Marrakesh to Merzouga: Honest 3-Day Desert Tour Review

Alright, you are perhaps dreaming of the Sahara, the endless dunes, and that otherworldly silence. The 3-day tour from Marrakesh to Merzouga, well, it’s kind of the standard way to experience it if you are pressed for time. I went on one a few months back, and, as a matter of fact, it’s almost something I’m still processing. You see all those glowing ads and perfectly filtered photos? This, yet, is that attempt to give you the lowdown, no holds barred. It’s a bit about what I wish I’d known and also a little bit of what blew me away.

The Allure – and Reality – of a Sahara Desert Escape

There’s a reason why everyone seems to put the Sahara on their travel bucket list. It appears on postcards, in movies, very even in daydreams, that, really, is the thing that is alluring to most folks. What you probably picture are towering dunes and clear night skies absolutely bursting with stars. That part? Absolutely real. The reality, as I was saying, involves a whole lot of driving. Very much so, you might discover yourself spending, perhaps, seven to nine hours in a van each day. Sometimes that’s great because the views can be astonishing, but, I mean, it’s still something to mentally prepare for. So, it is also pretty vital to make a choice on the tour operator carefully, ensure that the vehicle is quite comfortable, and, you know, the driver seems safe. That makes a big difference.

Beyond just being comfy, think of the type of visit you’re after. Some tours seem to go at a faster pace and target hitting the main photo opportunities. Some, though, seem to take things a bit more slowly, add in some cultural experiences, such as, for example, visits to Berber villages. I was, in a way, looking for a bit of both. That meant doing a fair bit of digging on different tour companies, reading tons of reviews, too it’s almost like detective work. The lesson here is, yet, that a bit of extra preparation really pays off when picking the “correct” Sahara escape.

Day 1: Crossing the High Atlas Mountains

The start is actually really scenic. You begin your trip early, leave Marrakesh behind you, so, I mean, this first day mostly revolves around crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Prepare for winding roads, folks! The landscapes? It’s very awesome; just imagine snow-capped peaks (depending on when you go), deep valleys, plus villages that are hanging off hillsides seemingly. Very, very much worth keeping your camera close by. We stopped at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This, anyway, is that fortified village that you could possibly recognise from movies like “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.” Pretty cool, if you are into that kind of thing.

Ait Benhaddou, I have to say, that sometimes can feel very touristy. I’m sure that there are people wanting to get in on the act so people are going to be eager to have you shop. You need to haggle to get a respectable rate as prices are commonly inflated for tourists. What would make it a lot better could be to take the time to simply wander, soak in the historical significance and just try and capture some images. Very likely that could include getting lost in all the narrow streets. If you are doing the 3-day journey I’d tend to feel a bit rushed even at some of the stunning attractions we stopped at. Just accept that, try your best to take it all in, plus, anyway, save going back for a bit longer someday.

Day 2: The Road to Merzouga

Alright, buckle up for, perhaps, an extended drive. The second day that you’ll be spending will involve you covering a great distance, with different scenery from gorges to palm groves. Todra Gorge appears; massive cliff faces on either side of a river. As I was saying, it’s usually pretty crowded but unquestionably worth a visit. You stretch your legs, perhaps take some photos. By late afternoon, so you arrive in Merzouga. It’s, for example, this little town on the border of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Then it’s that the fun really starts. You ditch the van for a camel ride. That, anyway, is just something everyone ought to experience, even if you are a bit sore the next day! Picture this. As the sun starts sinking, you’re perched on a camel, gently swaying along through the dunes. The colors are really remarkable as they get painted across the sand, shadows grow. When you arrive at your desert camp, the traditional tagine awaits. Following tagine it’s pretty vital to have your fill before you start gathering near a bonfire that is crackling under a huge star. Usually, local Berber musicians perform, then play their drums, inviting you to dance together under the night sky. Very few experiences, yet, equal to it, I should say!

