Morocco – Gnawa World Music Festival - Volunteer Vacations

The Experience

A place of mysticism & wonder, Morocco is known for its picturesque mountain views and unique blend of ancient and modern cities. And there is no better time to visit Morocco than during the Gnawa World Music Festival in the coastal town of Essaouira. A multi-day event of music, workshops and renowned artists from across the globe, this is arguably the most anticipated festival in the region.

Journey from the “Red City” of Marrakech to the salt-sprayed ramparts of Essaouira, where the ancient medina is transformed into a global stage for the Gnawa World Music Festival. This is an invitation to move beyond the main stage and into the private riads of master musicians, revealing a trance-inducing spiritual heritage through intimate workshops and exclusive artisan masterclasses. Between hypnotic performances, you’ll connect with local women’s cooperatives and master the art of Moroccan spice, discovering the soul of Morocco through a lens of deep purpose and boutique riads. An experience unlike any other!

Music, Culture & Dance

Morocco is an epicenter of Arab culture in North Africa. And during the Gnawa World Music Festival the country lights up in dance, music and art. A truly remarkable time to visit this enchanting country!

A Dialogue of Civilizations through Music

The Gnawa World Music Festival is a sensory explosion where African, Islamic, and Berber traditions converge in the seaside city of Essaouira. Once a year, this historic port town is transformed into a global stage for traditional music, attracting musicians from across the world to jam alongside Gnawa masters. It is a celebration of freedom and spirit, where the air is thick with the scent of sea salt and the relentless, trance-inducing beat of the drums.

Our curated experience ensures you don’t just witness the spectacle – you understand its significance. We’ll navigate the labyrinthine medina to find the most authentic performances, providing context to the performances and the multi-generational stories of the artists. It is a vibrant, soulful immersion into a culture that uses art as a tool for resilience and connection. Your all-access pass to the festival will allow you to explore the best of this UNESCO-designated event!

Where You’ll Stay

Your home in Morocco is a collection of handpicked, 5-star riads that offer a sanctuary of refined comfort amidst the festival’s energy. In Marrakech, you’ll settle into the historic Palais Sebban, a masterwork of Moroccan architecture featuring intricate tilework and tranquil courtyards. In Essaouira, we’ll stay at the legendary Heure Bleue Palais, a Relais & Châteaux property built into the city’s ancient walls. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic and world-class service, ensuring every day of exploration ends in total relaxation.

*Please note exact hotels may change but will all be in the 4 or 5-star boutique range

Itinerary Overview

Your journey begins in the historic city of Marrakech, where you’ll meet multi-generational Gnawa musicians for a private introduction to their craft. We’ll then travel to the coastal town of Essaouira, diving straight into the heart of the festival. Over the next four days, your schedule is a blend of public celebration and private immersion: you’ll participate in rhythmic dance workshops, visit women’s argan oil cooperatives, and spend an afternoon in the workshop of a master guembri maker.

After the festival’s final crescendo, we’ll return to Marrakech to explore the city’s imperial history and hidden souks. The experience culminates in the kitchen, where you’ll master the art of Moroccan spices during a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. Throughout the trip, we’ll balance the high-energy performances at the festival with slow-paced, intimate lunches and reflective evenings in our boutique riads.

We Help You Every Step of the Way

Planning travel can be overwhelming—we’re here to make it easy. From your first question to your return flight home, our expert team handles every detail so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey.

Ready to Start Planning?

Traveler’s Journal

I’ve traveled to Morocco before, but I never truly ‘saw’ it until this trip. Being in a private room with a Gnawa master while he played a instrument he carved himself was a spiritual experience I can’t put into words. Discover Corps took the chaos of a massive festival and turned it into a series of deeply personal, quiet moments that I will carry with me forever.

Maria H.

Ventura, CA

Prices & Inclusions

Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most all meals to make your experience hassle-free.

$6,395 Adult

$5,995 Child

Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
Single Room Supplement = $1,350. We will match you with a roommate of the same gender for no additional cost. If you’d like a private room, the SRS is required.

What’s Included:

8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 4 dinners.
8 nights in a 5-star boutique hotel lodging in Marrakech and Essaouria
Transportation in private vehicles with experienced drivers
An immersive itinerary including VIP tickets to the Gnawa Music Festival
Full-time Discover Corps Guide that is there to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
All scheduled activities and excursions
$50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
Trip literature and pre-departure support from Discover Corps
24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline while traveling

What’s Not Included:

Tips for the Discover Corps Guide and Driver
2 Lunch & 4 Dinners
International airfare
Alcoholic beverages

Dates

Share the journey with a small group of like-minded travelers, or indulge in a private departure reserved exclusively for your family and friends.

Small Group Departures

Travel with a small, like-minded group on our scheduled departures designed for deep connection and cultural immersion. Our groups average eight travelers and include an expert guide, boutique lodging, and purpose-driven experiences.

Schedule Travel Consultation

Private Departures

Enjoy the full Discover Corps experience—tailored to you. Our Private Departures are a premium offering that features the same expert guides, meaningful experiences, and boutique accommodations, exclusively for your group and on your preferred dates.