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Morocco Tour

27 Feb – 8 March 2024

WOMEN ONLY

R10 000 non-refundable deposit to book your place

Private room ZAR 65 450pp

Shared room ZAR 55 950pp
  • Tour will include:
  • 4 * accommodation – private room for everyone night of arrival
  • Airport transfers in Casablanca
  • Airconditioned transport
  • Personalised accompanied service throughout tour
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide and driver
  • Camel safari into desert
  • Luxury nomad tented camp in Merzouga desert
  • All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners
  • Wine tasting
  • Cooking class
  • Gratuities tour guides and driver.
  • Local Guided tours and Entrance fees
BOOKINGS CLOSED

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Morocco is one of the world’s most exotic destinations. From the Atlas Mountains, ancient cities and sweeping deserts, famous as a location for many Hollywood movies, it is a country of extravagant architecture and labyrinthine walled cities where all five senses of sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste are stimulated. Moroccan people are also noted for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. The fascinating mixture of history, art, food, music and architecture makes Morocco an unforgettable destination.

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Our Tour

ITINERARY

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DAY 1

Casablanca

Welcome to Casablanca, Morocco!   Casablanca is the largest city and economic hub in Morocco, located on the Atlantic Coast.  The city offers a unique blend of traditional Moroccan charm and contemporary urban living. In the evening, we join our tour leader for a briefing and delicious dinner at an authentic Moroccan restaurant.

Your own room for the first night

Welcome dinner.

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DAY 2

Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we leave for Rabat, the capital of the kingdom. The history of Rabat is long and colourful, having been host to Roman settlements, pirates, and more recently the Moroccan parliament. It contains numerous fine Arab monuments, some dating from the 10th to 15th century Almohad and Merenid dynasties, and others that are far older.  Explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias. Enjoy a glass of mint tea and some local sweets before continuing to Chefchaouen via Meknes, stopping at a wine estate for some wine tasting.

Breakfast

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DAY 3

Fes

Chefchaouen, known as the ‘Blue Pearl of Morocco”, is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains.  Meet your local guide and soak up the vibrant shaded medina in the winding cobblestone streets, blue-washed walls and tiny shops scattered across selling wares of local crafted items. Around every corner there is a photo opportunity.

Later we leave for Fes. The living museum of Fes has disputable origins, some believe its origins come from ancient Greece, others claim it comes from the Balkans. Nevertheless, the city is the best example of the medieval Arab world, and you will soon find out more about its past and modern times.  In the evening we enjoy a memorable home cooked dinner.

Breakfast and dinner

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DAY 4

Fes

Spend the day exploring the old city.  Discover the city of Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – vibrant, noisy, fascinating, and occasionally overwhelming – a visual and pungent feast for the senses.  Join an expert local guide and head into the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali, arguably the world’s most fascinating and confounding old city. Walk along the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk.

Breakfast

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DAY 5

Merzouga

Drive through changing scenery on the journey to Merzouga which takes in the Erg Chebbi with its towering dunes up to 150 metres in height. Located at the end of a sealed road and just 20 kilometres from the Algerian border this really feels like frontier country.

Breakfast and dinner

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DAY 6

Merzouga – Sahara Desert

Enjoy your free morning and relax at your Riad.

In the afternoon, experience a camel ride into the desert to our luxury desert camp overnight.  Watch the sands change colour from pinks to dark orange and a beautiful sunset.  Enjoy a traditional feast beneath a sky jewelled with thousands of stars, followed by live Gnaoua music around an open fire.

Breakfast, dinner

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DAY 7

Aït Benhaddou

After breakfast we head for Aït Benhaddou – a hilltop site almost unchanged since the 11th century. Its grand kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. You may recognise the site from its long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill for some scenic views.

Breakfast, dinner

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DAY 8

Marrakech

Today we take a slow drive along the winding roads of the Atlas mountains, bound for Marrakech, the Red City, an ancient city wrapped in European modernity. The scenery through the passes of the high Atlas Mountains, is magnificent stopping for several photo stops along the way.

After checking into our Riad, head to the great square of Jemaa el Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. When night falls it transforms into a hive of activity – henna painters, performers, and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies.

Tonight, we experience the opulence of Morocco and treat ourselves to dinner at a luxurious hotel.

Breakfast

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DAY 9

Marrakech

Meet your local guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Walk back through the streets of the old medina to the Jemaa el Fna to enjoy a refreshing glass of fresh orange juice.  Afterwards, we join a Chef for a cooking class learning how to cook authentic meals while learning some Arabic words for food along the way.

Breakfast, dinner

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DAY 10

Casablanca

Head to the Marrakech train station to catch your train to Casablanca. On arrival, we visit the exquisite Hassan II Mosque for a guided tour. Hassan II mosque is the second largest in Africa, with a two hundred metre minaret, the tallest in the world. Sitting on a rocky edge of the Atlantic, a literal inspiration from the Koranic verse `the throne of God is built upon the water`, and a legendary example of Moroccan architecture.

