Sahara Express 2 Days: Is it Worth It? A Review

So, you’re considering the “Sahara Express 2 Days” tour, huh? That little taste of the desert, that promises sand dunes, starry nights, and camel rides – all squeezed into 48 hours. That’s the plan, at least. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash and vacation time? That’s what we’re trying to figure out. It is a bit of a whirlwind adventure, and like any experience, there are highlights and, perhaps, a few things to consider. We’ll be taking a look at the itinerary, the travel involved, what you can realistically expect to experience, and, of course, that million-dollar question: would I suggest it? No fluff; just a straightforward look to aid you in choosing the perfect adventure.

What Does the Sahara Express 2 Days Typically Include?

First, what exactly are you signing up for? A standard “Sahara Express 2 Days” tour typically looks something like this. Departure is usually from Marrakech, because that’s the most common tourist hub, but occasionally tours begin in other spots. Plan to spend a huge chunk of your trip inside a vehicle, since a lot of ground needs to be covered. The landscapes start switching as you leave Marrakech; you’ll see the High Atlas Mountains and other small settlements along the road. All that makes for a long though reasonably attractive day of driving. Overnight accommodations are almost always in a desert camp, sometimes deep within the dunes, or, at times, on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes close to Merzouga. And, sure enough, camel rides! These usually are timed for sunrise or sunset (or, honestly, both) to catch the best light, and are usually the only way into and out of most camps. Food is usually included, too; think tagines and maybe couscous. Oh, and don’t forget those sunset and sunrise views!

So, most itineraries offer a fairly standardized set of experiences: that travel day from Marrakech with some roadside stops and mountain views, an overnight at the desert camp, and camel rides. Are those inclusions good? Depends on your goals. You should plan, maybe, for things like bathroom breaks and meal stops on those extended driving days. You get some photo opportunities that way, plus an actual break. Camel rides are usually short-ish, often just long enough to obtain that iconic snapshot. What I will say, the overnight camp is really what makes this trip – it’s often set up pretty well for visitors, with simple tent lodging, food, and typically some local music or entertainment. However, prepare to keep your expectations reasonable, because you are only camping!

The Travel: Is it Too Much in Too Little Time?

Let’s address the camel in the room – the travel time. Two days seems short when you remember just how far the Sahara is from Marrakech! So, what seems, to some degree, appealing on paper becomes, in practice, several hours upon hours on the road. Is that too much? Here’s how I’d think about it. See the transit time as part of the adventure instead of viewing the journey as lost time. As the landscape switches before your own eyes you’ll discover a lot concerning Morocco, and you will be making stops at cool spots along the route to see old towns. Okay, that could possibly work! Then, weigh if you find value in that. Is seeing a lot from a car window and quickly hopping out for picture stops really ‘seeing’ Morocco for you? Only you can truly answer that! If you crave deep, immersive travel and feel suffocated by bus timetables, maybe the ‘Express’ idea isn’t for you.

Basically, you will trade relaxation and more in-depth travel for simply experiencing those desert aspects. So you must be ok with extended car rides, even with rest stops, if you want the ability to say you watched the sunrise over the Sahara. Should you be someone who struggles with motion sickness, or someone that hates sitting still for too long, this particular option isn’t right for you, no matter how much the desert seems so very cool. It could be preferable to spend more time researching tours that enable more time invested in one spot, even though that means perhaps passing on that tempting Sahara visit for the time being.

What Can You Realistically Experience? Setting Expectations

This is it, the really, really huge question. Just what will those two days in the Sahara offer you? Don’t assume you will obtain some profound desert experience. Remember, it’s a brief tour. Your desert memories are mostly camel rides, camp food, some Berber music and stargazing should you stay up. The time within the Sahara itself is somewhat small. Because of that, your mindset should be set, almost, on getting just a snapshot of what the desert feels. As long as you aren’t expecting an elaborate expedition, you’ll likely feel less disappointment. And that whole snapshot can remain pretty great.

Stargazing could be cool, so long as the weather allows; just bear in mind that light contamination can impact things even in remote areas. Plus, sometimes camps can now feel surprisingly full of fellow travelers. Are you expecting solitude? The odds of locating real peace might be a bit slim here. To reiterate, consider precisely what matters to you when it comes to trips. If seeing as many sites as you can on a pretty fast track is a goal, the ‘Express’ thing could be alright. But for any one looking for some slower traveling style and some real quiet time in nature, longer visits, or possibly just completely different trips, may prove more satisfying overall.

Cost Considerations: What Are You Paying For?

Cost vs. Value. So, we’ve talked about travel, and realistic expectations, but you really must talk about just what your investment in a tour really buys you. “Sahara Express 2 Days” tours typically fall within a reasonably broad array, costing depend on factors like the level of lodging in camps (from plain tents to more lavish versions), group size (larger groups can reduce individual cost), and extras provided in the tour (some, at times, incorporate experiences, some don’t). To see value for cost, carefully evaluate everything you receive with it. Don’t compare only tour rates; have a look at precisely what one particular itinerary is offering in relation to some others.

Specifically question what the costs entail! Do they account for tips for guides and drivers, food, specific pursuits, or beverages? Getting clear on this really helps you prevent any unforeseen cost overruns. Always remember that less expensive isn’t always best; sometimes, spending a bit more can mean the distinction among having just a simple ride into some dunes versus an encounter with excellent memories to think back on fondly. Keep in mind you need to also factor in cost for your time and convenience, and consider if those added experiences really are the most important things you want when it comes to having a fun trip to some place interesting.

The Big Question: Is “Sahara Express 2 Days” Worth It?

Here’s the conclusion that will finally answer every thing. Could the “Sahara Express 2 Days” be something really worth pursuing? It depends on the sort of adventure seeker you are and also how realistic your own personal travel expectations actually prove to be. This short tour provides a taste; a desert aperitif instead of some satisfying buffet, for certain. Assuming time’s brief and also seeing just the desert’s top high points happens to be all that you will need, yes, go ahead and give this consideration. Still, anybody looking for more laid-back times, possibly going a little deeper culturally, will probably feel limited by the trip’s swift speed.

You have a short-term period. Maybe go ahead and do some investigation into options such as overnight excursions more regionally. Don’t get locked into merely one kind when determining experiences in an area since more focused outings are occasionally a lot more fulfilling, as you take your own time doing more sightseeing and actually enjoying more than what usually is possible while trying desperately fitting it all directly inside that really jam-packed quick adventure that sometimes only seems just cool inside that promotional information. It’s your own travels, make it fit YOU! After all.