ALIF runs several excursions for its students. These are academic excursions designed to give students a more in-depth cultural understanding of Morocco. Itineraries are designed to maximize exposure to the diverse history and geography of Moroccan society. Additionally, ALIF faculty accompany students on these trips to encourage Arabic use and teach new, excursion-specific vocabulary. Prior to departure all students receive detailed briefing documents (in English and Arabic) as well as a pre-departure orientation. Prices listed below are valid through Summer term 2024.
Desert Excursion
3 days/ 2 nights 1,950DH
This academic excursion takes students to the desert areas of the southeast of Morocco. The group leaves ALIF early on a Friday morning and returns late in the evening on Sunday. Students and accompanying ALIF faculty stay in Rissani, a former caravan center of the region, from which the group explores various regional sites. Upon arrival in Rissani, students tour the local ksour (plural of ksar, or fortified village), have a welcome dinner, and get a briefing on the region.
On Saturday we visit the village of Hassi Labied to learn about irrigation farming. We explore the saqiya and khettara, which are canals and tunnels that distribute water to community gardens. From there we head to the village of Khemlia for lunch and a taste of Gnawa music. In the afternoon we’ll head to Merzouga to begin a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to view the sunset. After sunset we head to a desert camp for dinner and a bonfire before returning to Rissani.
On Sunday morning is a visit to the bustling Rissani souk (traditional market) where locals gather from surrounding villages to sell and trade animals, fruits and vegetables, and crafts. We depart Rissani at midday and make a stop in the Ziz Valley to see the gorge and palm oases before returning to Fes.
What’s included:
- Transportation to and from Fes in a private, air-conditioned coach
- Two nights in a hotel (double or triple occupancy) in Rissani
- Friday dinner, all meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday
- Two-hour Camel trek through the dunes
- Entrance fees to all to cultural and historical sites
Meknes, Volubilis, Moulay Idriss
Day trip 650DH
On this one-day academic excursion, ALIF students explore the Berber-Roman ruins of Volubilis, the town of Moulay Idriss (site of the tomb of the first Islamic ruler of Morocco. Idriss I), and the nearby Imperial city of Meknes. The group excursion departs Sunday morning from ALIF and returns in time for dinner.
The excursion begins in Volubilis (founded in the 3rd century BCE) where there is a guided tour through the preserved ruins and mosaics. From there we head to the nearby town of Moulay Idriss. Students have free time to explore the hilltop town that overlooks the ruins of Volubilis. In Meknes, there is a break for lunch followed by a tour of the old medina and important monuments.
What’s included:
- Transportation to and from Fes in a private, air-conditioned coach
- Bottled water
- All entrance fees to cultural and historical sites
Chefchaouen & Akchour
2 days, 1 night / 1350dh
This overnight excursion introduces students to two popular locations, the blue city of Chefchaouen and the waterfalls of Akchour. The group departs Fes by bus early Saturday morning. After arrival, participants enjoy a guided tour of the Chefchaouen medina, and a short hike to the Spanish mosque to watch the sunset - an iconic spot for photos. The group enjoys breakfast and dinner together at the hotel. On Sunday morning, all undertake an intermediate 5km hike to Akchour - swimming is sometimes optional, weather conditions permitting. Lunch is enjoyed on the trail, usually a tagine at a local stand. Students are accompanied by a licensed guide, an ALIF professor, and an ALIF staff member. The group arrives back in Fes late Sunday evening.
What’s included:
- Transportation to and from Fes in a private, air-conditioned coach
- One night accommodation (double occupancy)
- Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, Sunday lunch
- Licensed local guide
- All entrance fees to cultural and historical sites
Tazekka National Park
1 day / 400dh
The excursion is a full-day hike through Tazekka National Park near the city of Taza, about 2.5 hours out of Fes. A private bus takes students to meet an official guide, who imparts information about the local ecology in both English and Arabic. The area is beautiful, with a variety of forests and waterfalls, and offers spectacular scenery during all seasons. The hike is moderate, but can be up to 14km and rocky and steep. Everyone should wear sturdy shoes and bring water/hat/sunscreen, as well as their own breakfast/lunch - there are no cafés or shops deep on the trail. Students are accompanied by an ALIF professor and staff member.
What’s included:
- Transportation to and from Fes in a private, air-conditioned coach
- Licensed local guide