Discover sustainable travel in Morocco! Enjoy responsible experiences that immerse you in the nature & culture of this iconic country. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Travel in Morocco | Yugen Earthside

How can you know if private tours are right for you? Here are 5 reasons travelers love them, along with examples of privately-guided trips.

Private Tours: What are they? Why book one? | Yugen Earthside

We get it. You’ve checked your calendar and, having allocated a week or two of your precious annual leave for a big trip overseas, you want to make the most of every second. With limited time to plan and wanting to maximize your time spent at the destination, you’ve decided some sort of organized tour is the best way to alleviate the stress associated with traveling. But with so many options of organized travel – from small-group tours, to self-guided tours, to private tours – how do you decide what is right for you? 

Private tours are most- to all-inclusive travel experiences, led by an expert local guide following a well-crafted and balanced itinerary. If you want to customize the itinerary, you may also see private tours called “bespoke” or “tailor-made” tours.

Convenience and saving time are huge reasons people choose private tours. Coordinating all the logistics of your own trip – from booking transportation and attraction tickets to finding local places to eat, sustainable places to stay, and ethical experiences – can be a struggle if you are not used to it. Having a guide is also ideal if you are nervous about visiting a place, don’t speak the language, or want to see places well off the beaten path that might otherwise be difficult to get to. 

So what makes private tours so great? In addition to the above, here are five reasons travelers love private tours.

Accompaniment of local insight and knowledge

Access to nature and off-the-beaten-path areas

Whether you’re someone who’s already read the guidebook cover to cover or someone who’s ready to put their feet up and get whisked away to places unknown, you will be able to find or create a private tour that matches exactly what you want.

Private tours are designed around what you want to get out of your vacation. Although the itineraries we list are meticulously crafted by our sustainable travel partners, it is impossible to create a plan that suits every traveler. However, one key benefit of a private tour is that your itinerary is fully customizable. Activities can be coordinated with the tour operator so that the itinerary suits you perfectly. You can add destinations that you’ve gathered from your own research or remove activities that don’t captivate your interests. The beauty of being able to personalize your travel experience is that you get to see and do what’s important to you, instead of following a group consensus. 

With customized tours, you can be as involved in the planning process as you want. For some people, trip planning is a major stressor. Our sustainable tour operators can relieve you of this burden. For other travelers, planning the trip is part of the joy of traveling itself! In this case, your research and feedback can be incorporated into your private trip. 

2. Private tours are flexible in terms of departure dates, trip length, and more

Planning a trip can be difficult to work around your daily life and responsibilities. Another benefit of a private tour is that, unlike a group tour, there are no set dates of departure. You get to decide when to travel and how long to travel. The only thing you might want to consider is whether your planned itinerary will work with the season of travel. For example, many hiking, trekking, and climbing adventures must be done within a defined season to avoid unsafe weather conditions. That said, traveling in the shoulder season or off-season, where possible, is more sustainable and can offer an enriching cultural experience with fewer tourists and shorter queues, allowing you to maximize your travel time. 

You also have more flexibility with private tours, once at your destination, than you would have if traveling as part of a small-group tour. Itinerary tweaks are easier to manage, you can travel at your own pace, and you can focus purely on maximizing your own experience without waiting for a larger group consensus. 

3. Private tours offer local insight and knowledge 

All of our tours are led or supported by local guides with an intimate knowledge of the cultural significance, history, and meaning behind each destination you visit. Hearing the stories of your local guide adds depth and color to your experience, bringing each destination to life. The importance of this cannot be understated for some destinations, such as our 13-Day Rajasthan Cultural Tour. 

Imagine a guided tour of Jaipur’s Amber Fort; a local guide leads you past the tourist traps outside, allowing you to dive into the rich architecture and history undistracted. You spend your afternoon with a visit to a local Rajput artisan family to experience their crafts and delicacies and take part in a hands-on block printing workshop using traditional techniques.

Another great example is our 10-day Kenyan Coast & Safari. Enjoy a perfect blend of a few days in Mombasa along the sparkling coast, plus a 6-day safari through three Kenyan national parks. Discover food tours, go on nature walks, get your fill of game drives, and soak up the magic of the enchanting savannah and Kenyan culture.

Your guide will also be fluent in the language and dialects of your destination. This makes travel a breeze as you tap into local knowledge. After all, the most rewarding experiences may steer you off the beaten path. Traveling alongside a native speaker allows you to let go of communication worries surrounding transportation or specific dietary requirements and immerse yourself in the culinary and cultural experiences of a new country. 

