Premium Hiking and Trekking in Morocco Itinerary

Starting in

Marrakech, Morocco

Physical Difficulty

3 / 5

Breakfasts included

8

Lunches included

5

Dinners included

6

Ending in

Marrakech, Morocco

Accommodation

Riad Feature Stay (2 nights), Comfortable hotel (4 nights), Comfortable riad (2 nights)

Transport

Private minibus , walking

Morocco is home to diverse landscapes, rich culture, delicious cuisine and layered history. On this nine-day Premium hiking adventure, you can hike and trek through the Atlas Mountains, travel through semidesert landscapes to the Atlantic coastline in Essaouira, and stay in comfortable, traditional riads and hotels along the way. From mountain views to the wide, open ocean, you’ll hike and trek to experience some of the best bits of this amazing country with an expert local leader by your side. You’ll also take a cooking class with a local host and enjoy some homecooked meals within the community, giving you a unique insight into the heart of this country from the eyes of those who live here.

Day 1: Marrakech

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. You’ll be picked up from the Marrakech airport by a local representative and taken to your riad (a traditional Moroccan house or palace), where your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not visit the Marjorelle Gardens, luxuriate in a hammam or see Marrakech from above on a hot air balloon ride. After the meeting, head out into the bustling streets of Marrakech’s old medina for a welcome dinner at the Bidaya Rooftop restaurant, which sits high up in the heart of the activity. Later tonight, walk back through the lively Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world – on the way to your Feature Stay at Riad Cle D’ or. This gorgeous riad has everything you could want from traditional Moroccan accommodation. In the heart of the medina, you can chill out in your beautifully decorated room or treat yourself to a spa and hammam treatment.

Day 2: Marrakech to Atlas Mountains (Oukaimden)

This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out for a half-day tour of the medina including Djemaa el-Fna to experience it again in the daylight. Taste the delicious local orange juice here, then visit Bahia Palace and the nearby souks, including a rug shop and some high-quality spice shops. Have lunch in the medina, then drive by private vehicle across the plains and up to the small village of Oukaimden (1550m) in the Atlas Mountains. This is Morocco's premier ski resort (and the highest ski resort in Africa), but in the warmer months this area is one of country’s best trekking destinations. With its rocky plateaus, picturesque landscapes and deep red cliffs dominating the landscape, your trekking adventure really begins when you hit the mountains. Your hotel tonight sits ideally placed in the mountains, with towering red rock cliffs on one side and a verdant green pine forest on the other – the perfect spot to relax and take in the views before you start hiking.

Day 3: Atlas Mountains (Oukaimden)

Take the short drive to the starting point of today’s hike – lace up your boots and, after a short climb, it’s a relatively easy hike to the nearby mountain pass. Along the way, soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding High Atlas Mountains and pass through small Amazigh villages. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountain, then circle back down to your comfortable hotel for a free afternoon. Maybe stretch out your muscles with some yoga or meditation. If you’re craving a bit more activity, why not explore the nearby area on foot. After dinner tonight, enjoy the art of preparing herbal tea with handpicked herbs from the hotel garden with your local host, savouring the flavours as you learn about the health and wellness benefits.

Day 4: Atlas Mountains (Imlil)

This morning, it's time to pack up and head deeper into the Atlas Mountains. Say goodbye to Oukaimeden and drive through the ruggedly beautiful scenery to the mountain village of Imlil (1740m), travelling through the heart of the mountain range through valleys, small villages and farms of apple, walnut and cherry trees. When you arrive at the comfortable hotel, check-in, then head out for today’s hike to the village of Aremd. The mostly uphill hike in the Toubkal National Park takes you through surprisingly green scenery as you follow the almost dry river paths upwards. When you arrive, sit down for a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Later, continue along the trail up to the village of Sidi Chamharouch, the very same trail that eventually leads to the summit of North Africa’s highest mountain, the towering Mount Toubkal (4167m).

