Sahara | Morocco
FROM: AUD $1,505 pp
Rock the Kasbah - 10 Days map

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TOUR: A Christmas of changing colours at Todra Gorge, impressive Kasbahs at Aït Benhaddou, camping under Saharan stars and ringing in the New Year in enchanting Marrakech, Guaranteed to be a festive season to remember!

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Reviews

Trip Highlights

Marrakech - Discover the sights, smells, and sounds of this iconic city on a guided tour, and ring in the New Year with two days to explore independently
Sahara Desert - Ride a camel or jeep into the Erg Chebbi sand dunes and star gaze the Sahara skies
Draa Valley - Pass through this scenic region, stopping in Agdz to visit ancient kasbahs and enjoy incredible mountain views
Dades Gorge - Spend Christmas Day exploring the kasbah Amridil and take in the breathtaking view of this mighty gorge, tucking into a delicious Christmas dinner in the area
Ait Benhaddou - Delve into the warren of narrow streets that make up this famous UNESCO-listed kasbah, which has also featured in numerous movies
Ouarzazate - Relax in the 'Hollywood of Morocco' and opt to visit the film studios responsible for Gladiator and other blockbusters

Included

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners inclusive of a traditional Berber meal at our Sahara camp
Guided sightseeing - Merzouga, Dades Gorge, Ait Benhaddou and Marrakech
All transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide
8 nights 3-4 star hotels and 1 night simple accommodation at Sahara Desert camp (hotel alternative available)
Camel trek or Jeep into the Sahara Desert
Specialist guides in some cities
Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport on day 1

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow USD$2-3 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$1-2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$30-40pp, paid in USD or local currency
Note: On some road journeys, the tour leader may not be in your particular vehicle
Entrance Fees: USD$35-55pp, paid in USD or local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech

23 December. Seasons Greetings and welcome to Morocco! Arrival transfer from the airport to our hotel. This evening (at 19:00) our welcome meeting takes place where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.
Overnight: Marrakech

Day 2

Ait Benhaddou

Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Skoura. This morning we drive onwards to the legendary Ait Benhaddou - a ‘fortified city’ situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, boasts some beautiful examples of ancient kasbahs. Only a handful of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, this incredible site had been the setting for many films including Gladiator. After exploring Ait Benhaddou we travel onwards to Skoura where we have an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Skoura  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Xmas in Dades Gorge

Skoura – Dades Gorge. Merry Christmas! We spend the morning visiting the kasbah Amridil before continuing to Gorge du Dades in the Dades valley. On arrival we take some time to explore the gorges, palmeries and kasbah ruins. We then have the evening to relax before enjoying a great Xmas dinner in the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight: Dades Gorge  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Camel trek & Sahara

Todra Gorge - Erg Chebbi. Crossing Jebel Sarhro, we enjoy lunch and a swim before travelling down to Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the start point of the mighty Sahara Desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes located near the remote frontier town of Merzouga are renowned for their incredible height and size. In parts the vast sand pile reaches skyward to heights of 150 metres!

The desert winds ensure this astonishing landscape is forever changing and no two days offer the same panorama. Mounting our camels, we trek across the vast rolling dunes of the Sahara and take in the breath-taking scenery. Arriving at our simple Berber camp, we enjoy dinner, music and a night under the Saharan stars, before retiring to our tents for the evening. Wrap up warm! If you would prefer to take a Jeep to the Berber camp, this can be arranged locally through your guide at no additional cost.

If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, opt for our Sahara hotel alternative at no additional cost. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.
Overnight: Merzouga  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Erg Chebbi

Erg Chebbi – Agdz – Ouarzazate. Today we travel through Mercissi and Nkob in the Saghro Moutain region, passing the incredible rock formations and wells that have been dug over centuries by the nomads to get access to water, along the way. Onwards to the small town of Agdz, with its Palmeries, ancient Kasbahs and incredible views of Jebel Kissane Mountain. Our final stop of the day is Ouarzazate – Morocco’s film capital. This evening we enjoy a group meal together.
Overnight: Ouarzazate  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate – Marrakech. Famous for being a prime filming location for many Hollywood TV shows and Blockbusters, we have the opportunity to explore the World's largest film studio this morning. Be sure to explore the iconic Colosseum used in 'Gladiator' and the prop jet used in 'Jewel of the Nile'. Carrying on we continue to Kasbah Telouet. Built in 1860 this kasbah was once home to the very wealthy Thami El Glaoui until he conspired with French Colonialists to delay Morocco's fight for independence.

