Sahara Mini Adventure

Sahara Mini Adventure

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3 Days From

$250

$200

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

Tour Overview

If you only have days to spare and the sand and stars of the Sahara are calling, then this three-day adventure is for you. Take a round-trip journey from Marrakech into the desert and over the dunes. Watch the sun set from the back of a camel, the sun rise over the Erg Chebbi dunes and camp under the North African stars. Along the way, visit the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the lush Todra Valley, sipping tea and breaking bread with members of special women’s associations in both spots. A locally based leader will accompany you in comfortable transport the whole way, offering insights into local culture, history and geography at every step. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Camp under the desert skies of the Sahara and travel by camel for 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 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 local 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.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Marrakech/Todra Gorge

Location: Marrakech/Todra Gorge

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. You’ll kick off your Short Break Adventure at 8 am in Marrakech this morning. Meet at your joining point before setting off in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with the rest of your group, your driver and your local leader. Head out of the city towards Todra Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop at Ait Benhaddou – this UNESCO World Heritage site was once an important stop for salt caravans crossing the Sahara. Take a walk through the winding streets of the Old Town and visit the Tawesna Teahouse on the river – a community-run establishment that provides local women with an income to support themselves and their children. Using ingredients sourced from local cooperatives, the women prepare delicious tea and pastries while sharing their stories. After, carry on to the Todra area, where you might want to take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool.

Included Activities:
-Kasbah Ait Benhaddou visit
-Tawesna association visit and lunch
...more ...less

Day 2: Merzouga

Location: Merzouga

Accommodation: Camping

Accommodation Name: Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, join your leader for a walk through the valley’s farmland to the Todra Gorges – towering red-hued sandstone canyons up to 400 m high. Cap off your hike with a brunch picnic in the valley, featuring stuffed bread, mint tea and olive oil prepared by members of a local Amazigh women’s association. Next, it’s on to the Sahara! Drive through the barren mountainsides and watch the scenery change to fertile valleys until you reach Merzouga. Drop your bags at your overnight camp and hop aboard your desert-ready transport – your own camel. Head out on a 1-hour ride across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes as the sun sets around you and the surrounding sea of sand morphs through shades of red and orange. Back at camp, your hosts will prepare a hearty Moroccan feast. Then, you’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable tent under the stars.

Included Activities:
-Todra Gorges visit
-Local Amazigh Brunch in the valley
-Sunset camel ride
-Dinner at camp

Day 3: Merzouga

Location: Merzouga

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ll want to rise early this morning and get yourself to the nearest dune for a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara. Once you’ve greeted the day, fuel up with a traditional breakfast at camp and begin your return journey to Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off and your adventure will come to an end.

Included Activities:
-Breakfast at camp
-Sunrise dune walk

What's Included

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

  • 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

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads, and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days, we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives is the spectacular views and fun stops en route such as mountain passes, kasbahs, palmeries, sand dunes, goats up trees, etc.We also use public transport on some of our trips around Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people traveling along with you. ...more ...less

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.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 be different from standards you are used to at home.OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONThe style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASISAccommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite (even if you paid for single room supplement) and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.HEATINGSome of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It's also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which is limited in some places. Please be prepared for cold showers, which are a pleasure for most of the year. Air-conditioning systems (if available) don't always function.CHECK-IN TIMEThroughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATIONIf you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. ...more ...less

Important Information

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. ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads, and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days, we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives is the spectacular views and fun stops en route such as mountain passes, kasbahs, palmeries, sand dunes, goats up trees, etc.We also use public transport on some of our trips around Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people traveling along with you. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.
    ...more ...less

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

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

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍 ...more ...less

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon! ...more ...less

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic. ...more ...less

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong ...more ...less

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X ...more ...less

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure! ...more ...less

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best. ...more ...less

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

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08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
$250 $238 (USD)

Operator discount: -$12 (USD)

Wednesday - Friday

Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
$250 $200 (USD)

Operator discount: -$50 (USD)

Wednesday - Friday

Feb 19, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
$250 $238 (USD)

Operator discount: -$12 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$250 $238 (USD)

Operator discount: -$12 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Sahara Mini Adventure

3 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech

Visiting: Marrakech/Todra Gorge, Merzouga

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

XMHA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $250 $200 (USD) Operator discount: -$50 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 03-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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