Day 5: Atlas Mountains (Imlil)

Embark on today’s trek early this morning, heading from Imlil through the Tiziane Valley and immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the High Atlas Mountains. This is more challenging hike with a couple of ascents, but the surrounding scenery is well worth the effort. You’ll ascend to the highpoint of this tour, the Tizi N'Tamatert Pass (2279 m) where you'll enjoy several panoramic vistas of the nearby Tachdirt Valley, surrounding mountains, and the trail you've hiked up. Take a break and enjoy a picnic with view. Carry on through small villages and rocky landscapes before returning to Imlil for another home-cooked lunch and a bread making demonstration in a local’s home. This afternoon, you’re free to relax and take in the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 6: Essaouira

This morning, leave the Atlas Mountains behind and head down to the foothills and sweeping plains of the west country. Witness the landscape change to arid semi-desert, where Morocco's famed Argan trees thrive, all the way to the coastline. Arrive in gorgeous Essaouira – a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. After a few days spend hiking and trekking it's time for a more sedate change of pace. Get to know this laidback city during a guided tour with a local who will help you navigate the maze of market stalls and narrow streets while sharing insights on local life in one of North Africa's most attractive locations. Pass the harbour filled with colourful boats and explore the fish souk. Explore the Jewish Quarter, then visit a local silver cooperative (where you might like to pick yourself up a souvenir). This afternoon is free to explore this lovely city at your own pace.

Day 7: Essaouira

After breakfast at your riad, grab your walking shoes and drive to the nearby Diabat Beach. A dramatic change from hiking in the mountains, this morning’s hike is quite gentle, taking you along the cliffs, sand dunes and shorelines of Essaouira. Soak up the beautiful sweeping views over the Atlantic and look out for the many birds that gather near the small streams that weave through the sand from the Oued El Kassab River. Along the way, learn about the local history of the area at the buried ruins of Dar Sultan Palace – once the home of a king, this palace has been battered by sandstorms and ocean winds over the years. The ruins are now one with the sand dunes. At the end of your hike stop in for a refreshing drink at the iconic Jimi Hendrix Cafe where the legendary musician is said to have chilled out during the 1960s. Return to Essaouira and join your leader for a seafood lunch before a free afternoon. There are so many options here - relax, go horse riding on the beach, take a surfing lesson, visit the hammam and get a massage or maybe rent a quad bike – the choice is yours.

Day 8: Marrakech

Enjoy a free morning to further explore or relax in laid back Essaouira, then return by private vehicle back to bustling Marrakech. Arrive with plenty of time to freshen up, then head out with your group for an included dinner to celebrate your last night of an inspiring hiking adventure. You’ll dine at the renowned El Fassia Restaurant – since its opening in 1987, this iconic city restaurant dedicated itself to employing and training local women only. Tonight, you’ll stay at your Feature Stay riad again – hang out on the rooftop after your easy walk home or book yourself into the spa to make the most of your last night.

Day 9: Marrakech

Your trip ends today after breakfast and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Riad Cle D'Or, 157 Derb Rahala Kasbah, Marrakech – Morocco , Marrakech, MOROCCO

Finish point

Riad Cle D'Or, 157 Derb Rahala Kasbah, Marrakech – Morocco , Marrakech, MOROCCO

Important information

Information not available.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





Peak Marrakech: 212 661 922 693

Is this trip right for you

While this is a relatively low altitude trip (maximum sleeping altitude is 1740m) you’ll need a good level of fitness for the hiking portion of this trip, as you will be walking up six hours a day some days. You’ll ascend and descend uneven trails, so it’s recommended you use hiking poles.

Summer temperatures can be very hot, especially on trails that have little or no shade. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

To get to the best hiking trails in the region you’ll cover a lot of distance on this trip, but all in the comfort of our private vehicle.

In 2025, Ramadan will take place from 16 February to 18 March. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.

