Camels, Ready For Our Trek Into The Desert

CASABLANCA to MARRAKECH (8 days) Moroccan Highlights

Small Group Adventure

Moroccan Highlights

Countries Visited: Morocco

Visit the 4 majestic Imperial Cities in 1 week, including an authentic night in a Berber camp in the Desert. From the dye pits and tanneries of Fes, the UNESCO listed Roman ruins of Volubilis with it's beautiful mosaics to the stunning Todra Gorge and the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This trip provides a great overview of Morocco. This trip is run in conjunction with a local operator.

Route Map

CASABLANCA to MARRAKECH (8 days) Moroccan Highlights
Click map to enlarge

Highlights

  • A guided tour of Rabat's monuments and historical sites, including Oudaia Kasbah and Hassan Tower
  • Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
  • Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the ancient walled city of Fez
  • Enjoy a traditional meal and entertainment, with belly dancing and magicians!
  • Experience the stillness and immensity of the Sahara Desert
  • Spend the night in a traditional berber camp enjoying local food, music and an amazing night out under the stars!
  • Hike through Todra Gorge - known as Morocco's Grand Canyon
  • View the rugged landscape around Ouarzazate, the perfect backdrop for films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Gladiator'
  • Explore the city of 'Yunkai' featuring in the Game of Thrones - better known as Aït Benhaddou
  • Soak up the energy of Djemaa el Fna Square filled with its snake charmers, buskers and story tellers

Includes

  • Accommodation - 6 nights in 3/4* (shared rooms) + 1 night desert Camp
  • Arrival Transfer from Casablanca Airport included on Day 1 (or if pre-trip accommodation is booked directly with Oasis for our joining hotel)
  • 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners including a Berber camp dinner
  • Transport in 4x4 Land Cruiser or Minivan
  • Guided tours of Rabat, Fes, Volubillis & Ait Benhaddou
  • Services of 1 or 2 person crew (Tour Leader & Driver)
  • Desert camel trek

Excludes

  • Visas
  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tipping kitty $50 USD - for hotel porters, hotel waiters, local guides used for City tours, airport drivers, Berber camel herders, restaurant tips & Tour driver
  • The tipping kitty does not cover your Nomadic guide, so please feel free to offer a tip at the end of the tour if you are happy with the service provided
  • Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
  • Drinks
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Spending money
  • Entrance to Casablanca Mosque

Trip Itinerary

Welcome to Morocco! Following your transfer from the airport to our joining hotel you can relax by the hotel pool before the pre-departure meeting at 18.00 where you will meet your fellow travellers. Overnight Casablanca. (Dinner)

We recommend arriving a day before or early in the morning so you are able to join the group who started in Marrakech and visit the Hassan II Mosque in the afternoon. This is the only mosque in Morocco (that we know of) which allows non-muslims to enter.

Overnight: Diwan Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast before we set off on our travels to the capital Rabat. We have a guided tour of the city were we will be visiting the Oudaia Kasbah in the oldest part of the city and we have the opportunity to see the Hassan Tower Rabat’s most famous landmark, the Royal Palace and Chellah are also a must see whilst we are here. We continue our journey through to Fes after a lunch stop in Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. After Lunch we move on to the Roman settlement of Volubilis for a guided tour, it is the largest ancient site in Morocco and is a UNESCO listed site dating back to AD 40. We then move on to Fes tonight. (Breakfast).

Overnight: Hotel Arena (or similar)

Today we take the guided tour of Fes.  Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. Its medina, home to 400.000 inhabitants, with only donkeys and bikes as a means of transportation, is a heady mix of aromas, sights and sounds. There are plenty of mosques and palaces to visit, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco. After exploring the dye-pits, tanneries, pharmacy, pottery and restaurants, we return to our hotel to freshen up for tonight, where we have the chance of an optional traditional meal and entertainment in the city with live Moroccan entertainment including traditional music, belly dancing and magicians. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Hotel Arena (or similar)

Today we enjoy a stunning drive and you have the opportunity to have a fantastic Moroccan lunch (optional) and an afternoon relaxing and swimming (except in Winter months). It is then time to head towards the great desert and Merzouga, where we transfer to camels for a trek into the Sahara Desert for a night at our authentic Berber Camp.

