Meteor Shower | Sahara | Morocco
FROM: USD $1,735 pp

Become starstruck! Camel trek into the Sahara for an unforgettable night of stargazing at the peak of the spectacular Geminids Meteor Shower. In fifteen action packed days, you'll also get to Wander through the labyrinthine souks of Fes and Marrakech, explore legendary Casablanca, relax by the Atlantic coast in Essaouira and chart Roman ruins at Volubilis.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID SAFE GUIDE
Reviews

Trip Highlights

Meteor Shower - Experience the amazing Geminids Meteor Shower in the heart of the Sahara Desert
Casablanca and its incredible Hassan II Mosque
Meknes - Amazing Imperial city
Midelt - Immerse yourself in the Berber way of life with a visit to a Berber family home
Volubilis – UNESCO-listed Roman ruins
Erg Chebbi/Merzouga sand dunes - The beginning of the Sahara
Essaouira – UNESCO-listed medina, great beaches and surf
Marrakech – UNESCO-listed medina, mosques, palaces and souks (explored independently)
Rabat - Morocco's lively capital
Rif Mountains
Chefchaouen – Overlooked by the Goat Horns Mountains
Fes – The world’s oldest medieval city
Todra Gorge – Morocco’s Grand Canyon
Valley and waterfalls in the Atlas Mountains

Included

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 6 dinners inclusive of a Berber camp dinner
Guided sighting - Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fes and Ait Benhaddou
Escorted by an English speaking tour leader
All entrance fees to included sights
Transportation and transfers in private 4x4 or mini van/touring vehicle, public bus Essaouira to Marrakech on day 13
13 nights 2-4 star hotels and 1 night camping at a Berber camp in the Sahara
Camel trek into the Sahara Desert
Specialist local guides at some sites
Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport on day 1
All road taxes and tolls

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping Kitty: USD$65pp, paid in USD or local currency
Tip for your tour leader. We recommend you allow USD$2-3 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech

6th December. Welcome to Morocco! You'll be met at Marrakech Airport and transferred to your hotel. Be sure to arrive in time for our welcome meeting and dinner at 18:00.
Overnight: Marrakech  |  Dinner

Day 2

Casablanca

Marrakech - Casablanca. En-route this morning we travel up to Casablanca. Made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the film “Casablanca”. We then have the option of visiting the stunning Hassan II mosque, which has the tallest minaret and the third largest mosque in the world, it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time.
Overnight: Casablanca  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Rabat & Meknes

Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes. This morning we head straight to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. We will spend the morning visiting Oudaia Kasbah, Hassan tower, the Royal Palace and Chellah. After lunch we will move on to the third of our Imperial cities Meknes to enjoy some free time.
Overnight: Meknes  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Chefchaouen

Meknes - Chefchaouen. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania. We’ll then head on to Chefchaouen for a guided tour this afternoon. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen boasts a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and cafes with authentic menus. The busy market is a mix of traditional Moroccan and tourist fare.
Overnight: Chefchaouen  |  Breakfast

Days 5-6

Fes

Chefchaouen - Fes. Enjoy some free time in Chefchaouen this morning - relax at the hotel or spend your time exploring this beautiful city. We travel on to Fes in the afternoon. Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, and its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights. To navigate, follow one of the five, themed tourist circuits. There are plenty of mosques and palaces to visit, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco.

On day 6 we embark on a fully guided tour of the city of Fes. Explore the tanneries, souks, potteries, and the Medina, and learn the fascinating history of the city. We’ll later return to the hotel to get ready for an optional night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town.
Overnight: Fes  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 7

Midelt

Fes - Midelt. This morning we journey over the Moyen Atlas to stop at Midelt. This is a beautiful alpine area. Surrounded by huge pine trees and a tranquile mountain setting, this is a great spot to cool down and relax after the hustle and bustle of Fes. We will enjoy a small hike in the afternoon. We spend the night in this mountain location.
Overnight: Midelt   |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Geminids Meteor Shower

Midelt - Erg Chebbi. Today we embark on a scenic drive followed by an optional tasty Moroccan lunch (not included) and an afternoon relaxing and swimming. Then we head out to towards the Erg Chebbi dunes located near the remote frontier town of Merzouga. The dunes are renowned for their incredible height and size. In parts the vast sand pile reaches skyward to heights of 150 metres! Transferring to our camels we trek into the Sahara for a night at our Berber Camp. Tonight, we enjoy a local meal, music and an amazing night out under the Saharan stars.

