Morocco Immersion Adventure
Seven days from the souks of Marrakech, over the High Atlas, through the Valley of 1000 Kasbahs and into the Sahara Desert. October and November 2026, outside half term.
Seven days. Four locations. From the souks to the Sahara.
The 7-day Morocco Immersion Adventure is ESL's flagship Morocco programme, taking students on a journey that few school trips anywhere in the world can match for range and depth. Starting in Marrakech, the route heads south over the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass through the High Atlas, into the Valley of 1000 Kasbahs, down through the fossil towns and desert markets to the Erg Chebbi sand sea at the edge of the Sahara. Students spend a night under canvas in a Bedouin camp before the return journey over the Anti Atlas back to Marrakech via the Ouarzazate film studios and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou.
This is a genuinely ambitious itinerary. Students encounter nomads, Berber villages, argan oil cooperatives, a 300m gorge, 200m sand dunes, ancient kasbahs and a film set used for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Delivered in full partnership with Energy Travel, with a professional local guide on site throughout, full board accommodation across four different properties and all tips included. There is also a 5-day version of this adventure for schools with less time available.
7 days. Marrakech to the Sahara and back.
- Return flights from UK to Marrakech Menara Airport included
- Transfer to Hotel Majorelle for a light lunch
- Guided walk into the Old City (the Medina)
- Visit the Koutoubia Mosque
- Jemaa el-Fna Square: music, snake charmers and the souk network
- Traditional apothecary visit
- Sunset mint tea on the Medina rooftop cafe
- Depart south across the Marrakech Plain
- Stop at Taddert for lunch, mint tea and an argan oil production demonstration by local women
- Continue over the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, rising to 2,260m, with a stop for panoramic views
- Stop at the Berber site of Zaouite Inkkal to see a local mountain village
- Arrive in Ouarzazate, the "Peaceful City". Overnight at 3-star hotel.
- Head east to the El Mansour Reservoir
- Travel the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs: encounters with nomads, small towns and abandoned forts
- Lunch stop, then visit to Boulmalne Dades on the Dades River in an exotic landscape
- Walk through the 300m high Todra Gorge
- Overnight at 4-star hotel in Tinghir
- Pass through smaller mountain towns, stopping at local markets if it is market day
- Visit Erfoud, the fossil capital of Morocco
- Explore the bustling market town of Rissani with time for lunch
- Arrive at Merzouga and the Sand Sea of Erg Chebbi with 200m dunes
- Camel ride into the desert to watch the sun set
- Evening meal, traditional music and dancing
- Star gazing from the Deluxe Bedouin Camp overnight
- Journey back along the vast land bordering the Sahara, taking in the wilderness and open landscape
- Stops at umbrella tree groves and gazelle reserves
- Lunch at Alnif in the Draa Valley
- Turn north over the Anti Atlas on the Tizi-N-Tififft Pass (1,660m) back to Ouarzazate
- Overnight at 3-star hotel in Ouarzazate
- Visit the Ouarzazate film studios used for Gladiator and Game of Thrones
- Visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage fortified settlement dating to the 11th century
- Lunch, then descend from the High Atlas back to Marrakech
- Overnight at Hotel Majorelle, Marrakech
- Morning walk in the Majorelle Gardens adjacent to the hotel (flight time permitting)
- Final exploration of the Medina and souks
- Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport
- Return flight to UK
Four properties across the route
Unlike a standard school trip based in a single hotel, the 7-day adventure moves with students through four different properties as the route progresses. All accommodation is full board with breakfast and dinner provided at each property and lunches included throughout. Students are housed in multi-bedded rooms with all adults in twin rooms. Local tourist tax is included for all adult passengers.
| Nights | Property | Location | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nights 1 and 6 | Hotel Majorelle (or similar) | Marrakech | 3-star |
| Nights 2 and 5 | 3-star hotel | Ouarzazate | 3-star |
| Night 3 | 4-star hotel | Tinghir | 4-star |
| Night 4 | Deluxe Bedouin Camp | Merzouga, Erg Chebbi | Deluxe camp |
Everything you need, from departure to return
- Return flights from UK to Marrakech
- APD of £15pp included for adult passengers
- All other taxes and charges
- 1 x 20kg hold luggage bag and 1 x hand luggage bag per person
- All transfers as per itinerary, all tolls and driver costs
- 2 nights at 3-star Hotel Majorelle (or similar), Marrakech
- 2 nights at 3-star hotel, Ouarzazate
- 1 night at 4-star hotel, Tinghir
- 1 night Deluxe Bedouin Camp, Merzouga
- Full board throughout: breakfast and dinner at accommodation, lunches included
- Students in multi-bedded rooms, all adults in twin rooms
- Local tourist tax included for all adult passengers
- Guided visit of Marrakech Medina and Souks with sunset rooftop mint tea
- Full Sahara experience: camel ride, traditional music, dancing and star gazing
- Ouarzazate film studios visit
- All visits and stops as per itinerary
- 2 bottles of water per participant per day
- All tips included in the price
- Local professional guide on site at all times
- 24-hour emergency contact system
- Youth Tour Specialist travel insurance
- UK airport transfers
- APD of £15 for students aged 16 and over
- Meals on travel days other than those stated
- Drinks with meals (except water)
- Single room supplements
- Any visa costs
- Additional tours or excursions
October and November 2026, outside of half term
This adventure is available in October and November 2026, specifically outside of half term. Any group size. The price is valid against currency fluctuations until 30 November 2025, at which point it must be revalidated subject to any movements in currency value.
Payment plan: On booking £350 per student. 10 weeks later £300 per student. Balance due approximately July 2026.
Price valid until 30 November 2025. Any group size. Free places: 1 staff per 8 students. Exact dates agreed on booking. Contact us to discuss availability.
ESL also offers a 5-day Morocco programme based in and around Marrakech at £950pp, ideal for schools with less time available. Contact us to find out more.