National Geographic South Africa

April 30th - May 10th, 2026

An Inspired travel Adventure to Morocco

A National Geographics Journey

From golden dunes to bustling bazaars, this small-group journey invites you to experience the beauty, culture, and spirit of Morocco. You’ll explore cedar forests in the Atlas Mountains, wander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and venture into the desert by 4×4. Along the way, you’ll meet local artisans, musicians, and nomadic families, each offering a glimpse into the rich traditions of this captivating country.

Curated in partnership with National Geographic Journeys by G Adventures and hosted by Michelle Gaudet, this experience is designed for curious travelers who want to connect more deeply with the destination, the people, and each other.

“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.”

- Anthony Bourdain

Tour Price Includes

10 Nights of Accommodations at these locally owned hotels or similar

  • 1 night at Kaan Hotel, Casablanca
  • 2 nights at Nour Plazza, Fez 
  • 1 night at Hotel Kanz Erremal, Merzouga
  • 1 night at Hotel Tomboctou, Tinghir
  • 1 night at Berbere Palace, Ouarzazate
  • 4 nights at Grand Plaza Marrakech

Sahara dunes & culture excursion in Merzouga

Moroccan foodie experience in Marrakech

Guided tour of Volubilis including visit to Roman ruins

Guided walking tour of the Fès medina including artisans' quarters and Fès tannery.

15 meals, 10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

G Adventures CEO throughout the trip plus local guides

Guided city tour of Meknès including the ancient granaries and stables of Moulay Ismail and Bab Mansour

Dades Gorge walk

Private Marrakech medina and souks tour

Agafay Desert dinner and show

Hammam experience in Marrakech

Professional travel host with you for your entire time Morocco

All Gratuities for Guides and Drivers

Our Itinerary

Morocco 2026

April 30th, 2026

Casablanca

Upon arrival in Casablanca, a private transfer will welcome us at the airport, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. With the afternoon at your leisure, you're free to recover from your journey or begin exploring the vibrant city. In the evening, join our G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a welcome meeting, where you'll learn more about our upcoming adventure and meet your fellow travellers.

May 1st 2026

Casablanca to Fez

Travel from Casablanca to Fez, stopping to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way. In Meknès, visit historic gates, a local souk, and landmarks tied to Sultan Moulay Ismail’s legacy. Then continue to Volubilis, where well-preserved Roman ruins and intricate mosaic floors offer a glimpse into Morocco’s ancient past. Midday, enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at a Planeterra-supported women’s cooperative that provides training, education, and employment for women and youth in the region. Arrive in Fez in the evening.

May 2th, 2026

Fez

Spend the day exploring the medina of Fez, one of the oldest and largest in the world. Follow a local guide through its maze of narrow streets lined with spice vendors, bakers, and traditional artisans. Visit the stunning 14th-century Madrasa al-Attarine, pass by the Al-Karaouine Mosque and University, and get a balcony view of the city’s famous tanneries, where leather is still dyed using centuries-old techniques. This immersive walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, history, and craftsmanship that define this vibrant city.

May 3rd 2026

Fez to Merzouga

Travel from Fez to Merzouga, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains on a scenic drive through some of Morocco’s most diverse landscapes. Pass cedar forests, the alpine town of Ifrane, and the palm-filled Ziz Valley before arriving at the edge of the Sahara. Along the way, watch for Barbary apes and changing terrain that leads to the golden dunes of Merzouga. Settle in for the night at a comfortable kasbah-style hotel just steps from the desert.

May 4th, 2026

Mergouza to Tinghir

Begin the day with a 4x4 excursion through the golden dunes of the Sahara. Visit the village of Khamliya to meet local Gnaoua musicians and experience a powerful performance rooted in centuries of tradition. Continue across the desert to share mint tea with Amazigh nomads and learn about their daily life in this remote and beautiful landscape. In the evening, travel to Tinghir, where the desert gives way to dramatic mountain scenery.

May 5th, 2026

Tinghir to Ouarzazate

Travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Gorge before continuing along the scenic Road of 1,000 Kasbahs. Stop to explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah, once a grand palace of the el Glaoui family. In Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and desert charm, you’ll have the option to visit a local Amazigh herbalist and learn about traditional medicines and spices used in daily life. This day blends striking natural beauty with cultural insight and history.

May 6th, 2026

Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Begin the day exploring the ancient fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its maze of earthen buildings and dramatic setting. After walking through its narrow lanes and learning about its role in history and film, travel through the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore the city’s vibrant energy, from lively squares to quieter artisan quarters tucked away from the crowds.

May 7th, 2026

Marrakech

Start the day with a hands-on cooking class in a historic Marrakech riad, where a local chef will guide you through preparing a traditional Moroccan meal. Learn the techniques behind flavourful tagines and fresh salads, then enjoy your creations over a shared lunch. In the afternoon, explore Marrakech at your own pace. Wander through the colourful souks, visit the peaceful Majorelle Gardens, or soak in the atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna, where street performers, market stalls, and local life create a vibrant scene.

