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Morocco 12-day Trip
$3,150 – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
A down payment of half the trip cost is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $675. If you would like your own room, the additional supplement can be purchased at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like us to pair you with someone to avoid paying for the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase a single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.), but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc., we recommend purchasing a single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.
What is included :
- 11 nights accommodation (double occupancy, including luxury desert camp)
- Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
- Local guide throughout
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
What is not included :
- International flights
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- Some lunches and dinners
- Optional excursions and activities
- Gratuities (usually in the form of a tipping kitty)
- Souvenirs
- Insurance
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Physical requirements
This trip requires a low to moderate level of physical fitness. If you’re not feeling up for an activity, you’re welcome to explore on your own.
Some hotels do not have elevators so you’ll need to be able to walk up and down 2 – 3 or more flights of stairs with varying degrees of steepness, with your luggage, and unassisted. Most hotels will have porters or staff to help you with luggage but please keep this in mind when tipping.
To participate in this trip you should be able to:
- Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day, up/down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with/without an incline, and on paths with rough terrain made of dirt, mud, rocks, stones, etc.
- Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, and in all weather conditions.
- Carry your luggage from the taxi/van to the hotel and to your room.
- Get in and out of a van and train without assistance.
Accommodation
You will stay in smaller hotels that are locally-owned or family-run sometimes in remote areas of Morocco and even in a desert camp. Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home (water pressure, amenities, Wifi, etc.) That’s part of the fun of traveling to and experiencing new places! In Midelt, you will stay 1 night in a basic but clean hotel which is the only alternative that can accommodate the whole group in the area.
Smile policy
We welcome all kinds of travelers on our tours and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You will need to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.
Free time
Our tours are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your tour leader can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities.
Tour leader
Your tour leader’s role is to help you have an unforgettable experience. He/she can answer questions and offer suggestions about what to do in your free time. He/she will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but is not your personal assistant. Travelers must exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our tours. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your tour leader who will be with you every day throughout the entire tour. Finally, you will need to come with an open mind and adventurous spirit in order to have the trip of a lifetime!
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Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the tour leader who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
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Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
The minimum age on our trips is 18.
Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples.
Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
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While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the tour leader can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are at your own expense.
Below are some examples of optional activities and their approximate costs:
- Henna tattoo: 50 MAD (≈ $5 USD)
- Hammam (public bath/spa): 150 MAD (≈ $15 USD)
- Tajine cooking class: 650 MAD (≈ $65 USD)
- Hot Air Balloon: 2050 MAD (≈ $205)
- Massage and Hammam in a luxury spa: 750 MAD (≈ $75 USD)
These activities can be arranged and paid for through the tour leader in Morocco.
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Airport pick-up is not included in this trip. The arrival airport is Tangier (TNG) and is approximately 10 miles (15 km) from your hotel in Tangier. It takes about 30 minutes by car to get there to get from the airport. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with the provider of your choice. See our blog about getting from the Tangier airport to the city center for more details.
Airport drop-off is also not included on this trip. The departure airport is Marrakech (RAK) and is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from your hotel in Marrakech. It takes about 20 minutes by car to get there from the hotel. The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport.
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Nationals of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. You may be required to show proof of exit from Morocco in the form of a departure flight ticket.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Morocco.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
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The official currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD). The dirham is a closed currency, meaning that you can’t buy or sell it outside of Morocco. Learn more about the currency in Morocco in our blog.
Australian and Canadian dollars aren’t generally accepted for exchange. Sticking with euros, US dollars, or Great British pounds is the best plan.
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
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You’ll need to wait until you arrive in Morocco to get dirhams because it’s a closed currency. For more information, check our blog about Money in Morocco.
We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Morocco as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
TIP: If bringing cash to exchange upon arrival, ensure you have clean, crisp notes.
When traveling out of the city, be prepared by having enough cash as ATMs aren’t always an option.
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Credit and debit cards aren’t widely used outside of the cities in Morocco. However, in high-end establishments, you shouldn’t have a problem paying with your card, though American Express and Discover aren’t commonly accepted. Anywhere else, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that does take card payments.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Morocco. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.
See our Money in Morocco blog for information about card usage and money in Morocco.
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While tipping isn’t mandatory in Morocco, it is customary. Rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is generally standard practice. Taxi drivers and porters will also accept tips, 10 dirhams (approx. 1 USD) is usually sufficient for their services. You can read up in detail about tipping in Morocco in our blog.