Day 3: Sunrise and the Long Ride Back

Wake before dawn. I understand, anyway, it sounds painful, I’d have to admit that seeing the sunrise within the Sahara desert is, though, worth losing out on sleep for. When the first light hits that the dunes light up an absolutely intense orange, also in the silence; the scene appears magical. Take, actually, as many photos as you are capable of taking to try to memorise that feeling and also view.

Right after that the camel trek straight back to Merzouga takes place, as I was saying, as a matter of fact, a long drive straight back to Marrakesh follows. Many folks use this to get more beauty sleep and that’s why I also propose that you carry some leisure equipment. What I’m trying to say is download podcasts, audiobooks or a good playlist. In any case, this tour day is less about the adventure, pretty much, and even more on traveling back, remembering what the trip was like while considering that you need time when you are ready to take this type of three-day tour.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

I’m telling you, choosing a respected tour operator, you know, it makes or breaks the experience. So it’s a bit, begin through looking at customer feedback, you know, on sites such as, for example, TripAdvisor or Trustpilot. Were visitors excited about how well guided that their trip was and how experienced the tour guides seemed to be? Did people discuss whether they think that cars were actually comfy? Do that tour companies appear able to meet visitor expectations by dealing with problems that often crop up on long trips like this one? Tour operators which can provide clear itinerary details, which will cover things like hotel pick-ups, just what type of transport the group makes use of, plus dishes can, in some respects, offer additional clarity in making the proper decisions about booking confidently.

Also, figure out just what exactly is included when it comes to value. Perhaps are foods included? Perhaps drinks and dishes as well? What is that kind of accommodation that’s available? Could you be being charged further for some actions like sandboarding, or if you would like a quad bicycle, that sort of thing? Knowing which features have to be provided inside your bundle right away helps to be certain that we avoid unforeseen expenses. Verify also just what precisely cancellation policies are, specifically those connected with the ongoing pandemic! With an operator that you could quickly attain as well when you have any queries or will want aid that typically goes much further towards reassuring ease once you’re setting anything up beforehand! When you begin to research with a well-equipped intellect everything appears far more easy rather quickly and easily, which should assure enjoyment that occurs during travel days themselves.

Making the Most of Your Desert Experience: Tips and Tricks

What to pack? Think layers. The desert temperatures change drastically, even so it gets actually boiling throughout a day plus cools noticeably after dark. Get clothes, cozy jackets or sweatshirts, and definitely headgear plus sun shades.
Stay hydrated. Carry a re-usable water bottle which you could very well top off every chance you can get. That’s a bit of desert air extremely is often dry, in order that staying hydrated genuinely is extremely crucial!
Respect the local culture. Be respectful whenever you head to regional villages and dress moderately especially. Ask when you need to take pics that have some people and invariably consult beforehand!. Respecting traditions will often assist you with ensuring your adventure keeps really exciting..
Prepare for the ride. Deliver cozy cushions or throat pillows of the lengthy bus flights should assist considerably because they frequently usually lead down more efficiently! Download new movies, audio tracks, that provide good disruptions during periods used up inside transporting vehicles far too it’s almost time frame will take up effectively then.
Don’t be afraid to haggle. Should you shop regarding souvenirs haggling, frequently is area of lifestyle plus anticipated although take it easy and even always keep things agreeable during negotiations!!
Capture the memories. Generate a terrific camera and also cellular because you are aiming that may grab as many wonderful opportunities! Look for sunrise over and above environments once we travel within desert for most magical thoughts imaginable..

To improve those travels that appear more thrilling and keep you experiencing a number fantastic trips, people need very well pack cleverly by preparing that kind that long journey we might deal that comes along because kind weather or kind societal values if your trip must hold memorable for some time through making good respectful discussions in most community locations if seeking a trip. #SaharaDesert #MoroccoTravel #DesertTour #TravelTips #AdventureTime