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Marrakech medinas, High Atlas villages, and Sahara dunes
DAYS /
7
NIGHTS
Start in Marrakech’s old medina, cook with a private chef near Tahenouat, trek to Aroumd in the High Atlas, cross kasbah country, and ride camels into Erg Chebbi for a night in the Sahara.
Most people book this trip solo — small groups of like-minded 21–35s mean connection happens fast. No third-wheeling, no FOMO.
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and be ready by 4:00 pm for included group transportation to your riad in the medina.
Arriving a few hours earlier is recommended.
The trip ends back in Marrakech. Hotel checkout is at 11:00 am, and you can depart any time on Day 8.
Airport transportation is not included.
Expect 3–4 active hours on most days, including a trek to Aroumd while carrying an overnight bag, village walks, a short walk through Todra Gorge, and two 45–60 minute camel rides in the desert. Long drive days are part of the trip.
You’ll get a free afternoon in Marrakech, flexible time in Ouarzazate, and a final morning back in the city, but most days balance road travel with guided walks and set activities.
This isn’t a one-hotel trip, but Marrakech is the anchor, with riad nights in the medina before and after your loop through the High Atlas, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, and Merzouga.
Expect a small group, usually 8–14 travelers. It’s a good size for riads, family-run guesthouses, and the long road days across southern Morocco.
Welcome to Morocco! Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and take included transportation to your beautiful riad, a traditional Moroccan home converted into a guesthouse, in the heart of the old medina.
Later this afternoon, go for an orientation walk in the old narrow streets of the medina. Then head to the great square of Jemaa el Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. Henna painters, performers, and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies.
Enjoy the local cuisine during the opening dinner with your group.
After breakfast, start your morning with a guided walking tour of Marrakech. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Bahia Palace and the Photography Museum.
After lunch, the rest of the day is free to explore or shop in the bazaar. Visit the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle or check out the ruins of the Palais Badi, once one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.
This evening enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Moroccan family in their house in the old medina.
Visit Majorelle Gardens or the Palais Badi.
The afternoon is free to explore the medina, shop the bazaar, or wander on your own.
Today, make your way to the High Atlas Mountains with a stop in the town of Tahenouat. Experience Moroccan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class led by a private chef.
In the afternoon, hit the road to Imlil and hike to the village of Aroumd, which offers incredible views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture.
Spend the night in a family-run mountain guesthouse where you will enjoy a traditional dinner.
Enjoy breakfast, complete with a bread cooking demonstration, before taking an early morning walk around the village.
Spend the rest of the day in Ouarzazate, considered Morocco's little Hollywood. Take the opportunity to visit the Kasbah Taourirt or the film studios.
Round off the day by relaxing at your hotel and enjoying dinner with your group.
Visit Kasbah Taourirt or Ouarzazate’s film studios.
Spend time in Ouarzazate your way before dinner—explore the city or relax at the hotel.
Today, you will go to the desert of Merzouga, passing through Agdz, and the village of Nkob. You will see the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the world's iconic landscapes, with towering dunes nearly 500 feet (150 meters).
Upon arrival, drop off your luggage at camp and ride camels to the edge of the Sahara Desert, enjoying a spectacular sunset along the way.
Camp in a traditional desert camp and have the chance to try some local cuisine. Sit around an open fire, enjoy live music, and dance under the stars.
Wake up early and enjoy another camel ride to experience the sunrise across the desert.
After breakfast, drive to Todra Gorge through Dades, a massive trench that rises over 800 feet to form one of Morocco's most dramatic and spectacular natural sights. Upon arrival, stretch your legs and take a short walk through the canyon.
Continue your adventure by driving on the famous ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’ where you’ll stop at Skoura Oasis and Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco's most iconic sites, where the movies Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator were filmed.
Start your morning with a walk through the streets of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, making your way up to a beautiful hilltop view of the surrounding plains.
Head back to Marrakech passing through the beautiful High Atlas Mountains again. After relaxing at your riad in Marrakech, head out for your final dinner at a local restaurant in the medina.
Back in Marrakech, you’ll have time to relax at the riad before the final dinner.
On the final day of our Moroccan adventure, wake up early to soak in the last morning in Marrakech together.
Enjoy some free time to explore the town or opt for an unforgettable hot air balloon experience overlooking the city of Marrakech.
Ask your Trip Leaders for suggestions if you choose to spend more time in Marrakech.
Hot air balloon ride over Marrakech.
Use your final morning for one more look around Marrakech before heading home.
Expect simple shared stays in riads, guesthouses, hotels, and one tented desert camp night. The Atlas guesthouse is a rustic family home, room sizes and amenities vary, and the Sahara camp has mattresses in tents with shared public bathrooms.
Shared rooms are standard; solo travelers are paired with a same-gender roommate, and private rooms are limited for an extra charge.
Plans change—switch to another trip free if you let us know 30+ days before departure.
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Small enough that you'll know everyone's name by day two. Not a 40-person coach where you're a wristband.
Locally-owned places with character and comfort — not a bunk in a 12-bed dorm. Where you sleep is part of the trip.
We guide the big moments and leave the rest open. No 6am wake-up calls to tick boxes you didn't ask for.
Hotels, activities, ground transport, your leader, and taxes — included. No hidden fees stacking up after you book.