4. Private tours allow you to get deep into nature

Private tours make the most of private transportation, which, despite what you may think, isn’t just limited to cars. We have lots of guided tours for slow travelers at a relaxed pace with minimal driving time that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your destination.

Why not explore the important historical Kokoda Track trail in Papua New Guinea, while learning about, connecting with, and supporting indigenous cultures? 

Or, follow in the footsteps of South American cowboys on an adventure along the Gaucho Way, and become fully immersed in the pristine and untouched wilderness of Chilean Patagonia.

Private travel allows you to get off the beaten track and into nature as you explore areas that public transport and large group tour buses can’t access, whilst remaining safe in the knowledge that you will be well looked after along the way. 

It’s been a few years since Covid turned the world upside down and, although many of us are ready to explore new horizons, many of us also have anxieties about safe and comfortable travel. Private tours offer personalized experiences just for you and your close travel companions. You don’t have to worry about vacationing with strangers, sharing public transport, or the pressure of getting to know new people. It’s also relatively easy to stay socially distanced from those outside your group. You can relax and enjoy your experiences with only your fellow group members.

Private tours inherently come at a higher price point than small-group tours or self-guided tours, with the actual price depending on variables including destination, activities, trip length, and group size. A private tour is a unique opportunity to make the most of your vacation time and explore a destination with an itinerary truly tailored to you. To give an idea of the price range, here are a couple of privately guided tours:

How do these prices compare to small-group tours and self-guided tours?

Private tours are different from both small-group tours and self-guided tours.

Small-group tours will be less expensive than private tours. You won’t have much flexibility with the itinerary – though you will have pockets of free time –  and you may be traveling with more people. 

Self-guided tours are always the most affordable option. You have a lot of autonomy, and since you’re not paying to be accompanied by a guide, this drastically reduces the cost of the trip. Self-guided tours are well-suited to nature-focused experiences, like walking and cycling tours. These are inherently more budget-friendly activities than tours involving cultural experiences and guided storytelling. 

Ultimately, with private tours, you get what you pay for. You are, after all, paying an individual to travel with you and be available to you and your travel buddies 24/7 for the duration of your trip. You will also avoid spending money on experiences you’re not interested in, you can splash on what’s important to you, go at your own pace, and relax – knowing you are in the capable and expert hands of your local guide.

While the price of private tours can vary greatly, we aim for fair, mid-range price points that will be a great value for travelers. We do this for two reasons:

Firstly, we aren’t convinced budget package trips are sustainable. Low prices make us nervous that someone somewhere is not getting paid fairly. 

Secondly, we don’t want sustainability to be synonymous with luxury and feel inaccessible. (That said, if you do enjoy staying in luxury eco-accommodations, this can be arranged!) 

Your budget can be taken into consideration with any custom-designed private tours. If cost is a concern, make this clear at the beginning of the planning process and let our sustainable travel partners help craft your adventure within your budget. This may mean prioritizing certain destinations or activities over others, or adjusting your trip length; we can play with your itinerary until it suits you. 

Are you dreaming of a Spanish vacation with your family? Take a look at our relaxed trips in Spain combining classic cities, peaceful nature, and flavorful gastronomy. 

Do you have an artistic streak? Explore our slow-travel cultural deep-dive tours in India that include organized visits and hands-on experiences with artisans including weavers, potters, bangle makers, and more. 

Below are just a handful of our favorite private tours. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs in nature, unwind near the sea, immerse yourself in culture and wildlife, or focus on personal wellness, we can help you find (or create!) the perfect trip.

Himalayan hiking with a twist, this off-the-beaten-path trail along Nepal's Khopra Ridge is a serene alternative to more popular treks in the region. You'll have time to discover the cultural highlights of Kathmandu at the beginning of your trip and of Pokhara at the end.

In the middle, you'll embark on a 9-day trek through the majestic Himalayas. As you climb, you’ll marvel at spectacular views and then rest and recover at community lodges and homestays along the way.

This unique trip combines breathtaking beauty with diverse landscapes and authentic cultural experiences to help you discover the hidden treasures of the Annapurna region.

When you think of the Maldives, you may think of white-sand beaches and honeymooners. You're not wrong, and also... there is so much more to these beautiful islands!

For a unique visit that embodies the 'opposite of mass tourism', consider booking a private tour of the Addu Atoll (a type of circular island with a perimeter of coral reefs surrounding a central lagoon).

