Morocco, the westernmost country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. With influences from Berber, Arab and various European cultures, Morocco has shaped and conceived for itself an identity that is uniquely its own. The best way to understand and appreciate the full depth and breadth of Moroccan life is to explore the country like a local. During this experience, travelers will be able to stay at a riad, a traditional Moroccan home with an interior courtyard, in Marrakech, the fourth largest city in the country and walk the narrow streets of the old medina to the great square of Jemaa el Fnaa, the city’s main square and marketplace. Henna-painting, storytelling, myriad performances and abundant stalls teeming with local Moroccan delicacies are all on offer at the square. From Marrakech, the group will then travel to the High Atlas Mountains with a stop in the town of Tahanaout, where they will experience a hands-on cooking class. An afternoon trek to the small village of Aroumd offers travelers the unique opportunity to learn about traditional Berber culture as well. Having experienced city and village life, the group will then have the chance to camp in the Sahara Desert for a night, exploring the stunning wind-blown dunes of Erg Chebbi and dancing under the stars around an open fire. After a sunrise camel ride the next day, the group will drive along the famous “Road of 1000 Kasbahs”, so named for the numerous kasbahs – citadels of North African cities – dotting its valleys and desert paths, before heading back to Marrakech. To conclude the journey, travelers can opt in for a stunning hot air balloon ride overlooking the city.
This is an 8-day trip that costs $1,295. The trip is led by Under30 Experiences, a travel company that caters to solo travelers and adventurous young adults ages 21-35, but they don’t enforce a strict age limit. They are a small team that loves sustainable travel by supporting local communities in an eco-friendly way. The company was founded 10+ years ago by co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared O’Toole. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.