We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night out under the Saharan stars. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Overnight: Auberge La Caravane (or similar)

Leaving the desert, we move on to Todra Gorge. This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is also called Morocco’s Grand Canyon. We will stop at a Berber co-operative where you can see and buy authentic, Berber handmade rugs, kilims and carpets. The afternoon can be spent exploring the Gorge, walking through the Palmerie or trying our optional activity of Rock Climbing. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Overnight: Hotel Amazir (or similar)

We must bid fond farewell to Todra this morning en-route to Ait Benhaddou via Ouarzazate. We will stop for lunch along the way and have a chance for an optional tour of the Film studios in Ouarzazate, famous for films such as Gladiators, The Last Temptation of Christ and the Living Daylights. On a hill along the Ouarzazate River we find Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which boasts great examples of Kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. This afternoon we have a guided tour of the famous Kasbah and village. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Overnight: La Rose Du Sable (or similar)

We traverse the High Atlas today enjoying stunning views en-route to Marrakech. It is possible to join an otional guided tour of the city this afternoon. Marrakech set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Its great pride and landmark is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Seville. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the city’s UNESCO-listed medina & Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place.

The rest of the afternoon you have free time to relax by the pool or do a little shopping for souvenirs before we meet for the last group evening meal. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Overnight: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)

Your adventure tour ends after breakfast. For those flying out of Marrakech on this day you can arrange airport transfers with your guide, and these can be booked any time for this day – there is luggage storage at the hotel should you need to check out before your go to the airport. Additional nights in Marrakech can also be booked upon request, please contact us for details. (Breakfast)

Please note - This trip is run in conjunction with a local operator.


Trip Joining Point: Diwan Hotel - Casablanca

Start Time Day 1: 18:00

Address: 31 Bd Hassan Seghir, Casablanca 20000, Morocco

Website: https://www.hoteldiwancasablanca.com/  

All prices listed are approximate and subject to limited availability.

Room Type Price Description
Single £90.00 Per Room, en-suite
Double/Twin    £130.00    Per Room, en-suite

The trip starts from the Diwan Hotel at approximately 6pm on the evening of Day 1 of your trip. 

PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

You can pre-book accommodation and airport transfers through us. We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight. Please book this service as soon as you have booked your flight and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure, after which a late booking fee may apply. If you have booked through a travel agent, please contact them to request pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers.

Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability, where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be twin/triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability.

If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times (usually 1pm to 2pm).

AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

Airport Arrival Transfers are included in the cost of your adventure (provided you request these via the UK office or your account six weeks before your departure). 

On arrival into Casablanca airport you will be met by a representative holding a sign with your name on it. Please note they will be waiting just outside the airport terminal building due to rules at the airport – please look out for them and introduce yourself.  You can purchase Morocco Dirham at the airport Forex Bureau or ATM but this can also be done easily at your Hotel or from ATMs near the Hotel.

If your flight is delayed by more than 2 hours before departure - or - if after arriving in Casablanca Airport you cannot find your airport transfer please call Brahim (Morocco Tour Manager) +212 (0) 661 252 381 - Emergency number.

Day 1 of your trip is an arrivals day, there will be a pre-departure meeting in the starting hotel this evening, usually around 6:00pm. There will be a notice in reception advising the exact time and here your crew will explain how the day to day running of the trip works. Your Tour Leader will collect your Tipping Kittya photocopy of your passport information pageinsurance policy details with policy number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. It is essential that you attend this meeting - please let the UK office or your tour leader know if you are unable to do so.

Post-trip accommodation can be requested and booked by the Oasis Office before your trip commences, please email africa@oasisoverland.co.uk. Airport transfers can be arranged with your tour leader on Day 1 or directly with the hotel on arrival if your trip finishes at the same hotel.

