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Marrakesh · Marrakech Safi · Morocco
Small Group Morocco: Women's Expedition - 8D/7N
Starting From
From $1,265.45 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Join Intrepid on this incredible female-only adventure – an unforgettable expedition to the remote and less-traveled reaches of Morocco. Begin in Marrakech, then set off to experience the side of Morocco they don’t tell you about in the guidebooks. Break bread with Amazigh (Berber) families in remote homes, see how an artist co-op is empowering female rug-weavers in small villages, take in the beauty of the far-flung M’goun Valley over four days of hiking with the region’s first local female guide, and enjoy the singing and dancing of Moroccan women in cultural ceremonies in rural communities. With all the hallmarks of a classic Intrepid adventure – local leadership, private transport, real-life experiences – and an added focus on female travel and female empowerment, this is a unique opportunity for women to blaze the trail in an incredible but often conservative country.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Join 8 days of the incredible female adventure of Morocco
- Learn about local leadership, private transport, reallife experiences
- See how an artist coop is empowering female rugweavers
- Enjoy the singing and dancing of Moroccan women in cultural ceremonies
- A unique opportunity for women to blaze the trail in an incredible
- View Djemaa el Fna, the lively town square in the center of the Medina
- View the Koutoubia Mosque and its famous minaret, or discover the tropical gardens
- Learn how to prepare some specialty dishes at a cooking demonstration
- Walk through Agouti Gorge
- View the M’Goun Valley & Ait Benhaddou
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Marrakesh
Day 1: Marrakech. Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. This Women’s Expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm – please check the hotel reception for information about where and when it will be. After the meeting there's the option of joining your leader and fellow travellers for dinner.
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Jemaa El-fnaa. Afterwards, be sure to check out Djemaa el Fna, the lively town square in the centre of the Medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see singers, drummers, dancers, fortune tellers, jugglers and even old medicine men and dentists mingling together in what has been called the 'greatest spectacle on earth'.
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Koutoubia Mosque. If you arrive in town with some time up your sleeve before the trip starts, perhaps admire the outside view of the Koutoubia Mosque and its famous minaret, or discover the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent).
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at El Badi Palace. Also well worth a look is the architecture of the Palais Bahia, the ruins of the Palais Badi, and the recently uncovered Saadian tombs in the Medina.
Continued
Marrakesh
Hotel (1 night).
Day 2
Marrakesh
Local Flavor. Day 2: Bou Tharar. Board your private transport and settle in for the journey to Bou Tharar village (approximately 7 hours). You'll be hosted by local women, and there will be some Amazigh (Berber) music and local songs to enjoy.
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Marrakesh
Local Flavor. A tasty, traditional meal will be waiting for you on arrival. Your accommodation is a beautiful terra cotta gite (rural guesthouse). From here, the views of the surrounding hills are superb, and you'll be greeted with warm hospitality from the local family who run the establishment.
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Marrakesh
Gite (1 night)
Day 3
Marrakesh
Hiking. Day 3: Agouti. Set off on a hike from Bou Tharar village to Agouti Village (approximately 5–6 hours). For the next four days of hiking, you’ll be accompanied by Mama Bia, the region’s first local female guide. Mama Bia knows these parts like the back of her hand and will share incredible stories of the landscape and her nomadic past – walking with Mama Bia is sure to be one of the standout experiences of your journey.
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Marrakesh
Cooking Class. You'll be hiking in a westbound direction, passing through villages and meeting some of the locals on the way. In the afternoon, learn how to prepare some specialty dishes at a cooking demonstration. This is a really unique opportunity, so get involved and learn some new skills to take back home. You'll be hiking in a westbound direction, passing through villages and meeting some of the locals on the way. In the afternoon, learn how to prepare some specialty dishes at a cooking demonstration. This is a really unique opportunity, so get involved and learn some new skills to take back home.
Continued
Marrakesh
Guesthouse (1 night).
Day 4
Marrakesh
Nature Walks. Day 4: Amejgag. Set off on a morning walk through Agouti Gorge, crossing through Almdoun Village to get to Amejgag (approximately 5–6 hours). The dramatic red walls of the gorge make for an otherworldly sight.
