Dear Adventurers, Ahlan Wa Sahlan: I welcome you!
I’m so proud to invite you to join me for this unforgettable trip to Morocco. You want dreams, beauty, delicacies, mysticism, contrast? You will be served.
As a coastal North African country, Morocco is a beautiful mix of Roman, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Berber influences. The result is a unique and timeless style, one that will stay with you long after your return home. We will immerse ourselves…
The trip encompasses both countryside and city. We will discover hidden gems in the souks and exploring bustling cities where ancient traditions meet modern ones, and also meet locals and visit some women-run cooperatives, enabling us to have a deeper, more authentic perspective on the Moroccan lifestyle. And, of course, we will find the kitchen, as Moroccan cuisine and spices are known worldwide.
We begin in Marrakech, crossing the Atlas mountains to the oasis town of Ouarzazate and then into the Sahara desert for three nights in the most authentic desert in Morocco – far from mass tourism. The desert camp is the perfect “glamping getaway” to experience this extreme landscape with all the comforts of home. In the evening, we’ll be treated to dinner around the fire and traditional Gnawa music that speaks of ancient peoples through its enchanting rhythms. After departing the desert, we will continue through fertile agricultural land, meeting craftswomen and men on our way. We’ll then find the sea at mythical Essaouira, a surfer’s paradise on the Atlantic coast, before returning to Marrakech.
Morocco is full of mystique and surprises, with awe-inspiring landscapes, culture, and food you can’t find anywhere else.
Ready to join or have a question?
ITINERARY:
Day1: Wednesday, February 28: Arrivals and welcome dinner in Marrakech
Your arrivals airport should be Marrakech Airoport.
Marrakech city was founded in I062 by the Almoravid dynasty, which is known all over the world. Please note that airport transfers in both directions are included in the cost of the tour and will be organized by Fouad, even if you are arriving prior to February 28th and leaving after March 08th.
For those who are already in town, a casual tour of Marrakech Medina will be offered, followed by a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Stay at the Riad Orangeraie.
Day2: Thursday, February 29: Marrakech & Moroccan cuisine
The day will be begin with a cooking class at the Amal women’s center in the Targa area of Marrakech, which trains underprivileged women to help them become independent. Learn to make a tagine or couscous!
In the afternoon, visit the stunning Majorelle garden, which was designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle over a span of 40 years starting in 1922, and bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966. Those who are already familiar with the Majorelle garden have the option of returning to the hotel for a rest, spa treatment, or exploring the souk. We’ll go on an evening food tour of the UNESCO heritage square Jemaa el-Fna at the market’s food stalls. Stay 2nd night at Riad Orangeraie.
Day3: Friday, March 01: Ouarzazate
We will drive through the Atlas Mountains towards the desert, and the Tichka pass located at 7414 feet height. We’ll stop at a mountain village along the way and enjoy lunch with a view at the Auberge Restaurant Telouet, overlooking the “Glaoui Kasbah.”
We’ll continue our drive to the ancient Kasr Ait ben Hadou, site of films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. From here it’s a short drive to the small city of Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert and the spectacular lights. We’ll check into our hotel, Kasbah Riad Dar Chamaa, and have dinner at the beautifully restored Kasbah des Sables, which blends French and Moroccan cuisines. Kasbah Riad Dar Chamaa.
Day4: Saturday, March 02: Desert camp “Erg Lihoudy”
Before leaving, stroll through the small traditional streets in Kasbah Taourirt lined by workshops…
We will enjoy a traditional lunch in Zagora, then stop to explore the village and crafts of Tamegrout, which renowned for its unique pottery in elegant shades of green produced by local families.
Visit the Tinfou Oasis, an example of a semi-abandoned village, with a few families trying to survive in drought conditions. Growing date trees and wheat along the Dra’a river, they prove their own resilience.
We’ll then drive to the desert camp “Erg Lihoudi”, transferring to 4X4s for the final part of the drive. Upon arrival, we’ll get settled in our luxury tents (complete with a bathroom and shower) and enjoy the surrounding scenery. this is your chance to ride a camel, or simply relax in camp, and/or explore the scenery. We will attend a traditional desert music group before enjoying dinner at the camp and marvelling at the starry sky. Night in desert camp Erg Lihoudy (Taragalte Luxury Desert Camp).
Day5: Sunday, March 03: Drive to desert camp “Erg Chegaga”.
Early risers can wake up early to experience the sunrise over the Sahara.
