Morocco Rafting Adventure
8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakesh
Visiting: Morocco
Tour Overview
The Kingdom of Morocco is a country rich in beauty and culture, and a civilisation that has remained unchanged for centuries. From the moment you set foot in Morocco you will be transported to a whole new world. This magical country full of myths and legends will captivate you with its rich tapestry of traditions and customs. Our river journey is set in the stunning Middle Atlas mountain range; the clear waters of the Ahansel river coursing through beautiful glades and dramatic gorges. This Morocco rafting adventure was pioneered two decades ago and we are delighted to be able to return year after year to introduce fellow travellers to this unique and fascinating destination. Morocco’s warm African weather is the perfect antidote for those winter blues. Explore the mystical city of Marrakech, and get lost in the beguiling markets and souqs with the diverse aromas of Moroccan spices; Morocco will delight you in so many ways.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Marrakesh
Flights arrive into Marrakech throughout the day. You will be met at the airport by one of the guides who will take you to your hotel and make sure that you get settled in. Then it’s out to explore the local culture, where you’ll experience an authentic, bustling street food meal on the famous Djemaa El-Fna square. Brace for a sensory overload.
Overnight: Le Meridien N'fis Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Drive To The Middle Atlas Mountains
We enjoy a hearty breakfast at our hotel, and then board our vehicles bound for the Middle Atlas Mountains. We drive northward from Marrakesh with the sun rising over the mountains. We stop for lunch and drive on towards Tilouguite pausing to take in the view as we cross this picturesque mountain range. We cross the ‘Hidden’ River and drive a little further to our campsite for the night. We enjoy riverside dining with the majestic Catedrale rock creating an imposing backdrop.
Overnight: camping
Day 3 : Commence Rafting
We take you through a thorough safety briefing so you are fully prepared and we also practise our paddling techniques before tackling our first rapids. We load the gear raft with the rest of our equipment and off we go. Depending on flows this can be a fun, technical river or big volume and bouncy. We paddle through the narrows in Tilouguite with locals watching on the riverbanks, rather bemused at our range of colourful equipment. Some may even jump in and attempt to hitch a lift down the river. After finding our camp, the afternoon is yours to explore the nearby area, write a few thoughts, or have a game of volleyball on the beach.
Overnight: camping
Day 4 : Rafting Along The Ahansel River
Today sees more roller coaster rapids as we head down river and discover the majestic beauty of this land. Some great fun but easy waves today. Our day is interspersed with a relaxing lunch, sometimes accompanied by curious locals churning wheat at local waterwheels. We will raft for around 4-5 hours per day, leaving plenty of time to go and explore nearby villages, or just sit around with your fellow rafters and discuss the day while taking in the crystal clear water.
Overnight: camping
Day 5 : Continue Rafting
Enjoy a pinch me moment over breakfast as you take in where you are - at the edge of the Sahara tackling the best white-water that Morocco has to offer. What a way to start your day. Rapids come thick and fast today, but what a fantastic place to practise your newly found skills. After lunch, we walk up the valley to a nearby kasbah, to witness traditional Moroccan life. Farmers go about daily chores, tending olive groves and shepherding goats and donkeys. We then raft down to our camp deep within a stunning gorge, a fitting finale to today's rafting. It’s great to sit around the fire watching the glow dance on the canyon walls and recount the day’s tales.
Overnight: camping
Day 6 : Final Day Of Rafting
On the last river day we finish off with a few fun rapids and a jaw-dropping gorge so narrow it feels like you can touch each side as you pass through it. We then paddle towards Lake Bin El Ouidane where we will raft all the boats up together and motor across the lake to our waiting vehicle. Here, we’ll get to stay at the gorgeous Widiane Hotel on the banks of the lake, where you can relax in the pool, take a soak in the hot tub, or enjoy a cold beer at the bar. This is a truly stunning hotel in a gorgeous setting.
Overnight: Widiane Hotel
Day 7 : Drive To Marrakesh, Afternoon At Leisure
We drive back to Marrakesh after breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city, shop the souqs or simply get lost in the old town. View Bahia Palace with its beautiful mosaics and paintings, visit Jardin Majorelle - an instagram-worthy botanic garden, see the ruins of the once magnificent El Badi Palace with panoramic views over the medina, or visit a hamman for a good scrub after a few days on the river. There’s so much to do, you may well want to add on a few days to see it all.
Overnight: Le Meridien N'fis Hotel or similar
Day 8 : In Marrakesh, Trip Concludes
Flights normally leave Marrakesh around midday, so a chance for some last minute shopping before a transfer back to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights camping -
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
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Airport transfers (day 1 and 8 only)
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4 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
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3 nights in comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis
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Professional rafting guides
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All safety and rafting equipment including rafts, life jacket, helmet, wetsuit, spray jacket, waterproof gear bag & dry box (pelicase) for personal gear
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Group camping and cooking equipment including tent & inflatable sleeping mat (Note - sleeping bag is not provided; sleep kits may be hired)
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Private transport
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Emergency communications and group first aid kit
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All necessary permits and licenses
Accommodation
4 nights camping
All hotel accommodation is on a twin share basis with ensuite rooms. We will endeavour to arrange for single travellers to share hotel accommodation with another participant of the same gender, however if we can not match you up a compulsory single supplement will be applicable. A single hotel room or tent can be requested in advance, subject to availability - additional cost applies. Any hotels specified in the itinerary are subject to change due to availability.
For the camping portion of your itinerary we will provide a tent (twin share), inflatable sleeping mat and chair. Separate toilet tent is also provided along with all general camping equipment.
What You Carry
In the dry box (pelicase), you will need to carry water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. This trip is graded introductory to moderate. This trip involves 4 – 5 hours of rafting each day in a remote area with lots of physical activity. Rafting is an activity that any reasonably fit person can participate in. We do ask however, that all participants should feel confident in swimming with a buoyancy vest should they fall out of the raft. Our leaders will prepare you for such an event before we begin the trip.
Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend will accustom you to regular exercise. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions will be beneficial if you are taking part in a trekking adventure, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.