Day 1 in your departure city, is an arrivals day. For your convenience we would advise that you arrive at the latest, on the afternoon of this day. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities.

Departing flights: we recommend not to book a flight departing before midday on your last day of the trip.

There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.uk flights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. Please inform us of your flight details through your online account, as airport transfers can be arranged for various trips.

One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you  have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your trip finishes. This is a general requirement for all of the countries we travel to on our trips.

If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.

Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader.

The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.

For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com

Morocco

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Morocco. 

South African passport holders require a visa in advance to enter Morocco. This needs to be obtained through a Moroccan embassy or consulate in your home country, before beginning the trip. Please contact your nearest High Commission to find out more.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travellers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti- malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at www.nomadtravel.co.ukAlternatively you can check out the fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.

Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred.

You will be asked to provide the following details if you have not already done so: travel insurance company name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip.  It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies. Please note also that many of the areas we visit are not as developed as the UK and we have no control over the availability or standard of medical and repatriation services and facilities in the areas we visit and these do not form any part of our contract with you.

You should also note that passenger liability insurance covering vehicles, particularly in Third World countries, may be unavailable or inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover makes sufficient provision for you and your dependents in the event of an accident.  

We are happy to refer our UK based travellers to the travel insurance specialists Campbell Irvine who have a policy suitable for overlanding which covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.

Please be aware that most travel insurance policies will not cover you if you are visiting areas against government travel advice.  If your trip will go through areas like this (for example, some of our Trans Africa routes through West Africa) then you may need to look at an alternative policy for these sections, for example Battleface or SafetyWing.

For further information, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website. 

Spending Money

From past trips and travellers feedback £20 to £30 per day per person, should cover costs such as meals not included, soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities separately (see optional excursions page). Please note that Moroccan Dirham's (MAD) cannot be obtained outside of Morocco. Please bring cash in Euros / GBP£ / US$ to exchange once in Morocco or use the ATM's in the main cities. 

Changing money

Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureaus. It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.

Credit & Debit Cards

A combination of several types are suggested as not all types are accepted in all places. Visa & Maestro are best, MasterCard has limited access through parts of Morocco, but is generally accepted in ATMs. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card. Commission rates vary between 2 to 5%.

Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards 

These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip and easier to use than travellers cheques, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip - (please refer to the ATM section). Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision.

ATMs

These are available in most major cities along our route and allow you to withdraw local currency only. We discourage you from relying on your ATM card as a primary source of funds in case it is lost/stolen/swallowed, or the machine isn't working. Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.

Tipping

Is usually expected & is a way of life in the region. Sometimes referred to as 'baksheesh' it is often more than a reward for services well done, but as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. To avoid embarrassment and save you money, your guide will operate a tipping kitty and tip everyone from waiters, hotel staff (including cleaners), drivers and local guides on your behalf. You will be asked for your tipping kitty contribution at the welcome meeting. The tipping kitty amount for your trip can be found on the front page of your pre-departure information and the trip page on our website.

In the past we have been asked for guidance for the tipping of your Tour Leader (who is not covered by the tipping kitty). While this is always your own personal choice, previous travellers feedback has suggested an approximate amount of £1 to £2 per person per day for the trip. Please remember that tipping and the amount you tip is entirely up to you individually and is always your choice.

Morocco makes for a good destination all year round. Daily sunshine ranges from 13 hours in the desert to 9 and 10 on the Atlantic coast. In the winter, you will see up to 6 hours in the North, increasing to 7 or 8 as you move south.

