Welcome to Morocco!
Experience the desert, mountains, small villages, and big cities of this North African country as you explore Morocco like a local.
Meander through colorful bazaars, snack on Moroccan delicacies, and stroll through tranquil courtyards. Trek to a remote village in the High Atlas mountains and embrace the Berber culture at an authentic homestay. Ride a camel to the edge of the Sahara Desert and camp for night under the stars.
Your Moroccan experience will take you from the former imperial city of Marrakech to the caramel-colored oasis town of Ouarzazate. Along your journey you will be stopping at tiny villages and taking in marvelous vistas of Morocco’s magnificent landscapes.
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Start: Please be ready to go at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) at 4:00 p.m.
This will ensure included transportation:.
Finish: Trip ends in Marrakech. Transportation to the airport is not included.
Hotel checkout is at 11:00 a.m, and you can depart at any time on Day 8.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration–-please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Marrakech.
Optional activities are not included.
If you’re interested in getting a taste of the local Moroccan life, then this trip is definitely for you! Your Trip Leader will show you local secrets and take you to places locals love to go.
There will be days with long drive times throughout this trip. These longer drives will be broken up with stops at villages, giving you a chance to experience rural Moroccan cultures.
This trip will have a good mix of guided activities as well as free time, allowing you to get the best of both worlds–somebody to show you around each location and the freedom and flexibility to enjoy each city the way you choose.
Alcohol sales are limited on this trip. Morocco has a cafe culture that focuses on tea and coffee. Public consumption of alcohol is not common. If you are looking for a trip with lots of nightlife options, our Morocco experience is not for you.
Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 8-14
-Physical rating: Moderate. You will trek to a remote mountain village carrying an overnight bag, not your main luggage. There will be two camel rides during your stay in the desert.
Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
You will be traveling by private, locally-owned, ground transportation. There will be early departures on some days in order to optimize time.
Please note that there are long drives on this trip. However, these will be broken up with stops in tiny villages and small walks.
Taxis and other public transportation are not included unless specified on the itinerary.
You will be staying in shared rooms in riads, desert camp, and guesthouses for the duration of your trip.
Please be aware that rooms and service in Morocco can differ to Western standards. Some hotels provide air-conditioning but it doesn’t always function. For hotels that do not have air-conditioning, a fan will be available.
You will be spending one night in a tent in a desert camp though there will be mattresses to sleep on. There will be public bathrooms for use at camp.
Laundry is available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality. Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender. Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of our every Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.
Please be eco-friendly!
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.
The weather in the High Atlas Mountains and in the Sahara can get chilly. Please bring a warm sweater and a winter cap.
Please bring a universal power adaptor as the outlets are not the same as in the US.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON DRESS ATTIRE: Respect local dress codes and customs, perhaps dressing more conservatively than you do at home.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Important Note about Drones: Private use of drones is strictly forbidden in Morocco. Individuals found in possession of a drone in Morocco should be prepared for confiscation, coupled with a fine of over 100 USD.
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
We recommend you don't drink tap water in Morocco, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors, drinking the tap water can result in illness. Bottled water is widely available and your Leader can recommend safe alternatives when available. Water consumption should be about two to three litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are recommended for you to pack in your personal first aid kit.
Please be aware that the desert sand and dust can bring on bouts of asthma. If you suffer from asthma, even occasionally, we recommend having your medication with you at all times as Trip Leaders cannot administer any medication from their own personal supply and it may not be readily available while you are traveling.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Morocco from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers.
More specific health information for travelers to Morocco can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
We suggest bringing 350 USD in cash to be used in establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency in Morocco is the Dirham (MAD).
ATMs and exchange bureaus are available in Marrakech. Although you can withdraw cash from any ATM, it's a good idea to come with some local currency just in case. Exchanging money in the High Atlas Mountains is very limited.
Local restaurants, markets and hotels will only accept cash as payment. Please make sure you only use banks, licensed money exchangers or hotels. We also suggest you keep your receipts.
Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
While the risk of an incident occurring on your trip is very low, below are some things you can do for your safety and peace of mind when travelling:
US Citizens please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of an emergency.
The weather in Morocco can be extreme. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those who are not used to the heat. Not all hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do, it's not always functioning. A hat is essential.
Nighttime temperature can drop to below freezing in the High Atlas Mountains and can be chilly in the Sahara Desert. Please pack warmer clothes and a winter cap for these nights.
To respect local dress codes and customs, we recommend dressing more conservatively than you do at home.
Tipping
It is appropriate to leave a tip in Morocco if you’re happy with the services provided.
You will be asked to contribute to a Tip Kitty (approximately 20 USD each) to ensure local guides, accommodation staff, and restaurant servers receive tips for their service.
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants: leave the loose change. For up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip, you may at times have a local guide in addition to your Under30Experiences Trip Leader. We suggest 3 USD per person per day for local guides.
Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however 10 MAD per person per day is generally appropriate.
Trip Leader: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.
Mint Tea
Mint tea is the hallmark of Moroccan hospitality, and it's a sit-down affair that takes around half an hour. If you have the honor of pouring the tea, pour the first cup back into the teapot to help cool it and dissolve the sugar. Starting from your right, pour each cup of tea to the people in your group.
Alcohol
Morocco has a cafe culture rather than a drinking culture. Alcohol is available in big cities and in areas that cater to tourists. Please be advised that drinking alcohol in public is frowned upon and extremely disrespectful if practiced near a mosque.
Key Phrases in Morocco:
Optional Activities in Marrakech
Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech, and is grounds for immediate removal!
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Always do your best to ensure your own safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits in every situation, whether it is physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
Recommended hotels in Marrakech
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