Why we love it

Start and finish your trip in bustling Marrakech, the home of your Feature Stay accommodation at Riad La Cle D’or – a luxurious riad in the heart of the medina., Experience the diversity of guided hikes and treks through Morocco – you'll take trails through the Atlas Mountains, then head through the semi-desert landscape to the Atlantic Ocean for a coastline hike in Essaouira., Stay in the very heart of the Atlas Mountains in the Aurocher Hotel, where your room opens out onto breathtaking views of the mountainous terrain and forests of pine trees., Hike through traditional Amazigh villages and soak in the views of the High Atlas mountain scenery near Imlil and Ouirgane. Along the way, you’ll enjoy picnics with a view – full of fresh, local ingredients., Get a local insight into authentic Moroccan culture with a cooking class, bread making demonstration, herbal tea demonstration and a few home-cooked meals with local hosts.

Group leader

On this tour, your leader is also your Mountain Guide. Highly skilled in navigating, crossing various terrain, safeguarding the party in harsh weather conditions, your guide is also an expert in first-aid, trekking equipment and has a great knowledge of local microclimate, flora and fauna.
The aim of the group leader, apart from being your mountain guide, is to also take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing., SCAMS:
When walking through touristy areas of cities you may be approached by 'helpful' locals who want to show you where to go or take you to a local spice shop. They will either ask to be your local guide for the day or expect money when you arrive at your destination. Please note these people are not registered guides and will try and get as much money from you as they can. A friendly 'no thank you (or 'la shukran') should suffice.

WOMEN'S SAFETY:
Women should exercise caution when travelling in Morocco. 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:
- As with all travel, it’s important to use common sense and be vigilant.
- Respect local dress codes and customs, perhaps dressing more conservatively than you do at home.
- Avoid isolated areas when alone at any time of day.
- Lock your door when you are inside your room. Keep the door locked when you are leaving your room, even for a short time.
- If hotel staff need access to your room for any reason, request that they do this while you are out, or wait at the reception while they attend to any cleaning or repairs. For the protection of both our travellers and staff, our leaders worldwide are not permitted to be alone in a room with a group member.
- Always take a hotel card with you when going out so you know the address and contact numbers.
- Should you encounter any inappropriate behaviour, inform your leader straight away.
- For further information and advice, visit:
https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/pages/female-travellers.aspx
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-british-nationals-overseas/2010-to-2015-government-policy-british-nationals-overseas#appendix-2-advice-for-women-travellers

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2027

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


Good level of fitness and ability to trek in mountainous terrain is required in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly recommend you will regularly undertake aerobic exercises from at least 6 to 8 weeks before the date of your departure. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid Travel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

DRINKING WATER:
As a rule 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. Generally this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. 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 diarrhoea blockers are recommended for you to pack in your personal first aid kit.

ASTHMA:
For some travellers, the dust can bring on bouts of asthma. While trekking on hot and dry day, the track may become quite dusty, so if you suffer from asthma even occasionally, we recommend you bring your medication as it cannot be administered by your group leader and may not be readily available while you are travelling.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Moroccan food is excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals at restaurants are reasonably priced, from MAD 30 to MAD 120, depending on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Please let us know prior to travel if you have any dietary requirements. We always endeavour to cater to specific needs for included meals, but sometimes the options will be limited.

Vegetarians are generally offered couscous, tagines or omelettes. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets should come prepared with snacks to supplement the options available to them.

Alcohol isn’t widely available in Morocco, due to cultural and religious beliefs. Alcohol is available to purchase in some hotels and restaurants, but the prices are high due to importation costs. Please be considerate and respectful of local laws and local people if you choose to drink alcohol.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

MOROCCO
The currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD). ATMs are widely available in all major towns and cities. Credit cards are useful for large purchases such as carpets or ceramics from large stores, but generally they are not widely accepted. Please ensure you only use banks, licensed money exchangers, or hotels. We also suggest you keep your receipts. Do not change money with street touts as this is illegal. Changing money is easy and you will find banks and exchange bureaus in large cities, but they often only accept USD, EUR and GBP. In the desert and Atlas Mountains opportunities to withdraw or exchange money are limited.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY
On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. Participation in this kitty is your choice, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer.

The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time. Any funds remaining at the end of the trip will be returned to group members. These tips to suppliers are for great service and are in addition to the regular costs paid for the services supplied.

The tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.

Optional tipping kitty for this trip: MAD 500 per person.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

YOUR DRIVERS
You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey, while others may be with you for several days. We recommend tipping your drivers USD 2 – 4 per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination).

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

COMMISSIONS
Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes).
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Please follow the link for the Intrepid’s ultimate packing list. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/packing-list

On this strip you will be required to bring a specific Trekking Equipment.

TREKKING EQUIPMENT:
Trekking Boots (broken in)
Waterproof 3/4 season jacket and trousers
Basecamp Footwear (ie sneakers or booties)
Several pairs of good quality socks
T-Shirts - Highly recommended are synthetic t-shirt styles that wick away moisture
Thermal Underwear / layers
Warm jacket
Warm mid layers (fleece/micro fibre)
Trousers - Lightweight, loose fitting, trekking trousers.
Shorts or skirt for summer
Warm Hat and sun Hat
Scarf/neck warmer
Gloves
Sunglasses with UV protection
Head Torch (spare batteries)
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Light weight towel
Personal First Aid Kit
Biodegradable wet wipes / toilet paper
Hand sanitizer gel
Trail mix / nuts/ muesli bars
Thermos for hot tea or coffee
Daypack – You will be required to carry some essentials by yourself, so your daypack must have the capacity for several items: rain jacket, trousers, warm clothing including hat and gloves, water bottle, camera equipment, sun cream, sunglasses and all other items you may need during the walk. You should consider day packs of at least a 30 to 40 litre capacity. Your main luggage will be carried by mule all the way up to the refuge and items like sleeping bag, spare clothes, etc can be stored in there.

SLEEPING BAGS
Sleeping bags consume valuable space in your luggage and can be a pain. However up in the mountain refuge there may not be enough heating (sometimes none) or sufficient blankets to keep everyone warm, we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag. Unfortunately sleeping bags cannot be hired/rented while on the trip and are not easy to find for purchase. Buy a small sleeping bag before you leave, it will definitely come in handy, particularly if you feel the cold., WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you., DRONES IN MOROCCO
Please note that drones are not permitted to enter or be used in Morocco, neither for personal nor professional/commercial use.

Climate and seasonal

CLIMATE:
Please note that as a desert country, Morocco can have extreme weather with winter (approx November to March) being usually very cold and summers hot. However, on this trip you will spend most of the time in the mountains, which means you can expect all season’s weather within 24 hours. Days are usually hot, especially in the summer (June-August) and nights are rather cold, or even close to freezing in spring (April-June) and autumn (September). Up in the mountains you should expect rain to come at any time. Days are often windy too. Sun, when it’s out, is usually strong. Good pair of sunglasses, sun cream, sun hut, rain jacket and extra layers should be on hand at all times.

In Marrakech you won’t experience severe low temperatures, but evenings in spring and autumn can get chilly, whereas day time temperature should be pleasant. Summer sun makes Marrakech really hot so be prepared for some of that too.

RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan is expected to be in progress 16 February to 18 March 2026 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

EID AL-ADHA
Eid Al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast) will take place in Morocco on 26 – 27 May 2026. This festival honours the sacrifice Abraham made of his own son. In commemoration of this, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one-third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is retained by the family. Please expect delays or complete suspension of public services during that time which may be disruptive to the trip schedule. For some, it may also be disturbing to see animals being sacrificed, as this can take place in public.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.



We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may be different to western standards.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than en suite (even if you paid for single room supplement!)

MOUNTAIN HUT
Accommodation in Base Camp is simple but clean and atmospheric. You will be sharing a room with other trekkers and bedding is similar to a large bunk bed platforms, however, it is spacious and comfortable. Dining rooms and other facilities are also shared with other climbers.

HEATING
Mountain Huts on this trip have very limited heating options as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It's also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which is limited in some places. Please be prepared for cold nights and cold showers.

HOT WATER:
Similarly as with the heating, hot water is sometimes sporadic in mountain guesthouses. Please be ready for cold showers.

CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.