Descending into the city of Marrakech, Morocco's pink city. We have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Medina and the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place, which is a hive of activity, sights and smells at both day and night.
Overnight: Marrakech  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Djemaa el Fna

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech and the afternoon is free to independently explore. The focal point of Marrakech is the central square - Djemaa el Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders, Djemaa el Fna is best seen in the evening, illuminated against a backdrop of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains, when it's overflowing with food stalls, snake charmers, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city.
Overnight: Marrakech  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Days 8-9

Free time in Marrakech

Two days of free time to explore Marrakech independently. Perhaps try a hammam and practice your bargaining skills in the souks. On New Years Eve there is the option to get together for dinner (and a few drinks) in a local restaurant to celebrate the coming of the New Year.
Overnight: Marrakech  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 10

Marrakech

01 January. Our tour concludes after breakfast and hotel check out. Happy New Year!
Breakfast

Beach holiday | Morocco

New Year's Eve - beach side!

If bringing or singing in the New Year beachside is more your style, try our New Year's in Morocco tour. Trek the foothills of the Atlas, snap up some bargains in the souks of Marrakech and lap up the sunshine, surf and sea breeze this new year at Essaouira - the hippest beachside hideaway in all of Morocco! Check out our New Year's in Morocco tour with New Year's Eve arrangements in coastal Essaouira!

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. We also offer a triple share option on this tour, please contact us for details. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
New Year's departure - book early!
New Year's Departure
Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Add on: Agadir Beach Stay - 5 days (Adult)
AUD $705
AUD $925
Add on: Agadir Beach Stay - 5 days (Child)
AUD $705
AUD $925

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Adam Park Hotel & Spa, Marrakech

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.

Sawadi Ecolodge, Skoura

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Riad

This eco-friendly riad is located in the oasis of Skoura, in a 4-hectare farm, 40 km from the town of Ouarzazate. Located halfway between the desert and the Atlas Mountains, it offers air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor seawater pool and a hammam which can be enjoyed after using several of the sporting facilities including table tennis, a volleyball, a badminton and a bowling alley. On site, you can also arrange sightseeing excursions on foot, horseback, bicycle, camel or local transport. Rooms at the Sawadi are colourful and decorated in a traditional Moroccan style, with views of the Atlas Mountains or the riad's gardens. All the buildings of the Sawadi Estate are designed in the traditional Berber style, and are built with materials taken from the site, such as clay, straw and palm trees.

Kasbah Ait BenHadda, Skoura

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Riad

Nestled in the heart of the Skoura pal grove, the Ait Benhadda boasts incredible mountain views, and stunning terraces and garden to enjoy the landscape. All guest rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned and are equipped with a satellite TV. Guests can cool off by the pool or taste some of the Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Kasbah Tizzaouirine , Dades Gorge

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Overlooking Oued Dades, Kasbah Tizzarouine offers rustic Moroccan accommodation. Guest rooms vary from the quirky cave rooms to the more palatial Berber suites. The hotel also includes an outdoor pool and seating on a beautiful terrace giving great panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valley. Staff at the Kasbah are very helpful and the restaurant comes with great recommendations. Those who are in to local music can enjoy and join in with drumming sessions that take place each night.

Ksar Sultan Dades, Dades Gorge

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Riad

Ksar Sultan Dades is located in Boumalne Dades; a small town on the edge of the Dades Valley. Ait Benhaddou and Kasbah Ruins are local landmarks and the area's natural beauty can be seen at High Atlas and Monkey Paws, which are a short drive away. Each of the riad's 9 rooms has a unique design and overlook the pool or the stunning, remote views of the valley. The outdoor pool provides a welcome respite from a busy day exploring the incredible surrounds. The guesthouse has a cafe and restaurant and there are also plenty of dining options within a short drive.

