Sahara Mini Adventure

3 Days | Just the quick trip to the Sahara you’re craving, stuffed with local flavour

5 out of 5 based on 89 reviews submitted.
Short breaks
From
USD $200

If you only have days to spare and a hankering for the sand and stars of the Sahara, this 3-day round-trip journey from Marrakech is the perfect fix. Venture into the desert and over dunes on the back of a camel, watch the sun set and rise over the windswept Erg Chebbi waves and camp under the star-filled North African sky. Along the way, visit the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the lush Todra Valley, and get the special opportunity to sip tea and break bread with members of change-making women’s associations in both spots. A locally based licensed Intrepid leader will accompany you in comfortable transport the whole way, offering insights into local culture, history and geography at every step of your journey.

Trip overview

Map of Sahara Mini Adventure including Morocco
Start
Marrakech, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Theme
Short breaks
Destinations
Morocco
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
XMHA
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Camp under the desert skies of the Sahara and travel by camel to incredible sunset views over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • Travel with an expert local leader and ride in comfort in a private vehicle from the bustle of Marrakech to the serenity of the Sahara.
  • Visit with the women of the Tawesna Association and a Todra women’s association to learn about the work they’re doing to support local Moroccan women.
  • Make stops in the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the lush Todra Valley and get a feel for local life.
  • Enjoy iconic Moroccan and Amazigh dishes each day and feel the warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Amal. Donations support them to provide women in Morocco with culinary skills training to help improve livelihoods. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extremely high in Morocco (over 40°C), so it’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water.
  • As Morocco has a tipping culture, travellers are expected to tip small amounts for most services, so please be prepared. Your trip leader and the 'Money Matters' section of our Essential Trip Information will help to provide you with some suggestions as to what amounts are appropriate.
  • Although you shouldn’t expect any aggressive selling techniques in Morocco, please be aware that you may be approached by shop owners and street vendors offering their goods to you on regular occasions.
  • We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may differ from Western standards. You’ll spend one night in a basic desert camp with shared facilities and no electricity.
  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! Please note that a single supplement is not available on this trip.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 29 June 2023 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Sahara Mini Adventure including Morocco

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Camel, Private Bus

Accommodation

Camp site (1 night), Hotel (1 night)

Activities
  • Kasbah Ait Benhaddou visit
  • Tawesna association visit and lunch
  • Todra Gorges visit
  • Local Amazigh Brunch in the valley
  • Sunset camel ride
  • Dinner at camp
  • Breakfast at camp
  • Sunrise dune walk

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1.The bus will depart at 8 am sharp. Please arrive at the meeting place at least 15 min prior to departures to be able to finalize boarding.
2. Your desert camp is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travellers between April and October, but you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially between November and March.
3. There’s no electricity at the campsite, so it’s important to come prepared with fully charged phones, cameras and everything else you may need.
4. On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight around 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. We also recommend a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc.
5. Your arrival back in Marrakech will be, depending on traffic, between 8 or 9 pm on your last day. If you have to fly out on this day please don't book a flight earlier than midnight.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 89 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Helge · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 17 Oct 2024

Corinna · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 16 Oct 2024

Isobel · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 16 Oct 2024

James · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 16 Oct 2024

Stacey · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 17 Oct 2024
Sahara Mini Adventure
From
USD $200