M orocco is a magical kingdom of exotic sights, smells, sounds and cultures. Our trip will take you and your teenagers from Marrakesh into the High Atlas Mountains – home to the Berbers, a fiercely independent people renowned for their gentleness and hospitality.

Your family will trek on a winding mule path through the picturesque highlands. Make sure to pack some all-terrain footwear, as these trekking days are not for the weak and weary. They are fun, a bit challenging, and one of the most rewarding activities your family will experience. After a full day of hiking we’ll camp next to a natural spring under a blanket of stars. It’s days and nights like these that family memories are made of.

The famed Kasbah awaits you and your teens in Imlil, and from there we’ll continue on to the exotic cities of Essaouira and Marrakesh. Essaouira is a gorgeous coastal town nestled amidst old Berber, French and Portuguese military fortifications. We’ll enjoy exploring narrow winding streets as we pass through a sea of whitewashed houses adorned with blue doors and shutters.

Days 1 and 2 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Marrakesh

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your Morocco family vacation begins.

Days 3 to 6 – Oukaimeden

This is North Africa’s largest ski resort, but during the off-season it serves as a beautiful base from which hikers can explore the terrain of eastern Morocco. As you stretch your legs on the first hike of this adventure and reach the astounding mountain-top views from Tizi Atar, your whole family will be speechless.

Discover Neolithic etchings As you and your teenagers walk the surrounding countryside, keep your eyes peeled for these traces of prehistoric civilizations. Hike to Tizi Atar You’ll hike to the highest summit of the adventure along a meandering mule path as you head to the beautiful mountain pass of Tizi Atar. We’ll take our time getting up to 9,400 feet above sea level, while enjoying the breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and Marrakesh on the plains below. Camping First we trek to Tachdirt Valley, where we share our trail with children tending goats and women carrying freshly cut reeds. Then we camp for a night next to a clear refreshing river, under a sky that fills with stars as the night falls.

Days 7 and 8 – Kasbah

Sitting at the foot of the highest mountain in North Africa, this haven’s setting is exceptional. The world renowned Kasbah is not your typical hotel. It’s more of an extension of the hospitality that stems from the Berbers who run it, and a welcoming yet exotic environment for families seeking comfortable surroundings.

Hike to Sidi Chamharouch This destination is popular with Moroccans as a pilgrimage site. There is a shrine to Sidi Chamharouch in the form of an enormous whitewashed boulder that can only be reached by foot. Free time Play cards, do some laundry, read a book or just relax. Hike to Valley of Ouirgane This will be our last trek in Morocco and it couldn’t be a more ideal. Our path will rise through a village, past the daily lives of local families and through fields of grazing sheep and goats. We continue through an ever-changing landscape of shrubs and barren desert, ending in lush groves of fruit and olive trees.

Days 9 to 11 – Ouirgane and Essaouira

These two towns are beautiful in two very different ways. Ouirgane is nestled in the Atlas Mountains and filled with forests and fruit trees, while Essaouira is a laid-back seaside town with a pleasant, cool breeze. You and your teenagers will enjoy everyday encounters with the local culture in both these villages.

Berber village of Ouirgane Visit the home of a local couple, where you can sit down for some fresh baked bread served with honey and mint tea – a favorite Moroccan snack – while you take advantage of the opportunity to get to know these remarkable people. Visit a fishing pier The enchanting fortified fishing port of Essaouira is alive with local activity. Veiled woman watch their husbands unload fish, locals order fish cooked to order as soon as they flop onto dry land, and the day’s catch is bid on so it can be shipped all over the world. Free day Explore Essaouira, go to the beach or just relax.

Days 12 and 13 – Marrakesh

Marrakesh is a fascinating and energetic city, with numerous marketplaces where Berber villagers and tribesmen bring their goods for sale. At the heart of it all is Djemaa el-Fna, a huge open space where onlookers gather round groups of acrobats, drummers, pipe musicians, dancers, storytellers and comedians. There is something for everyone!

Majorelle Gardens With marble pools, raised pathways, groves of bamboo, banana trees and coconut palms, it is not surprising that this garden was designed by a painter. Even the house is painted a bright blue and green, in sharp contrast to the surrounding red of the city. Visit a medersa This is one of Morocco’s traditional boarding schools that is no longer in use, but the architecture is phenomenal. Families can explore it inside and out. Explore the souqs A labyrinth of twisting narrow alleys and colorful markets teeming with locals, the souq is a very important place in daily Moroccan life – for social reasons and shopping purposes. In fact, there’s one in every town in Morocco. Djemaa el-Fna This expansive Marrakesh marketplace is family fun for everyone. You can even watch a real snake charmer at work! You could come away with some great keepsakes, here so get ready to bargain.

Day 14 – Depart Marrakesh / Arrive U.S.

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Morocco?