Lunch at the iconic Rick’s Café.  The afternoon at your leisure.

Breakfast, farewell lunch

^
DAY 11

Goodbye Morocco

After a leisurely breakfast we depart for the airport.
Breakfast

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Special Message From Mandy

Morocco Tour 2023

I had such a wonderful group of ladies on the tour to Morocco. Lots of laughs, sharing, learning from each other and just caring. No-one was left out. We experienced an extraordinary time, nothing like back home. I can honestly say we experienced Morocco, from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains to exotic Marrakech and the Atlantic coastline.

From small villages and poor people who work hard to eke out a living to the opulence of dinner at a luxury hotel and lunch at the iconic Rick’s Café. We were also very privileged to visit our wonderful guide’s parents’ home in a village en route, where his Mother and Sisters had kindly prepared lunch for us.

Some days we had a long drive, such as, to the Sahara Desert, but the camel ride, picnic on the dunes and luxury desert camp at the end made up for that. After another day’s drive to Chefchouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, we arrived at a beautiful Riad in the mountains where we could re-energise.

Some days we stopped along the way and bought champagne or wine to enjoy in the evening before dinner. We walked up a mountain trail in the Atlas Mountains to our accommodation at the top.

I could go on and on. We had a wonderful time. You too could experience Morocco, so come with us on our next tour in 2024.

Mandy

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT OUR TOURS

“Women-only travel is the way to go, ladies! Where else would professionals and working women be able to find time or friends/travel companions able to go exploring with them? Maybe your husband hates to travel – this way, you can slot into a tour group of like-minded women and feel included, safe and live your best life; immersed in new and exciting cultures, sights, sounds and food.

Our Moroccan tour with the Adventurous Ewe has to rate as one of my best trips – ever. We saw this magnificent (and very benign) country from every angle and it was done in style. Mandy Salonika worked tirelessly to package and present a tour for our group of women and managed to pitch it at exactly the right level: graceful luxury and the sense of being cosseted and treated, all the while feeling you’re in the middle of an exotic adventure.

Our perfect English speaker guide was a local and could arrange anything at the drop of a hat: dinner at a private home; a table, cushions and snacks on a desert dune; or freshly-shucked oysters at the Fish Market to be slurped standing up. No moment was wasted, though there was ample downtime to recharge batteries. Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can sleep when you’re dead,”?

Well, this applies to the Morocco tour – you don’t want to miss a thing. We travelled around the country in a comfortable tourist bus, which was small enough to allow for great flexibility: stopping for a street-food lunch or coffee or a toilet-break by mutual agreement beats an ocean-liner tourist bus with a massive crowd of people on it, hands down.

If this is not already in your Bucket List, you are missing out.”

Nives Schabort – Morocco Tour March 2023

“Experiencing Morocco with “The Adventurous Ewe” is the only way to go if you want to really see this wonderful, vibrant, colourful, beautiful country and its people. A bespoke tour, meeting and making new friends is what was offered and this is exactly what we received. Top tour guides and bus driver, who were extremely knowledgeable in the history of each place we visited.

They went the extra mile and made the journey, sometimes long hours in the bus interesting and informative with facts and history of Morocco. You need to be walking fit, as you do a lot of that as you wander along the alleys and souks experiencing everyday Moroccan life.

I cannot recommend this trip enough with Mandy, who is calm and collected in what she does . The Adventurous Ewe, I can’t wait for the next adventure.”

Annelee Murray – Morocco Tour March 2023

“Morocco was always a dream destination for the romantic in me.  My visit with The Adventurous Ewe in spring (March) did not disappoint. 

Morocco was the absolute cultural experience for this traveller – the explosion of colour, the varied geographical landscapes that at times could be found in one panoramic picture, the kindness, hospitality, creativity of the Moroccans,  the cacophony of sounds in the city and medinas made this one of my best travel experiences ever.

Thanks to Adventurous Ewe (Mandy) for putting together such an amazing itinerary – from mountains, “primitive” villages and desert to ultimate 5-star luxury in the cities.  

To top all of this we also had an amazing and experienced local guide and my fellow travellers were a group of amazing and wonderful women.   Big thanks Mandy for always making sure this duckling never got left behind as she got lost in the thrills of Morocco.”

Beverley Europa – Morocco March 2023

“Amazing trip from beginning to end – an adventure filled with an explosion of color, surprises, diverse intertwined cultures and exceptional food and hospitality.  The trip was well organized and the tour guide was knowledgeable and very accommodating of the group’s needs.  He also spoke fluent English and ensured we had the full experience of Morocco in true Moroccan style.  We stayed at a range of different riads and visited several local co-ops – all of whom were willing to share how their products were made.