After breakfast, we’ll pack up the luggage that will be left in the tents, then go on a 90-minute hike to experience the emptiness around us. Lunch will be a picnic in the dunes.
After lunch, the 4x4s will pick us up to transport everyone to the second desert camp, “Erg Chegaga,” a 90-minute drive. This desert camp is the biggest in Morocco (and Fouad’s favourite). The desert camp offers a comfortable base to explore the beautiful wilderness and bring guests close to nature. The nearest road is a 2 hour journey away, the closest light pollution 60km away. This is the perfect location to be disconnected from civilization.
We’ll enjoy the sunset and dinner at the second desert camp “Erg Chegaga.” Second night in the camp.
Day6: Monday, March 04: Foum Zguid
Again, if you wish, early wake-up to experience the sunrise over the Sahara.
After your breakfast, we’ll leave the desert camp and head back into civilization. The drive will take around 3 hours along spectacular Sahara views. We’ll stop in Foum Zguid village to spend a night there in hotel/Riad Bab Rimal.
Day7: Tuesday , March 05: Taroudant
Today, we drive towards the villages crafts.
We’ll leave Foum Zguid and head in the direction of Taroudant. We’ll make a stop in Tazenakht, a village known for its female-run carpet cooperatives, and visit a cooperative. We will then continue to Taliouine, a Berber village in the Souss valley that is the center of saffron production in Africa, and learn how saffron is produced. We’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant in Taliouine and continue driving through spectacular scenery to the walled city of Taroudant, which many describe as a small version of Marrakech. Upon arrival in Taroudent, we will stay in the hotel Dar Zitoune, which has a beautiful botanic garden, and enjoy dinner out in Taroudant city. Dar Zitoune
Day8: Wendesday, March 06: Essaouira
We’ll leave Taroudant to drive to Essaouira, a fishing port on the Atlantic coast. We’ll then stop for lunch in the small town of Taghazout, which is popular with surfers, before continuing our drive to Essaouira. This area is where the argan trees grow in Morocco. We’ll have the opportunity to stop at the women-run argan cooperative before checking into the charming Riad Chbanate in the old town of Essaouira. We’ll take a walk, eat dinner at a local restaurant in Essaouira and stay the night at Riad Chbanate. Riad Chbanate.
Day9: Thuresday, March 07: Essaouira day2.
You deserve to spend more time in this incredible spiritual city, dating back the Phoenicians time. The history has shaped the architecture, the culture and spirituality of the city’s inhabitants.
This is the right place for resting, shopping.
Second night at Riad Chbanate. Riad Chbanate.
Day10: Friday, March 08: Marrakech
We leave Essaouira after the breakfast, and on our way to Marrakech we will make a stop to the Domaine du Val d’Argan, winery, to learn about the area’s wine.
Day11: Saturday, March 09: Marrakech departure – Airport transfert
This is the last day in Morocco for those who have to return home. It’s the time to say goodbye to Morocco.
Please note that airport transfers is included in the cost of the tour and will be organized by Fouad. Please note that the depart should be from Marrakech airport (RAK) in Morocco.
Highlights:
- Medina’s Souk, Majorelle Garden, Marrakech
- Souk El Malleh (Jewish spice market), Maderassa ibn youssef, Marrakech
- Learn how to cook an authentic Moroccan tagine in a hands-on cooking class in Marrakech
- Atlas mountains: Tichka pass 2600m
- Kasbah Glaoui and Ouarzazate
- See the famous green pottery in Tamegroute
- Tinfou Oasis
- Desert camp Erg Lihoudi and Erg Chagaga: the most authentic and wild desert of Morocco. Experience sunrises & sunsets and beautiful drives through the desert
- Hike and picnic on the dunes and nomad camp
- Visit the Argane, Safaran and Carpet cooperatives
- Essaouira, the Portuguese city fishing port
- Wine tasting: Val d’Argan
Who is Fouad ZARROU?
I was born and grew up in Morocco, and some of my family still lives there. I left Morocco to study international law at the Sorbonne Paris, eventually working with Unesco’s legal affairs department. But, I gave up my desk job because I wanted to find a way to share my sense of adventure, plus my love of humanity and nature. Since 2012, I’ve been running a tour guide company in Nice, French riviera, France Azur Excursions. Morocco’s deep history, its authentic and colourful culture, its varied breath-taking landscapes, its culinary knowledge, and its mystique drew me to share the secrets of this country with passionate guests. I am familiar with all the secret trails and little-known spots of the southern Morocco, and because of my heritage and speaking English, French, Berber and Arabic, I am happy to lead you off the tourist path and arrange outdoor activities for enthusiastic adventurers.
