A Sky Full of Stories: a storytelling course and desert adventure in Morocco – Marrakech to M'hamid

Sat 25 Jan 2025 9:30 AM - Sat 1 Feb 2025 4:00 PM GMT
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Part tour, part course, join Shonaleigh and Dr Simon Heywood for a tour from Marrakech to the dark skies paradise of the Moroccan Sahara, where they will share their three day 'Sky Full of Stories' course.

In search of stories and inspiration, some people look around; some look within. How often do we think to look… up?

The greatest source of wonder any of us will ever know awaits our attention in infinitely patient silence: over our heads.

The Sky tells her stories only by night in the silence of myriad points of light: in the wandering of the moon and planets.

Who is the sky? Where does she come from? Why is she there? What is she doing? Who are the stars? Who are the planets? Who are the constellations? What stories were told about the sky above us by ancient tribes and medieval philosophers? What can these stories tell us today?

There are only ten places available for this once in a lifetime adventure of sightseeing and learning in a unique and beautiful place.

We start and end in Marrakech and will be hosted by Katherine Soutar and Abdol Laghfiri of Camp Sahara at Dar Al Fananna (The Artists House) in M'hamid.

PRICE

£1,250 which includes 7 nights accommodation in shared twin rooms, all meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day, the course, and transport to/from Marrakech. Single rooms available at a supplement of £200

What’s not included: your travel to and from Morocco, airport transfers, accommodation in Marrakech before and after the course.

We recommend you take out full travel insurance to cover you for cancellation, delays, illness and other unforeseen events.

Either pay the full amount on registration and receive a £50 discount.  Or pay 50% now and the remaining 50% by 29th December 2024. You are liable for any bank fees.

Refunds policy: if you need to cancel before 29th of November 2024 we can refund you 75% of your payment minus bank fees. Before 29th of December 2024 we can refund you 50% of your payment minus bank fees. No refunds after 29th December 2024. If we cancel we will refund you your money in total minus any bank fees.

BOOKING

If you want to come, please register here. You will then be emailed details to make your bank transfer.

Please let us know on booking if you have any dietary requirements or allergies, or mobility challenges.

Note this trip is likely not suitable for people with nut or cat allergies. If you need to check about this, contact Katherine on ksoutarillustrator@gmail.com for a chat before booking.

ITINERARY

Saturday 25th January

Meet in Marrakech at the Cafe France in the Jemma el Fnaa. We will depart at 9.30am.

Stop for lunch at Ait Ben Haddou, with the option to walk to the famous Kasbah.

Travel onwards to Ouarzazate.

Overnight: Hotel Les Jardins near Ouarzazate.

Sunday 26th January

Travel onwards after breakfast to M’hamid where we will stay for a few days. Time to relax in the afternoon and evening.

Overnight: M’hamid.

Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th January

Storytelling course with Shonaleigh and Simon at Dar al Fananna.

Overnight: M’hamid.

Wednesday 29th January

Today we travel out to the desert bivouac, where the course will continue in the afternoon.

You will also be able to explore the desert on foot, by camel, or by 4x4.

In the evening, we will share stories in the dunes under the night sky.

Overnight: Raks Nakka

Thursday 30th January

Return to M’hamid after breakfast, time to relax, maybe visit a local kasbah, and dinner with music at Dar Al Fananna. Option to try traditional henna.

Overnight: M’hamid.

Friday 31st January

Depart M’hamid, visiting the renowned Tamegroute pottery enroute to Tamnougalt. Stay at a guest house in a 500 yr old Kasbah famous for its Berber music.

Overnight: Kasbah des Caids in Tamnougalt.

Saturday 1st February

Arrive in Marrakech around mid to late afternoon.

We recommend you book yourself a night in Marrakech before flying home or travelling onwards on the 2nd.