Morocco was an amazing country to visit. From the streets of Casablanca to the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen then the markets of Fez and Marrakesh. Riding camels in the Sahara desert then glamping. Meeting nomads, and local communities, being fed by many local families and the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. The people of Morocco are so warm and welcoming, always with a smile and time for a chat. So much history and so many beautiful mosques. Our guide provided us with a wonderful view of the Muslim culture. I would highly recommend this adventure, would be one of the best holidays I have been on. The small groups of ladies only was fabulous. Thanks Patch Adventures.
15 Day Morocco Adventure
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
Have you always wanted to go to Morocco, but hesitated because you didn’t want to go by yourself? This trip is for those who dream of waking up in the desert and watching the sun rise over the dunes; of walking through the hustle and bustle of the medinas, the air filled with the scent of spices; or of experiencing the hospitality of Berber nomads.
Highlights
Ride a camel in the Moroccan desert
Small groups, maximum 12 spots
Savour a taste trail of ancient Fez
Hike in the Atlas Mountains to the Sidi Chamharouch Shrine
Enjoy lunch with a Berber family
Sleep in a luxury desert camp
Explore the alleyways of the blue city of Chefchaouen
Walk through the Medina of Marrakech
Hey Craft Lovers! Want a culture trip jam-packed with all the arts & crafts we could possibly squeeze in? Then you might love our Crafts & Culture version of this trip – Crafts & Culture Morocco.
Trip Details
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Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo – most of our Patchies take this option.
- $1,650 AUD deposit.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Tip Kitty: 200 EUR
Private supplement available: If you’d prefer to have your own private room, this is your option. Add $2,288 AUD, max 4 spots.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Meeting point
Casablanca, hotel lobby.
Ending point
Marrakech
Group size
Maximum 12 — guaranteed departure
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section to see the participation requirements.
Included
- Transport: Private vehicle, Camel, 4WD.
- Leader/Guide: 1 English speaking tour leader throughout. Local guides as outlined in the itinerary.
- Entrance/Admission: Fees, where applicable with included activities.
- Airport Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers are included on a group basis.
- *Note: Flight details are needed 60 days in advance.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
Our accommodation
All of our accommodations have a focus on character, with many memorable stops along the way. We are looking at mostly 4 star accommodation, in Historic Riads or Kasbahs for the majority of the trip.
What our Morocco Patchies say
What a wonderful adventure Morocco was! From riding a camel and having tea with nomads in the Sahara to hiking and riding a mule in the High Atlas Mtns, exploring the ancient Medina in Fes, eating meals with families and everything in between, this was awesome.
The accommodation was gorgeous everywhere, the food amazing and it was so well organised. Our inspirational guide was so knowledgeable.
Highly recommended!
Why Choose This Tour?
We’ve put together the perfect balance of adventure, fun, authentic experiences, great food, and interesting accommodation… that is, the kind of trip you could never organise unless you had your own group of friends spread around Morocco
We've got a team of the best guides who love travel and know how to serve you... and perhaps the most important bit: we know exactly where the great food is hidden
This trip is for active women who are culturally curious and who love to try new things – it's all about the right balance of fresh air, food, and cultural experiences
The accommodation is perfectly located and handpicked – we’re chasing an amazing time during the day plus a good night’s rest
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco! You’ll be warmly greeted by one of our team on your arrival at Casablanca airport and chauffeured away to the hotel. Your adventure begins this evening. First, a meetup. with your group, then a Moroccan dinner with one of the ladies of the Al Hidn Association – a non-profit Moroccan community organisation that supports women and children.
Accommodation: Hotel Odyssee (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Chefchaouen
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest in the world. Today, you’ll take it in with a walking tour. From here, there’s a lot of ground to cover with a 6-hour drive north to Chefchaouen. Quite a drive, but totally worth it. ‘Chaouen’ as it is fondly known, is a striking yet small town that is truly magical. Enjoy a wander on arrival and then take the evening to relax or explore.