I will be your Tour Manager and a part of the group. I will be your local guide as well, and working with all local vendors and partners to insure your comfort. I’m with you to look out for your needs, safety, to help resolve issues, and to make sure you get what you want from your trip. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any and all questions at fzarrou@gmail.com or we can speak via Zoom or phone (+33 6 20 68 10 70).
What is the weather like in Morocco in March
March is a great time to visit Morocco. It is the beginning of Spring. The average temperature in Morocco in March is a comfortable 68F-75F, depending on the area of the country that you visit. Nights can still be chilly, with temperatures between 50F-55F. When we cross the Atlas Mountains, we may see traces of snow. Note also the desert nights can be brisk with wind.
What is included ?
- All in-Morocco transport with the group, including airport transfers, our 20-seat minibus with a local driver, and 4x4s in the desert.
- All meals (excluding alcohol), accommodation, group activities, cooking classes, experiences and tastings.
- Alcohol will be provided/included only in the Desert Camps.
What is not included
- Airfare to and from USA/Morocco International Airport. Flight’s should arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport, Morocco
- Recommended travel insurance and medical care
- Personal shopping and expenses
- Alcohol (except in the Desert) not included in the itinerary
- Any expenses incurred during free time
- Optional excursions or extensions, not listed
- Non-refundable passport fees
- Excess baggage charges
Pricing and Payments: per person.
- Double room: on request
- King size bed, for couples.You will have a private room for the duration of the trip.
- or 2 singles beds for the shared rooms.You will share a room with one other guest for the duration of the trip.
- Private room, one person: on request. You will have a private room for the duration of the trip
- Payment dates
- A deposit 2,000 Euros is due by December 1st 2023 to secure your place on the trip
- Final Payment for the remaining balance is due 25th January 2024.
Visa and Passport
To travel to Morocco you do not need a special visa to enter the country. We can stay in the country for less than 90 days without a visa. Please be sure you have enough empty pages in your Passport and that it is valid for a full 6 months after the date you return from this trip.
What day should I arrive?
The trip officially starts on the afternoon of March 6th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Morocco, you may want to consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, I can help you book your rooms (please note those rooms will be your cost and not included in the trip price). Please fly into Marrakech airport (RAK) in Morocco. If you travel from France (Paris or Nice): there are a direct flight to Marrakech airport.
Accommodation
All accommodations will be in riads and hotels chosen for their beauty, comfort and authentic character, including the luxury desert camp.
Group Activities
This trip will require some physical abilities. We will walk a lot in souks and for the street food tour, visiting monuments, plus a long hike in the desert, riding camels, etc. If you can’t walk for any reason, this trip is not for you. By making a booking, you represent that you do not have any physical or other conditions that would create a hazard for you or other Participants or affect other people’s enjoyment of the trip.
This trip will be best enjoyed by a group with open minds. The locals are very friendly, warm people and ready to help
Cancellations
- Cancellations made on or before January 1st, 2024: deposit and any trip payments will be reimbursed by wire bank, and in full, minus a cancellation fee of 500 Euros.
- Cancellations that occur after January 1st, 2024 up until the departure day of the trip must be handled by your personal travel insurance.France Azur Excursions will not issue any refunds of any amount after January 1st, 2024.
- If two people book a room together and one of the persons cancels the trip for any reason, France Azur excursions reserves the right to fill the space with another guest unless the remaining guest chooses to pay the additional fee for a single supplement room.
- France Azur Excursions may cancel the program due to insufficient enrolment, unforeseen operational difficulties, natural or man-made disasters, terrorist attacks, or for any other necessary or unforeseen reasons. France Azur Excursions will provide a full refund of any funds deposited by guests if the minimum number of guests required (8 people) isn’t reached minus the bank fees.
To reserve your spot, please contact us at fzarrou@gmail.com to send you the forms and the details. To confirm your participation, we will require a deposit of 2000 euros by December 1st, 2024, by wire bank (Wise bank system is recommended to avoid to pay hight bank fees, or you can use any other wire bank), and/or full payment payable to France Azur Excursions. The balance of your payment is due January 25, 2024.
Bank details: Fouad ZARROU / France Azur Excursion. Address: 21 corniche Andre de Joly, 06300 Nice .
BNP PARISBAS, 56 promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France. IBAN: FR76 3000 4004 6500 0101 3540 453. BIC:BNPAFRPPXXX.s
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