Camp Touareg, Merzouga

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Desert Camp

Set amongst the bright orange dunes of Erg Chebbi, Touareg Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. Tents are simply furnished with metal framed double, twin or triple beds. All bedding is provided including a pillow, sheets and a blanket (more blankets in winter). A Moroccan rug on the floor and solar generated electricity (after night fall). The camp has two toilet blocks and a large dining tent. Camping out in the desert is an incredible experience. Watch the sunset over the dunes, enjoy simple but tasty Moroccan cuisine and spend the evening by the camp fire, under a spectacular star filled sky.

Ksar Ben Youssef, Ouarzazate

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Riad

Ksar Ben Youssef is a newly built, traditional hotel located just 5kms from the centre of Ouarzazate. Offering 18 spacious air-conditioned rooms, with a variety of bedding configurations. Its large pool, overlooked by a rooftop terrace with shady nooks, is the perfect respite from the desert heat. Guests can enjoy a buffet style breakfast from the on-site restaurant or dine on one of the many terraces.

Dar Amoudou, Ouarzazate

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Riad

Nestled in the heights of Ouarzazate's old district of Ait kdif, Dar Amoudou is a guest house with nine traditional styled rooms that offer all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel including; air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, satellite channels and of course, en-suite facilities. Offering breathtaking views of Ouarzazate and the Atlas Mountains, the attractive terrace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the magical surroundings, whilst also enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4 out of 5 based on 2 recent reviews

A great experience, first group tour I have done in years and it was surprisingly good. Loved Marrakech and would recommend it as a travel destination for sure. Right from booking to the tour guide, everything was professional and everyone was friendly and helpful. Food was average but that was not an issue for me personally. Great shopping destination and on your free days definitely visit the Yves St Laurent Museum and Gardens.

• Submitted 12 Jan 2019
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This was an amazing tour. My first time in Africa, I was unsure what to expect. My entire trip went smoothly with with On the Go. The country is beautiful, the tour guide and group were amazing. I would not hesitate to go back to this country or book another tour with this company.

• Submitted 20 Jan 2017
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The camel trek into the Sahara & Berber Camp were excellent. New Years at Djama el Fna in Marrakech was the best!

Lauren Guy • Submitted 17 Jan 2012

This is my 4th On the Go trip. The meals were great and by far the best experience was the camel trek into the Sahara. Our guide made us all feel like part of one big Moroccan family!

Esra Poyraz • Submitted 17 Jan 2012

I did Egypt with you previously and really loved it. The highlight of this trip was certainly the camel trek and the sand dunes. I'll definitely be travelling again!

Phillip Pienaar • Submitted 17 Dec 2011

A great trip! I loved the camel trek into the Sahara and the overnight camp. Our guide Bubkah was helpful, ever so kind and gave just the right amount of information. Thanks for a great New Year!

Karina Botrel • Submitted 17 Dec 2011

Fantastic tour, spending xmas in todra gorge was surreal & beautiful and certainly makes a change! The guides were great and the group was an excellent mix. Thanks to all! :o)

Aliya Castelman • Submitted 27 Jan 2010

Thankyou Brahmin & Webrahaim & Lassen! Great trip :o) Sweet as Bro!

Isabel Faulkner • Submitted 12 Jan 2010

Hi Janet,

I just came back from Rock the Kasbah trip in Morocco. One of the best Xmas & NY I've ever had!

Trekking the desert and spending the night at berber camp was such a unique experience.

Will surely recommend on the Go to my friends and i am looking forward to my next tour with you!

Nathan O'Dwyer • Submitted 29 Dec 2008

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Marrakech
Ends
Marrakech
Departs
23 December
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
3 - 4 star hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 5
Countries
Minimum Age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
No
Click to play videoBeautiful sky over the famous Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech
Click to play videoSand coloured kasbah in Ait Benhaddou
Long road winding up the side of the mountain at Dades Gorge
Click to play videoCamel walking through the Erg Chebbi sand dunes

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

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Agadir | Morocco
AUD $ 705 / 5 days

A great experience, first group tour I have done in years and it was surprisingly good. Loved Marrakech and would recommend it as a travel destination for sure. Right from booking to the tour guide, everything was professional and everyone was friendly and helpful. Food was average but that was not an issue for me personally. Great shopping destination and on your free days definitely visit the Yves St Laurent Museum and Gardens.

Kim Macquet
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