We also visited Merzouga in the Sahara Desert, where we rode on a camel to the luxury camp where we were staying for the night.  Half-way there we stopped to climb up a sand dune and watch the sun set, sipping on wine to celebrate the sheer beauty and the unique experience of being alive in this quiet, mysterious part of this huge desert.  The luxury tents offered superb accommodation to lay down our weary heads and listen to the lone jackals call in the night.

We couldn’t leave Marrakech without having sundowners and dinner at the luxury La Mamounia hotel and the experience was the highlight of the trip – sheer opulence and elegance rolled up in one. Back in Casablanca we ended the wonderful tour experience reminiscing over lunch at the famous Rick’s Cafe.

Special memories were made, and the tour with The Adventurous Ewe is an absolute must for anybody interested in Morocco and everything this interesting country has to offer.  It comes highly recommended!”

 

Beve Victor – Morocco March 2023

“I was the last one to get into the tour group to Morocco and it was worth every second spent on getting my e-visa to go! What an adventure!

We travelled from the famous, romantic Casablanca to snowcapped  mountains and sunny villages. Local rustic to glamorous Marrakesh, Fes and surroundings. Our tour guide Abdoul and Mandy from Adventurous Ewe made it so easy and comfy, you would wonder why not travel that way every time?

We made firm friends with other women who had the time and inclination to travel to places yet unbeknown to us.

Morocco showcased its fine spices and vibrant colours in abundance. A MUST see from every aspect.”

 

Nancy Blomerus – Morocco March 2023

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
  • Flights – I can assist with travel arrangements
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas – I can assist
  • All meals not included in the itinerary
  • All personal drinks including any alcoholic beverages
  • Any optional activities not part of itinerary
  • Room service requests
  • Meal tips
TRAVELLERS TIPS

Guidelines on Moroccan etiquette
Always be mindful this is a Muslim country. Men have more privileges than women. Personal contact in public is frowned upon. Be respectful to all and especially respect the Adhan when chanted – the Call to Prayer. Please ask before you take photos of locals, they are in general not in favour of this.

Guidelines on safety in Morocco
The same safety rules for everywhere in the world will apply. Be vigilant and careful with your belongings and handbags. There is little theft in Morocco, but the souks are crowded and can be an opportunity for someone to grab something.

Weather
March is springtime in Morocco and the weather will for the most part be sunny to warm. The northern and coastal parts (Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, Essaouira, El Jadida) may still be cooler than the southern parts (Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou and Marrakech). The desert (Merzouga) will be hot. Temperatures in the north, mountain and coastal areas could be around 20C while the southern temperatures could be around 30C. No rain is expected for March. Expect the evenings and early mornings to still be a bit cooler. *Please note that this is only an indication as all weather is unpredictable. Please check the weather beforehand as it is still possible to snow during March in mountain areas.

Money
Money can be withdrawn at ATM’s in the cities in Moroccan dirhams. Note there is a withdrawal limit of 2,000 dirhams per day. Sometimes you can do 2 transactions to allow you 4,000 dirhams per day. Local eateries, smaller towns and villages are on a cash only payment basis. As are all market areas and souks. Please ensure you have sufficient cash and plan ahead because it may be a few days before you can withdraw cash again.

Guidelines on toiletries and medication
Your daily accommodation will provide hairdryers, some toiletries in the form of a soap, body wash and towels. Please bring your daily prescribed medication as the Moroccan pharmacies are small and are not adequately stocked.

Guidelines to Moroccan shopping
Souvenir shopping will be mostly done in the souks and paid for in cash (Moroccan dirham). There are no price tags and you will have to ask the price. Be prepared to haggle for the best price.

GUIDELINES TO MOROCCAN DRESSING CODE

Loose fitting clothes are always the best. Shoulders and upper arms should be covered by a sleeve or scarf. 

Bring something smart for dinner at the luxury hotel in Marrakech.

Dresses: Loose flowing dresses below knee height are ideal for warmer weather and during cooler evenings a scarf is ideal to cover the shoulders for more warmth.

Tops: Ideal tops will be shirts or casual blouses covering shoulders and upper arms preferably up to elbows as well as the derriere area. It will be a good idea to take a few long-sleeve shirts/t-shirts with for cooler weather.

Desert:  The camel safari will be from just before sunset in the late afternoon. The desert would have cooled down a bit by then. For your camel safari please allow for very casual clothes (harem pants or jeans and t-shirts, a jacket for the cooler evening weather, casual shoes, pyjamas, the minimum basic toiletries and medication for overnight). Scarves or hats for your head.

 

OTHER ITEMS TO REMEMBER
  • Euros in cash and bank card.
  • Black pen in hand luggage to complete immigration form at arrival in Casablanca
  • Notebook
  • Onboard entertainment- book, kindle, music etc
  • Camera and cell phone with chargers and batteries (The SA 2-point plug works in Morocco)
  • Toiletries
  • Medication
  • Clothes
  • Sunglasses and/or reading glasses
  • Handbag/backpack/shoulder sling bag
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