Marrakech, Camels & the Sahara – Family Adventure

Marrakech, Camels & the Sahara – Family Adventure

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8 Days From

$1423

$1215

Marrakech, Camels & the Sahara – Family Adventure

8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech

Visiting: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Tighza, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Garage Sahara Zagora, Tamegroute, Zagora, Marrakesh

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

FMS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

8 - 20

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

9-16

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing

From:
$1423
$1215 (USD) Operator discount: -$208 -15%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The dune-rippled Sahara, bulky Atlas Mountains and mazy Marrakech play host to this highlight-packed family adventure. Over the week, we journey deep into Morocco to enjoy never-forgotten experiences in a spectacular landscape: riding camels in the Sahara, sleeping under the desert skies and travelling by mule through rugged mountains. We also seek a little culture, enjoying lunch with a local Amazigh family, visiting a working film studio and navigating pulsating Marrakech on a thrilling horse-drawn carriage tour.

Highlights

  • Visit the hillside ksar of Ait Benhaddou, filmset of many Hollywood blockbusters

  • Ride a mule into the Atlas Mountains and enjoy lunch with a Amazigh family

  • Tour the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate

  • Enjoy a camel trek into the Sahara and sleep under the stars

  • Watch artisan potters at work and take to the wheel

  • Embark on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Marrakech

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Opera Plaza Hotel, Red Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: No Meals

The tour starts in Marrakech, an electric city with a Unesco-listed medina and plenty of landmarks to explore. If you have time after your flight, you may want to splash in the hotel pool or take a taxi to the nearby Djemaa el Fna, the busy central square where street vendors sell freshly squeezed orange juice.



The welcome briefing with your leader will either be this evening or tomorrow morning depending on flight arrivals.



Accommodation: Opera Plaza Hotel, Red Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Across The High Atlas Mountains To Ait Benhaddou

Location: Atlas Mountains, Tighza, Aït Benhaddou

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ksar Ljanoub (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastlunch

With time to explore Marrakech at the end of our journey, we leave the Red City and head into the Atlas Mountains. Partway through, we stop to embark on a fun mule ride and walk to the village of Tighza where we will have a lunch prepared by a local family to learn more about life in the mountains.



Returning to our bus by mule, we transfer over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco at 7,235ft (2,205m), enjoying views of the rugged mountains as we go.



Tonight we stay near the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, which we visit at sunset tomorrow, a mesmeric ksar (fortified village) where red-clay buildings layer a hillside. It has been used as the filming location for several Hollywood movies, including The Mummy (1999) and Gladiator (2000).



Accommodation: Ksar Ljanoub or similar



Drive time: 4hr 30min

Day 3 : To Ouarzazate; Return To Ait Benhaddou

Location: Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ksar Ljanoub (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

Today we travel to Ouarzazate, nicknamed the door to the desert because it used to be a crossing point for African traders on their way to Europe. It is now the site of the Atlas Film Studios, the setting for  the Hollywood film Disney's Aladdin (2019), and the series Game of Thrones. We take a guided tour of the studio and see filmsets in situ, including Egyptian-style statues. After lunch, we have free time before a tour of Ait Benhaddou, in which we navigate the labyrinthine streets of the ksar. We time our visit for sunset, when the buildings turn a deep ochre, which makes for great family photographs.



Accommodation: Ksar Ljanoub or similar



Drive Time: 1hr 20min

Day 4 : Ait Benhaddou To The Sahara

Location: Aït Benhaddou, Garage Sahara Zagora

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Camp Chez Le Pacha or similar (full-service camping)

Meals Included: breakfastdinner

Leaving Ait Benhaddou, we journey to the Sahara, heading south along the Draa Valley, admiring Berber villages and palm trees as we go. At the edge of the sands, we embark on what will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip: a one-hour camel ride over and through the dunes. Our destination is a simple but atmospheric Bedouin camp, where we spend the night.



The accommodation is a ring of mud huts, though we’ve found many travellers prefer to sleep under the desert sky, watching shooting stars and naming the constellations.



Please note: You are requested to bring only an overnight bag and leave your remaining luggage with the vehicle.



Accommodation: Camp Chez Le Pacha or similar (full-service camping)



Drive Time: 4hr 30min

Day 5 : The Sahara To Zagora

Location: Garage Sahara Zagora, Tamegroute, Zagora

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Auberge Chez Ali (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

It’s fun time again as we embark on another one-hour camel trek back to our bus. We then travel to the city of Zagora, stopping at the Tamegroute village pottery works where a collection of seven families use traditional methods to create beautiful ceramics with a signature green glaze.



