From Fes to Merzouga: Is This Desert Trip Worth It?

Okay, picture this: you’re in Fes, right?, you’re experiencing the crowded medina and all the crazy sights and sounds, and the call of the Sahara is just so, so intense, a little like someone’s been whispering in your ear about starlit dunes, and nights spent in lavish tents. So you come across the “From Fes to Merzouga: 2-Day Desert Trip, Tripluxury Tent Dinner,”, doesn’t it almost sound too movie-like to be true?. I recently checked it out, you know, like to see what it was all about. Here’s what I experienced, both great and perhaps less so, for you to get a complete idea.

The Long Road There – And What You’ll See

Listen, I am not going to lie; there’s a lot of travel involved. So that’s the first thing, you know?. It’s like very, very long. Think about 10-12 hours, but not all at once, or anything, thank goodness. They make quite a few stops. So what’s really nice is that you get to see a ton of landscape that is interesting along the way.

So, first, it’s Ifrane. So it is nicknamed “Little Switzerland” – and you will see why instantly, is that right?. The architecture is very, very different from anything else you encounter in Morocco. So, that alone is very cool. After that, it is on to the Middle Atlas mountains, which have some amazing cedar forests. That, too, is something else that is good to see. Then you’re passing through these towns where you could just watch people’s lives unfold, really. What really got me was the Ziz Valley; wow!, and what views!. Think like green oases amid sharp cliffs, so awesome! Bring your camera. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

Of course, there will be stops geared around tourists to eat and stretch, that’s expected really. However, these longer drives are part of the experience to me, you know?. A way you can observe the way the country looks and exists outside the main urban areas, you see things you wouldn’t otherwise.

First Night: A Decent Hotel Stay

So, that first day ends with you resting in a hotel prior to getting to the desert. Usually, it is someplace in or close to Erfoud. Look, it isn’t going to be The Ritz, or anything, but it has your needs: shower, a bed, maybe an okay meal. The thing that matters a whole lot more to me is that it was a decent spot to regroup. As a matter of fact, I felt refreshed before that real experience in the desert the following day.

Camel Trek and the Tripluxury Tent: The Real Highlight

Okay, so the following day is really what you’re here for, right? A camel takes you into the Erg Chebbi dunes. So just as a heads-up, these dromedaries? They’re not always very easy to love, or anything!. So, like be prepared for the ride to sway, and perhaps getting a little sore. Yet, the image of going that way as the sun sets is worthy of everything. Seriously, is there really anything more iconic than that?

When you finally show up at the Tripluxury camp?, I mean, I think “glamping” really doesn’t do it proper justice. The tents are spacious, actually; they have actual beds with real linens and furniture, very impressive. Plus, in the middle of pretty much nowhere, there’s a working bathroom! So they do the luxurious touch correctly, without being too much, you see.

Dinner Under the Stars: A Magical Experience

So this really is the moment they sell hard, correct?. And honestly, they aren’t incorrect to do that. Eating traditional Moroccan fare under the stars… oh, it feels kind of surreal, that’s for sure!. The food?, yeah, very, very delicious, typically a tagine or something else stewed perfectly, but what’s absolutely unforgettable is simply the atmosphere.

Drumming, songs round a fire after you eat… oh yeah!. Then laying there and really noticing that there are countless stars, something you would almost never see in a town or a city because of all the lights!. Very memorable. Definitely, go a bit away from the camp, it may be completely dark, and appreciate just how calm it gets out there in that place.

What About the Way Back?

Waking to a sunrise in the desert is amazing but expect it to be really early. It’s, I think, arguably well worth it if you get up there. Next, you are trekking the dromedary back, after eating, to meet up with your van. The return trip pretty much retraces your steps, of course, but seeing locations within different light gives a cool perspective on that. Just get set for another really long day driving, that too is part of it.

Things I Liked

• The landscapes that you get to experience all through the trip make it amazing.
• The Tripluxury camp honestly delivers something quite fancy considering its isolated setting.
• Eating food beneath all of the stars is just so amazing.

A Few Things to Keep In Mind

• The drives, as mentioned, are super long. Keep books and songs ready!
• Temper your expectations regarding lodgings; they’re neat, sure, but not over the top.
• Bear in mind that camel rides may be more novel than actually completely comfortable!.

Is it Worthwhile?

Then what is my final opinion?, is that right?. So if you would like a flavor of the Sahara without needing to rough it too hard or invest tons of time, and you’re all right with all that time that is driving, yeah!, then this is often an amazing alternative for you, you know?. The Tripluxury part makes it memorable and special, which is pretty cool. Keep your expectations realistic and be prepared to simply soak all of it in.

Okay, hopefully this gives a better feel for that adventure. Make good choices for yourself!. Have a good trip!.

#Morocco #DesertTrip #Merzouga #Sahara #TravelReview #LuxuryCamping #AdventureTravel