Discover the natural wonders via snorkeling and kayaking, visit an eco garden, and learn about the unique culture, rich history, and modern development of this tropical paradise. 

Delve into the nature and culture of Ecuador and be mesmerized by its rich diversity. From wandering around Quito (a UNESCO site), to perusing indigenous markets, to hiking in the intriguing cloud forest, our private guide will warmly introduce you to the different regions of Ecuador's mainland.

You'll see snow-capped volcanoes, relax in hot springs, and visit Latitude Zero at the Equator. Then, you'll visit Nono, a little jewel built in colonial times by the Jesuits, where the charm and hospitality of Villa Doris wait for you.

 4. South Africa: Wellness, Wine, & Safari

Indulge in a slow-travel, two-week saunter through South Africa and enjoy wellness treatments, sip world-renowned wines, and go on a classic safari. Your private guide will enhance this immersive trip so you can get the most out of experiencing the beauty and vibrant cultures of Cape Town, South Africa.

Indulge yourself in traditional cuisine, nature walks, and time at the spa to restore your tired mind while enjoying fine wine in the Winelands. Finish your leisurely visit to South Africa with a sensational safari in a scenic floral setting.

All in all, the type of trip you choose depends on your personality, budget, appetite for adventure, travel style, and experience.

If you wish to retain complete control of your trip, independent travel, where you book each component on your own, might be your style. This is a tried-and-true way of crafting your trip exactly to your budget.

If you want a little help with organizing your experiences (route, accommodations, airport transfers) but still want to call most of the shots once you get there, try a self-guided tour. These autonomous itineraries are common for walking, cycling, and driving tours, and are generally cheaper than small-group or private tours.

Those who enjoy the company of others and decide that having a guide will make for a more convenient experience may enjoy a small-group tour. These have fixed departure dates and are usually capped at 10-12 travelers for an intimate experience with like-minded travelers at an affordable price point.

And if you’re looking for a highly customized itinerary where you can immerse yourself in nature or culture alongside a local expert, book a private guided tour. This is a great option if you only want to travel with close family or friends, and want a truly personalized experience without the stress of trip planning all on your own.

In the end, the choice is entirely yours. If you want assistance in choosing, or if you have a trip in mind you want to discuss, reach out to us. We offer free, 30-minute sustainable travel consultations for conscious travelers! To get started, simply fill out this form and we’ll help you out.

Private Tours: What are they? Why book one?

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

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Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Discover treasures of Morocco, from the iconic Blue City, to fascinating medinas, fine gateways, medieval cities, natural parks, & the vast Saraha desert. Carbon removals included!

[10 days] Morocco Treasures: From the Blue City to the Desert | Yugen Earthside

Discover treasures of Morocco, from the iconic Blue City, to fascinating medinas, fine gateways, medieval cities, natural parks, and the vast Saraha desert.

Explore kasbahs, spice markets, and vibrant cities on this extensive journey. Mount a camel to traverse the fringes of the Sahara Desert, then marvel at the scenery from the Atlas Mountains' lofty peaks. Immerse yourself in the bustle of imperial cities, navigating souks brimming with unique goods. Cap off this incredible adventure in Akchour National Park to explore the natural water springs. See below for important sustainability notes about camel riding. 

Along the way, admire the impressive architecture in time-tested villages and classic cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez. Soak in the rich culture that blends Islamic and African traditions, relax in a traditional Riad, and savor authentic meals to get the most out of this sustainable Moroccan adventure!

Set foot in the architectural marvel of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, perched on the edge of the ocean.

Wander through Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital, exploring everything from its old medina alleyways and grand citadels to its regal Mausoleums.

Immerse yourself in the imperial city of Fez, filled with vibrant fragrances and the rhythmic bustle of artisans.

Travel across the northern middle Atlas, passing serene highlands and lush wild cedar forests on your way to Erfoud, a quaint town surrounded by fortified villages and lush palm groves.

Experience the ancient rhythms and rituals of pre-Islamic African traditions in the Gnaoua village of Khamlia.

Embark on a camel ride through the Sahara, watching a breathtaking sunset over the magnificent honey-colored dunes. (Sustainability notes below.)

Relax in a Riad, savoring local home-cooked meals.

Riding a camel can be considered sustainable, depending on how it's managed. Here are a few factors to consider. If you are not comfortable with participating in a safari camel trek, you can opt out of this with our full understanding and support.