May 8th, 2026

Marrakech

Today, take in the best of Marrakech on a full-day private tour with a local guide. Visit the city’s most iconic sites, explore its rich history, and spend time wandering through the vibrant souks filled with spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods.

May 9th, 2025

Marrakech

Enjoy a slower start to the day with a late morning visit to a traditional hammam for a restorative spa experience. This is a chance to unwind and reflect as you take part in one of Morocco’s most cherished rituals. Spend the afternoon at your own pace, whether you choose to relax at the hotel or explore more of Marrakech’s hidden corners. In the evening, travel to the Agafay Desert for a magical dinner show under the stars. With sunset views over the Atlas Mountains, live music, and a stunning desert setting, it is a memorable way to close out your adventure.

May 10th, 2026

Departure Day

As our group adventure concludes, you're free to leave at any time today, marking the end of our shared journey. Should you wish to continue exploring, I'm here to assist with additional travel planning, offering a wealth of options for your next discovery. The world is vast, and many more adventures await in this vibrant region and beyond.

Your Professional Travel Host

Michelle Gaudet

Michelle Gaudet, CTC

 Michelle is an award-winning Canadian independent travel advisor, as well as a published writer and photographer. As the founder of Inspired Travel Adventures, she specializes in curating trips that are not only fun and culturally rich, but also promote personal growth, wellness, and connection. Michelle’s mission is to create unforgettable journeys that empower and inspire people to explore the world and discover themselves, all while forming lifelong friendships.

Pricing & Additional Information

Rates

Double Occupancy – $3495 CAD per person (sharing a room)*

Single Occupancy – $4995 CAD per person (your own room)*

*If do not have a roommate, we can match you with a suitable roommate and there will not be a single supplement charge.

*Single occupancy room option is limited.

A deposit of $700 is due at the time of booking.

The final payment is due February 4, 2026. Flexible payment plans are available,  Please ask for more details.

The deposit is non-refundable unless Inspired Travel Adventures cancels the tour.

3% discount applied to invoice for payments made by E Transfer

Tour Supplier: G Adventures. G Adventures’ Terms and Conditions.

Group Size

Minimum of 8 people

Maximum of 12 people

Activity Level

Walking,  suitable for most fitness levels. 

Exclusions

  • International Airfare
  • Meals Not Listed
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Optional Tours & Activities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Out of country medical insurance is required by all travelers. Proof will be required. We strongly recommend trip cancellation and interruption insurance as a way to protect your travel investment. We would be happy to provide a quote through Manulife at your request.

Flights

Flights can be book through Inspired Travel Adventures or on your own.  Please do not book any flights until the tour is confirmed. 

About the Accommodations

On this trip we will stay in comfortable local hotels. Rooms will be on a twin-share basis unless you have booked our My Own Room service. You can expect the rooms to have air-conditioning, private bathrooms and breakfast will be included daily. Some hotels may also have swimming pools and/or other recreational facilities.Where a town has both an ancient medina and a “ville nouvelle” we generally stay in the ville nouvelle, both because the standard of hotels is higher, and because travellers (especially women) often find the medinas at night a little confronting.

Please note that Morocco is a developing country and as such the infrastructure is not as reliable as you would expect at home. Expect quirky plumbing and the odd cold shower!

Meals

Breakfasts
Moroccan breakfasts tend to be different from your usual cereal and toast morning fare – most will be very simple – a croissant or sweet roll with jam and coffee and some hotels will have buffets where you will have more variety. While you are experiencing what a Moroccan family would eat, some travellers do find the provided breakfasts a bit “bread heavy” and enjoy buying fruit the day before to supplement their breakfast.

Lunches and dinners
Moroccan cuisine is world famous and your CEO will be taking the chance to show you the best of it. Staples include cous cous, a type of grain topped with stew, tagine which is actually the name of the pot this tasty dish is cooked in, and brochette, bbq skewers of meat. These meals will generally cost between 10-15 USD per meal depending on the type of restaurant and which part of the country you are in. 

About the Transportation

Please note that there is a lot of fast paced travel on this itinerary which necessitates some long travel days in our mini van. We feel that if you enter this trip with this knowledge and expectation, you will appreciate even more the variety of locations we are able to include in this itinerary.

We use a 16-seater minivan . The legroom in the minivan is possibly smaller than you may be used to and taller passengers may find space a little cramped. 

Gratuities

Gratuities are included for your local guides, and drivers on tour. 

While on tour in Morocco, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, and taxis.  These gratuities are not included. 

Tipping is a way of life in Morocco. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the low salary and wages of Morocco.

Local Dress

While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, shoulders covered and knees covered. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative.

Passport and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Changes in entry requirements to South Africa are subject to change.  A Visa is not required for Canadian.  Please see https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco for the most up-to-date details. 

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