Mountains & Imperial Cities

Discover the Atlas range and spell-binding cities of Marrakech, Fez and Meknes

The High Atlas mountains of central Morocco are the perfect backdrop to the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fez and Meknes. This fast-paced journey through the northern kingdom of Africa gives us time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains, as well as allowing time to immerse ourselves in the chaotic blend of spices, perfume and chatter of the cities.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

• Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
• This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants and other enterprises and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
• We have tea and cake with a local family on Day 4.
• On the free day in Marrakech, we suggest guests have lunch at the Amal Women’s training centre, which helps women improve their livelihood.
• Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

• By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
• We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
• The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites. We visit several heritage sites on this trip.
• We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
• Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

• Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
• Our local partners have reached B Corp Certification which requires they demonstrate high levels of social and environmental performance.
• Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

• Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
• Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Visa

Morocco

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Vaccination

Morocco

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

Nine breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners are included.

Moroccan food is generally speaking, excellent though not very varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. For meals not included budget for the following approximate prices.

• Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
• Dinners:
  • In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19) and in
  • In small towns villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
• Drinks in restaurants
  • Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
  • Beer: 30-50 dirham (US$2.85-US$5)
  • Wine: 150 dirham (US$14) and more

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (e.g. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Weather

From April to June and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot with temperatures averaging 26C (79F) in the day and falling to 16C (61F) at night. It is unusual for there to be much humidity so it is quite pleasant except at midday when the sun is very strong. Desert temperatures are similar to those in Marrakech, with the nights usually a little cooler and the days a little hotter. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated as Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our ratings, please visit our Activity Level guidelines.

The tour provides a good introduction to Morocco with a quite busy itinerary. We travel by private minibus and there are a couple of long drives (especially across the mountains), which allows us to experience the distinctly different aspects of this wonderful country. Although there is an organised itinerary every day, the walks are optional. The mountain and lakeside walks are undemanding for anyone with experience of hill or mountain walking. Those less familiar with hiking should prepare for mountain paths that are stony and uneven. Or you may choose to relax at the hotel.

Morocco is hot in summer but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day for our sightseeing so you can expect some early starts. Expect it to be hot to very hot in the desert from May through to September.

Morocco can get cold in winter, though daytime temperatures are usually mild. Pack winter clothes for November through to March when night-time temperatures can drop considerably, especially in the desert and mountains. During these months, there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot, it is not set up for colder temperatures, so there may not be heaters available. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course, you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.