Is the Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Stay Worth It? A Real Review
Okay, so you’re thinking about that trip from Marrakech to Merzouga and spending some time in the Sahara, very likely a 3-day affair, right? That idea might just be bouncing around in your brain like it once did in mine. It’s a desert getaway that, as a matter of fact, has been plastered all over social media, and promises dunes that almost glow and nighttime skies packed tightly with more stars than you probably knew existed. So, as a matter of fact, I wanted to write about what this trip is really like, talking through both the unbelievable moments and, just a little, some of the trickier parts to manage. Was it truly worth every second and every penny? That’s just the question I aim to help you decide.
What You Can Expect on the Road to Merzouga
Okay, that part that isn’t quite talked about enough is that you are in for a pretty serious drive if you do this trip. Seriously! Over those three days, you’ll definitely be spending a good chunk of your time, and I do mean hours and hours, in a vehicle. The scenery? It can be spectacular, certainly. We’re talking those far away Atlas Mountains, really neat valleys, and eventually, those somewhat alien landscapes that let you know you are, alright, actually closing in on the Sahara. Still, the condition of the roads can, sometimes, get pretty rough, and those long stretches? Let’s just say they test your patience. Bring snacks. Lots of snacks, alright? So, very similar to what happens on any other road trip, expect stops at interesting spots along the way, maybe that is where Berber villages seemingly just blend right into the hillsides or spots for panoramic pictures that just seem like they are begging to be taken. These stops, just a little, can turn out to be some of the best bits of the trip.
Choosing the Correct Tour Operator
Alright, picking out the best tour company for your Marrakech to Merzouga run can make or break the trip, it seems like, and, at the end of the day, very similar to Goldilocks choosing her porridge, you are seeking that one that is just right. The array of options available might be huge and also, frankly, a bit dizzying, ranging from prices that seem like they are a steal to others that have you wondering what could possibly make them worth that much. First, you’ll very, very likely want to think about exactly what matters to you most. That, is that some travelers, maybe those backpacker types, they will prioritize budget most of all. Those individuals might not mind sleeping in much more simple accommodations and, typically, traveling with that big of a crowd. Very dissimilar from that, other folks might actually want a plusher experience, perhaps valuing having their own private transport and lodging that almost seems fancy. Checking reviews on platforms or forums? That, too, could be a good idea. What you can uncover? You could discover past travelers’ experiences with guides, what the vehicles were like, and also, seriously, how the whole shebang was structured. I actually made my selection when a person I know recommended the company he had used and spoken with total excitement about his guide.
Oh, yeah. So, as a matter of fact, here is a heads up. Be sure to know just exactly what the costs do cover. As a matter of fact, I discovered that what looks to be a tremendous bargain on the surface actually wound up costing me a lot more because all of those optional activities and upgrades were basically added. A less-than-honest practice. It might be worth the time it would take to get, alright, everything spelled out up front. Questions you might want to ask include what lodging options will I be able to use, what eats come as part of the deal, and are all those planned activities incorporated?
That First Day: From Marrakech to the Dades Valley
Okay, day one actually starts really, very early. Basically. very early, in fact, to make sure that you get over the High Atlas mountains in pretty good time. In fact, that trip over the Tizi n’Tichka pass almost shows you Morocco from a brand new height—and seriously delivers the landscape in spades. Stopping to do that? Totally something that is worthwhile. Those photo stops that permit you to take it all in? It’s possible to wind up with postcard-worthy pictures and the ones you could easily send. So, as a matter of fact, that pass tops out at a heady 2,260 meters, approximately 7,415 feet if you like imperial units. And, honestly, is just breathtaking in ways it is difficult to describe adequately, anyway. Afterwards, things change up a little and the itinerary usually involves places that are world-famous, such as the Ait Benhaddou kasbah—the backdrop for way more movies than I can think of immediately, to be honest. Those old mud-brick structures are really cool to see and I did get just a little enjoyment out of wandering around this spot where history, arguably, kind of comes to life right in front of your eyes. Later in the day? Driving toward the Dades Valley, arguably, which I remember clearly from its insane rock formations. Seriously! Getting to a comfy place to spend the night? That could be ideal after what can seem like a pretty long day.
That Camel Trek and the Sahara Desert Experience
Okay, a lot of individuals take this trip just to experience, for instance, riding on a camel into the Sahara and also getting to spend the night at a desert camp, and frankly, they aren’t that wrong to want it that badly. As a matter of fact, that ride itself provides unique sensations, I am speaking of the swaying motion, right, of that camel and viewing those sprawling sands pass by, and, typically, maybe with the sun slowly dropping down toward the horizon. It’s truly, perhaps, cinematic. Reaching that camp, so, just so often a scattering of customary Berber tents, can easily feel like stepping, perhaps, into another domain altogether. Maybe, you can unwind with several customary cups of mint tea, take some photos, or simply, you know, soak everything up. This, too, can be an excellent spot for networking.