Magical kingdom of exotic sights, smells, sounds and cultures Morocco’s magical kingdom of sights, smells, sounds and cultures is an experience that lasts a lifetime. Your teens will rise to the challenge of “roughing it,” camping under the stars and trekking along narrow mule paths, and visit intoxicating cities where they’ll learn about very different cultures with exotic foods and customs. This is one of the most rewarding adventures your family will ever experience! Marrakesh Known as the “red city,” Marrakesh is the second largest city in Morocco after Casablanca. Founded in 1062 as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty, Marrakesh is a fascinating mix of Arab, African and European influences. Your senses will be elevated with the sights and sounds of Djemaa el-Fna, the world’s greatest open-air gathering spot where you will see acrobats, drummers, pipe musicians, dancers, storytellers and comedians. This lively and eclectic mix is sure to enthrall even the most seasoned traveler — especially watching a real snake charmer! Essaouira – a gorgeous coastal town In the lovely seaside village of Essaouira, you will experience a place alive and bustling with activity. Nestled amidst old Berber, French and Portuguese military fortifications, Essaouira is a major fishing port that ships its catch all over the world, and you’ll see veiled women greeting their husbands as they return home with loads of fish. Warm, welcoming engaging people and culture Your teens will have the opportunity to meet Moroccans and learn about their ancient cultures and customs, firsthand. Morocco is the third most populous Arab country, after Egypt and Sudan. Most Moroccans are Sunni Muslims of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber stock. About three-quarters of all present-day Moroccans are of Berber descent, while Arabs form the second largest ethnic group. Approximately 80% of the world’s Berber population lives in Morocco. The Berbers have lived in North Africa, between western Egypt and the Atlantic Ocean, for as far back as records have been kept.
Morocco is a richly diverse country whose people love music, dance and fine cuisine. A long history of social traditions, religious and ethnic tolerance, Andalusian heritage, and the longest Monarchy in the world contribute to the fabric of this modern-day magical kingdom. From visiting with Berber tribesmen and villagers to our great camp crew, you and your teens will remember the warm hospitality of your Moroccan hosts for years to come.

Why Morocco with Thomson?

Camp under the stars on this challenging, fun adventure on “top of the world” With peaks reaching over 13,000 feet in the High Atlas Mountains, you can imagine that you might just feel like you are on top of the world. This adventure is perfect for families with teens who want to experience sometimes challenging hikes and true outdoor camping — no toilets or showers! Your hard work is rewarded with beautiful views over a remote, unspoiled landscape.
You’ll discover Neolithic etchings in the rocky hills during your warm up hike. Then pack up the mules and camp under the stars during your big trek through the breath-taking highlands. While local camp staff will assist you with setting up and taking down your tents as well as transferring your gear between sites, this adventure is not for the faint of heart or tender of foot! Trek off the beaten path in the Atlas Mountains with your teens Imagine hiking with your kids high in the Atlas Mountains, a 1,500 mile range that stretches across northern Africa through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Rising dramatically in the west along the Atlantic Ocean and extending to the Moroccan-Algerian border, you’ll enjoy the amazing beauty and grandeur of the High Atlas as you traverse this remote area. Kasbah A haven awaits you at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, where you’ll be ensconced at the Kasbah du Toubkal. You’ll ‘rock the kasbah’ at this extraordinary former home of a feudal Caid.
The Kasbah is nestled in the Toubkal National Park, a range weather system barrier running east-west and separating the Sahara's climatic influences, resulting in dramatic changes in temperature across the range. In the higher elevations in the range snow falls regularly, allowing for winter sports.
From the comfortable setting of the world-renowned Kasbah, you’ll enjoy two days of shorter hikes, to the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamharouch and the valley of Ouirgane. Your last trek through Morocco will take you on an idyllic path through fields of grazing sheep and an ever-changing landscape of barren desert and lush olive groves. Berber village of Ouirgane Now that the hard work is done, it’s time to reward your family with stays in luxurious hotels outfitted with all the amenities for pampering as we visit peaceful Ouirgane. In this Berber village, you will enjoy the hospitality of a local couple who will treat you to fresh baked bread served with honey and mint tea, a favorite Moroccan snack. Visit the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh You’ll be inspired by the vivid hues of Majorell Gardens, designed by expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924. A special shade of bold cobalt blue which he used extensively in the garden and its buildings is named after him – Marjorelle blue. Stroll through the gardens filled with bamboo groves, banana trees and coconut palms, and spot more than 15 bird species, only found in this area of North Africa. The garden also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, whose collection includes North African textiles as well as ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle. Medersa You family will have a blast exploring the phenomenal Moorish architecture of a medersa, a traditional Moroccan boarding school that is no longer in use. Relax – You’re with Thomson From the moment you arrive until the day you depart, we’re behind the scenes taking care of every last details. Our amazing guides, drivers, and camp staff are there to ensure your family’s safety and comfort every step of the way. Your only job is to show up and have a great vacation!