Accommodation: Riad Nila (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Rif Mountains
After a slow start to the morning, you’ll tour Chefchaouen on foot. In all its radiant blueness, this hillside town is a wonder to explore – from within its labyrinth of laneways and as-a-whole from the edge of the town.
Dine with the group at a rooftop restaurant as you watch the sunset over the town.
Accommodation: Riad Nila (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4: Volubilis
After breakfast, travel through rolling hills and olive groves to the archaeological site of World-Heritage listed Volubilis. Once a provincial Roman capital, this distant outpost of the empire is fascinating! Afterwards, on to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco; vibrant, noisy, fascinating and stunning to the senses. You’ll spend three nights here soaking in the rich culture.
Accommodation: Riad Al Amine (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Fes Market Tour
Get ready for a ‘Tasting Trail’ through the historical medina of magical Fes. Sample your way through dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups and olives. Move on to the honey souk, where you’ll discover the importance of this liquid gold to Moroccan cooking. Take the afternoon to explore.
Accommodation: Riad Al Amine (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Tastings
Day 6: Fes Craft Workshop
A very crafty experience awaits you in Fes Medina today, in the workshop of sculpting professional Mohamed. He’ll guide you into sculpting a traditional Moroccan art piece. Enjoy some free time after all your creative efforts… perhaps a short hike uphill to watch the magical sunset over Fes?
Accommodation: Riad Al Amine (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 7: The Door to the Desert
Today is another road trip, with 6 hours of driving as you head towards Erfoud, aka the ‘Door to the Desert.’ You’ll stop at Ifrane – known as the ‘Switzerland of the Atlas Mountains’ – for coffee and a stretch to break up the journey. Enjoy your evening relaxing in the well-appointed Palais du Desert Hotel & Spa.
Accommodation: Palais du Desert Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Merzouga desert
After breakfast, jump in a 4WD – you’re off to meet some villagers and experience their nomadic heritage. You’re not likely to have interacted with their music and dance rituals, as you’ll do today, and get to admire their beautiful traditional dress. For lunch, enjoy a local dish, madfouna – bread with stuffed veggies, meat and herbs (vegetarian option available). Then, a drive to your camp in the middle of the desert for a magical sunset camel ride. Finish the evening in the Sandy Luxury Desert Camp.
Accommodation: Sandy Luxury Desert Camp (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Ait Ben Haddou
Feeling adventurous? Set your alarm to watch the sunrise over the desert dunes. You’ll stop at the Skoura Oasis and then Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. Its grand kasbah is mesmerising and the fortified village will whisk you to times past. You’ll also visit the Tawesna tea room, a cooperative run by local women.
Accommodation: Ksar Ighenda (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10: Atlas Mountains
It’s the perfect time now to wind down the pace a little bit with a visit to the Atlas Mountains. You’ll drive to Imlil, a Berber village wedged into a spectacular valley. After a short walk through the village, you’ll check in to your accommodation, Riad Jnane – possibly our favourite of this trip. Spend the afternoon relaxing, and if you feel like it, explore the trails of the local area.
Accommodation: Kasbah Du Toubkal (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11: Atlas Mountains
A memorable day awaits!
You have two options today:
Mountain Hike: Join our Berber mountain guide as we trek up into the Atlas Mountains surrounding Imlil to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. You’ll follow this with a traditional local lunch before retiring back to the kasbah for a tranquil afternoon.
Markets & Tea: If you’re looking for a slower-paced day, you can ease into it. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take a short walk in the mountains, or relax with a book and bask in the view. Later… a trip to a local market and mint tea in a Berber house.
Accommodation: Kasbah Du Toubkal (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Marrakech
From the Atlas Mountains to bustling Marrakech, the contrast could not be greater. Today, you roll into Marrakech after a winding drive through the countryside. Once you’re checked in, it’s straight to the hammam for a Moroccan spa experience! Such a luxurious way to soothe the body after hiking. The best part is you’ll be spending three nights here.