The north coast and the Rif mountains have a Mediterranean style climate: hot and generally continuous sunshine between May and September, interspersed with rainy periods for the rest of the year. The Atlantic coast sees most rain, with the heaviest falls in winter. The coast is very mild in winter, and avoids the snow that can be seen throughout the year on the peaks of the Atlas mountains. The night time temperatures up in the Atlas mountains are likely to be very cold. We would advise thermal layers at night-time and a good 4 season sleeping bag. We can experience rain on our Sept. and May departures-although it is more likely for Sept. View Moroccan Climate Chart

Equipment

Toiletries - Most available to buy   on trip

  • Sleeping Bag - recommended for trips departing Nov-April
  • Sleep Sheet
  • Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items
  • Soft rucksack, holdall or suitcase
  • Water bottle - for personal use - we recommend Water-to-Go (see below Responsible Travel)
  • Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser
  • Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses
  • Tampons (can buy in most places)
  • Contraception

Clothes

Personal Effects

  • One pair of trainers or boots
  • Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs
  • Underwear/socks
  • T shirts/shirts
  • Shorts/swimwear
  • Jeans/trousers/jog pants/leggings
  • Skirt or dress
  • Sweat shirt/jumper
  • Jacket/fleece & waterproof jacket
  • Camera with protective case, spare batteries, film/memory card
  • Torch and spare batteries (head torch is best)
  • Travel adaptor plug/charger (for cameras and mobile phone batteries)
  • Money belt
  • Personal stereo - iPod/MP3 etc
  • Towel and/or sarong

Recommended Medical Kit List

  • Antiseptic ointment/Antihistamine cream & tablets
  • Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer
  • Eye-drops/bath
  • Anti-diarrhoea treatment
  • A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular)
  • Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc
  • Insect repellent containing Deet
  • Re-hydration sachets/vitamin tablets
  • Assorted plasters
  • Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery
  • We advise you to bring a small personal medical kit for general everyday use, as well as any personal over-the-counter medicines that you may wish to keep with you. Our guides are familiar with the nearest pharmacies, doctors and hospitals throughout the trip if you need to seek medical attention. It will be your own responsibility to carry your medical kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.

Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras) - An easy to use 'point and press' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip! Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/internet sites - but don't rely on it.

Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.

Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. As with cameras, use your common sense if you do use a drone and avoid operation in sensitive areas. If you plan to bring a drone on your trip with us please contact us first to ensure there will be a suitable place to store it while on your trip.

Electrical charging & power supply - It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must. Log onto www.whatplug.net for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.

The internet and WiFi are available in many towns / cities you will visit. Do bear in mind that the connections can be unreliable and will not always be as fast as you are used to at home.  If a lot of people try to use the internet at the same time the speed will be slower still, especially if trying to make Skype calls or upload photos / videos.  During periods of the trip where we are wild camping, internet will be less common.

Some travellers choose to take an unlocked mobile phone with them and buy local SIM cards in each country, allowing them to use mobile data.  If you particularly want or need regular internet access this may be a good option. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call.

Online Diaries - A great variety of free "travel blogs" are now available online, they are a good way of keeping relatives and friend up to date with what you are doing and a good place to upload photos, collecting messages as well as keeping a record for yourself.

Before you go


  • Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched or non existent in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.
  • Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.
  • Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.
  • Why not pack some pens/pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away. You can also purchase these items cheaply, locally which will help local businesses.
  • Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip. We carry large quantities of purified water with us on our Expedition vehicles and it is much better for the environment if you drink this, rather than purchase bottled water along the way. (It also saves you money).
  • Water-to-Go: Oasis Overland have partnered with Water-to-Go to help reduce the number of plastic water bottles consumed during a trip. Water-to-Go is a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source. Click here and enter the code OASIS15 to purchase your Water-to-Go products at 15% discount. Water-to-Go will then donate a further 15% to Oasis Overland Charity projects.

While you're travelling

From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.


  • Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit. On all our Ultimate and Overland Expeditions we carry large quantities of purified water with us. We encourage you to refill your own water bottles from this supply, rather than purchase bottled water along the way-much more environmentally friendly and saves you money!
  • Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.
  • Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.
  • Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.
  • Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you & don't worry about what someone else has paid.
  • Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.
  • Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.
  • Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and make sure it is never near, (at least 30m) a water source.
  • When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.
  • Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.
  • Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.
  • Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the areas and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.
  • For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Community Projects - As part of your booking a donation is made to the Ait Ouham Association for Development, a local organisation set up by our own Moroccan Guide in his home valley in the Atlas Mountains. It seeks to improve lives through education, setting up co-operatives and providing basic facilities such as tap water to homes in the area.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offer country-specific advice, regarding not only security but also entry regulations, local laws and customs and health. We strongly recommend all travellers visit the FCO website, or the equivalent in their home country, to familiarise themselves with local conditions and issues in the countries they plan to visit before committing to a trip with us. You can view their website here.

