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Free Men
Do you consider yourself a “free man”?
Discover what that truly means with Aurelio Marino, our travel reporter, on a unique journey through some of the most significant places in Morocco. Meet the untamed spirits of the Berbers, Tuareg, and Gnawa - three distinct peoples whose intertwined histories have created a rich cultural tapestry that makes this country so fascinating.Experience firsthand how these “free people” have adapted to a rapidly changing world without ever abandoning their ancestral roots.This is not a journey for the faint of heart. Be ready to let go of your certainties, adapt, and truly open your mind.
HIGHLIGHTS
- An overland adventure through the heart of Morocco
Over 1000 km on the road, across mountains, desert, and cities. A moving journey, where each stop is a new encounter, a new landscape, a new challenge.
We’ll visit the bustling Marrakech, the captivating Ouzoud waterfalls, the majestic palm groves of Skoura, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and the timeless villages of Toufrine, Ait Tamlil, Megdaz, Merzouga, Khamlia, and Ait Benhaddou. - Berbers, Tuareg, and Gnawa
Discover Morocco’s tribal roots: live the authentic lifestyle of the Berbers in the High Atlas Mountains, explore the resilient nomadic culture of the Tuareg in the desert, and dive into the musical and spiritual traditions of the Gnawa. - Immersive experience and real connections
You won’t be a spectator. You’ll sleep in villages, share meals, and walk alongside those who live in these lands every day. A direct encounter with life and people that make Morocco what it is. Share everyday moments that will forever change the way you travel.
TRIP PURPOSE
Travel to understand, not to consume. This journey was born from the desire to break the stereotypes surrounding Morocco and North Africa, too often portrayed through exoticizing or colonial lenses. We aim to build genuine connections with the people who inhabit these places, to listen to their stories, and to value their cultures without turning them into a spectacle.Through direct encounters with local communities - Berber, Tuareg, Gnawa - we want to center the self-determination of peoples and recognize ancestral knowledge as a tool for resistance and adaptation in a changing world.Travel thus becomes a political act: we choose where we stand, what we support, and which narratives we help amplify. We reject the idea of the tourist as a passive observer and embrace the responsibility of being conscious guests. Every step, every word, every moment of listening can become a seed of alliance, exchange, and mutual transformation.
This trip has been designed based on the following principles:
- Local Human Fabric
- Promotion of Local Economy
What's included
- Food: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
- Accommodation: 6 nights in hostel / 2–3 star hotel / riad / desert tent.
- Transportation: All in-country transportation and airport transfers to/from Marrakech airport.
- Tour & Activities: All immersive experiences with the Berber, Tuareg, and Gnawa communities.
- Insurance: Medical and baggage insurance.
- Other: Support of the ORMA Guides coordinator during the trip.
What's not included
- Food: Meals not specified above.
- Accommodation: Any local tourist taxes (if applicable).
- Tour & Activities: Optional activities such as museum entrances in Marrakech.
- Flights Flights to and from Marrakech.
- Insurance: trip cancellation insurance.
- Anything not specified under "What's included".
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
However, if the trip status is marked as "Confirmed" or "Last tickets", there's no need to worry - it means the minimum number of participants has already been met.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival, you'll meet Aurelio and the rest of the group. The day will be dedicated to arrivals and getting to know each other. We'll explore the Medina and end the evening with a traditional dinner in the lively Jamaa El Fna square.
Day 2: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, we’ll head toward the Atlas Mountains, passing through olive groves and rural villages. Along the way, we’ll stop at the spectacular Ouzoud Waterfalls and the natural bridge of Iminifri. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Toufrine, where we’ll stay with a Berber family.
Day 3: Life in the villages of Toufrine and Megdaz
We’ll spend the day immersed in village life, discovering local traditions and daily activities in communities where cars don’t exist. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Megdaz, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved villages in the Atlas. After dinner, we’ll transfer to Skoura for the night.
Day 4: Skoura → Merzouga
After a night among the palm groves of Skoura, we’ll journey toward the desert. In Merzouga, we’ll dive into nomadic culture and experience the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We’ll learn how desert nomads continue to resist and thrive in these stunning yet harsh lands. Dinner under the stars and a night of music and dancing by the fire.
Day 5: Khamlia → Ait Benhaddou
Visit to Khamlia, a Gnawa village, where we’ll explore their spiritual and musical traditions. We’ll then head to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we’ll spend the night in a dreamlike atmosphere.
Day 6: Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
After walking through the ancient walls of the ksar and learning more about its history, we’ll return to Marrakech. We’ll visit the tanners’ quarter, Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Gardens, and the Mellah neighborhood, rich in culture and heritage.
Day 7: Departure
A slow morning with breakfast and a final reflection with Aurelio to share memories and insights from the journey. Afterwards, transfer to the airport.
Aurelio Marino is a tireless traveler and passionate reporter, known for his pursuit of authentic experiences far from traditional tourist routes.His travel philosophy leads him to immerse himself in the daily life of local communities, exploring hidden stories and deep-rooted traditions. From Iraq to Syria, the Balkans to Asia, Peru to Central America, Aurelio often travels by public transport or hitchhiking, building meaningful human connections wherever he goes. Through his YouTube channel, he documents every encounter with sensitivity and honesty, offering a sincere look at the world.An expert in dark tourism, he sheds light on complex, often forgotten realities - always with respect and a journalistic spirit. His journeys are an invitation to look beyond appearances, and to listen to the stories no one tells.
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Booking Info
Ready to go? Just the usual doubts?
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Don’t listen to us, listen to them 🤩 😍 😎
We set out with the curiosity of explorers and return as traveling companions united by those who have found common passions and true friendships.
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