Accommodation: Riad Rimal (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13: Marrakech
After 14 days in Morocco, you’ve eaten all the local food your stomach can handle. Now it’s time to learn how to make some of it, in an optional cooking class. In the afternoon, you’ll take a walk around the medina of Marrakech city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the Bahia Palace.
Accommodation: Riad Rimal (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 14 & 15: Marrakech
It’s time for a bit of relaxed girly fun with the ‘Shine like a Moroccan’ experience. Try on clothing, get henna tattoos and just enjoy being doted upon. The afternoon will be at your leisure as you get ready for a farewell meal at a restaurant, with a bit of a twist. On Day 15 we have no activities planned as you all go your separate ways.
Accommodation: Riad Rimal (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Day 14), Breakfast (Day 15)
The Essential Info
Moroccan culture is very inviting! Each person you encounter on our tour will be happy to meet you and enjoy your company.
Please know that we’ll do everything we can to provide an amazing trip, but if you’re having issues of any sort, please let your group leader know as soon as possible.
Visas
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule, most countries expect that you have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport.
At the time of publication, Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Morocco. Given that situations can change, it is recommended to stay in touch with the Wikipedia page on the subject, which is regularly updated, but please confirm with us upon booking.
Medical and Health Information
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip, please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assessed your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Patch reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons, our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs, including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Currency
The currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD), divided into 100 centimes. Bank notes come in denominations of MAD 200, 100, 50, and 20. Smaller values are issued as coins in values of 10, 5, 1 as well as 50c, 20c, 10c, and 5c. Changing money is easy! You’ll find banks and exchange bureaux in Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, and in all major airports. Please note that sometimes Australian dollars are not accepted in exchange bureaux or banks, so the safest option is to bring US dollars. In the desert and Atlas Mountains, opportunities to exchange money are limited. There are ATMs in all major cities, which accept Visa, Mastercard, and other credit cards connected with Cirrus. Some ATMs that belong to smaller banks will not work, so occasionally you may need to try two or three before you are successful.
We strongly recommend bringing a combination of cash and credit cards. Credit cards are useful for large purchases such as carpets or gold from a large store, but generally speaking they are not accepted in many places. Local restaurants, markets, and many hotels will only accept cash as payment for goods or services. Please ensure you only use banks, licensed money exchangers, or hotels to change currency. We also suggest that you keep your receipts. Do not change money with street touts as this is illegal.
Prices in Morocco
Morocco is often misjudged as being an inexpensive destination. With tourism booming, due in large part to the influx of cheap flights from Europe, prices for some items are becoming more equivalent to prices you would be used to at home. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls, and from markets can be inexpensive, but for nights out at tourist-friendly restaurants, you can expect to pay much more. With drinks, tipping, and of course shopping, it can all add up. Budgets are a personal choice, but please bear in mind that you should not expect Morocco to be a budget destination.
Bargaining
In Morocco, some services and products are not a fixed price, which means that your bartering skills will be tested, from hiring taxis to buying a souvenir in the medinas. This can be challenging for travellers who have not experienced this before. Ask your leaders for advice when you arrive! We find that the best approach is to smile and have fun, as this is an entrenched part of Moroccan culture.
Emergency Funds
Please make sure you have access to an additional $500 to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action, or an outbreak of avian flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Your tour includes breakfast each day and several other meals as indicated in the itinerary. You will therefore need additional funds to cover all additional expenses not included in your tour cost. Credit cards are accepted in most goods shops and restaurants, though smaller outlets will generally only take local currency.
Shopping is a personal thing that varies enormously. On average, people spend between 25-50 euro on knick-knacks, ceramics, and other souvenirs. If you plan on purchasing a carpet, prices can be anything from 100-500 euro or more.
You should carry sufficient funds for shopping and any additional sightseeing/optional activities you may wish to undertake. You will find a suggested list (with approximate costs) in your trip notes.