Animal Welfare: Unlike riding elephants, where the gentle giants are 'broken' and abused to accommodate human riders, camels can be trained humanely, much like horses. They can be domesticated, socialized young, and become accustomed to halters, saddles, and commands. Companies offering camel rides should treat the animals well, feed them properly, and not overwork them.

Environmental Impact: Camels have been a transportation method for humans for thousands of years. They were particularly important for trade and transport in desert areas thanks to their ability to traverse long distances with little water. While now also used for tourism, camels are an important way for visitors to see beautiful, remote natural areas without the use of a motorized car.

Cultural & Economic Implications: Camels are ingrained in the traditional fabric of desert communities. Riding them responsibly can preserve an ancient practice, provide economic support for their owners, and foster respect and appreciation for their importance to locals.

The best time to visit Morocco is during the autumn (September-November) or early spring (March-April), but Morocco is a year-round destination.

People should avoid August when it can be too hot in the desert and overcrowded in the north by local tourists.

Activities, admission fees, and sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary 

8 nights of accommodation with breakfast at handpicked, mid-range riads & hotels

1 night of accommodation at a deluxe Sahara Desert Encampment

Breakfast & Dinner in the desert and in Ouarzazate 

Private driver & very comfortable car for the duration of trip

Private guides in Rabat, Akchour, Fez, and Marrakech

Camel trekking to catch the sunset (Optional)

Sahara Safari in 4x4 to discover nomads' life

Traditional music around a campfire in the camp

Tailored pre-departure advice and personalized support

Tree plantation to offset the carbon footprint of your trip

We focus on impactful experiences based on quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Our crew and drivers are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and we choose smaller-scale, locally-owned accommodations and boutique hotels.

We buy locally-produced food and drinks and dine in locally-owned restaurants. We strive to minimize plastic waste wherever possible and carefully manage limited energy and water resources.  We operate with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints.

We take you closer to the most remote environmental landscapes of Morocco. We tell you all about the sustainable initiatives done by the local population. For example, we can share how the construction materials keep the houses warm during winter and cold during summer, or about the reusable objects and the agriculture systems.

We make a financial contribution to plant trees in nurseries managed by our partner, High Atlas Foundation, in order to help offset the carbon footprint of our travelers.

This itinerary was designed to offer real-life experiences that promote cross-cultural understanding. We make sure to take you to boutique-owned hotels/riads and restaurants. We support local artisans by witnessing their hard work even in the most remote areas of Morocco.

All our partners are Moroccan and we make sure that we pay them fairly to be sustainable for them. We also make sure to visit remote areas you likely wouldn't find by yourself, and where you could have the most impactful experience. For example, trekking to remote sections of the High Atlas Mountains helps support local communities.

Morocco Treasures: From the Blue City to the Desert

Indulge in a high-end Sahara Desert excursion, ideally as part of a longer journey through Morocco's multifaceted landscapes & culture. Carbon removals included!

[3 days] High-End Sahara Desert Excursion in Morocco | Yugen Earthside

Indulge in a high-end Sahara Desert excursion, ideally as part of a longer, curated, slow-travel journey through Morocco's multifaceted landscapes and culture.

Morocco is filled with hidden gems and abundant natural beauty for travelers to discover. Exploring the Sahara Desert rightfully intrigues many travelers, especially if it's their first visit to this vibrant country.

This itinerary starts in Marrakech and ends in Fez, though this can easily be reversed or customized to suit your group. It begins with a scenic drive over the majestic Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains, leading to the ancient ksar (fortified village) of Aït Benhaddou and the cinematic charm of Ouarzazate, also called the "Hollywood of Africa" and the "Door to the Desert".

You'll continue through dramatic gorges and canyons carved by time before arriving in Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. See below for important sustainability notes about camel riding. Under a star-lit sky, enjoy traditional Berber hospitality with music and mint tea at a luxury desert camp.

Wake up with the sunrise over the sand dunes, and drive north through the lush Ziz Valley and Cedar Forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains. You'll arrive in Fez in the early evening, stopping every couple of hours to appreciate the diverse landscapes and authentic villages along the way.

Soak in views of the High Atlas Mountains atop a mountain pass

Visit Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified Berber village ('ksar')

Explore Ouarzazate's film history and sets from well-known movies and shows, or visit an impressive 17th-century 'kasbah' - a fortified home turned monument 

Drive through varied landscapes and stunning rock formations

Ride into the sand dunes at sunset during a camel trek (sustainability notes below)

Experience authentic Berber culture by sharing a traditional meal, mint tea, and Gnawa music around the campfire and under the stars

Pass through lush palm groves and the Cedar Forest, keeping an eye out for Barbary macaques (native apes of the Atlas Mountains)

This Sahara Desert excursion in Morocco requires a lot of driving, therefore you should be prepared to sit for 1.5-2 hour intervals as your driver will make stops along the way. During these stops, you can stretch your legs, take in scenic view points, eat lunch, and explore - depending on the duration of the stop.