If you have any questions at all about the safety or security of your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your trip in more detail.

In cities - All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities) and sensible precautions need to be taken.  Wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you.  Leave valuables such as passports and excess money in your hotel safe (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful and we would suggest that it is safer to be in a group.

Oasis does not take responsibility for clients' personal items and we advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey.


You will be travelling within a group size ranging from 2-16 people, so come with an open mind and ready to make new friends! You will be accompanied on your adventure with an experienced Local English speaking guide. They are knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of Morocco.

Accommodation & Transport 

Transport is by minivan, 4x4 Land Cruiser and Camel! Accommodation is in shared rooms (between 2 people of the same sex from your trip unless you are a couple). We use basic 3 star hotels along with a night camping in a traditional Berber camp in the Desert. Some hotels even have swimming pools and sun-lounge areas. In some hotels you may be able to upgrade to a single room (at your own expense).  Temperatures in Morocco are generally high, particularly during the summer months from May to September, so take sunscreen. However in winter temperatures can drop right down in the evenings, but as long as you bring some warm clothing and a sleeping bag for this night in the desert then you should be more than comfortable.

Altitude

For most tours you do not exceed any altitude that would cause ill effects. However for the Berber Migration in the High Atlas which has an altitude of over 3,000 and is therefore defined as a high altitude area then there are different guidelines as exposure to these heights can cause the onset of altitude sickness. This form of sickness which is the biggest health risk for trekkers can cause people to experience differing degrees of symptoms, which include, headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath. However our treks are designed to ensure there is plenty of time for adequate acclimatisation and cases of mountain sickness are rare. If you do suffer though symptoms will usually decrease in severity during acclimatisation. Throughout the trek it is therefore important to drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of carbohydrate food as well to keep the body properly hydrated and finally and most critically please report any symptoms of altitude sickness immediately to your guide.

Vegetarians / Vegans / Coeliac / Gluten & Lactose intolerance

Our Tour Leaders will always do their best to cater for any dietary requirement or intolerance whenever possible. However we don't cater for fussy eaters. It must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require in your diet or because of an allergy or would miss from home, it would be best to bring these with you. Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels sometimes being vegetarian or food allergies / intolerances are still not widely known about or understood by many local people. i.e. Vegetarians or Vegans will often be offered fish or chicken in error. Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice but please be aware that it will probably not be as varied as you are used to when eating out at home.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy Islamic month during which Muslims fast during the day and is based on Lunar months. No food or liquid is allowed to pass a person's lips during daylight hours. Tourists are not expected to fast during this time, but are expected to show respect, by not eating on the streets or in public view etc. Be aware some shops and historical sites may adjust opening times, but this should not significantly affect our itinerary. Hotels and western style pubs we use normally continue to sell alcohol during Ramadan, but general availability may be limited.

People in some regions are generally conservative, especially about matters concerning sex and women. Muslim countries simply are not the place to make a feminist statement. Attitudes range from fairly liberal to fairly conservative in some of the small towns we may pass through. If you are not prepared to fit in with the social code of the area you may be harassed.


Optional Excursions are paid for on the day and organised during your trip, so you can decide whilst travelling which activity you may want to do. Prices listed are only a guide and may be dependant on fluctuating exchange rates and minimum numbers. Please see below for more details.

 

Morocco

Title From Price
Dinner and Moroccan Entertainment in Fez US$26
Marrakech Walking Tour US$10
Ouarzazate Movie Studio visit US$9
Rock Climbing Todra Gorge (min age 16), from US$29
Hammam - Moroccan Bath House US$16
Hassan II Mosque entry US$11
Quad Biking 2 hours - Ouarzazate, from US$50

We feel that having optional excursions gives a greater degree of flexibility and independence to our group members; independence to decide how much your spending budget can afford; flexibility to decide when and what time of day or with whom to visit a particular site, rather than for example, with the whole group at a pre-ordained time. If you decide not to join a popular excursion, you will have free time to relax or wander off to a market, village or beach, depending on where we are.