I just returned from an unforgettable journey through Morocco, and I can confidently say it was a trip of a lifetime. From Tangier to the serene landscapes of the Sahara and the markets of Marrakech every moment was magical. Our trip leader, Youssef B., was absolutely fantastic. His deep knowledge of Moroccan culture and history brought every experience to life. He was not only organized and attentive but also made sure everyone felt included and engaged. His passion for his country was infectious, and he went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. Traveling with a wonderful group added to the joy of the trip. We shared laughter, stories, and countless adventures, creating bonds that will last well beyond our time in Morocco.
Morocco extended trip was 10/10! I don’t have a bad thing to say about it. This was my first group travel experience and it definitely won’t be my last! Our trip guide, Hamza, made the trip incredible and so much fun! Couldn’t have asked for a better guide or better people to travel with. Can’t wait for my next U30X trip!
I had an affordable trip of a lifetime thanks to U30X, made new great friends, and joined an expansive and powerful alumni network.
Every departure is led by a dedicated U30X Trip Leader who handles the logistics, brings the group together from day one, and works alongside our trusted local guides on the ground.
"My job is to make sure you never feel lost — and never feel like you're traveling alone."
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Vetted partners, trusted accommodations, and a leader who's done this before.
The community starts the day you book — not the day you land. By the time you're at the airport, these are already people you've been talking to for weeks.
What optional activities are available?
Optional Activities in Marrakech
Do I need a visa?
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.
Is this trip for me?
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.
Have a question that's not on this list?
Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at info@under30experiences.com or by messaging on WhatsApp +1 (888) 959-4436.
Do you have last-minute deals?
Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program, last-minute slots open up on sold-out trips.
Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals.
Sign up to the list to be notified.
I see there is an included camel ride as part of the Sahara Desert experience. Can you explain more?
Yes, this experience is typically a highlight of the trip. Each traveler will have their own camel and a local guide to walk alongside of you while riding the camel. Expect to be on top of the camel for approximately 45-60 minutes. At around the halfway point, you will stop to get off the camel and be given the option to walk up a nearby dune to watch either the sun rise or the sun set.
Travelers who are not comfortable riding a camel, may walk alongside the group with our Trip Leader at a safe distance and can still interact with the camels under proper guidance.
Please note that we have vetted our vendor who operates this riding experience. Through our vetting process we have not learned of any mistreatment or wrongful doing towards the animals. If our Trip Leaders observe any wrong doing during the experience, they notify our team immediately. If at anytime a situation comes up that is deemed unsafe, our Trip Leaders have the authority to stop the ride.
Additionally, there is a weight limit of 280 lbs. (130 kilograms) to participate in the activity.
Can I bring a drone on my Morocco trip?
No. 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.
Can I drink the water in Morocco?
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. Bottled water is widely available in Morocco. Don’t forget to pack motion sickness tablets and diarrhea blockers in your first aid kit.
Can we use credit cards in Morocco?
Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, smaller vendors and market stalls often only accept cash.
Is there laundry available?
Though laundry is available in most hotels for an additional cost, due to the nature of this itinerary, you may not have time to use these services.
You will be moving from one accommodation to another each night, except for the first two nights in Marrakech.
What do I need to pack?
Check out the full Morocco packing guide.
What type of luggage is best?
The lighter the better! If you only have a rolling suitcase that will work, but if you can get your hands on a more mobile bag, like a large backpack, that would be better. We take all forms of transportation and some accommodations don’t have elevators. You'll also want a daypack for your personal gear, food, and drinks for the day.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
Early spring and autumn are probably the best time to visit Morocco and especially the Sahara desert as temperatures are more pleasant. Whatever time you decide to travel to the Sahara, be sure to pack extra layers to protect your skin and face from the sun and the sand. Temperatures can drop significantly, even in the warmer months, and layers will also help to keep you warm.
What types of transportation will we be using?
You’ll be in private, comfortable, and air-conditioned vehicles throughout your entire trip.
Can I opt-out of an included activity?
Of course! This is your trip, and you don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to. We can also help you set up other optional activities if you'd rather do that.
Please be aware that opting out of included activities will not change the price of your trip.
What is the physical level of this Morocco trip?
Moderate: This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities.
Participants should expect to be active 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful though not required to enjoy the trip.
What is a riad?
A traditional Moroccan riad is a home with multiple stories that centers around an open-air courtyard that contains a fountain. Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens, merchants, and courtiers. The building is in the shape of a rectangle with different rooms on each of the four sides.
In the modern era, most riads have been converted to boutique hotels and guesthouses.
What are the accommodations like?
You will be staying in hotels, riads, guesthouses, and a desert camp.
Accommodations are double occupancy. Solo travelers will be paired with someone of the same gender.
You can request a friend to be your roommate upon checkout. If you'd prefer not to have a roommate, private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge. Please contact bookings@under30experiences.com for more details.
Will my dietary restrictions be able to be accommodated?
Vegetarian meals are quite limited to vegetarian couscous and tagine or omelets. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets.
What type of food will we be eating?
Breakfasts will be served at your hotel. Dinners are enjoyed in local restaurants or directly at your hotel or guesthouse.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Sample Dinner Menu:
Vegetarian meals are quite limited to vegetarian couscous and tagine or omelettes. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets.
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Some meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.
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