RUN MOROCCO: GORGES & SAHARA – 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

Dates:

• November 1-10, 2024
• November 14-23, 2024
• February 8-17, 2025
• February 20 – March 1, 2025
• Private tours also available

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Price: $4,095 per person

• Trip pricing is based on double occupancy and solo travelers will be placed with a same-sex roommate.
• Due to the size and unique nature of most of our accommodation, single rooms are not generally available for this trip. If an opportunity for a single room opens up, we will make it available to registered participants; you can indicate your interest when you sign up and we will offer single rooms in the order in which you registered.

Terrain:
The terrain will vary, but the footing is mostly dirt road and pavement (plus some sand in the Sahara!); this is a great choice for those who prefer road running. There will be some runs done in mountainous areas (expect hills!), and others in the desert (as flat as it gets). Every day will immerse you in brand new landscapes, so boredom is never a factor!

Average daily running distance: 16-17 km

Longest running distance in a day: 19 km

Group size: up to 14 participants

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What level of running is this trip suitable for?

Are there any alternatives for non-runners?

Accommodation

Dietary accommodation

Itinerary (day-to-day)

What’s included in the price?

What’s NOT Included in the Price?

See Additional Information for more details on Payment Procedure and Cancellation Policy.

What Level of Running is this Trip suitable for?

There is no set requirement and distances are completely flexible each day, but for the best experience we recommend that you arrive comfortable with logging 3-4 runs per week of 4-6 miles (6-10km) each and a long run of 8-10 miles (13-16 km); if you can do that, you can do anything on this trip! However, vehicle support will be available at all times and every route can be shortened as much as you’d like.
Please note: Given the diverse & beautiful scenery, the on-course support, the luxury of time to recover and a healthy dose of peer pressure, nearly everyone ends up running significantly more than they expected!

Are there any Alternatives for Non-runners?

The answer is nearly always yes! Though it will mean more time spent in a vehicle, the panoramas along the way can entertain for days, and only a relatively small portion of each day will be spent on the run. They will still get to enjoy plenty of sightseeing, cultural immersion and relaxation (as long as they don’t mind hanging out with a group of runners!). They are also welcome and encouraged to walk or hike during the run portions of the day.

Accommodation

• The holiday tour provider supports locally owned and operated guesthouses whenever possible, and luckily it’s easy to do in Morocco! Eight nights will be spent in unique family-run riads (traditional courtyard houses), kasbahs and lodges. You can expect clean rooms, private bathrooms with hot showers*, gorgeous Moroccan decor, phenomenal hospitality, often a swimming pool and always a view. Accommodations in rural areas are on the basic side, but meet all points above. One night is spent at a private camp in the Sahara. We will sleep in traditional nomad tents, each of which has comfortable beds, piles of blankets and candles. There is a bathhouse with toilets and even showers, as well as a huge dining tent for meals and wonderful camp staff who do everything they can to ensure a magical experience for all.
• Guesthouses in rural villages may not always have the infrastructure to support 15 people taking hot showers at once. Note that you’ll likely have a tepid shower or two throughout the week, and keep in mind that this is the desert – quick showers are encouraged!

Dietary Accommodation

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• Halal

If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know about them in a comment upon your booking.

ITINERARY

DAY 0 | EARLY ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH

Those who choose the early arrival package will arrive in Marrakech, where we will pick you up at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we’ll enjoy a relaxed rooftop dinner together before turning for a good night of sleep – tomorrow is a full day!

Running: No organized run
Meals: Dinner included

DAY 1 | MARRAKECH

Those who arrive early will enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading out for the day with our local partner for a walking tour of Marrakech, exploring the palaces, the history and the famous maze-like souks (markets). Meanwhile, we will pick up the others at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we will all get to know each other over a delicious welcome dinner right at the riad, and afterward those who manage to hold off the jet lag can go experience the Djemaa El-fna (the central square of the old city): sample local treats, bargain for scarves, charm a cobra, jump into a drum circle or simply wander around and take it all in!

Running: No organized run
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included for early arrivals; Dinner for regular arrivals

DAY 2 | CROSSING THE HIGH ATLAS

Depart from Marrakech towards the first run in the northern foothills of the High Atlas mountains. Just an hour from bustling Marrakech your run will take you through sleepy villages and through scenes of traditional agriculture, all with the beautiful backdrop of the mountains. At the finish line of the run we will have a fresh picnic prepared by our cook team, then we’ll drive up and over the mountains towards the village of Ait Ben Haddou – our destination for the night. Spend the evening relaxing around the pool and taking in a spectacular desert sunset from our kasbah!

Running: Up to 11 miles, pavement
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 3 | OUNILA VALLEY AND AIT BEN HADDOU

After a big breakfast we have a short drive to our morning run along the Ounila Valley. There is a big contrast in the landscape as now we are on the southern side of the mountains, so expect an arid brown landscape etched with the green gardens of the Ounila Valley. This is a stunning run along the canyon walls with great views throughout. After another picnic lunch at the finish line we will make a pitstop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-preserved kasbah that has served as the set for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and many other films. Pictures taken, we’ll head to the fertile Dades Valley where you’ll have the evening to explore the gardens or simply relax and enjoy the view from our cliffside guesthouse.

