If you will be visiting Morocco you really want to visit the major cities of Marrakech, Ouarzazate and Fes. Riding a camel is among the least comfortable things Ive done, and Im amazed that people actually even trained camels to be ridden after feeling how freaking uncomfortable it can be! Bravo! 15 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Sahara Desert Tour Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Desert 3-Days Morocco Sahara Tour. Without victim-blaming myself, I must say that I need to remind myself that North American (and specifically Californian) friendliness is not always the smartest move with people from more conservative cultures, as some men take talkativeness as an invitation. were torn between selecting a 3day/2night tour that is spent either 2 nights in the desert (basically driving from marrakech>merzouga in one day and back on the third day) or 1 night in a hotel in Dades and one night at the desert camp (Marrakech>Dades hotel, Dades>Merzouga, Merzouga>Marrakech) that has more time for tourist stops along the way. Adjust your expectations so you wont be disappointed! They worked okay at keeping me from barfing, but I would have preferred actualDramamine(personally, Id choose the normal version over the non-drowsy, to better help me sleep of all those hours in the van). I see many complaints to be honest when I do the research so its really hard to find one thats universally rated highly Ive found one thats universally pretty positive but its quite pricy as its a private tour. 3 Days Sahara Desert Trip from Marrakech Ive travelled a lot of Asia, Dubai, USA. Very useful tips. This included pick up and drop off at your riad. Cant wait to hear more about it! The shuttle bus was comfortable enough, but they kept insisting that the A/C was broken after the first day, which was annoying, as I was overheating with only the fan on. I since have become more conscious of my plastic waste and now use a Grayl water bottle which filters out all manner of icky, undrinkable water and makes it 100% safe to consume. Tip: When pricing out your trip and making decisions, dont just look at the base price, but also look for whatsincludedin each property and make an assessment based on that. If you dont want to do a tour, you can visit the Sahara Desert (fairly) independently by getting yourself to Merzouga, either by bus or rental car, and then renting accommodations in the desert. Keep us posted . It is after all the home of Berber nomads and the spiritual landscapes. Despite not having touched the rug, I opened it to find it completely and totally falling apart at the edges. They surrounded me and lifted up my long loose dress (I was trying to be extra conservative my whole trip) to pinch my butt. 3 Day Sahara Desert Small Group Tour Best bang for your buck Includes all accommodations & meals (except lunch), 3 Day Private Sahara Desert Tour Entirely private tour, just you and your group Customize the itinerary more to your liking, 3 Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Camping Tour Provides transfer to Fes instead of returning to Marrakech Hotel, camping, breakfast, and dinner included. Marrakech to Sahara Desert - Overview: "Sahara Relax" has been developing a Great selection including several days of desert tours from Marrakech.Besides offering the best Private & Shared Moroccan custom dsert tours from marrakech for singles, friends, and families.If you are thinking about a marrakech desert tour 2 days, marrakech desert tours 3 days, private Chigaga desert tour from . Do you leave it at the hotel you will be staying in after the Sahara desert tour , or do you take it with you on your Sahara tour, if yes can you take all the luggage with you? But I also went on a horrible tour (not linked here) where they pretended the air conditioning was broken because they were trying to save money by not keeping it on and just using the open windows. From. Im happy to pay more for safety and no gross gropey men. Its typically about 12 hours to the desert (one way), spread across two days of transit on the way there and then one full day on the way back. I had planned on staying 5 days total in Morrocco. On this 4-day desert tour you will visit the most amazing part of the Moroccan desert and will take in some of the most impressive landscapes of the country. Your guides will insist that you have a scarf they can wrap around you like a turban to protect your face from the sand, and they will make a stop in Erfoud or somewhere nearby the desert to buy overpriced scarves. A group tour may increase your international connections, and may ultimately open a new wave of opportunities for travel or even business. Free Cancellation. The car was hot and stuffy, but that was because my driver purposely shut off the A/C, something that wont happen on a reputable tour. So, if youd like to go exploring, here are the best desert tours that you can take from Marrakech. Even in a short period of time, the tour includes a host of activities, including a camel ride and sleeping in traditional tents. Find day trips to take today or this coming . A question- in the article you mentioned Ando Travel as a company youd recommend for a Sahara desert trip. Take a look at these tips and hints. If you planned a Tour itinerary to Morocco & you didnt find the Trip That suits your needs? You can check tour specifics, itinerary details, and priceshere on Get Your Guide. Thanks! Three days traveling from Marrakech to Merzouga, will create some of the best memories you will keep of Morocco. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. With an average of 4.4 stars out of nearly 2,000 verified reviews, including several positive reviews from women, this company is tried and tested in a way that Im comfortable with recommending, despite not having tried this exact tour for myself. Her blog posts merge her educational background and her experience traveling to 60+ countries to encourage thoughtful travel experiences that both educate and entertain. What are your suggestions? Would you recommend a desert tour to a solo (male) traveler? You need 3 days for a desert trip! Hi Luigi! Thanks for sharing! The BEST Marrakech Desert safaris 2023 - GetYourGuide Youre welcome! Prices for group tours, meanwhile, start at EURO 60. All Rights Reserved bu Luxacom.ma. The accommodations at both were of decent quality, actually, they were better than I expected for the price, to be fair. I just returned from Morocco and a trip to the Sahara Desert. Prices for private tours start at EURO 170. The tents were still like an oven that would have beenimpossible to sleep in, but outside underneath the stars downright pleasant (minus the would-be gropey guide). I have some Marrakech itinerary recommendations here as well with suggested tours and activities: https://eternalarrival.com/travel-blog/africa/morocco/3-days-in-marrakech-itinerary/. However, there is a GYG tour available that does Marrakech Merzouga Fez: https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/private-3-day-marrakech-to-fes-desert-tour-t54315?partner_id=3EC2E85&cmp=MarrakechtoFez its run by Ando Travel who seem to have a decent reputation overall (although Ill note one commenter here didnt enjoy their trip with them but didnt elaborate on how so Im not sure what was substandard). Other women have had similar experiences with their guides in the desert (read Lauren of Never Ending Footsteps experiencehere). I think Spain and Morocco are safe enough, but I would pay for guides in the souks to avoid unwanted attention and stresses. from . Ando Travel only offers 3day trips from Fez to Marrakesh, not 4 day trips. sahara desert tours from marrakech - Morocco Tours 2023 - 2024 I read this thread and support you 100%. Youll find the same tour on offer virtually everywhere in Marrakech . I picked this one specifically because I didnt want a tour company that had seen so many tourists that they start to not care about taking people around their country. Get Your Guide is great because they are transparent about the companies they work with (unlike Viator which hides the names which I find so sketchy) so you can read reviews and they take down tours that do not meet standards. Surprise surprise, when it came time to get a shared taxi towards Fes, we ended up having to fork out about $30 USD or so per person to get there. Thanks in advance, Allison! Marrakech tours is a company which organizes tours and trips to the Moroccan desert with its own tourist guides, in the most personalized way possible. I would love to correspond with you more. It was hard to trust anyone even people who seem totally benign. Though Ive heard morocco is terrible for women travellers. I know GetYourGuide has a souk guide so I would check the reviews of that. If you want to see Fes and Chefchaouen then Id suggest going onwards to Fes rather than going all the way back to Marrakech and backtracking. That doesnt make me somehow deserving of an attempted groping. We had to run away as they continued chasing us, picking up stones and hurling them at us. After carefully researching several Sahara Desert tour offerings and comparing them to my own experience, the company that Im comfortable recommending to my readers isAndo Travel. Ive read other articles that mentioned leaving the friendly smile at home, thanks for reiterating. Its a lot of driving thats for sure! And if they want a tip at the end, how is that different from the person who carries your luggage in the US? Thank you for sharing! Hi! Thanks again for warning women to be safe and the cultural differences. . Id just go with another company, obviously. After greetings, we will pick you up from your Hotel then drive south to Ifrane and Azrou via the Middle Atlas mountains. Whats more, our company has savvy and experienced professional guides. First, start with myMorocco travel planning checklist it walks you through every step of the planning process. so that other women can experience destinations safely. Youre welcome! 1,309. Zagora, unlike Merzouga, doesnt offer humongous dunes since its a bit rocky for a desert. I loved your post, it is really helpful for women who are going to morocco. Our Marrakech desert trips are planned to measure up to and ensure the interests of each group (couples, friends, families, etc.). Amazing and well-written post. Remember, our Morocco desert trips are extremely popular, meaning they sell out pretty quickly. Enjoy the Marrakech to Sahara desert in 9 days, begin and end in Marrakech, pass through Atlas mountains, explore the four imperial cities, experience camel trekking at Erg Chebbi dunes including a night in the Sahara. Nice and helpful blog! 2 days tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Sahara desert is ideal for people who have minimal time in Morocco but would like to experience camel trekking and overnight in Sahara. and I was able to ride this back in the morning. And, each one offers a distinct and memorable experience. Then take the 3-day Sahara tour then catch the train from Marrakesh to Rafat to catch our tour. Hi Kim! Before making our way to the Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou. 3 days. So many insights on what to do, what to expect, etc. which could eat into your savings!. We are flying into casablanca this week. Marrakech is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Morocco