Marrakech to Merzouga: My 3-Day Sahara Desert Trip Review

Alright, so you are possibly sitting there, thinking about trading in the usual vacation for something way more out there. A trip to the Sahara Desert might just do it. I took the 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga trip, and honestly, I’ve gotta share what it was like. It’s almost like stepping into a postcard, but you definitely want to be prepped.

Why Merzouga? Choosing the Sahara Experience

You see, a lot of folks might think all desert trips are basically identical, yet that couldn’t be further from how it actually is. Merzouga has a certain something you just can’t put your finger on. Think big, that is to say super-tall, sand dunes—we’re chatting about the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the most eye-catching in Morocco. That, along with the relatively out-of-the-way feel, creates something quite special. That’s very appealing for a person trying to disconnect from it all and genuinely immerse themselves in the natural setting. It really has something going for it when you consider other Sahara destinations. A few extra hours on the road are actually worth it. You get fewer tourists and also, too it’s like a proper deep dive into the Sahara.

Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou—Setting the Scene

So, the whole shebang usually starts real early, almost when the roosters start their morning thing in Marrakech. The tour company will most likely pick you up. Make certain you get some grub because, frankly, it’s gonna be a day and a bit riding. Now, the initial leg, the way it heads toward Ait Benhaddou, it goes through the High Atlas Mountains. The scenery? Seriously jaw-dropping. You know, snow-capped peaks giving way to like, deep valleys. Take tons of pictures, okay? A bit later you get to Ait Benhaddou. Now, this place isn’t just any aged town. I’d describe it like this: it’s an actual UNESCO World Heritage site, and is that not something? You may recognize the distinct architecture; lots of films and television shows actually filmed here. “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones,” those shows filmed scenes there. Honestly, wandering around that spot sort of felt like walking through a living history book.

Day 2: Ouarzazate to Merzouga—Gorges and Dunes

Right then, following a night someplace close to Ait Benhaddou (lots of rather cozy hotels ’round there), day two starts heading deeper into the desert area. So, one of the main highlights really is the Todra Gorge. Visualize it: soaring canyon walls making you think that, how did nature actually manage to craft something this fantastic? You know, plenty of chances to get the legs working; walk around a little bit. Later, you push further in, the air getting hotter, almost a bit of an exciting vibe in the air. I tell you, seeing Merzouga loom out of nowhere, like, that’s actually a movie scene right there. Generally, most trips put you on the backs of camels to journey into the dunes not too long before twilight. Being on top of those tall, sandy peaks with everything so hushed? It’s honestly nearly magical.

Day 3: Sahara Sunrise and Return to Marrakech

Picture this: You’re waking up before it’s light. Is that not an awesome thing? You head to see the sunlight rising over the dunes. It is such a knockout sight! So then after munching on some grub and likely having a traditional Berber musical thing, you get on the road back toward Marrakech. Believe it or not, the return is itself lengthy. Basically, plan on many hours traveling. By this time, the landscapes are so familiar it feels normal, yet also, you find yourself missing those desert sands. I’m being genuine when I say it’s something you won’t quickly forget.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator: What to Look For

Seriously, how your vacation flows relies a lot on what tour company you choose, yeah? Check what folks online have to say. Scrutinize those ratings and what people point out regarding their personal experiences. What all does that rate cover? Is it merely transport, or would it have grub and lodging also? Speak to several companies. Learn everything regarding the strategies, how lasting the ride tends to be, and basically, their attitude responding to folks. Those things tell how reputable the company may just be. I am dead serious here: a cheaper choice isn’t consistently the best one, notably whenever we chat about something that demands getting driven far in an area a long way away. At the same time, be sure you know about security things. Enquire what measures those companies may have got for emergencies. And furthermore, ensure their transports actually are decent, and furthermore that drivers understand what they do.

What to Pack: Essentials for the Desert

Alright, getting ready for any jaunt such as this, you simply must understand the situation for bundling together things. Okay? Sunshine stuff is absolutely key. Hats, glasses plus sunscreen must come along. And yet, the desert cools sharply as soon as sundown is there. So, too it’s almost sensible to include a jacket plus long clothing. And, obviously, simply don’t forget reliable, pleasant walking shoes. It is also important to keep hydrated; include your reusable water canister. By the way, somewhat like your personal medications; you are not going to find a drugstore directly in those sand dunes.

Accommodations: From Riads to Desert Camps

Yeah, you won’t simply camp under the sky at all times, however where all you rest may just fluctuate drastically. For Marrakech, probably anticipate resorts and riads — essentially those are typical Moroccan family residences with enclosed courtyards. And by the way, generally, that tour package could well take that part in consideration already. As soon as inside the Sahara itself, what is offered may vary depending upon what precisely tour all you pay for. We are talking maybe tents and those luxury tents, which honestly boast sleeping facilities such as real mattresses. Be sure you ascertain precisely things you’re on course to getting; reading comments sometimes throws brightness above what to foresee.

Food on the Tour: What to Expect

When we come to consuming foods at that visit, generally anticipate having conventional Moroccan choices. So, tagine, that could be stew manufactured with spices, perhaps served having couscous — fine grains created from semolina. Ordinarily that includes breakfasts plus those evening meals included. Nonetheless it may likely well be wise to pack any refreshments specifically once you get distinct dietary requirements or easily would prefer some specific offerings. This isn’t just about satisfying your starvation. To tell the truth, trying out the nearby fare is the primary chunk with your vacation, and truly I can not possibly advise this thing more greatly!

Is the 3-Day Trip Enough? Other Options

Thus is three full days okay enough in respect to this Sahara gig? And, frankly, that hinges over stuff you look ahead to achieving! Should your central target is experiencing the dunes, then clearly it could perfectly effectively operate. That said whenever one would not want feeling too totally sped up probably including various additional sessions, or specifically journey beginning Fez can make what transpires, in fact, lots much more soothing plus more intensive. What one should evaluate here is regardless of what suits properly your particular personal routine plus what exactly level alongside experience all of you essentially want for example away originating with any one journey.

Things to Consider Before Booking: Health, Safety, and Cultural Sensitivity

So you’re actually almost definitely itching so that you can stamp it. Make no mistake to think ahead on relation in direction of things such well being, safety guidelines plus furthermore that regional social mannerisms; okay? Speak employing any professional medical provider about anything vaccinations probably that you actually must include; what about being safe there — keep always hydrated but, by the way, stick around from severe solar energy in general but have esteem how residents run elements also by covering accordingly nevertheless generally also, remember that when asking someone else as their image! Which prepares, actually doesn’t they. Any one prearranged well gives more in enjoyment and likewise more aware regarding that adventure in totality actually would show it can get.

Here are some Key Highlights:

• See the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga.
• Go to Ait Benhaddou, an UNESCO place.
• Relish standard Moroccan treats while vacationing.
• Get correctly shielded originating out of sunshine plus by, pack clothes to remain cozy after sun goes towards sleep..
• Select respectable visit managers through nice suggestions regarding really safe and great activities.