New Year's Eve in Morocco - Marrakech and Desert Trekking

From December 29th to January 5th, 2020 - The detailed program is available in PDF format at the bottom of the page.
A brief overview: A mixed itinerary, on foot and by 4x4, following the ancient nomadic trails through unique landscapes in the heart of the most authentic Morocco. Starting from Marrakech, we will cross the central High Atlas mountains to reach the wide valley of Telouet (1870 m) for the first part of our trek. We will walk along the ancient caravan route that crosses the Ounila Valley—the heart of Berber traditions in the Atlas—all the way to the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a magnificent fortress made of earth and straw at the gateway to the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. From Ait Ben Haddou, our 4x4 will take us towards the Draa Oasis and the Saharan village of M’hamid for the second part of our desert trek. Accompanied by expert guides, we will venture into the majestic Ch’gaga desert until we reach the dunes of Erg Labidlia, undoubtedly the most impressive and evocative in Morocco.

Trip Price: € 690.00. The price includes: Local guide service - Europe Assistance insurance - Private transport by 4x4/minibus with driver – 3 nights in a Riad – 3 nights in a bivouac – 1 night with a local family – Full board accommodation – 3 liters of water per day per person during the trek – Staff and bivouac equipment (including igloo tents and dining tent) – Mules and muleteers (mountains)/Camel drivers and dromedaries (desert) for luggage and equipment transport – Guided tour of the Marrakech medina – 24/7 assistance.
The price does not include: Round-trip airfare to the meeting point – Sleeping bag – Extra drinks – Tips – Optional travel cancellation insurance.
Deposit: € 250.00 at the time ofbooking. Please include the payment reference: "Capodanno in Marocco" and your surname.
Upon confirmation of your participation, I kindly ask you to send me your details for insurance purposes via email: full name, place and date of birth, place of residence, and tax code (codice fiscale).
Balance: € 440.00 – Please do not send this; bring it with you and pay on-site.
Meeting point: Marrakech airport in the evening; the exact meeting time will be communicated later based on flight arrivals.
End of trip: Marrakech airport in the afternoon; the time will be communicated later based on flight departures.
Maximum number of participants: 16.
Daily walking hours: 3 to 7 hours.
Accommodation: Riad and tented camp.
Meals: Packed lunches, small local restaurants, home restaurants, and at the tented camp. For the excursion, werecommend bringing dried fruit and dark chocolate.
Highlights: New Year's Eve in the desert, Draa Valley, historical, cultural, naturalistic, Marrakech, and local gastronomy.
Trip type: Stationary.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Required equipment: 30/35-liter daypack, sleeping bag, trekking shoes (preferably ankle-high), waterproof windbreaker, wraparound sunglasses or ski goggles, trekking clothing suitable for the season, headlamp, trekking poles, scarf, hat or headscarf for sun protection.
Tips: For those with very fair skin, we recommend high-protection sunscreen and lip balm (if possible, arrive already tanned; a few tanning sessions beforehand will help). For contact lens wearers, disposable lenses are highly recommended. Finally, we suggest avoiding laptops and technological equipment, which could be damaged by contact with sand and weather conditions.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights.
Booking deadline: October 20th, 2019, provided that spots are still available.
Notes: The excursion may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events; in such cases, the guide will make the final decision.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact – 3334987946
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Technical organization in collaboration with Direction Sud Maroc.