was way more full of lows than highs for me personally, its a really difficult place to travel in my opinion, so know that you arent alone! THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Marrakech (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor Perhaps its because I watched Aladdin far too many times as a kid (sorry Mom). She holds a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. Adjust yourself accordingly: be courteous, but distant; not rude, but not friendly, and youll likely have a more positive experience than I did. Its more affordable compared to taking a private trip. My friend and I, both females, want to do this next year. Thank you so much for the writeup! A lot of fuss is made about dressing properly in Morocco. Motion sickness pills:Dont underestimate how winding the roads will be leading out to the desert! Browse our website, and find the right package that fits perfectly to your taste, style, schedule and budget. I dont remember what the exact name of the tour company I went with: something incredibly generic, literally like Sahara Tour Morocco(I should note that I did this tour before becoming a more diligent note-taker as a blogger). An experience you will never forget! Sahara Desert Excursions team will be more than happy to assist you to tailor your Sahara desert tour itinerary to suit your budget, timetable, and points of interest. But for other itineraries its hard to say . And, unlike other operators, we will guide you and even share advice on which activities and itineraries fit perfectly to our preferences and budget. Mind you, when I took this Sahara desert tour, I didnt even have a home so why I needed a rug was beyond me. Sleep in the Erg Chebbi Desert as an authentic Berber nomad would, and enjoy a spectacular sunrise from the dunes. My Top 3 Picks: Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech, Things to Know Before Your Morocco Sahara Desert Tour, 3 Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Camping Tour, my favorite 9 desert camps in the Sahara Desert here, this post on choosing between Merzouga vs. Zagora, Marrakech to Merzourga to Fes desert tour, 7 Best Tuscany Wine Tours from Florence: A Curated List (2023 Update), The 5 Best Observation Decks in New York City, Ranked: An Honest 2023 Guide, https://eternalarrival.com/travel-blog/africa/morocco/best-riads-in-marrakech-where-to-stay/, https://eternalarrival.com/travel-blog/africa/morocco/3-days-in-marrakech-itinerary/, https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/private-3-day-marrakech-to-fes-desert-tour-t54315?partner_id=3EC2E85&cmp=MarrakechtoFez, https://www.getyourguide.com/casablanca-l244/one-way-private-transfer-from-casablanca-to-marrakech-t24449/?partner_id=3EC2E85&cmp=MarrakechTransfer, https://vagrantsoftheworld.com/on-the-train-again-casablanca-to-marrakech/, https://www.getyourguide.com/fes-l829/fes-private-full-day-sightseeing-tour-of-the-holy-city-t66936/?partner_id=3EC2E85&cmp=Fes, https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/3-days-sahara-merzouga-erg-chebbi-t56040/?partner_id=3EC2E85&cmp=3Day, https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/sahara-desert-discovery-tour-4-days-t17850/?partner_id=3EC2E85&cmp=4Day, https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/atlas-mountains-sahara-desert-4-day-tour-from-marrakech-t15903/?partner_id=3EC2E85&cmp=4Day. Getting to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech is a royal pain, and yet it is completely and utterly worth it. Can you please email me details of the tour group you used? Have a fantastic trip! A trip from Marrakech to Sahara Desert is an experience not to be missed! I followed the (bad) advice of others and just went wandering through Marrakech and booked it in-person from one of the men selling tours, as I was told it was the best (read: cheapest) way to book a Sahara desert tour by other backpackers. Yes, with some back and hip problems a camel will surely be quite uncomfortable. 1,295. This is common with group tours, even smallgroup tours, but it was annoying nonetheless. Its such a bummer that your luxury experience sounds basically the same, if not worse, than my own budget experience. But again, if youre solo, this may not be the best course of action road trips are always best enjoyed with a travel buddy. I hope you can help provide more info Unfortunately I suffer from motion sickness and signed up with a group of women whos organization has planned a trip to morocco with a jaunt at the end to the Sahara desert from Fez. The camp was extremely clean and nice given its in the middle of nowhere, so if youre a clean freak like me, youll have no problems! I honestly remember feeling glad that I had a benevolent guardian to keep me away from the creep who was hitting on me earlier. Free Cancellation. Alternately, if you really want to avoid the drive, you can fly to Errachadia Airport. 