The stars in the Sahara are fantastic at the best of times - however tonight they should be extraordinary as we hope to witness the peak of the Geminids Meteor Shower. This annual event has been observed for over 500 years and gets its names from the constellation Gemini, because it is said to emanate from here. The shower is one of the world's brightest, has been known to produce fire balls and can create 100-150 meteors an hour at its peak.
Overnight: Merzouga  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9

Todra Gorge

Erg Chebbi - Todra Gorge. Leaving the desert, we move on to Todra Gorge. This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is also called Morocco’s Grand Canyon. We will have an early lunch at the village co-operative where you can see and buy authentic, Berber, handmade rugs, kilims and carpets. The afternoon can be spent exploring the Gorge, walking through the palmerie or if you’re feeling adventurous, there is the option to rock climb.
Overnight: Todra Gorge  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Ait Benhaddou

Todra Gorge - Ait Benhaddou. Leaving the impressive Todra Gorge we continue our journey to Ait Benhaddou, stopping en route in Ouarzazate for lunch and the opportunity to tour its famous film studio (book/pay locally). After lunch we tour the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, where Lawrence of Arabia was once filmed.
Overnight: Ait Benhaddou  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Days 11-12

Essaouira

Ait Benhaddou - Essaouira. Todays drive offers panoramic views as we traverse the high Atlas Mountains on our way to Essaouira. A colourful old city and fishing village is located within 15th century Portuguese fortifications. Just outside the town great beaches and an Atlantic surf beckon.

Relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. Any city gate leads to the Medina, so you’re unlikely to get lost. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are plenty of cafés with terraces, both ideal for relaxing for a few hours. Blue doors and window frames abound as do the artists shops – buy a carpet or Thuya wood carving or sit on the beach sipping a mint tea as the sun sets, an antidote to the bustle of the Imperial Cities. During our time here there's the option to take part in horse trekking or quad biking.
Overnight: Essaouira  |  Breakfast x 2

Days 13-14

Djemaa el Fna

Essaouira - Marrakech - breakfast. We take a supratours public bus from Essaouira back to Marrakech this morning, to explore the last of Morocco’s four Imperial cities we visit on this tour. Marrakech set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Its great pride and landmark is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Seville. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the city’s UNESCO-listed medina & Djemaa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. An optional guided tour of Marrakech is offered with a local payment of 100 Dirhams, alternatively you can explore the city yourself or relax by the pool.
Overnight: Marrakech  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 15

Marrakech

20th December. Marrakech - Breakfast. Spend the morning relaxing or picking up a few last minute souvenirs. Our tour concludes upon hotel check out at 12 noon.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of a single room.

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Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $1,735
USD $1,895

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Post Tour Accommodation - Marrakech
USD $75
USD $105
Pre Tour Accommodation - Marrakech
USD $75
USD $105

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Moroccan House Hotel, Casablanca

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Riad

In the centre of Casablanca, Moroccan house is a charming hotel. Designed similar to a traditional Riad, this quirky residence offers delicious Moroccan food as well as getting the chance to prepare it yourself. Guest rooms include comfortable beds, complete with frilly lace canopies and all the modern conveniences you could ask for. Located a few steps away from the port and a short drive to the Hassan II mosque.

Hotel Diwan , Casablanca

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Located close to the city centre, Hotel Diwan is a contemporary hotel just a short walk from the main train station. The modern guest rooms are air conditioned with flat screen TVs and en suite facilities. The onsite restaurant offers a buffet breakfast every morning as well as an array of international cuisine in the evenings for dinner. The hotel also has an on site gym, spa and complimentary wi-fi is available.

Hotel Akouas, Meknes

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

The Akouas is a comfortable and modern hotel, with traditional Moroccan architecture and comfortable rooms.

Hotel Madrid, Chefchaouen

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: 2 Star Hotel

Hotel Madrid offers a fantastic location in the centre of Chefchaouen, just 300 metres from the blue streets of the old town and a short stroll from the bustling Place Outa el Hammam and Kasbah. Its standout feature is its traditional décor, with the hotel’s Moroccan lounges and guestrooms all painted in bright colours and patterns, giving the property a very authentic feel. Some of the rooms also feature four-poster beds and the patio is a great spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Hotel Arena , Fes

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Boasting a garden, outdoor pool and mountain views, Hotel Arena offers a great location for visiting the Royal Palace and the bustling medina of Fes. Each of the rooms is fitted with a balcony allowing for city or pool views, alongside modern amenities such as air conditioning and WiFi. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the onsite restaurant and take advantage of the hotel’s spa facilities. Alongside a sauna and massage treatments, guests can unwind with a traditional hammam steam bath complete with a facial scrub and body masks.

