Morocco: Desert Nights

📍 At a Glance

Trip Name
Morocco: Desert Nights

Who It’s For
High school students (completing grades 9–12)

2026 Session
Session 1: June 14 – June 29, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure from the U.S. and return to the U.S.
Additional travel information will be provided following enrollment.

Location
Marrakech, High Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, Essaouira

Trip Length
16 Days

Service Hours
10–20

Tuition
$6,795

This is the plan - but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Day 1: Depart U.S.
We leave the U.S. and fly to Morocco. An escorted group flight will be available from a major U.S. airport for those who choose it, or students can fly directly to Marrakech where our leaders will be waiting.

Day 2: Arrive in Marrakech
We arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and transfer to our accommodations. After a day of travel, we rest and begin exploring the city. We meet our local partners and talk through the trip ahead.

Day 3: Head to the High Atlas Mountains
We journey to an Amazigh village in the High Atlas Mountains. As we settle in, we’re welcomed by local hosts and get our first glimpse of rural Morocco.

Days 4–6: Service & Cultural Immersion
Each day begins with a language lesson over breakfast. Then we get to work on service projects designed in collaboration with local residents ranging from light construction to small-scale farming or youth programs. Evenings include shared meals and conversation with community members.

Day 7: Explore Ait Benhaddou
We pack up and travel to Ait Benhaddou, a 14th-century village and UNESCO World Heritage site. We explore its mudbrick kasbahs and learn about its place in Morocco’s history.

Day 8: Dades Gorges & Palm Gardens
We drive to the Dades Gorges and stop at Kasbah Amridil to learn about traditional life in the region. We also visit henna and cumin cooperatives and walk through the nearby palm groves and rock formations.

Day 9: Camel Trek & Desert Camp
After a stop in Rissani to learn about Morocco’s royal lineage, we ride camels into the Sahara. We camp under the stars at a Bedouin-style site, sharing food and music around the fire.

Day 10: Sunrise & Travel to Ouarzazate
We rise early to watch the sun rise over the dunes before driving to Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the Sahara.”

Days 11–12: Marrakech Exploration & Cooking Class
Back in Marrakech, we explore the city, take a Moroccan cooking class, visit the souqs, and enjoy dinner in the UNESCO-listed Jemaa el-Fnaa square. We also meet with Moroccan teens for a cultural exchange and explore the Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Day 13: Calligraphy & Travel to Essaouira
We start the day with a hands-on Islamic calligraphy workshop. After lunch, we travel to Essaouira and explore the beachside medina, local shops, and street food.

Day 14: Surf & Relax
Enjoy a surf lesson on the Atlantic coast. We spend the day relaxing on the beach and exploring Essaouira’s markets and streets.

Day 15: Return to Marrakech & Farewell Celebration
We head back to Marrakech and wrap up our trip with a group dinner, Henna tattoos, and live music.

Day 16: Fly Home
We say our goodbyes and fly out of Marrakech, carrying home the stories, friendships, and impact of the past two weeks.

We stay in a mix of local guesthouses, traditional riads, and one night at a desert camp in the Sahara.

Group Rooms
Teens sleep in shared rooms or large sleeping areas, with gender-divided accommodations. Most rooms are 2–5 students each.

Facilities
Expect basic bathrooms with flush toilets. Showers are available daily.

Setup & Breakdown
Everyone helps with daily tasks like tidying, organizing shared spaces, and supporting group routines.

What to Expect
You’ll fall asleep to desert breezes and village sounds, and wake up to the rhythm of rural Morocco. It’s simple, real, and unforgettable.

Meals are cooked by local partners and shared as a group, often on a terrace, in a family courtyard, a restaurant, or around a desert campfire.

Cook Crew
In village settings, students may help prepare traditional meals and learn local cooking techniques alongside hosts.

Simple + Fresh
Dishes reflect Moroccan hospitality -tagines, couscous, fresh bread, salads, lentils, and stews are common.

All Diets Welcome
We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.).

Snacks + Hydration
Filtered water is always available, and snack breaks are built into busy travel and service days.

Flights
Families book flights to and from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).
Do not book your flight until you receive the confirmed travel windows from our team.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.

Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual gear. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers
Once enrolled, you’ll get access to your RLT portal with required forms: a health history, positive participation agreement, and more.  All must be submitted before the trip. We review every form to make sure we can support your teen.

Medical Clearance
No doctor’s appointment needed unless a new or complex condition has developed. We connect with each family individually about any medical needs that require more attention such as severe allergies, diabetes, etc.

Medications
All medications that are taken regularly, whether prescription or over-the-counter, must be listed in your medical form. Trip leaders will manage and dispense meds as needed.

Behavioral Expectations
We’ll send a Positive Participation Agreement to review with your teen before departure. This helps set a shared standard for safety, respect, and inclusion.

Trip Insurance
Trip insurance is required for all international trips. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. We also share recommendations in our FAQ.

Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for international travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling abroad. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.

Passport
For US citizens traveling to Morocco, passports must be valid 6+ months beyond the return date. For participants who carry passports from other countries, we strongly recommend looking into specific passport and visa requirements that may be in place.

Device-Free Philosophy
Phones and personal electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned on the final day.

Why?
Disconnecting helps teens:
– Build deeper relationships
– Be present in their surroundings
– Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Bring a digital camera or GoPro, anything without internet. Leaders also take photos and share a gallery post-trip.

Communication
We keep families updated throughout the trip. In case of emergency, our on-call line is available 24/7.