Clothing & Footwear
Bear in mind that the weather will vary significantly from place to place, and also depending on the time of year. Morocco is a dry country, but rain is possible anywhere – please come prepared for this eventuality. Laundry facilities are available in some destinations.
Please also bring appropriate footwear for your trip and remember that we’ll be engaging in multiple walking tours and hiking activities. Bring comfortable shoes that support your feet/ankles. Your body will thank you!
Climate and Seasonal Information
Being a desert country, Morocco can have a lot of variation in its weather conditions. The night time in winter (November through March) can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 5 degrees or less overnight. This is especially the case in mountainous or desert regions.
Summer can be very hot everywhere we go, and it can get quite uncomfortable. You’ll need to come prepared for this, remembering the cultural standards of dress in Morocco. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat!
Is This Trip Right For You?
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that it’s worth spending a little more to have a great night’s sleep. You just love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation! You also know that a “great trip” doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’d least expect. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others.
You are passionate about responsible travel! All of the operators that we have partnered with to bring you this itinerary practice responsibly — for example, the animals (camels and mules) whose help we will enjoy are well taken care of. The cuisine featured on this tour is quite meat-heavy — please understand that it will be very difficult to accommodate vegetarians.
We will be on our feet a good amount on the trip, both walking through cities and neighbourhoods as well as hiking in the Atlas Mountains. We’ll also be riding on camels and in 4WD vehicles during this women only trip! We may be in the car for long stretches (6 hours or so) as well. If you have any questions about this, please get in touch with us, and we’d be happy to answer any and all you may have.
If this fits you, then welcome aboard! We’ll see you in Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on these trips is based on the following exchange rates:
6 October 2023 departure: 1 AUD:0.64 EUR
10 April 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.64 EUR
25 April 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.64 EUR
12 September 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.60 EUR
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks.
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Morocco is a conservative country, so we recommend you dress reasonably conservatively – that is, cover your shoulders and knees. That being said, Morocco receives many visitors, and the locals have a relaxed attitude when it comes to visitors and tourism in general.
This trip begins in Casablanca, Morocco and ends in Marrakech. We ask that you fly into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. If you wish to go back to Casablanca upon finishing, there are multiple trains departing Marrakech on a daily basis. The train ride takes nearly 3 hours and for a much more comfortable experience, we recommend a first class ticket, which is not much more expensive than the second class.
We recommend being prepared to spend the equivalent of around 500 euro. It’s possible to spend less, but you’ll most likely find yourself buying souvenirs, gifts, or treats. Bank cards are generally usable in Morocco, and ATMs are generally, but not always, available. It is better to change your money on arrival, or you can simply make withdrawals at ATMs before heading into areas with less coverage.
Vegetarians can be catered for, but there is a fairly limited choice (mainly vegetarian couscous and tagine or omelettes). This is particularly the case in rural parts of this itinerary. Please note that, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform us prior to the trip. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible, we will cater to dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food.
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea.
Meals eaten out are reasonably priced — kebabs and bread cost only about MAD 30. In main towns, it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from MAD 220 upwards. Generally, dinner is likely to cost between MAD 80-120 depending on what you drink.
In some hotels and restaurants you will be able to purchase beers, wines, and spirits, but you can pay Western prices or more for imported alcohol. Please be aware of local laws, beliefs, and traditions by being respectful while consuming alcohol.
You’ll need a general level of fitness for this trip. It’s important you’re steady on your feet and remember to pack comfortable pre-worn walking shoes. There will be days when you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and a lot of the sightseeing involves walking, sometimes on uneven pavement. If you can walk for 3-4 hours, i.e. 8-10 km at a reasonable pace on undulating terrain, you’ll be fine. You’ll also need to be able to scale several flights of stairs at a time. All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy this trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour that lasts for a full afternoon, for example (better to be honest!). If you’re not confident with your fitness, we recommend doing training walks in your local area, so you come to this trip ready to rock!
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
