas Mountains and the edge of the desert, this luxury hotel sits surrounded by gorgeous private gardens and striking views. Traditional rooms come equipped with a full array of modern comforts, including a minibar. The outdoor swimming pool is a great spot to refresh on a hot desert day, while the hammam and spa offer black soap scrubs and massages.

Es Saadi Hotel
Es Saadi Hotel

With a prime location in the verdant neighborhood of Hivernage, this luxury compound features a five-star hotel, palace accommodations and private villas. Steps from the walled old city and the Menara gardens, the dreamy hideaway offers no less than eight restaurants and bars, two swimming pools and the largest spa in Marrakech - all that paired with spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.

MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek
MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek

Your Morocco Camel Trek experience includes three nights of traditional desert camping in canvas expedition-style safari tents with comfortable bedding (including real beds with sheets, comforters and pillows). Meals will be served in a Berber-style dining tent and refreshing bucket showers will be available most evenings, plus basins of warm water for the mornings.

Hotel Xaluca
Hotel Xaluca

Built with adobe bricks, this distinctive hotel is situated among palms and dunes at the door to the desert in Erfoud. Spacious en-suite rooms blend traditional decor with modern comforts, including air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Guests sample Moroccan cuisine at the two in-house restaurants, unwind in the two pools, a spa and hammam, and play a round at a mini-golf course.

Hotel Les Merinides
Hotel Les Merinides

Perched atop a hillside overlooking the city, this 4-star hotel boasts a dramatic lobby and a rooftop restaurant that serves up traditional Moroccan fare. Guestrooms are beautifully designed with decorative carpets and contemporary furniture. What steals the show at this property are breathtaking views of the city, particularly during sunset.

Hotel Le Medina Essaouira MGallery
Hotel Le Medina Essaouira MGallery

Relax in comfort at this sumptuous beachside hotel, a stone's throw from the age-old citadel. With touches of a traditional Moroccan riad, 117 relaxing rooms and suites, and a luxury spa, this is a perfect place to unwind. Its comfortable, mosaic-adorned rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities and entirely furnished by Souiris craftsmen.

Villa Mandarine
Villa Mandarine

Villa Mandarine is a special find in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Rabat. With gorgeous lush gardens and a palm-fringed courtyard, this family -run hotel has an oasis feel — matched by the comfort of its spacious rooms. Enjoy an array of modern amenities during your stay and don't miss taking a dip in the hotel's beautiful pool.

Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette
Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette

Enjoy a relaxing stay at the traditional Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette, an impressive castle-style guest house nestled in a pretty palm grove. Its 11 comfortable and well-appointed rooms are decorated with authentic Moroccan touches and have views of the patio, pool or garden. Take a quiet moment to explore the oases on your last night in Morocco.

Weather


The climate is moderate and subtropical, cooled by breezes off the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In the interior the temperatures are more extreme, with cold winters and hot summers.

 
Feb
Mar
Oct
Nov
Dec
Casablanca 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Casablanca
65
50
67
53
76
62
70
55
66
51
Erg Chebbi 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Erg Chebbi
68
40
75
46
84
59
72
47
64
40
Marrakech 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Marrakech
70
46
75
51
83
59
74
51
68
45

FAQs


Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you at Marrakech Menara Airport on the morning of Day 1 and transfer you to your hotel.
What's the best time of year for this adventure?

Because the desert can get quite warm in summer, the best time for a camel trek is from October to November and March. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

What is the camel trek in the Sahara like?

The walking is fairly easy from 1 to 6 miles on a mixture of sandy terrain and hard-packed desert floor with vehicle support. The camels will walk very slowly and will be tied together. The seats will be padded with blankets and you will have have the chance to hop off to stretch your legs.

What is the food like in Morocco?
Moroccan cuisine is often a fusion of Berber, Arabic, Mediterranean, and French influences. You can expect a variety of dishes including both meat and vegetarian options like nicoise salad, squash, root vegetables, beef or lamb with prunes, chicken with preserved lemon and olives, and more.
What clothing is appropriate in Morocco?

Plan to dress conservatively. We suggest covering shoulders, knees, and wearing loose fitting clothing.

Can I extend my trip?
Yes, we can help you book extra pre- or post-tour hotel nights in Marrakech.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Visas are not required for US citizens for visits lasting less than 90 days. You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page.

What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.

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