Glamping Under the Stars
As I was saying, you could get ready for a seriously cool experience while staying in that Sahara camp. I am talking about the way that the silence can truly envelop everything after sunset, and I seriously do mean a deep quietness. Dinner, then, might just be something cooked at that campsite, and might often be things like tagine that has an earthy taste because it was cooked using those customary techniques. Then, arguably, comes one of the high points: witnessing that sky light up with starlight. Very little could possibly compare to getting the chance to watch our Milky Way stretch right out over you. Lodging alternatives? So, those depend, of course, on which camp and the price paid to gain entry. They could cover fundamental tents with just bedding all the way to fancier “glamping” variants which incorporate more luxury, like actual bathrooms as well as proper beds. As I was saying, do some double checking beforehand just so you will be totally set for your night under the stars. It definitely got chilly when I went so I had an opportunity to put some of those clothing layers that I’d brought with me into play.
Sunrise is a Must
Okay, losing sleep to experience sunrise over the Sahara isn’t only a good idea—it is very, very necessary, as I was saying. Trust that, you understand? I am speaking of how the tints of first light change across those dunes to make scenes and images that are spectacular, honestly. As a matter of fact, you may want to get up earlier than you believe you ought to and head to the top of one of those bigger dunes so that, literally, nothing stands between you and witnessing those full, remarkable effects in their total glory, too it’s almost. Basically, just watch and see day emerge in what might feel like one of those “this is why I travel” type instances.
Navigating the Return Trip
Okay, that ride back from Merzouga can actually feel pretty lengthy since a lot of travelers tend to select those same three-day schedules which mean squeezing a heap into an extremely short amount of time, alright? As a matter of fact, getting an earlier jump on those drives can assist in cutting down those hours traveled per day, so you might wish to speak with those tour people and get everything scheduled just so. Basically, if your schedule has room, you may want to look at perhaps spreading that return part over a lengthier time. Actually, there’s something which is wonderful in taking your time with all of it.
Potential Stops on the Way Back
Okay, relying on your picked tour, there might be some stops booked into that itinerary for places that you might have missed on the first leg. As a matter of fact, among the stops you might think of asking to get scheduled involves that Todra Gorge where the views almost dare you to gaze at them, and which shows just how dramatic the scenery is out here, typically. Or you can stop for photos where the vistas are clear, just. That provides one further opportunity to take more shots of this unique landscape, and those Instagram likes might just start coming, too. At the end of the day you will want to arrive back at Marrakech and start pondering, maybe, those shifting desert sands after getting exposed to its frenetic atmosphere and its total sensory overload.
Is the Three-Day Trip Enough?
Okay, if you’ve been wondering perhaps a three-day jaunt is just enough time to enjoy what that Marrakech to Merzouga tour is offering then perhaps my hot take might provide you with several opinions to take into account. Honestly, in a way, doing the journey in that abbreviated length will allow people who do not have days upon days to spend a peek at, basically, that Sahara—but you, just a little, might just find that all those things appear very fast paced. That lengthy amount of road time combined with, like, a limited time at those actual destinations means what you wind up experiencing, typically, seems a little superficial. Spreading all of that out for another couple days—perhaps including an extra night at that desert camp or, similarly to this, maybe getting some additional time to simply poke about in spots on the way there—will assist you to simply relax, so to speak, while even enabling greater exploration. You will want to adjust your travel plans based on that personal appetite for speed, I mean. A longer tour? That means investing longer amounts of time; you, arguably, might wish to save vacation days up. But if immersion plus comfort is that aim? Perhaps longer is more better, usually.
Stuff I Wish I’d Known
Okay, as someone who’s actually taken that Marrakech-Merzouga trip, so, as a matter of fact, here’s some advice I believe I’d impart to anyone who is planning on going:
- Comfort on the Road: It does help that you need clothes to keep you happy for hot days and the cold evenings spent out in those deserts—basically. Do not overlook lip balm plus sunscreen to guard against some strong desert elements.
- Hydration is Key: Do tote your own water bottle around and refill it all of the time. Remaining hydrated makes each piece of this travel experience feel far better.
- A Bit of Bartering Helps: If shopping that markets in Morocco is planned then honing one’s bartering talents really comes in useful!
- Be respectful: When communicating with residents then showing regard for what makes that culture unique is helpful when forming real links that come from one’s journey through this incredible region.
- Be Camera-Ready: To capture every second worth experiencing through stunning panoramas makes this worth preserving, which results because unforgettable keepsakes occur just around all corners; getting this device charged really ensures there will not miss a single beat anytime.
Was It Worth It?
For what it is worth, let’s circle back around, here. In fact, when asked about would it actually merit setting out to those Sahara from distant Marrakech in three days’ time, my response? Yes, probably so… with quite a number of qualifiers linked into one’s expectations! One truly gets insight as well memories as what’s included in travelling like crazy throughout diverse scenery; sleeping surrounded completely by only dune views feels special given what’s involved. And despite stretches requiring long sits, doing so yields scenes people will talk of continuously soon thereafter – not counting insights found via visiting traditional locations either during trips – creating special experiences which assist at shaping broader global viewpoint itself thus providing excellent takeaways overall, right? Perhaps one’s experiences will, perhaps, change quite much judging on exactly operator being gone after combined factors defining comfort level (are you at ease roughing this a slight tad?). People knowing themselves just prior by beginning permits this memorable episode turn from what is occasionally tiring even into simply magnificent moments; simply remember though: make plans beforehand depending after everything else; bring positive mental attitudes always together by being ready about everything!
So, you know, there is that Marrakech and also Merzouga 3 day thing… It is this cool whirwind deal combining those landscape parts – also if you want desert stars during any trip in Morocco, obviously. With excellent operator, that is.