Morocco: Desert Nights

📍 At a Glance

Trip Name
Morocco: Desert Nights

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

2026 Session
Session 1: June 21 – July 6, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after 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 a desert camp.

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

Rustic Facilities
Expect basic bathrooms—some with flush toilets, others with latrines. Showers are available every few days, often shared.

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, 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.

Group Flight Option
A leader-escorted flight from New York City (JFK) is available.

Packing
You’ll receive a full packing list after enrollment—everything fits in a duffel or backpack.
Key items include:
– Sleeping bag (for desert night)
– Sturdy sandals or closed-toe shoes
– Modest, breathable clothing
– Daypack and sun protection

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked bag and one small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers
After enrollment, you’ll access your RLT Portal with required forms including:
– Health history and medications
– Participant agreement and Code of Conduct
– Emergency contact details

Medical Clearance
No doctor’s visit is needed unless there’s a new or complex condition. Our team reviews all forms for readiness.

Medications
Leaders manage and administer all listed medications.

Behavioral Expectations
Families review our Code of Conduct together—it ensures the trip is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all.

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 Morocco. No additional vaccines are required beyond standard immunizations.

Passport
Required. Must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends.

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.