LA – GeoTours Morocco
Great Outdoors LA invites you to Morocco from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2, 2024. This trip is being organized and sponsored though GeoTours, which is an LGBTQ-friendly company that organizes regular tours to places all over the world at very reasonable prices compared to other tour companies. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, along with GeoTours. Click here for the trip itinerary and details: https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024/. Registration closes May 1, 2024.
Why Morrocco? Although it's a favorite destination for Europeans, many Americans feel unsafe traveling in Arab countries. However, Morocco is considered one of the safest Arab countries in which LGBTQ groups can travel, and it has some of the best scenery and tourism of any region in northern Africa. Therefore, we are inviting this group of travelers to a wonderful place where they may not feel comfortable going individually but can have an “opportunity to learn about life in a different country through immersion into the culture. Seeing something from the outside versus experiencing it from the inside provides two completely different insights into a way of life.” -- Gay Travel in Morocco: An Overview (journeybeyondtravel.com).
Personal Considerations: While several LGBTQ groups visit Morocco every year with no problems, all participants will need to understand and acknowledge the following cultural note to ensure the group's safety:
It’s important to note that in Morocco homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by prison. Even though this is not always enforced, it’s smart to use street sense and avoid public displays of affection, as this is culturally frowned upon for both opposite and same-sex couples. As in any country, we ask our travelers to respect local customs (hats off in mosques, no kissing in public, etc) and most people will not be hostile. Transgender travelers should be especially aware of potentially abusive behavior, particularly to transgender women, due a lack of education in the country and conservative Muslim values. Please review and consider the additional information provided prior to deciding whether to participate or not:
Additional resources include:
· https://queerintheworld.com/lgbt-rights-in-morocco/
· Gay Morocco | LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, Morocco Gay Rights & Safety Tips (iglta.org)
· LGBT Rights In Morocco: Everything You Should Know Before You Visit! (queerintheworld.com)
· LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index: 203 Countries Ranked in 2023 (asherfergusson.com)
We plan to donate to local LGBTQ groups in Morocco to help the country's progress toward more equality.
This is the first of what we hope will be several trips around the world (Iceland, New Zealand, Peru, etc.).
Itinerary:
Friday 11/22/24 – Depart USA
Depart USA or depart earlier to have more time in Morocco.
Saturday 11/23/24 - Arrive Casablanca, Morocco
Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city. One night in Casablanca at Idou Anfa Hotel (4*).
Sunday 11/24/24 – Casablanca-Rabat-Chefchaouen
Visit the old Kasbah of Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, and go inside the richly decorated mausoleum of King Mohammed V. Continue to Chefchaouen, one of the most beautiful small towns in Morocco. One night at Dar Ecchaouen (4*).
Monday 11/25/24 – Chefchaouen-Volubilis-Fes
Enjoy a morning walking tour in the old medina of Chefchaouen, with beautiful pastel-blue buildings. Visit Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Fes, the imperial capital for much of the last 1000 years. Two nights in Fes at Riad El Yacout (4*) or equivalent.
Tuesday 11/26/24 – Fes
Spend a full day in Fes, the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. Take a walking tour of the medina, the bustling old part of the city, with a chaotic and exhilarating mélange of artisan quarters: brass & copper craftsmen, wedding goods, carpenters, bakers, butchers, spice sellers. Soak in a fine panoramic view of the colorful vats of the leather tanneries. Night #2 in Fes.
Wednesday 11/27/24 – Fes – Middle Atlas Mountains – Sahara
Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Sahara, passing through cedar forests with Barbary Apes. Stop at Ziz Gorges, deeply eroded by water and with very colorful geology. Arrive in Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Saharan sand dunes. One night in Merzouga at Riad Azawad (3*) with dinner included.
Thursday 11/28/24 - Sahara Desert near Merzouga
Spend the day experiencing the Sahara Desert: visit a village of the Gnaoua people, descendants of West African slaves. Ride a camel for an hour over the impressive sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. See the Saharan sunset over the dunes. Spend the night at Azawad Luxury Desert Camp, with dinner included, followed by Berber musical entertainment.
Friday 11/29/24 - Merzouga – Ouarzazate
Sunrise over the desert and then ride a camel (or walk) 3 miles over the dunes to Merzouga. Breakfast in Merzouga before continuing to Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with walls towering 1000’ high. One night in Ouarzazate at Dar Chamaa (3*).
Saturday 11/30/24 - Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou - Atlas Mtns - Marrakech
Explore Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wonderful kasbah with narrow, winding lanes. Drive over the High Atlas Mountains, across Tizi n’Tichka pass at 7400' altitude. Two nights in Marrakech at Riad Nesma (4*).
Sunday 12/1/24 - Marrakech
Tour Marrakech, one of the great medieval cities of the Islamic world. Djemaa el Fna, is the wonderful city square of Marrakech with great activity, entertainment, and food. Free afternoon for shopping or more sightseeing of Marrakech.
Monday 12/2/24- Marrakech - USA
Morocco tour ends, with a departure from Marrakech airport, or stay longer in Morocco on your own.
Details:
https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024
Additional details will be discussed in an online forum and provide you with an opportunity to ask questions prior to the final cancellation deadline. We will also have an additional forum closer to the trip departure date.
Tour Dates: Nov.22-Dec. 2, 2024 (actual tour: Nov.23-Dec.2)
Land Only Tour Cost: $1890. Price based on a minimum of 12 paying participants. Otherwise, the price may increase or cancel the tour. Price is also based on sharing a room; single supplement is +$500 but single rooms are limited to approx. 5 or 6 on a first come basis. There will be 12 rooms total for the group. (Estimated additional cost of international flights to be arranged on your own: $1350. LAX-CMN; RAK-LAX)
Cost Includes: Hotels, guide, bus, entries, breakfasts, 3 dinners, and tips
Looking to Share a Room?: Will send the contact info to the members who wish to consider this option.
Group Size: 12-20 G.O. members
Tour Locations: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubillis, Fes, Sahara Desert (Merzouga), Ouarzazate, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech (see website for exact dates and route map)
Walk/Hike limits: At least one hike up to 5 miles and one hike on sand dunes
Weather: Inland California climate (high 65-75, low in 50s in November)
Cancellation policy: see Geotours website
Registration closes: May 1, 2024. Click here to register now:
https://www.geotours.us/tour/morocco-2024/
Please also register via the GOLA website (link at beginning of the email, or on website). The trip leader needs to monitor how many travelers of each type have registered and will use this registration for various updates and communications.
GOLA Website Registration Types:
- One Traveler - Wants a Roomie
Registrants are responsible for finding their own roommate. GOLA will provide connections for those interested in sharing a room.
- One Traveler - Has a Roomie
When registering type the first and last name of your roommate.
- Solo Traveler - Does not want to room with anyone
As noted elsewhere, solo travelers will pay an surcharge of approx. $500.
Trip insurance: Highly Encouraged. See Details link above for more information
Have additional questions: Reach out to GeoTours, Joe Holliday or John Butta