11. Ive been considering Majorelle Gardens, an Atlas Mountain & 4 Valleys day trip. Very detailed assessment, Allison. Not to mention, youll ride camels and spend the night in the camp under thousands of stars. My Sahara desert tour included round-trip transportation to and from Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. Or maybe because after riding horses and going dog-sledding, this seemed like the logical next step? Instead, if you want a riad, Id suggest staying in the medina and then taking a taxi to the train station, which shouldnt be more than $5 USD tops (and should be less). . I could have vetted the tours more carefully and picked one with better reviews rather than the lowest price. packed with things to see and do. Looking for a closer alternative to the famous Sahara desert? From rocky plains to imposing mountains, from green oases to tall canyons, the landscape of Morocco is incredibly diverse and beautiful. The uniqueness and authenticity of the marvelous walled village makes it a hidden treasure for directors and international film makers. Any shorter tour willnottake you to the Sahara, but instead to far less impressive rocky deserts closer to Marrakech. Our purpose is to offer well-organized Morocco Tours & Sahara desert tours over the countryat reasonable prices. And, theres no way youre going to miss the best tour in Morocco! Most of these Marrakech desert trips are in groups with other tourists with daily departures. I think this is very helpful information. Sahara Guided Tours will take you today on another spectacular trip to a famous Sahara Destination. In the peak winter months such as January, the desert will be around 65 F / 18 C in the day and hovering around 32 F / 0 C at night. This is no pleasant horse ride through a field. The worst piece of advice that I got about taking a tour to the Sahara desert is that you shouldnt book it in advance and rather wait for a tout in the souks to offer you a better price. Available in all categories: Standard, mixture, Luxury. Of course they want to get the best price for their goods/services, but they are not malicious or trying to cheat you. But in the spirit of full transparency, I want to share my experience with you so you can be prepared should any shadiness occur in the Sahara. At a bare minimum, you need 3 days, all of which will entail serious amounts of driving. From Marrakech, the journey to the desert will take less than an hour. Dont know what to wear in the Sahara ? To top it all off, these desert tours offers you a chance to trek through the desert on a camels back, which is simply a cant-miss experience in Morocco. I have a post on Marrakech riads here: https://eternalarrival.com/travel-blog/africa/morocco/best-riads-in-marrakech-where-to-stay/. Discover the edge of the Sahara Desert on a three-day budget tour from Marrakech, and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley and Kasbah of Ouarzazate. Just reach out to us, and well, for sure, give you the desert adventure of a lifetime. This 3-day Sahara tour is an exceptional adventure that promises an unforgettable experience. Traveling in a group tour, on the other hand, can also be a great choice. My partner and I would like to a 4 day (rather than a 3 day) Sahara desert trip from Fez to Marrakesh. Todras gorge was really lovely. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech with Traditional Breakfast. Thanks Stefanie I get thousands of comments and generally try to respond professionally but Im only human and comments can get under your skin, especially when recalling an unpleasant experience. Is there a luggage restriction?! And, its a perfect choice for people who need special assistance, such as older relatives, kids or people with medical or mobility concerns. 7,063. In my 60+ countries of travel, Ive still never seen anything quite as beautiful as the Sahara Desert, even to this day and even despite some negative experiences I had there (more on that in just a bit). Kudos Allison. I took a tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and then paid separately for a shared taxi onwards to Fez. I hope you guys have an incredible and memorable trip, and Im glad it was useful! Hi Allison, If so, please advise! Thanks a million, Allison. Thanks a million. To me, the desert heat wasnt a deal-breaker, especially since we arrived at the desert at sunset when the night breeze was already coming in nice and cool. We went from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, to the Todras, Atlas Mountains, several Oasis and obviously to the Sahara desert. Discover the amazing natural beauty of the Moroccan countryside on this hassle-free adventure, which takes you through Saharan dunes and Berber villages. The best and easiest way to experience this world renowned desert is to take a guided tour from Marrakech, which includes round-trip transportation. Free Cancellation. However, its still 2 hours away by car from Merzouga, and you wont be savingthatmuch time. This is standard. Have a glimpse on the ancient classical Moroccan architecture in Ouarzazate. But at this point, after nearly being groped by one of the guides, I was ready to get out of there no matter what the cost. So, these advice are greatly appreciated. But, you wont get to experience the soul of Morocco unless you venture into the Sahara Desert. For us it is 1.5x more expensive for the private tour. Nanlee. Despite the problems I had, my night in the Sahara was a magical experience, and I strongly recommend everyone do one while in Morocco where else can you see such orange sand and such an incredible night sky? Tours to Zagora are a little pricier than the day trip, obviously, but still a good value at around $50 per day learn more about two-day tours here. With the most precious treasures and Arabian items. Otherwise I appreciate your insight to the adventure! Hope that helps! Just as an aside, although I love tagines, you do want some change, so this was the one that stood out as it felt a little more authentic. 4.3 (1,943 reviews) From 32.78. But worst of all I was sexually harassed by my guides, and I was nearly groped in my sleep on my tour. Desert Morocco Adventure is a Moroccan tour company that specialized in organizing Morocco tours, day trips from Marrakech, Marrakech desert tours to Fes, and overnight in a desert camp in the middle of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga.