• Experience the sights and sounds of Jemaa-el-Fna, a vibrant market in the heart of the old medina in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the market with local guides and learn to prepare a traditional Moroccan meal.

• Explore Moroccan culture through yoga during this wellness retreat at an ecolodge set in an Amazigh (Berber) village just outside of Marrakech. This peaceful setting surrounded by native plants and flowers is the perfect location to relax and reconnect with yourself.

• Stroll the fortified city walls along the Atlantic coast in Essaouira, an enchanting seaside community known for its local artisans. Meander the maze-like streets of the ancient Medina, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and browse the city’s art galleries.

Day 1: Arrival Day

Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and head to your guest house in an Amazigh (Berber) village near Marrakech. Enjoy your first Moroccan meal as you watch the sun setting in the mountains. 

Overnight: Amazigh village near Marrakech.

Days 2 and 3: Experience Amazigh Culture

Start and end the next two days with yoga (type depends on participants’ goals). Activities in the village will include village walks or hikes, family visits, sightseeing and open Q&A over Moroccan mint tea. 

Overnight: Amazigh village near Marrakech

Day 4: Sights and Sounds of Marrakech

After your last village yoga session and  a tasty breakfast, head to Marrakech. Discover some of our favorite spots such as Bahia Palace, the secret garden, Yves Saint Laurent Museum and of course Jemaa el-Fna, a vibrant market in the old medina where you’ll join the locals enjoying fresh-squeezed orange juice, a warm bowl of soup, skewers and mint tea. In the afternoon, choose between a number of activities including a calligraphy workshop in a cozy living room of a local home, getting an intro to local spices and herbs at a famous spice shop, or an essential oil workshop where you’ll learn how the oils are cultivated and what they’re used for in Morocco.  

Overnight: Riad (Hotel) in Marrakech

Day 5: Self care and Reflection

Start the day off right with a yoga session on the rooftop and later prepare for a hammam (traditional bath house). Soak in the pools, exfoliate in steam rooms and relax with clay mask facials. Spend the afternoon reflecting on your experience so far after you meet a group of local women for tea and a conversation about women and gender roles in Morocco. For dinner, grab ingredients in the bustling market for your cooking class with a local chef.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech

Day 6 : Seaside Living in Essaouira

Head to Essaouira, a quaint beach town on the Atlantic coast. Visit an argan oil collective where you’ll learn how this now world famous oil is produced. You might even learn a few new uses for it from the women who have been using it for centuries. Or take some personal time and book a calming massage on your own. Stroll the white-walled medina and European-style streets, and barter for handicrafts and textile souvenirs. Don’t miss out on fresh locally-caught fish—a speciality of the coastal region. 

Overnight: Riad in Essaouira

Day 7: Shop, Surf and Chill

After group meditation on the beach, take a surf lesson, relax to the sound of the waves, shop in town and visit an argan co-op. 

Overnight: Riad in Essaouira

Day 8: Beslama (Farewell) to Morocco

After your breakfast, spend some time journaling or grabbing some last-minute souvenirs before heading to the airport. This day will depend on flight details.

*Itinerary days and activities are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances or events. See full terms and conditions for more information.

In Marrakech and Essaouira, your group will stay in Riads, beautiful Moroccan hotels that include often lush open-air courtyards. These multi-level Moroccan structures are examples of traditional palace architecture. For the first few nights of your trip, you’ll stay in a local Amazigh (Berber) village near Marrakech. Here, the accommodation is a wellness guest house surrounded by native plants and flowers, a truly relaxing setting to help you settle in after arriving in Morocco.

Checked luggage should be a duffle bag (rolling duffels are fine). Large square suitcases are sometimes difficult to maneuver through the crowded medina and may not fit well in the back of our vans. A few notes:

• Morocco is a Muslim-majority country where many people dress conservatively. Most local women wear hijabs or headscarves, but you won’t be required to wear one. Unlike some countries in the Islamic world, headscarves are not required by law in Morocco. However, to respect local culture and customs, we ask that women not pack tight-fitting clothes, two-piece swimsuits, short skirts and shirts that show your shoulders. 

• Toilet paper may not be available in every public restroom you’ll encounter. Please bring a small roll of toilet paper to keep in your day bag.

• Some travelers bring a second, empty, lockable bag folded into the main luggage. You can use this to carry home some of the things you acquire along the way. Also, when traveling with a friend, you can “bag swap” or pack two outfits of your clothing in your friend’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed. Up to you!

• You will want to wear clothes that are comfortable. Wearing lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants will also protect you from the sun, dust and insect bites.

• Footwear is also important. You may be spending a lot of time on your feet in Marrakech and Essaouira.

Clothes (one unless otherwise noted):

• Yoga mat & clothes

• Comfortable pants - 2-3 pairs

• Jeans

• Long skirt or dress with sleeves

• Knee-length shorts - 2-3 pairs

• T-shirts - 5-7 pairs

• Long-sleeved shirts - 3-4 pairs, for cooler evenings/mornings, protection from flies and mosquitos and sun protection.

• Undergarments - one pair for each day of your trip (laundry may not be available)

• Fleece/hoodie or jacket, for cool mornings and evenings, it can dip into the 40s overnight in the desert

• Swimsuit

• Rain jacket

• Sneakers/comfortable shoes

• Sandals or flip flops

• Sunglasses

• Refillable Water Bottle - 1 liter, Nalgene or CamelBak

• Sun hat to guard from glare and to protect your skin.

• Warm hat for those cool desert evenings

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray, 20-30% DEET

Note: Laundry service is available at times but is often unreliable.

• 8 days/7 nights of accommodation at beautiful and unique hotels

• Private airport pickup and drop off and all transportation throughout trip 

• All activities as detailed here (activities can be added at an additional cost)

• Bottled water for your refillable bottle

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day (one to two dinners on own)

• A local guide with you throughout the trip

• Local support team on call 24/7

• Contribution to local organizations and/or projects 

What's Not Included

• Travel Insurance

• International flights, visa fees and COVID-19 testing

• Alcoholic beverages (when available) and soft drinks

• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, cabs, etc.)

• Optional or added activities not mentioned in itinerary

• Tips to hotel, lodge or tented camp staff

• Gratuity for trip guides

Do I need a passport to travel to Morocco?

You must have a passport to travel internationally. When you book your trip with Off Cape Experiences, we ask that you submit a copy of your passport in part to verify whether it’ll be valid when you travel. To travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return from your trip and has at least one (and probably more) empty pages. 

Renewing a passport can take four months so if it doesn’t meet the above criteria, start the process immediately. 

• Learn more about how to renew an existing passport.

• Learn more about how to expedite your passport renewal.

• Learn more about how to apply for a first-time passport.

Make copies of your passport and keep one in a safe place not with your passport. This will come in very handy if you misplace it and need to get a new one.

Do I need a visa for travel to Morocco?

Visas aren’t required for U.S. citizens visiting Morocco for fewer than 90 days. Learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website. Getting a visa before traveling will shorten the arrival process at Marrakech Menara Airport, but is not required.
Travelers from outside the U.S. with other passports should review entry requirements for your home country, or get in touch (link) and we’ll help you navigate this process.

What vaccines are required for travel to Morocco?

None if traveling from the U.S. However, we recommend reviewing the CDC Traveler’s Health page for Morocco, which recommends a number of vaccines, including childhood vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, and Typhoid. Please be sure to consult your doctor to decide what medicine is right for you. 

In addition to vaccines, if you take prescriptions, please bring enough for the duration of your trip. Obtaining your prescriptions in Morocco may not be possible. Some other prescription tips:

• Pack your prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. We suggest you pack them in your carry-on bag.

• Be sure to bring enough contact solution and personal hygiene products for the duration of your trip. Ear plugs are also a good idea to have on your flight.

• A personal First Aid kit is always a good idea to have on you when traveling abroad. 

Is the tap water safe to drink? 

