RUN MOROCCO: GORGES & SAHARA FAQS
Why Morocco?
Morocco is a running paradise. Quiet, wide open roads, snow-capped mountains, dramatic rock formations, stunningly green palm oases and the vast, beautiful Sahara. The culture is fascinating and the hospitality overwhelmingly warm, the food is fresh, local, organic and delicious. Life moves slowly in Morocco: you will see, learn and experience more than you ever imagined, and come away with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
What’s included in the trip cost?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, all accommodation, all meals/snacks from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10, coffee/tea/juice with breakfasts, drinking water, transportation, professional drivers, experienced guides, organized, supported runs and Rogue Expeditions swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!
What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include flight, alcohol, tips or personal purchases (and trust us, you will find things to buy in Morocco!)
Why isn’t the flight included?
International airfare is not included in the price. Let’s be honest, we are all unique and your schedules (and originating airport!) are no exception. Come early, stay late. Fly, sail, or trek overland by camel. Participants will be responsible for booking their travel arrangements and ensuring that they arrive in Marrakech (either at the airport or hotel) no later than 3:30pm on arrival day. Suggestions and guidance will be provided once you are signed up.
How far do I have to be able to run?
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 (13-16km); if you can do that, you can do anything on this trip! However, vehicle support will 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!
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
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!
What time of day will be be running?
The time of day will vary depending on where we are and where we’re headed, but the runs generally begin mid-morning with lunch at the finish. There is often some drive time prior to the run; snacks are always available in the vehicles and bathroom stops will always be made in the nearest town.
What will we do when we aren’t running?
When we aren’t running, we’ll have plenty to see and do! There are many sights along the way (think ruined kasbahs, palm oases, lively markets, handicraft cooperatives) and we’ll be in areas with great exploration potential. The night in the Sahara involves a sunset camel trek and campfire drum circles. There is a significant amount of drive time (the Sahara isn’t easy to reach!), with well-timed breaks and photo stops. Meals are an experience in and of themselves, and we’ll have plenty of quality relaxation time on the terrace or around the pool at our hotels.
Can my non-runner spouse/friend come too?
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. If you have a non-runner interested in joining, get in touch and we can make sure that the trip is a good fit.
What will the hotels be like?
Rogue Expeditions 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!
What is the weather like?
In both March and November, you can generally expect clear nights with temperatures around 50F/10C, bright, sunny days with high temperatures around 70-75F/20-24C (likely a bit warmer in the Sahara) and little to no humidity. Rain is rare, but does happen on occasion.
Can I have my own room at hotels?
Possibly! We generally have a limited number of single rooms available after the balance due date (3 months prior to departure). The properties that we use only have so many rooms, so we cannot guarantee how many will be available until we know the final group size. You can indicate your interest when you register and we will offer single rooms in the order in which you registered.
What sort of food will we be eating?
We will eat healthy, fresh, traditional Moroccan meals throughout the trip. A typical breakfast will include a spread of just-baked, clay-oven bread, pastries, local fruit jam, butter, cheese, eggs, fruit, coffee, mint tea and (literally) fresh-squeezed OJ. Lunches are prepared fresh by our very own cook team and will typically be pre- and post-run spreads of fresh fruit, nuts, dates, olives, bread, lots of veggies and grilled meat. Dinners feature tajine – chicken, beef or lamb simmered in a clay vessel with an assortment of vegetables and spices – and couscous dishes along with fresh bread, olives, light soup and fresh fruit. You won’t go hungry! Most special diets can be accommodated (ie vegetarian, vegan, gluten or dairy-free); if you have unusual or complicated restrictions please contact us prior to signing up to make sure that the trip is a good fit for you.
What sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
We will be traveling in a caravan of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles with professionally licensed tourism drivers.
Is it safe?
Very. Morocco is an extremely welcoming and friendly place, and one of the most relaxed and accepting Islamic countries in the world. As long as you exercise the same common sense you’d use anywhere (ie don’t flash lots of cash or expensive items while wandering around crowded city areas), you’ll be fine. Hospitality is king in Morocco; our local team has worked with us for many years and they take the utmost care of our runners belongings and well-being.
What should I pack?
Packing light will make everything easier for you, but there are some key things to bring along, A few sets of running clothes (it’s so dry that you will sweat very little), running shoes, a few sets of non-running clothes, flipflops, one warm jacket, a pair of gloves, sunglasses, sunblock, reading material and a CAMERA are all recommended. A handheld water bottle or hydration pack is required. A detailed packing list will be provided to registered participants.
Ladies, please keep in mind that Moroccan women never wear shorts, and rarely even wear short sleeves. You can get away with shorts while running and short sleeves are fine any time, though capri-length bottoms or jogger pants are more appropriate and recommended when running through or visiting rural village areas (that’s most days!). Please respect the culture and dress conservatively the rest of the time - a good rule of thumb is to keep knees/shoulders covered. A lightweight pair of pants or a long skirt are perfect for warm afternoons, and will help protect from the sun. Neither men nor women should run shirtless at any point. Though it's unlikely that anyone would ever say anything to you about your clothes, we strongly encourage cultural respect.
Is alcohol allowed?
Yes, alcohol is allowed. Though most Moroccans do not drink alcohol and it can be difficult to find outside of the cities, it is by no means a banned substance and it is plenty acceptable for foreigners to enjoy adult beverages in most hotels. You will have the opportunity to ‘stock up’ before we depart Marrakech – the supermarkets have a great selection of liquor, beer and wine.
What are the tipping customs?
We will provide country-specific guidance and take a group collection when it comes to the local team (ie drivers, cooks, etc) involved with your trip, while tips for Rogue Expeditions trip leaders are at your discretion – never expected, but always appreciated.
If I change my mind or something comes up, can I cancel?
We know that life happens, and on occasion a participant will have to back out of a trip. As most of our costs are paid well in advance, we have set a cancellation policy that applies to all trips. You should obtain travel insurance to cover potential cancellations on your part.
If you cancel:
Within 30 days of signup (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
*If you register using a transfer credit, you may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of signup but will not be 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, your deposit is non-refundable.
***Add-ons (early arrival or single room upgrades) are fully refundable if cancelled 90+ days from departure.
Can I switch to another trip?
If you wish to transfer your deposit from one trip to another you must notify us at least 120 days prior to your original departure date. A fee of $150 per person will apply and will be deducted from your original deposit. If you notify us less than 120 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Deposit transfers may only be made once, and must be made to another trip departing within 12 months of your original departure date.
What if Rogue Expeditions cancels the trip?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had never cancelled a trip and we hope that going forward we never have to again. But, it is a possibility and here is what happens if it happens:
If we cancel a trip due to low participant numbers, you will be notified no later than 60 days prior to departure and will receive the option of a full refund or transfer to an alternate trip.
If a trip is cancelled at the last minute due to external events outside our reasonable control (natural disasters, terrorism, etc) we will issue full refunds less any unrecoverable costs. This type of scenario is unlikely but always a possibility - get that travel insurance!.
You can check out the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.
How do I sign up?
You can find the Sign Up button on the Details page as soon as registration is open. A $600 deposit will reserve your spot, and balances are due 3 months prior to the trip start date. As soon as you register you’ll receive a link to the packing list, destination info, guide contacts and more, then your guide will begin direct group communication about 4 months prior to departure. Spots are first come-first serve, so don’t wait!
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Feel free to reach out to allison@roguexpeditions.com!