Running: Up to 10 miles, pavement
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 4 | THE MARS RUN

After a light breakfast we’ll begin a rolling trail run near the Dades Valley over a surreal, Mars-like landscape dotted with Berber nomad camps and views of the High Atlas, eventually finishing with an outdoor brunch in a small village. This one is always one of the favorite runs! After that, our destination is the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon that offers prime rock climbing – and running! – opportunities. There will be some optional afternoon activities, or you can just kick back and rest your legs by the pool.

Running: up to 12 miles, rocky/dirt road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 5 | THE TODRA GORGE

After a relaxed breakfast at our riad we will drive out to our start line at top of the Todra Gorge. This run is great for kicking into cruise mode (net downhill!) and enjoying the spectacular gorge which gets more and more dramatic as you run. You’ll be winding along the bottom of the canyon and the walls will seem to grow and grow as you run! Lunch is at the finish line back at our hotel: an afternoon of refueling and relaxing by the pool awaits, as well as some downtime for those looking to explore the gorge a little more.

Running: up to 12 miles, pavement
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 6 | REST DAY

Rest day! Enjoy a sleep-in, a relaxed morning, a big breakfast and then a day of travel as we head south towards the Draa Valley, one of the biggest date palm oases in the world – an awesome sight! With less focus on running today we will have more time for taking in the traditional Berber culture in this area of Southeast Morocco. We’ll visit a local pottery cooperative and then spend the night in Zagora at a beautiful guesthouse hidden in magical gardens.

Running: No scheduled run (morning or evening shakeout optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 7 | THE SAHARA

Today we head over the Anti-Atlas mountains to the village of M’Hamid, where we’ll share snacks (and a lot of mint tea!) at the family home of one of our Moroccan team members. Afterward, it’s time for the Sahara! After leaving the pavement far behind, the run will begin over rolling, rocky terrain and head towards the sand dunes, getting softer and softer as you go. Finish with lunch at our private camp set among towering sand dunes, then go explore and get ready for a sunset camel trek. Later on, it’s time for a huge feast, traditional music around the campfire and more stars than you’ve ever seen before. Sleep comfortably in traditional nomad tents, complete with real beds, rugs and solar lights – this is where “glamping” began!

Running: Up to 10 miles, jeep track and some sand
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 8 | LAKE IRIKI

Wake up early to catch a Sahara sunrise, then enjoy a relaxed breakfast. We’ll depart the camp mid-morning and take a short drive to Lake Iriki where our run will begin. This lake no longer has any water, but it does have mirages galore – though pancake flat, this is a challenging and very memorable run! Finish with another big picnic then continue to Foum Z’guide, a town located on the edge of the desert. Enjoy the pool, a nice shower and the bar!

Running: Up to 10 miles, hard-packed dirt
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 9 | TRAVEL BACK TO MARRAKECH

If you’re still craving a few more miles, then get up early for a low-key sunrise shakeout from the hotel. Otherwise, get some much-deserved rest! We’ll embark on the long (but very scenic) journey back to Marrakech after breakfast with plenty of breaks along the way. After we arrive you’ll have time to get out and explore the city before a big farewell dinner.

Running: up to 8 miles, pavement
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 10 | DEPARTURE

This is it! Enjoy a final breakfast and then we will get you to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.

Running: No scheduled run
Meals: Breakfast included

What’s Included in the Price?

• Pre-trip guidance + communication
• Transfers to/from Marrakech airport on arrival and departure day
• Transportation: well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, fuel and professional drivers
• Eight nights in comfortable, unique three and four-star hotels or riads (double occupancy)
• One night in our private Sahara camp (fully equipped with traditional tents, real beds and a bathhouse – this is where glamping got its start!)
• Seven organized, vehicle-supported runs
• Access to all routes and navigation tools via an app
• Experienced Moroccan logistics team
• Experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders
• All meals + snacks
• All drinking water + coffee/tea/juice with breakfast
• Rogue Expeditions swag

What’s NOT Included in the Price?

• Flight
• Alcohol or beverages other than water (though coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfasts)
• Travel Insurance
• Personal purchases/souvenirs or extra activities
• Tips

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation is considered initiated on the date that the holiday tour provider receives written confirmation from you.
Cancellation charge per person cancelling:

• Within 30 days of booking (but more than 90 days from departure): Full refund*
• 90+ days from the trip start date (but after the 30 day grace period): Deposits are non-refundable
• 61-90 days from the trip start date: 50% of total payment refunded**
• 60 days or less from the trip start date: No refunds

*Participants who register using a transfer credit may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of booking, but are not eligible for a refund.
**This only applies to participants who have paid their balances on time. If you do not pay the balance by the due date and cancel after the fact, the holiday tour provider will retain your full deposit. You are strongly encouraged to take out cancellation insurance to cover potential loss due to cancellation on your part. If you do not arrive for the trip, arrive late or leave early no refunds will be issued and you are responsible for any additional costs associated with transport to and from the tour.

CANCELLATION BY HOLIDAY TOUR PROVIDER:

We may cancel a trip at any time up to 60 days before departure if the trip has not met the minimum booking numbers. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure due to terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, official government travel warnings or restrictions or other external events that prevent us from safely operating the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip due to low participant numbers, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate trip or receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance or non-refundable flights.

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