We do not recommend visiting the Sahara Desert as a single overnight journey, and suggest a minimum of two nights. From Marrakech to the desert, you will stop about mid-way in Ouarzazate (about 3.5 hours), explore the ksars and kasbahs there, and stay overnight. From Ouarzazate, the rest of the way to the desert is about 5.5 hours, and you'll stay in the desert the second night. On the following day, the drive time from the desert to Fez is about 7 hours, and, as on the way out to the desert, you'll stop every 1.5-2 hours for viewpoints and villages.


Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are typically the best seasons to visit Morocco's Sahara Desert. You can visit in the summer and winter months if you are prepared for extreme hot and cold temperatures - this wouldn't be our first recommendation! This itinerary does include air-conditioned vehicles and lodging to accommodate summer travel. 

Handpicked 4* or similar accommodations, including a luxury desert camp with AC

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners (traditional meals)

Transportation in a Mercedes Vito or Ford with AC with a professional driver/guide

This itinerary was designed for a group of 4; please inform us of your group size for the most accurate pricing.

Prices expressed in US dollars (USD) are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.11 MAD (as of May 6, 2025). In the event of a fluctuation exceeding ±5% at the time of payment, an adjustment to the amount due may be applied.

We focus on impactful experiences based on quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Our crew and drivers are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and we choose smaller-scale, locally-owned accommodations and boutique hotels.

We buy locally-produced food and drinks and dine in locally-owned restaurants. We strive to minimize plastic waste wherever possible and carefully manage limited energy and water resources. We operate with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints.

We take you closer to the most remote environmental landscapes of Morocco. We tell you all about the sustainable initiatives done by the local population. For example, we can share how the construction materials keep the houses warm during winter and cold during summer, or about the reusable objects and the agricultural systems.

This itinerary was designed to offer real-life experiences that promote cross-cultural understanding.

All our partners are Moroccan, and we make sure that we pay them fairly to be sustainable for them. We also make sure to visit remote areas you likely wouldn't find by yourself, and where you could have the most impactful experience.

High-End Sahara Desert Excursion in Morocco

This Moroccan culinary experience is a hands-on journey that will awaken your senses and delight your taste buds. Carbon removals included!

[9 days] Moroccan Culinary Experience | Yugen Earthside

This Moroccan culinary experience is a hands-on journey that will awaken your senses and delight your taste buds.

Discover a passion for Morocco's culture and cuisine on this authentic tour, and expand your mind as you learn about the country's culinary treasures and vibrant atmosphere.

Shop for exotic ingredients in local markets, learn about traditional dishes, and enjoy several private cooking lessons with master chefs. Unwind by staying in luxury riads, 5-star hotels, and having access to a world-class spa at the beginning and end of your trip.

This 9-day itinerary will satisfy your appetite for everything Morocco has to offer!

Purchase fresh ingredients at the market for a unique cooking lesson in traditional Moroccan cuisine with a local housewife.

Explore an eco-farm and hotel surrounded by olive groves and orchards, selecting herbs and vegetables for a hands-on cooking session.

Participate in an all-day cookery class with a chef, learning traditional cooking techniques and enjoying a sumptuous feast.

Travel to Essaouira, a charming coastal town known for its fortified medina, art galleries, and fresh seafood.

Discover the main attractions of Marrakech with your guide, including the Koutoubia Minaret, Saadian Tombs, and the bustling souks of the medina.

This trip is family-friendly! Children 4 and older can enjoy this entire experience.

Spring and fall are typically the best seasons to visit Morocco. The pleasant temperatures and cooler evenings are ideal for exploring cities, visiting historical sites, and enjoying outdoor activities without the intense summer heat. December will generally be less crowded than the preceding months.

English speaking driver & car at disposal for 9 days

Double accommodation with breakfast for 8 nights in 4* hotel or similar

Water refill and snacks during the whole trip

This trip has a positive impact on six local beneficiary families.

Morocco

Morocco Treasures: From the Blue City to the Desert

High-End Sahara Desert Excursion in Morocco

Moroccan Culinary Experience

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