Morocco Camels & Casbahs Hiking Tour
A Legendary Saharan Journey & Dazzling Marrakech
- Available: January, February, March, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Deluxe Camping
-
Group Size:
4-14 Guests
Min Age: 13
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
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 pretty Majorelle Garden and time to rest or explore the spellbinding city of Marrakech on your own. Tonight, savor a welcome dinner with your trip leader at a local restaurant.
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. Wander the walled maze of its medina and enjoy the famed buzz of Djemma El Fna square, with its snake-charmers and fire-eaters. Have lunch in the medina and return to the hotel mid-afternoon, to either rest or explore on your own. In the evening, enjoy dinner paired with a musical performance at a traditional restaurant inside a 19th-century family home.
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 with its beautiful 18th-century ramparts and traditional character. After lunch, take a tour of the "Windy City of Africa" and explore its atmospheric UNESCO-listed Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador). Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with quaint artisan shops and check out the sweeping harbor views as you stroll the fortifications. Overnight in a charming hotel reminiscent of a grand Moroccan riad.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Medina
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 with its picturesque stone pillars. Enjoy a night at a delightful family run guest house in town.
Accommodation: Villa Mandarine
Accommodation: Sofitel RabatTransportation: 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 Ismaïl 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: 4-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 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
Camel Trek to Erg Chebbi
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. Along the way, you may occasionally pass nomads tending to their herds amidst the pumpkin-colored sea of sand. Return to camp for dinner and a night under the stars.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek
Activity: 3-hours camel trek and walking
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride Camels & Hike the Dunes of Bou Yerd
Day 9
Rise today for an exciting camel ride to Bou Yerd, where you'll climb an incredible 500-foot high dune for epic desert views! Enjoy a picnic lunch in a tent on the dunes before setting off on a dune walk, giving you a real sense of space amidst the vast ocean of sand. Camp on the dunes near Znigui tonight.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek
Activity: 5.5-hours camel trek and walking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camel Trek to Erg Znigui
Day 10
Today's camel trek ventures south along the massive dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the dunes near Merdanit before continuing across a black plateau dotted with red dunes to Znigui. Return to the camp in the afternoon.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Morocco Camel Trek
Activity: 6-hours camel trek and walking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Last Camel Trek & Drive to Boumalne Dades
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 Boumalne Dades, passing Rissani, Tineidad and Tinerhir on the way. Stop for lunch in the old fortified Berber village of Khorbat and overnight at a comfortable hotel surrounded by mountains in Boumalne Dades.
Accommodation: Hotel Xaluca Dades
Activity: 1.5 hours camel trek and walking
Transportation: 5.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Marrakech
Day 13
Rise 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, either exploring the city or enjoy the hotel's amenities. Gather for a festive farewell dinner in the medina.
Accommodation: Es Saadi Hotel
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Home
Day 14
Catch an early breakfast at the hotel, before driving to Marrakech Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Skoura & Ait Benhaddou
Day 12
This morning, return to the Dades Valley for a delightful hike on the bank of the wadi, visiting an old Kasbah. After a picnic lunch, drive to the palm grove of Skoura, visit the old ksar (fortified village) of Amerhidil and then drive to Ait Ben Haddou and visit the village. Check into your riad-style hotel.
Accommodation: Riad Ksar Ighnda Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
Activity: 2 hours hiking
Transportation: 3.5 hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,295 price per person dbl occ+$1,650 single supplementAvailable
- $6,295 price per person dbl occ+$1,650 single supplementAvailable
- $6,295 price per person dbl occ+$1,650 single supplementAvailable
- $6,295 price per person dbl occ+$1,650 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 to 3 guests from $8,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $6,395 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Oct 08 - 21, 2023
- Dec 17 - 30, 2023
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
January, February, March, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
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.

Jabir Brahim
Brahim was born and raised in the valleys of the Central High Atlas Mountains. He is Amazigh (Berber), the original population of North Africa pre-Roman Empire. Jabir has over 15 years of experience guiding trips in Morocco. He passionately shares a deep love and appreciation for his country and is at home in the Atlas Mountains, where he enjoys facilitating interactions with local villagers and families. In his spare time, Brahim gives lectures about the Amazigh (Berber) culture around Europe. He is outgoing, knowledgeable, and has a keen eye for foreign cultures, ethnology, and geology.

Abdellah Allali
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.
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
3-hours camel trek and walking
Day 9
5.5-hours camel trek and walking
Day 10
6-hours camel trek and walking
Day 11
1.5 hours camel trek and walking
Day 12
2 hours hiking
Accommodations
Upscale city hotels, enchanting riad retreats, charming guesthouses, and MT Sobek mobile camps in the desert.
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.
FAQs
What clothing is appropriate in Morocco?
Plan to dress conservatively. We suggest covering shoulders, knees, and wearing loose fitting clothing.
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 food like in Morocco?
Moroccan cuisines 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, paprika with french fries, and more.
What's is the camel trek 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
Can I extend my trip?
Yes! We offer pre-set extensions in Marrakesh, Fes, Casablanca, and Essaouira. We can also help you book extra pre-post hotel nights.
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.
Similar Trips to Morocco Camels & Casbahs Hiking Tour
Inspiration to Explore
Guest Reviews
"Our wonderful guide made our adventure in Morocco unforgettable. In seeing his country through his eyes, we all got a glimpse of a beautiful, hospitable, fascinating country."
Janet R.
MT Sobek Guest, Morocco Camels & Casbahs Hiking
"Phenomenal experience-a real adventure!"
Sharon S.
MT Sobek Guest, Morocco Camels & Casbahs Hiking