Your tour leader may suggest a tipping kitty at the beginning of your tour to cover tips for luggage porters, cleaning staff, included meals, etc. The tipping kitty alleviates worrying about making small change which can be difficult in Morocco. It is also used to buy water for the group and a couple of surprises along the way. If you do not wish to participate in the tipping kitty, you will be responsible for finding your own small change, purchasing your own water, etc. Your tour leader will usually ask for around $50 – 60 USD per person to contribute to the kitty.
Tour leader: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip around 100 – 150 euros at the end of your trip based on past travelers’ feedback.
Drivers: A suggested amount to tip your driver is around 5 euros a day.
*Your tour leader and drivers will accept tips in euros or US dollars, but dirhams are preferred.
For more information about tipping your tour leader, please see our blog about tipping guides.
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We recommend having access to anywhere between $500 – 700 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
Like most travel destinations, Morocco does not lack in its offerings of unique items. Past travelers have said it was their favorite country for shopping so pack light! You will be visiting a lot of fantastic places that offer unique items such as Berber rugs*, rosewater, argan oil, pottery, leather goods, etc. Remember that most places that offer high-end products will often accept credit/debit cards.
*Depending on size, Berber rugs can cost anywhere from $200 – $500 USD or more so budget accordingly if you want to buy rugs.
To help you budget, check out our Money in Morocco and Tipping in Morocco blogs!
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When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Morocco, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Morocco! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts and data.
While mobile phone coverage is generally good in Morocco’s cities and metropolitan areas, expect limited or even no coverage in remote or mountainous areas.
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All hotels you will be staying at in Morocco will offer free Wifi as will some restaurants and other public places. Please keep in mind that the internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty if not absent in more remote areas.
In rural areas like the Sahara desert and Midelt, Wifi can be spotty, weak or completely absent. Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling in those 2 areas.
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Adapters/converters will be necessary for your electronic devices. Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. Outlets have 2 holes with two round prongs in line which look like this:
In Morocco, the power plugs and sockets are of type C, E, and F. Type C is also known as the standard “euro” plug.
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Temperatures in Morocco during all seasons will vary depending on the region, but are generally warm to hot during the day and cooler at night. Pack lightweight clothing and don’t forget your sunscreen! Also note that in the desert, temperatures can drop very low at night so a warm coat/jacket is a must all year round. Please be aware that the weather across Morocco can be unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for extremes.
For more about what to pack for Morocco, check out our blog about What to Pack for Morocco.
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Regardless if you travel in summer or winter time, always bring a warm coat/jacket as temperatures in the desert and mountains can drop very low at night despite the warm to hot days. It is important to dress modestly in order to be respectful of the culture as well as to avoid unwanted attention. Shorts and tank tops are not recommended for men or women.
Below are a few things that we suggest packing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Sunglasses/hat
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Umbrella (for shade & rain)
- Lip balm (it gets dry in the desert!)
- Jacket/coat (for cold nights)
- Warm pajamas and socks
- Swimsuit
- Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support
- Flip flops/sandals
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo/conditioner/soap
- Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag for the day
- Any prescription medication and over-the-counter medicine
- Hairdryer if needed (some hotels will have but not all)
- Snacks for the road (cliff bars, nuts, etc…)
- An extra duffle bag (for souvenirs if you are an avid shopper)
- Adapters/converters (if needed)
Read more about what to pack for Morocco in our blog!
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Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee if needed. It is best to give laundry to the hotel staff in the morning and it is usually ready by the evening.
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Most will agree that the drinking water in Morocco is not safe for consumption. Drinking only bottled water is recommended. Bottled water is easily found and can be purchased for a fee.
You will be able to purchase bottled water but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.
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Morocco is a generally safe country in terms of violent and non-violent crime. The most common crime that occurs is petty crime such as pickpocketing. As with any travel destination it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to not leave belongings unattended to avoid being an easy target for a thief.
It is a good idea not to wear flashy or expensive-looking jewelry and to wear a secure across-the-body day pack that closes tightly. When going to larger cities such as Marrakech and Fes pick-pocketing is more common and you should not put anything in your back pockets, especially if you are in the Medina or at a crowded tourist spot as thieves target these areas.
