Join us in beautiful South Morocco and the Sahara for an amazing art and cultural experience

A chance to explore the beauty of South Morocco and your own creativity with Katherine Soutar, professional artist, illustrator and art tutor and Abdol Laghfiri, Saharaoiu nomad and expert guide.

Be inspired by the unique landscape and culture of South Morocco and the Sahara

First retreat of 2026 from 5th to 13th February is now Fully booked

The second 2026 retreat from 5th to 13th November, is taking bookings now

2027 dates to be confirmed but will probably be March and November due to Ramadan timings

There are currently only two retreats per year, with a restricted number of 4 places, so book early to avoid disappointment

November 2026 retreat price is £999 per person if booked before August 1st and £1099 thereafter (based on sharing a twin room, we currently have no single rooms at Dar al fannana)

If you are very keen to have a single room please email me at the email below as it may be possible to provide one nearby for a supplemental fee.

You can pay a deposit to secure your place at the bottom of this page or contact me directly at ksoutarillustrator@gmail.com

Places on these unique holidays are limited to just 4 guests

This is the maximum number we can currently accommodate for accommodation and art activities at Dar Al Fannana, (translates as The artists house) our beautiful traditional house on the very edge of the Sahara. This small group also gives the best possible learning experience for everyone.

Included:

Visits to beautiful places along the way that will spark your creativity, including the famous Kasbah at Ait ben Haddou, and the smaller but equally special Kasbah Ouled Othmane

We stay for a night in a lovely hotel with a pool in Ouarzazate on our way down to the desert and in the ancient Kasbah of Tamnougalt on our return journey, where after dinner we are usually treated to an evening of tradtional Berber music and dance

A visit to the pottery cooperative at Tamegroute, where the gorgeous tableware we use in the house is made. Also the home of an islamic library which holds some beautiful manuscripts and books you can view, including a 1000 year old copy of the Koran

6 nights in Dar al Fannana, our lovely traditional desert home on the very edge of the Sahara with our camels right next door. All meals, drinks and snacks during your stay, Abdols brother Ali is our amazing cook. If you have special dietary requirements please let us know so we can accommodate them. (Please also be aware this trip includes quite a bit of walking and climbing steep steps at times, if you have any mobility concerns please do contact us to discuss whether this trip is suitable for you)

Also included is an overnight stay out in the deep dunes stargazing, listening to Saharaoiu singing and watching traditional sand bread being made expertly by Abdol (we get to eat it with our supper too!)

At least 16 hours of Art workshops with Katherine learning exciting and engaging mixed media and print techniques that you can use to express your impressions of Morocco and take home to develop further. (you will want to, definitely!) All art materials are supplied although basic drawing materials and a sketchbook are useful. You will have your own workspace for the week and are welcome to use all the available materials at any time.

Previous art experience is not necessary at all to enjoy this holiday, if you are already a practicing artist though you will enjoy the time, space and opportunity to experiment with new techniques offered.

A sunset camel ride through the Palmerie is also included (or two if you really love it)

All transport costs and evening meals are included but you will need to pay for snacks and lunch while travelling, any alcoholic drinks with meals and entrance fees/tips for museums and sites.

We will pick you up in Marrakech and return you there at the end of your holiday.

Optional extras: traditional Saharaoiu henna by a talented local henna artist. Visit to Neolithic burial sites, cooking lesson, visit to the local women’s cooperative to see traditional wool embroidery work

Not included:

Flights and any accommodation you may need to arrange in Marrakech before the start and at the end of the holiday. There are a lot of very reasonably priced hotels and Riads available through booking.com and we can supply a list of places we recommend too.