Operator Not in the Guidebooks joined forces with a handpicked group of Minty Highway Consulting’s clients to provide the self-employed agents with an exclusive taste of a handcrafted Morocco itinerary.
The six-day itinerary starts with a full day to explore the evocative souks and palaces of Marrakech before heading into the Atlas Mountains. On this fam trip, the agents – with more limited time – squeezed the highlights into four days.
Sarah McCulley, Sarah McCulley Holidays, says it felt like a real adventure leaving the vibrant city behind: “Escaping the chaotic traffic, we headed south for our first overnight stop. We travelled by private minibus and were accompanied by a local guide. The roads, although winding, were excellent and the mountain scenery was stunning. We stopped to enjoy a traditional local lunch with fabulous views across a valley.”
Late afternoon the group arrived at Ait Ben Haddou, a Unesco World Heritage site on the ancient caravan route from the Sahara to Marrakech. The well-preserved kasbah has been a backdrop for many television shows and films including Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Outer Banks. Sarah says: “We took a short hike for even more fabulous views as the sun began to set across the rugged desert landscape.”
Next morning, they travelled onwards to Todra Gorge, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains. Felicity Benn, Felicity Benn Holidays, takes up the tale: “Our visit to Todra Gorge was truly awe-inspiring. The gorge boasts towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 metres, creating a narrow canyon painted in vibrant red and orange hues. The Todra River winds through this dramatic landscape, adding a refreshing touch. Along the way, we came across local stalls selling everything from crystal rocks to colourful textiles.”
She adds: “The gorge caters to all types of visitors, whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll on flat paths or seeking an adrenaline rush with rock climbing on its sheer cliffs.”
Later that day they arrived at Erg Chebbi Desert, where riding a camel at sunset was a magical experience, continues Felicity. “The trek takes you over golden dunes as the sun sets, painting the sky in stunning shades of pink, orange, and purple. The shadows of our camels walking in line stretched gracefully across the sand, creating a mesmerising scene. As a larger lady, I was relieved to find that the camels were strong and sure-footed, making the ride comfortable and smooth.”
She adds: “Reaching Madu Luxury Camp just as darkness fell, we were greeted with warm hospitality amidst the serene desert landscape – a truly unforgettable adventure for all.”
The next morning an early start was made worthwhile by a spectacular sunrise. “It was so peaceful and tranquil, sitting on top of the dunes watching the desert colours changing as the sun rose higher and the sky turned clear blue,” recalls Felicity. After breakfast they hit the dunes for a thrilling 4x4 ride.
Gillian Stewart, Gillian Stewart Holidays, agrees that Madu Luxury Camp was the highlight of the whole trip: “The tents were stunning, dinner and breakfast here were the best meals of the whole trip, and listening to local musicians around the fire under the stars was an experience I will never forget.”
The accommodation options for this tour are described as riads and guesthouses rather than hotels, and this meant they all had individual character and the staff were especially warm and welcoming, adds Gillian.
The food was particularly memorable for Jenny Davis, Jenny Davis Holidays, with local Moroccan dishes featuring heavily.
“Usually, lunch was a very tasty Berber or chicken tagine or a mixed meat skewer and salad. Dessert was seasonal fruit, such as oranges or pomegranates,” she explains. “Our most memorable meals were definitely due to their setting – both the cuisine and the ambience at Madu were spectacular!”
Jo Shayler, Jo Shayler Holidays, says the trip was an opportunity to experience the authenticity of Not in the Guidebook’s product first-hand. “Our local guide was not just incredibly knowledgeable but personable and fun too, and we were welcomed like old friends at every establishment.”
She adds: “NITGB have obviously done a great job at identifying the best ground handler for them in Morocco. What I hadn’t realised was how flexible NITGB are in terms of tailor-making the private itineraries. It makes it a no-brainer for them to be my go-to private touring supplier as I feel that I can trust them to look after my clients. That would be my message to my clients: trustworthy, immersive and authentic.”
Elaine Price, Elaine Price Holidays, says she will be selling this tour to clients who love to get under the skin of a country and who are not afraid of getting involved in activities and experiences to be fully immersed in a place.
“I would recommend being really clear with clients about the distances that will be travelled as part of the itinerary and the style of accommodation used. For first timers on an adventurous trip like this, you don’t want any surprises along the way.”
She adds that Morocco was full of surprises, especially when it came to its stunningly diverse landscapes. “I knew what to expect with the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains, but I hadn’t quite grasped just how dramatically the scenery changed. The trip uncovered and showcased this beautifully.
“The hospitality was next-level. Everywhere we went there was a real warmth and generosity, with locals eager to share their culture – usually over some incredible food! It all made for a truly unforgettable experience.”