You pay for the optional excursions to the local operator, ensuring the money stays with that operator in the local community and this ensures as well, that you are paying the true price for any optional excursions you want to do. This also applies to accommodation costs before and after the trip. Please note that the prices of optional excursions quoted are approximate as local prices can and do change. Please see the relevant trip page for the Optional excursions you can do on that trip and a list of prices.


If you have more time to travel then why not consider MARRAKECH to MARRAKECH (9 days) Moroccan Circuit

2024

Start Finish Special Events Trip Price  
Sun 31 Mar Sun 07 Apr Dates: Sun 31 Mar - Sun 07 Apr
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 14 Apr Sun 21 Apr Dates: Sun 14 Apr - Sun 21 Apr
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 28 Apr Sun 05 May Dates: Sun 28 Apr - Sun 05 May
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 12 May Sun 19 May Dates: Sun 12 May - Sun 19 May
Special Events: Adult Price: £699 Book
Sun 26 May Sun 02 Jun Dates: Sun 26 May - Sun 02 Jun
Special Events: Adult Price: £699 Book
Sun 09 Jun Sun 16 Jun Dates: Sun 09 Jun - Sun 16 Jun
Special Events: Adult Price: £699 Book
Sun 23 Jun Sun 30 Jun Dates: Sun 23 Jun - Sun 30 Jun
Special Events: Adult Price: £699 Book
Sun 07 Jul Sun 14 Jul Dates: Sun 07 Jul - Sun 14 Jul
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 21 Jul Sun 28 Jul Dates: Sun 21 Jul - Sun 28 Jul
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 04 Aug Sun 11 Aug Dates: Sun 04 Aug - Sun 11 Aug
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 18 Aug Sun 25 Aug Dates: Sun 18 Aug - Sun 25 Aug
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 01 Sep Sun 08 Sep Dates: Sun 01 Sep - Sun 08 Sep
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 15 Sep Sun 22 Sep Dates: Sun 15 Sep - Sun 22 Sep
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 29 Sep Sun 06 Oct Dates: Sun 29 Sep - Sun 06 Oct
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 13 Oct Sun 20 Oct Dates: Sun 13 Oct - Sun 20 Oct
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 27 Oct Sun 03 Nov Dates: Sun 27 Oct - Sun 03 Nov
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 10 Nov Sun 17 Nov Dates: Sun 10 Nov - Sun 17 Nov
Special Events: Adult Price: £699 Book
Sun 24 Nov Sun 01 Dec Dates: Sun 24 Nov - Sun 01 Dec
Special Events: Adult Price: £699 Book
Sun 01 Dec Sun 08 Dec Dates: Sun 01 Dec - Sun 08 Dec
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book
Sun 22 Dec Sun 29 Dec Dates: Sun 22 Dec - Sun 29 Dec
Special Events: Adult Price: £749 Book

Read reviews from previous Oasis Overland travellers.

CASABLANCA to MARRAKECH (8 days) Moroccan Highlights

Overall Rating
Review Date
Jul 2019
Reviewed by

Our guide Oulaid had such good local knowledge of the places and people we were coming in contact with. He is a very dedicated, caring young man who made our trip the success it was. The bus driver, Said, was also very helpful and knew the routes to take in and out of every city well.

Highlights - night camping in Sahara Desert with the meal and entertainment was wonderful experience. The Medina in Fez was also a memorable time.

8 days from £699
Add to wishlist Added to wishlist
  • Travel Style
    Small Group Adventure
  • Start Location
    Casablanca
  • End Location
    Marrakech
  • Region
    Africa

A deposit of just £200 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure.

Add Ons and Volunteer Projects

Single Supplement - 8 Day Highlights

£159

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