Tangier & the Rif Mountains to Marrakech

Unlock a diverse land of medinas and mountains, riads and ruins, blue towns and buzzy souks

Journey deep into northern Morocco to visit unique towns and cities, each thick in a one-off blend of history and intrigue. Taking two time-saving train rides, we visit dramatically diverse destinations; there’s the bright-blue town of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, the remarkable Roman ruins at Volubilis, the intellectual and religious hub of Fez and the surprisingly calm capital - Rabat. We end in vibrant Marrakech, touring mazey souks and standing in Djemaa el Fna square, a pulsating mix of snake charmers, juice vendors and trinket sellers.

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.
• 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 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 that 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

Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are 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)
  • Small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
• Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
• Alcohol:
  • Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5)
  • Wine: 150 dirhams (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, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg 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 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 has been rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

It provides an excellent introduction to northern Morocco with a relatively busy itinerary. We travel by train and private minibus (usually 18-seater for a group of 16) and there are a couple of long drives. Although there is an organised itinerary every day, the walks are optional. Morocco generally enjoys a good year-round climate (sun-soaked in the summer and reasonably warm in the winter, though rain is certainly possible in winter months).

Ramadan is expected to run from 10 March 2024 to 10 April 2024. This is one of the most important periods in the Muslim calendar and a special time to visit. Each evening the streets empty as people break the fast and then there is 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. Opening times for tourist sites, restaurants and more may be altered, but your leader will know how to adapt the timings to experience all the inclusions on this trip.

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.