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Marrakesh
Hiking. At some point during today’s hike, you will need to cross a river, maybe multiple times. Depending on the water levels, you may need to roll up your trousers and take your shoes off. Alternatively, bringing closed-toed sandals could be a good idea too. Your experienced leader will make sure to find the best place to cross, but come prepared to get a little wet.
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Marrakesh
Local Flavor. After arriving in Amejgag Village, gain insight into an age-old craft by attending a weaving workshop run by a local ladies' cooperative. Put your skills into practice and try the ancient art of weaving yourself (under the watchful eye of some local experts!) Afterwards, there will be a walk through the village to see some of the interesting architecture.
Continued
Marrakesh
Guesthouse (1 night).
Day 5
Marrakesh
Day 5: Issoumar. This morning enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast comprised of a comforting homemade soup, tea, coffee, and (most importantly) olive oil served with Moroccan bread. Get involved in preparing this flatbread, otherwise known as khobz, which is widespread and almost synonymous with Moroccan food. There's nothing like making and tasting the real thing under the guidance of those who do it best.
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Marrakesh
Rock Climbing at M'goun. Set off to Issoumar, trekking through more of Morocco's spectacular landscape. The route crosses small hills and leads to Timtda village, where you'll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. From here, climb 200 metres uphill to the Tissardan pass, which offers a fantastic view of the M’Goun Valley.
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Marrakesh
Local Flavor. Then descend 300 metres to Issoumar village, where you will spend the night. This afternoon, listen to traditional folk tales and play music with the local women inside the guesthouse. Singing is a big part of local music so expect to sing along with your female host and perhaps try wearing traditional dress. This isn’t a performance, but rather a unique opportunity to get involved and be a part of the experience.
Continued
Marrakesh
Guesthouse (1 night).
Day 6
Marrakesh
Eco Tour. Day 6: Bou Tharar. Follow the M’Goun River back to Bou Thrar (approximately 5–6 hours). You'll most likely see a few farmers going about their daily business along the way. After lunch, visit a farm and learn some traditional farming skills that have been practiced in this part of Morocco for centuries. Take the chance to feed the animals, often a very important part of the lives of Moroccan families, whose wealth depends on their livestock.
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Marrakesh
Local Flavor. After a long but rewarding day, take some time to rest before joining your fellow women in trying on some traditional henna and kohl makeup. You may have already learned about these skills earlier in the trip, but this evening stands out for a different reason. After having your dress picked out and make up done for you, head out to attend a very special party, imitating a Amazigh wedding. Make the most of this wonderful event while enjoying dinner with your group – your final meal with Mama Bia.
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Marrakesh
Gite (1 night).
Day 7
Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Aït Benhaddou. Day 7: Marrakech. Return to Marrakech today. On the way, make a stop at Ait Benhaddou to check out the beautiful mudbrick ksar. Retaining its thousand-year-old allure, the ksar is southern Moroccan architecture at its finest. Unsurprisingly, this UNESCO-protected marvel has been used as a backdrop in a number of famous films, such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Continued
Marrakesh
Once back in Marrakech, take a detour from the hustle and bustle of the medina and visit the home of Zineb, a local woman who will be cooking your dinner tonight. Tuck into a beautiful traditional meal as you hear how Zineb’s hard work and determination to provide for her children has led her to where she is today. A passionate and talented cook, this is sure to be a final meal to remember.
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Marrakesh
Hotel (1 night).
Day 8
Marrakesh
Day 8: Marrakech. Bid farewell to your travel companions as the trip comes to an end today.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Private vehicle Bou Tharar - Amazigh music and local songs Bou Tharar - Hike to Agouti Agouti - Couscous demonstration Amejgag - Rug-weaving workshop visit Agouti - Hike to Amejgag Amejgag - Moroccan breakfast preparation Amejgag - Hike to Issoumar Issoumar - Folk tales and music Bou Tharar - Farm visit Bou Tharar - Amazigh dress and makeup Issoumar - Hike to Bou Tharar Marrakech - Home-cooked dinner Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
Meeting & Pickup
The tour starts in Marrakech, Morocco. Finish Marrakech, Morocco.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 15 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By PE
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