Zagora Desert Trip Review: Marrakech to Camp

Thinking about doing a quick dash from Marrakech out to the desert and back? A two-day trip to the Zagora Desert camp could be what you’re looking for, it’s almost like a quick taste of the Sahara. This isn’t really a deep-dive adventure into the heart of the dunes, that could be what you expect. So, it’s more a manageable getaway, especially if you are kind of pressed for time. This review takes a close look at what this type of trip often involves, highlighting what you might appreciate and things to bear in mind so that you have a blast.

The Allure (and Limitations) of a Quick Desert Escape

Everyone dreams of seeing the Sahara’s dunes that rise, but it is actually the distance that could put a damper on your vacation goals. Most travelers find themselves based in Marrakech, yet very few have considered doing something like a multi-day excursion further into the desert’s heart. The good news is, the two-day Zagora tour is pretty amazing since it promises that brief look into a desert landscape, that is, if you can put up with the travel time. Understand that Zagora isn’t exactly the Sahara’s grandest landscape that you think, like those postcards showcasing huge dunes. That said, you’ll still get the atmosphere and vastness of a desert. It’s pretty sweet for a quick escape and a change of pace.

Day 1: From Marrakech to the Draa Valley Gateway

So, day one generally kicks off super early, that’s right, when you meet your driver in Marrakech. You’re probably wondering what you should expect next. Very soon, you’ll likely be headed up into the High Atlas Mountains, that’s where the scenery gets pretty amazing. The drive features winding roads with cool panoramic vistas. Later, you’ll most likely swing by Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-protected ksar, also it’s like a fortified village that might remind you of something from a movie (several films were shot here). Prepare for more driving as you continue to Zagora. Often, a camel trek awaits near the camp where you get to ride into the sunset. This bit can be touristy, and you should get what you are expecting since it doesn’t go far. After you arrive, there’s dinner, maybe some music round the campfire, and hopefully a view of the stars (weather permitting).

Day 2: Sunrise, Sahara and Journey Back to Marrakech

Most days begin pretty early to catch that sunrise over the rocks or dunes. It’s sort of breathtaking seeing the sunlight painting the land various colors. Breakfast will usually come next at the desert camp. We could assume, since your trip is more or less finishing up, the ride back to Marrakech begins, that is where you get to pause along the route for lunch. Prepare for what you saw yesterday on the return path. The trip can feel quite quick when you look back at it, you realize that much time has been spent travelling when all is said and done.

Accommodations and Camp Life: What to Expect

So, about the desert camp, anticipate a standard setup with tents. Tents will range in quality. Usually, the tents provide a place to sleep, that is it, so there shouldn’t be super luxurious bells and whistles. Toiletries are often kind of minimal, still there’s probably going to be electricity for a short amount of time, yet don’t depend on it to last. Think about what to expect concerning meals. The cuisine usually features Moroccan classics like tagine, maybe couscous. In the night you might want to bring layers, the nights are very chilly in the desert and also bring a portable charger for your devices.

Potential Snags and How to Handle Them

This tour requires hours upon hours of driving, which can take a toll if you don’t enjoy riding vehicles. Also, be ready to be proactive during stops at spots intended for tourists to push their items, such as carpets, argon oil, fossils and related things. If you’d rather shop in peace then say so politely yet directly. Do not worry since it’s acceptable, yet your travel experience needs you to exercise more assertion to be enjoyable. Also, temperature changes that happen, can make those without prior preparations uncomfortable. Prepare by wearing clothes in layers so your desert travel is really more fun and not something you will feel sorry for.

Is This Trip For You? Factoring in Time and Budget

Think about whether this fast Zagora visit suits your interests and situation before you purchase this package deal. People on a short trip that wish to glimpse some desert scenes would like this. Consider also longer journeys toward places in the desert further beyond like Merzouga if, actually, time allows it for you. Should price remain a problem then research your costs so you know precisely what this trip is including. The tours that are sold with rock-bottom costs often end up needing additional fees for many of those added adventures, or they give rock bottom experiences.

Booking Smart: Tips and Considerations

When choosing any Zagora expedition originating in Marrakech it’s pretty smart to read trip advisor feedback and online sources regarding tour groups and the operators available for comparison reasons. You really need trip leaders who speak pretty fluently so nothing’s ever lost across language issues that could result in poor outcomes. Always go to firms that provide transparently just where your cost gets channeled regarding which elements make up what comes from within and what could become considered as elective extras. When buying online through external providers, verify what that package includes for assurance along how payments function concerning cancellations under unforeseen conditions for complete protections given situations where suddenly anything could go wrong.