No. Drink only bottled water. Do not drink water from the tap or a well. Your accommodations and guides will provide water for you to fill your refillable water bottles you bring from home or provide bottled water for you. Bringing a Nalgene or similar 1 Liter refillable bottle is highly recommended and promotes sustainable travel and respect for the places we are traveling.

In addition, routine hand washing before and after meals and after using the bathroom will cut down on your chances of getting sick. Although delicious and a great way to experience local culture, eating street food can also increase your chance of getting sick. Make sure to rinse any fruits or vegetables before eating.

Is it safe where we’re going in Morocco?

Morocco is generally a safe place to travel. However, using common sense is a must. You will be briefed upon arrival at each location. Listen to briefings from your guides and ask questions! Do not assume.

What’s the weather like?

Morocco is located in western Africa and across the Strait of Gibraltar from the southern tip of Spain. The weather varies by season and region. Cities on the Atlantic coast are hot and humid in the summer and warm and wet in winter. Inland cities experience desert conditions while the Atlas Mountains in the north can experience snow in January and February.

The weather in Marrakech is mildest from March to May and September to November with average daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit. The temperature can drop significantly overnight so make sure to have some additional layers for evening activities. Expect conditions in Marrakech to be wet in winter and hot and humid in summer with temperatures reaching 100 degrees during the day.

In Essaouira, the weather is milder with average temperatures ranging from the 50s to 80s Fahrenheit. Expect the most pleasant weather in summer when Essaouira and its beaches are busiest.

Do I need to bring cash? How much? 

You’ll primarily use cash when traveling in Morocco. Some of the bigger tourist shops and hotels will take Visa and Mastercard, but other than that, it is best to plan on using cash wherever you go. 

Some additional info about cash and money:

• ATMs are widely available and offer the best exchange rates, even when including fees from your bank.

• Travelers Checks are not recommended as you will receive a lower rate of exchange and additional fees to use them.

• Bargaining is acceptable when buying souvenirs in Morocco. How much you want to push it is up to you. Ask yourself what you would pay for that item at home, compare the price, and find somewhere in the middle that is reasonable for both parties. Remember to keep a smile on your face and always be polite. It’s a good thing when both sides of the deal are happy.

Is tipping expected in Morocco?

Yes. You’ll be expected to tip your guides and service staff you interact with while traveling in Morocco. How much to tip is up to you, but please use the following as a guide:

• Guides: 5 to 10% of the tour/activity price

• Drivers: 100 to 200 dirham per day

• Servers: 10% of the bill total

• Hotel staff: 

  • Manager: Up to 100 dirhams per day

  • Housekeeping staff: 50 dirhams per day

  • Cook: Up to 100 dirham per meal

  • Porter: 20 dirham for luggage assistance to and from your room

Should I bring my expensive digital camera?

Cameras are important pieces of equipment while traveling. if you want to record memories to revisit later. As for what type of camera or lens to bring, it’s entirely up to you. Whichever camera you decide to bring, be sure to become familiar and comfortable using it before departing for your adventure. 

Photo etiquette is very important. The etiquette of photographing most people is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. In general, you need permission to take a close-up, as you would at home, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph a woman wearing a veil. If you want to shoot a portrait, show interest in your subject, and try to have a bit of interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your driver-guides can help.  

Will my phone work in Morocco?

Probably, if you pay for it. Check with your provider for roaming rates and international data packages before traveling. These rates can pile up very quickly and be extremely expensive.

If you have a travel phone or a phone with a slot for an extra SIM card, you can buy a local SIM card with data for the duration of your stay. This usually ends up being the cheapest option, though not always the most convenient.

Do I need a power adapter to charge my devices?

Yes. It will be important to charge your devices each day when returning to your accommodation for the evening, especially your camera. You can find universal adapters or adapters specifically for the Type E outlet used in Morocco at online retailers. Adapters now come with USB ports and more than one outlet for charging multiple devices at once. Click here to learn more.

How will we get around in Morocco?

We work with a local transportation company that has a fleet of large vans for you to travel comfortably as we move about the country.