South Morocco Discovery Adventure Trip

If you have never experienced a small group adventure, then you are missing out! October 2019, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and go on a small group Adventure tour of Morocco. The Sahara Desert has always been high on my bucket list, and it certainly did not disappoint. I was nervous not knowing anyone that was going to be in my group and not knowing what to expect. We arrived at the hotel In Marrakesh where we met our guide and I was blown away by his passion and knowledge for his country, and he just made the trip so much fun and an overall amazing experience and putting everyone at ease.

We started our journey from Marrakesh and travelled high up the Atlas Mountains. We stopped in the local village of Imil, grabbed our backpack and hiked an hour to the top to the village of Aroumd. It was so different to seeing the usual touristy destinations and getting to experience real local life and the real Berber culture and way of life. Kids were happily playing hopscotch in the streets with big smiling faces, and not a phone or tablet in sight. We stayed in a local Gite which was a family home, and we were welcomed with a tasty home cooked meal. It was a privilege to be invited into their family.

We then travelled to Ait Bennhadou which is on the edge of the Sahara. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory, and slaves. The town is known for many film sets, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. We travelled through the beautiful Draa Valley to Zagora and then onwards to M’Hamid where we were met by 4x4’s to take us on a thrilling and fun adventure through the sand dunes in the desert. We then met our camels for our 1 hour Trek through the Sahara to our camp for the night.

We arrived at our Sahara camp which was just amazing. It was more than I imagined - we had our own tents already set up and a campfire to sit out at and gaze at the amazing starry sky. Our camp Chef cooked us up a tasty Moroccan feast. We hiked up to the highest sand dune to take in the stunning Sahara sunset, and at that point I thought to myself, I am so high up and have full view of the Sahara, I've done it! I never thought I would, so I was proud. It was such an amazing feeling and a view I will never ever forget.

The next morning our camp leaders took us to see sunrise before we headed for the small market town of Oulad Berhil stopping to see the goats climbing trees searching for nuts. Our final stop before going back to Marrakesh was in the beautiful colourful fishing town of Essaouira. It is such a pretty town full of culture, beautiful art galleries, shops to explore and also great nightlife and restaurants.

I would recommend adding an extra day in Marrakesh which gives you the opportunity to visit the Medinas and all the historic sights. You will get great bargains which makes perfect gifts to bring home.

A small group adventure is a perfect way to explore a new country, meet new friends and tick off that bucket list destination. Whether you are a solo traveller or going with friends or family there is an adventure out there to suit everybody.

If you are looking to plan your next adventure get in touch. I would be so excited to help you plan your next bucket list adventure!