Painting holiday in Moroccan desert
It is usually possible to offer a discount for those travelling together and sharing a room. Please note this trip will run if Covid restrictions allow.
Minimum 3, maximum 8 (5 if all single)
Description of Painting holiday in Moroccan desert
Otherworldly and fascinating, Morocco’s desert landscapes offer unending inspiration for artists and painters of all abilities. This eight-day small group painting holiday, starting and finishing in Fez, will take you into the heart of the Moroccan desert, with memorable stays in traditional desert auberges.
Accompanied by an expert tutor, you’ll have the chance to develop your artistic skills whether you are a complete beginner, or simply new to painting and sketching this type of landscape. This is an excellent trip if you want to maximise the time you spend painting and drawing; once you reach the sands near Erg Chebbi driving times are short each day. Sometimes the best painting spots can only be reached on foot – so you should be prepared for a little walking each day too.
For further inspiration an overnight camel trip into the desert is also included.
During the spring and autumn, the warm days and cool nights make painting and sketching comfortable and enjoyable. If you travel during the spring you might be lucky enough to see the desert in bloom, as wild flowers carpet the landscape. In autumn the land is drier, but this is the time to see (and taste!) dates hanging from the ubiquitous palm trees.
Your accommodation will be in rustic and comfortable, traditional adobe-built guesthouses nestled into the landscape. While these auberges don’t always offer full luxury, you are guaranteed traditional warm hospitality, delicious local food, and a peaceful, authentically Moroccan environment.
Price information
It is usually possible to offer a discount for those travelling together and sharing a room. Please note this trip will run if Covid restrictions allow.
Minimum 3, maximum 8 (5 if all single)
Check dates, prices & availability
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Holiday information
Reviews
2 Reviews of Painting holiday in Moroccan desert
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2019 by Eva Skyllberg
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Painting in the Moroccan desert. Visiting places off the beaten track.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great!
Reviewed on 06 Apr 2017 by Pauline Lawton
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting the desert, the wonderful Adobe accommodation nearby, the fantastic locations for sketching and the visit by camel riding off into the sunset in the sand dunes and staying overnight in a Nomad's Tent to watch sunrise.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Please dress warmly if booking for March, as even though the sun shines, it can be quite cold. Take lots of photos - locations for sketching are very inspiring. Absorb the atmosphere.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in local accommodation. We met Berber people and sometimes shared our food. We didn't leave any plastics or rubbish behind.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I really had a marvellous experience of the desert life, very spontaneous, often stopping to paint buildings, doors, etc. as we passed by. Hamid was a fantastic driver and went out of his way to show us his country. I adored Hassen's Guest House in the desert - very rustic - and it even has a swimming pool! Mary was a wonderful teacher and very patience and tried to get the best out of us. She had given us tasks to do, so it was very helpful as we sketched. I would go again on this holiday.
Responsible Travel
Planet
In common with many parts of the world, both developed and developing, single-use plastic is a real issue in Morocco as plastic bags are routinely given with every purchase in shops and from street food vendors. For many years I have been trying to lead by example and always refuse carrier bags. I make every effort to minimise the occasions where they would be necessary and make sure my guets follow on this. When I refuse a plastic bag I always explain why I am doing so, often generating a lively conversation. Moreover these plastic bags often end up flying around the desert as litter, in a country with inadequate rubbish collection. When I visit beautiful and remote locations with and without my clients I aim to leave them cleaner than I found them in terms of litter and would not allow any client to drop litter, either intentionally or otherwise.In most countries, education is key when it comes to the environment and where education is poor, leading by example is sometimes the most effective tool and can lead to small changes in local behaviour.
The hotels and auberges we use in the desert regions are made of adobe, a local and sustainable material which is warm in winter and cool in summer. They are built in traditional local style and decorated with locally produced handycrafts such as rugs and ceramics, many of which are very old.
While the accommodation is 'comfortable' and 'sumptious' in terms of decor it is not 'luxury' and I actively avoid hotels and rooms with air-con. Where necessary a fan is always my preference.
People
Travel in Morocco is always about the people, and it is usually a pretty full-on, absorbing cultural experience. From the beginning I make it very clear to my clients that we guests in a fascinating country whose customs and traditions might differ from ours. An open mind, tolerance, curiosity and respect are paramount on these trips, to enjoy them to the full and foster good relations with the people we meet.We use a local, self-employed driver and stay in locally owned and run accommodation, employing local people. We eat from local restaurants and cafes,and buy food from local sellers and markets.
The small group size facilitates approachability and interaction with the locals, with mutual benefit. Conversations are encouraged where appropriate, as is purchasing from small establishments or individuals rather than bigger shops.
There is usually the option to visit both a desert handicraft co-operative and a cultural music experience during the trip.
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