
Finish the Race. Start the Real Journey.
You've conquered the Marathon des Sables, now recover properly and experience Morocco your way, with two perfectly timed tour options starting right after the race.
Tours depart 10 October 2026 (aligned with MDS finish)




Why Encounterstravel
THE RACE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.
You've just pushed your body to the limit. 70km. 100km. 120km in the Sahara. Now what? Most runners rush home exhausted. Running a marathon, cornered by routine and obligations back at home. Don't let that be you.

The transfer
GO FROM THE FINISH LINE TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE.
We've made it effortless to continue your journey. As soon as your race ends, we'll take care of getting you to Marrakech in time for your next adventure.
- Post-race transfer included (10 October)
- No planning or logistics required
- Just move straight from the desert into comfort and exploration
Two ways to experience Morocco
3. Choose Your Adventure




Morocco on a Shoestring
7 Day Tour
Simple. Social. Budget-friendly.
A more affordable way to experience Morocco with like-minded travellers.
- Recover after the Marathon des Sables while exploring Morocco's iconic cities
- Experience culture and history through medinas, souks, and local traditions
- Reflect on your race journey under Sahara stars in a Berber desert camp
- Travel through mountains and gorges, ending in vibrant Marrakech




Morocco Encompassed
14 Day Tour
Deeper. More comfortable. More complete.
A 2-week journey covering Morocco in a more comprehensive way.
- Recover and recharge after the MDS while exploring Morocco's highlights
- Explore imperial cities, medinas, and culture from Casablanca to Chefchaouen
- Experience the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and dramatic gorges
- Unwind on the coast and finish in vibrant Marrakech
Not sure which tour suits you? Ask us.
Designed with runners in mind
4. Built for Post-MDS Life
- Ease into recovery
- Comfort
- No logistics
- Travels with like-minded people
- All tailored for post-MDS life
Traveller Reviews
What travellers say about Morocco with Encounters Travel
Real reviews from Encounters Travel guests who explored Morocco, from the medinas to the Sahara, as posted on TripAdvisor and TourRadar.
4.7 out of 5 from over 1,700 traveller reviews of Encounters Travel tours
A marvelous way to be immersed
“A marvelous way to be immersed in the life and culture and experience of being in Morocco. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, who were always there just as we needed help. The route is well planned, and the stops, hotels and meals were all well chosen.”
Great experience
“Great experience. The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. The trip was very rugged at times and that's ok, because it was experiencing a different place than where we were from. Highly recommend, but keep an open mind and go with the flow.”
A magical experience
“Our tour guide was the highlight of the trip. He made it a magical experience and went way beyond his job to ensure that all four of us were looked after and enjoying our trip. He was absolutely passionate about his job and knowledgeable about his country. I travel often and this trip exceeded my expectations by far. I can't wait to return to Morocco.”
The tour was excellent
“The tour was excellent. We saw a lot of different places, and a lot of history was given by the tour guide, who was very knowledgeable and very informative about the culture and history of the places we went. I would recommend this tour for anyone interested in seeing various landmarks and learning about a different culture.”
An excellent tour
“An excellent tour of amazing historical cities and sights. Loved Morocco and will likely return to visit the Sahara. Highly recommend this tour!”
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour
“I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and all of the great sightseeing included in the itinerary. The group I travelled in was great. Our guide was brilliant, he gave us lots of advice when visiting the places on the tour and helped us find places to eat in our free time. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this tour to my friends.”
Extremely well organised
“It was a wonderful trip, extremely well organised and with a superb guide: friendly, thoughtful and knowledgeable, with a driver to match. We were a small party of 13 different ages and types, and from the start we got on well. The choice of places to visit was very well thought out. We will certainly use Encounters again.”
An unforgettable experience
“Enjoyed our trip to Morocco, this was an unforgettable experience. Encounters Travel did everything right to make the trip a memorable one. Good hotels, good food and lots of sightseeing, but kept the pace just right. Our highlight was watching the sunset on the dunes in the middle of the Sahara Desert.”
Part of a family
“This was my second tour with Encounters Travel and both tours were amazing. I'm a single female who travels alone, but by the time I finish my tour I've become part of a family. The tour guides are amazing, kind, and go out of their way to make your vacation memorable. Encounters give you so much for your money.”
Magical Morocco
“We are wrapping up our trip in Morocco now, and it has been a fantastic experience. I can't say enough good things. Our tour guide and driver went out of their way to make sure this trip was smooth and fun. It was an experience of a lifetime, thanks to their non-stop hard work.”
We will remember it throughout our lives
“The sunset and sunrise camel trek in the Sahara is something we will remember throughout our lives! The people of Morocco have been so helpful and we felt that they really wanted to make our holiday special and unforgettable!”
Fabulous
“Took this trip last November and it was fabulous. Great accommodations, wonderful food, and lots of great things to see and do. And our tour guides and drivers were the best. Highly recommend the trip and would use Encounters Travel again for other destinations.”

You didn't come all this way for just a finish line.
You trained for months. You travelled across the world. Don't let the adventure end in an airport.
View Your Recovery OptionsGood To Know
Your post-MDS Morocco questions, answered
When do the tours depart?
Both tours depart on 10 October 2026, timed to line up with the Marathon des Sables finish. You cross the line, we handle everything from there.
How do I get from the race to the tour?
A post-race transfer to Marrakech on 10 October is included. There is no planning or logistics required on your side, you move straight from the desert into comfort and exploration.
What is the difference between the two tours?
Morocco on a Shoestring is a 7 day tour: simple, social and budget-friendly, taking in the medinas, the Sahara and the mountains before ending in Marrakech. Morocco Encompassed is a 14 day journey: deeper and more comfortable, covering the imperial cities from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains and the coast. Both are built to let you recover while you explore.
Will I really be up for a tour straight after the MDS?
That is exactly what these tours are designed around. The first days are paced for recovery: comfortable transport, good food, no logistics to think about, and the freedom to do as much or as little as your legs allow. As Danniell, an MDS finisher, puts it, the best decision after the race is not rushing home.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Most nationalities, including travellers from the UK, EU, US, Canada and Australia, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Check the current requirements for your nationality before you travel, and our specialists can point you in the right direction.
What is the weather like in Morocco in October?
October is one of the best months to travel in Morocco. Expect warm, comfortable days in the mid 20s, cooler evenings, and pleasant conditions in both the cities and the desert. The summer heat has gone and the winter chill has not arrived.
Can my partner or supporters join the tour?
Yes. Both tours are regular small group departures, so partners, friends and supporters who were not racing can book the same tour and meet you in Marrakech. Tell our specialists you are travelling together and they will take care of the arrangements.
Can I talk to someone who has actually done this?
Yes. Danniell is an MDS finisher who stayed on to recover and explore Morocco after the race. You can chat with them directly on WhatsApp from this page, or send your questions through the enquiry form.
I am travelling solo. Will that work?
Most MDS runners come out solo, and small group travel is built for exactly that. You will be travelling with like-minded people, many of them fresh off the same start line as you.
Still have a question? Our Morocco specialists are happy to help.
Practical details
7. Everything You Need to Know
- Race
- Marathon des Sables
- Transfer to Marrakech
- 10 October 2026
- Tour Departures
- 10 October 2026
- Options
- Morocco on a Shoestring / Morocco Encompassed
- Group Style
- Small group travel

Talk to someone who's been there
5. TALK TO SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN THERE
Danniell, MDS Finisher
Danniell, MDS Finisher
Got questions about recovery or logistics? Chat directly with Danniell.
Chat with Danniell on WhatsAppPrefer to send your questions in writing?