While there, we watch the talented artisans at work and even get to try throwing a bowl on the potter’s wheel. After, it’s to our hotel in Zagora, where we have time to unwind in the flower-filled gardens and take a dip in the hotel pool.



Accommodation: Auberge Chez Ali or similar



Drive time: 2hr 30min

Day 6 : Zagora To Ouarzazate

Location: Zagora, Ouarzazate

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Club Hanane (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

Today we head back to Ouarzazate where we visit Taourirt Kasbah, once the palatial home of the powerful Glaoui family and, more recently, the backdrop for movies including Gladiator and Prince of Persia (2010). Here we tour the labyrinthine passages to visit the still-spectacular reception, dining room and private apartments. We also head to the roof to look over the palm tree oasis and river valley below.



After our visit, we enjoy free time to relax at our hotel and take a dip in the kidney bean-shaped pool.



Accommodation: Club Hanane or similar



Drive time: 2hr 30min

Day 7 : Ouarzazate To Marrakech

Location: Ouarzazate, Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Opera Plaza Hotel, Red Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastdinner

After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech (3hr 30min). This afternoon, we take a tour of the city by calèche, a traditional horse-drawn carriage and a classic Marrakech experience. Our sightseeing tour, which lasts two to three hours, starts at Jemaa el-Fna and takes in the Agdal Gardens, the city walls and glimpses the old medina. We end the day back at Jemaa el-Fna, which comes alive with food stalls, and musicians in the evenings – a great place to enjoy our farewell dinner (not included) and soak up the atmosphere.



Accommodation: Opera Plaza Hotel, Red Hotel or similar



Drive time: 3hr 30min

Day 8 : End Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Meals Included: breakfast

Our journey comes to an end after breakfast. Hop onto your free transfer to Marrakech Airport to catch your flight. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in the Red City.

What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 2 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplements

Food

All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners are included.



Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices:



Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)

Dinners:



In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)

Small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)





Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)

Alcohol:



Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5)

Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more







Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip.



Please note, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Accommodation

We have chosen a selection of comfortable family-friendly hotels with swimming pools. We also spend one night in the Sahara, a never-forgotten experience that will likely be discussed over family meals for many years to come.



Marrakech: Opera Plaza or Red Hotel (nights 1 and 7)







We begin and end our adventure in Marrakech, where we stay at either the four-star Opera Plaza Hotel or the Red Hotel. Both are in the same complex and there's plenty to keep the family entertained, including a swimming pool area and bowling lanes.



Ait Ben Haddou: Ksar Ljanoub (nights 2 and 3)







We stay for two nights at Ksar Ljanoub, winner of Tripadvisor’s Travellers' Choice Award in 2023. Enjoy the Atlas sunshine with a dip in the pool or relax under the shade of a parasol. You can also enjoy views of the mountains and desert from the rooms or the terraces, with a chance for a beautiful sunrise or sunset.



Sahara: Camp Chez Le Pacha (night 4)







The highlight for many is our night in the Sahara, where our camp is circled by bronze dunes you can climb to watch the sun set and rise. Our accommodation is a ring of traditional mud huts, though most prefer to take their beds outside to sleep under a blanket of stars – look out for the tell-tale streak of a shooting star. In the centre of the camp is a fire, which is lit at night and typically becomes the place to share stories and bond with our guide and hosts. Distractions are few here, which allows everyone to share, what is for many, a bucket-list experience.



Zagora: Chez Ali (night 5)







In Zagora, we stay in an auberge (inn) called Chez Ali with pretty floral gardens. After our night in the desert, many head straight to the pool for a refreshing swim or to relax with a book.



Ouarzazate: Club Hanane (night 6)







Before we head back to Marrakech, we stay at Club Hanane in Ouarzazate. Here you can sit by the pool at breakfast, while the hotel also has a lounge and outside seating area.



Worth knowing



The only night without a pool is when we are camping in the Sahara

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 25, 2024 - Jun 01, 2024
$1423 $1215 (USD)

Operator discount: -$208 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
$1500 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$1650 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$1800 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$1800 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$1800 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$1800 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$1800 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$1800 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$1650 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$1650 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
$1800 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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