The US State Department offers general travel information about Morocco. See below for more information:
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Hotels and restaurants throughout Morocco offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.
For more information about vegan/vegetarian options and food in Morocco, feel free to check our blog about food in Morocco!
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Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Morocco to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
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We offer private tours to Morocco depending on the size of the group and availability.
Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights
Your arrival city is Tangier (TNG) and your departure city is Marrakech (RAK).
*Please do not book any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking the tour.
Visa
Americans, Australians, Canadians, and EU passport holders traveling to Morocco for less than 90 days DO NOT need a visa. You may be required to show proof of exit from Morocco in the form of a departure ticket.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Morocco.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
Temperatures in Morocco during all seasons will vary depending on the region, but are generally warm to hot during the day and cooler at night. Pack lightweight clothing to layer and don’t forget your sunscreen! Also note that in the Sahara Desert, temperatures can drop very low at night so a warm coat is a must all year round. Please be aware that the weather across Morocco can be unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for extremes.
The accommodations in Morocco are handpicked locally-owned or family-run hotels rather than big chains with hundreds of rooms and big crowds of tourists. We try our best to select accommodations with impeccable service, old-world charm, and a central location.
Many hotels do not serve alcohol on the premises (including the first hotel in Tangier). If you would like to have a glass of wine with dinner at the hotel, you will need to pick up some wine/alcohol at the duty-free store in the airport upon arrival or bring some in your luggage. Many of the European-style restaurants serve alcohol in the cities we visit. There will be a stop at a grocery store for snacks and alcohol before heading into the Sahara Desert.
Tangier
Housed in Tangier’s original bank, constructed in 1907, this refurbished riad now hosts guests from around the world with 16 rooms on the property. This riad was voted by Lonely Planet as having one of the best rooftop terraces in Tangier with views of the Bay of Tangier from the terrace.
This hotel’s highly recommended restaurant offers freshly squeezed juices, organic products as well as vegan and vegetarian meals. This property is only a 5-minute walk from the beach and the city center.
Chefchaouen - The Blue City
Set in a quaint whitewashed building with colorful tile work, this polished hotel is only a 10-minute walk into town. The hotel boasts indoor and outdoor lounges, an outdoor pool, and a hammam (spa) on the property. The view from the pool is outstanding and overlooks the whole town with all the blue buildings.
Fes
This Riad has spacious rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a balcony and guests can enjoy the hammam and relaxation area. The hotel restaurant serves traditional cuisine. Guests can enjoy this and a selection of teas and drinks on the terrace, which offers panoramic views of Fes.
The hotel is situated in the medieval city of Fes. The Madrasa Bou Inania and the University of Al-Karaouine are both within easy reach of the hotel.
Midelt
This hotel is one of the very few hotels in the region, located halfway between Fes and the Sahara Desert. It is more rustic than the other hotels during our stay due to the limited options in the area. However, the rooms all offer large windows overlooking the beautiful panorama of the High Atlas Mountains.
There is a restaurant and a swimming pool at the hotel. The Tariq Ecological Park at the Ksar Timnay Inter-Cultures estate is open to guests free of charge.
The rooms have Wifi although it can be weak at times.
*NOTE: Midelt is in the countryside with few accommodation options that have enough rooms for the entire group. This hotel is basic and clean but is by no means a 5* hotel. It is just for 1 night and we chose this as a midway point on the way to the Sahara Desert to avoid an 8 – 9 hour transfer.
Erg Chebbi
All tents have a private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and hot water. Wifi is available but may be very limited. There are space heaters in the tents if needed.
Boumalne Dades
This unique hotel is located in the middle of the Dades Gorges and the building itself is part of the mountain! Every room has a panoramic view of the surrounding gorge.
Ait Ben Haddou
On the edge of the desert at Ouarzazate, this hotel has a spectacular view over the Atlas Mountains.
In an authentic yet modern setting, this hotel blends in with the environment. In the village, you will come across Berbers, local artisans, and their crafts.
Marrakech
A charming palace located at the entrance of the medina and a haven of peace away from the chaos of the city.
The riad is an old manor house and has been renovated with exemplary taste and attention to detail. Decorated according to Moroccan traditions with a European flair.
There is a spa and hammam for ensured relaxation and a pool for some relief from the Moroccan sun.
*Accommodations are subject to change.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