Desert Camp, Merzouga

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Standard Camp

Set amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, the Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. The permanent tents include multiple beds and electricity (after night fall) Camping out in the desert is a wonderful experience, due to the lack of light pollution, the stars come out in abundance and really are a sight to behold.

Kasbah Amazir, Todra Gorge

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: 2 Star Hotel

Nestled in a small oasis surrounded by palm trees, the traditional-style Kasbah Amazir is the perfect haven for those looking to relax. Guestrooms feature Berber carpets and bamboo furniture, with some also offering a private terrace. Enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or take a stroll in the gardens. For those looking to fill their holiday with a spot of adrenaline, hikes and climbs can be arranged nearby. After a long day you can enjoy a drink and traditional Moroccan dishes in the on-site restaurant.

La Rose Du Sable, Ait Benhaddou

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

La Rose Du Sable is a Kasbah-style property located within minutes of the fortified town of Air Benhaddou. Each traditionally decorated guestroom is ensuite and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can relax by the pool or on the Berber lounge terrace, while enjoying delicious local specialties such as tagine and couscous.

Hotel Miramar, Essaouira

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Enjoying an enviable location just a 15-minute walk from the beach and some of the city’s key sights, Hotel Miramar combines 4-star comfort with local convenience. Each of the 45 guest rooms’ benefit from a separate sitting area, room service and satellite television, there’s also free WiFi throughout the property. After a day of sightseeing guests can unwind in the on-site spa, which offers a variety of treatments, or those that prefer to relax during the day can opt to head to the hotel’s private sand beach.

El Andalous Hotel & Spa, Marrakech

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Just 10 minutes from the airport, the El Andalous Hotel and Spa offers a welcome respite from the hubub of the city. Evoking the golden age of Arab-Andalusian culture; exotic and romantically rich. Guest rooms are well furnished with excellent en suite facilites as well as private balconies. The hotel pool is great place to relax by and enjoy a tasty beverage or two. The medina is just a 20 minute walk from here or a cab can get you there in a few minutes!

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 5 out of 5 based on 3 recent reviews

Absolutely amazing trip from start to finish. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable and funny. This was my first trip with On The Go and can safely say not my last.

• Submitted 04 Jan 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

I had booked the Geminids Meteor Shower in Morocco as a solo female traveler. To say the experience was wonderfully magical would be an understatement! Everything from the travel companions, guide (Lhoucine Ouzaouit), and overall experience was superb! By chance it turned out our whole group of 6 were women. Our guide was so great and helpful at not only keeping us on track but also went above and beyond to look after us even on our free time. The highlight of this trip had to be the camel trek at sunset to our “glamping” spot in the Sahara where we got to spend the whole night watching the show of 100’s of meteors with an amazing local astronomer who stayed up ALL night long to answer questions, take pictures, and show you all the constellations and planets on his telescope! I did not sleep at all that night. What an experience! Once in a lifetime for sure! Then an equally beautiful camel trek back to watch the sunrise. So many highlights on this trip that it is infinite. Mostly thanks to our guide who’s love and knowledge for his country will make you also fall in love with it! Thank you Lhoucine and On the Go for such a wonderful trip!!!

• Submitted 29 Dec 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

Absolutely loved the whole experience! I can't wait to go on another tour. This was my first tour and I am sold on this type of travel. Our tour guide, Younes, was amazing - he was very knowledgeable, open to questions, and made the experience fun. He is definitely a people person and great on managing a group of different personalities. I was very lucky to have such a great group of people and a fantastic leader for my first tour. I also have to comment on the quick and comprehensive responses I received to all my questions by Sarah and her colleagues before I left on the tour. I hope to join another tour next year. Thank you!

• Submitted 22 Dec 2017
Tour
Guide
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In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Marrakech
Ends
Marrakech
Departs
06 Dec 2021
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
2 - 4 star hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 6
Visiting
Todra Gorge, Marrakech, Essaouira, Ait Benhaddou, Merzouga, Midelt , Chefchaouen, Fes, Casablanca, Meknes, Erg Chebbi
Countries
Click to play videoBeautiful sky over the famous Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech
Click to play videoAncient gate in Meknes
The blue painted houses of Chefchaouen's medina
Click to play videoMulti-coloured tanneries in Fes
Click to play videoCamel walking through the Erg Chebbi sand dunes
Click to play videoThe rocky sides of the cliffs in Todra Gorge
Click to play videoSand coloured kasbah in Ait Benhaddou
The walled city of Essaouira sitting on the edge of the water

Extra Tour Info

Visiting the Sahara
Our guide to visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Updated
13th January 2020

Absolutely amazing trip from start to finish. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable and funny. This was my first trip with On The Go and can safely say not my last.

Sobia Altaf
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