Morocco is the place to go if you’re looking for a fantastic experience in the Sahara Desert. Myriads of tours are available so that you can find the perfect one for you. But with so many options, how do you know which tour suits you? Here are some things to consider:
If you’re considering a desert safari in the Sahara, be aware that most of the 3-day tours advertised only include 12 to 14 hours in the desert. This is because you’ll arrive just before sunset (or sometimes in the winter, even too late to see the sunset) and leave right after breakfast. While this may seem like enough time, remember that you’ll spend most of those hours sleeping.
If you’re looking for something different, don’t worry – many tours are available. But if you want to experience the desert, you need to look for something else.
Asking yourself the following questions will help you find a suitable Sahara desert tour.
Should you book your tour from your home country or once you are in Morocco?
If you want to ensure everything goes according to plan, booking your tour from your home country is the best option. This way, you can research different companies and compare prices. You will also have peace of mind knowing that all the details are taken care of before leaving for Morocco.
Should I book a roundtrip from Marrakech or go by public transport/rental car and only book the camel and camp in Merzouga?
It all comes down to your travel style. If you need more time, then a trip with a fixed itinerary might be best for you. However, tailor-made plans could be ideal if you want to spend more time in the desert. Consider all of your options and choose what works best for you!
Taking the bus to Merzouga and booking a camp once you’ve arrived is fine. The camp will also organize a guide with a camel to take you safely through the dunes.
Should you book a private Morocco desert tour or join a group trip?
This is primarily a budget question. I recommend paying for a private tour if you have the money. This gives you flexibility in the itinerary, more stops, and better food options along the way. However, if you are traveling alone and want to be around more people, a group trip might be a better fit. Most group tours from Marrakech tend to be quite big groups, though – often 17-20 people. So, on these trips, you won’t experience the quiet of the desert or make any real connections with locals.
What is the typical itinerary for a 3-day desert trip?
The itinerary usually includes:
Pick up in Marrakech
Visit of Ait Ben Haddou
One night in the Dades Gorge
Visit the Dades Gorge
Sunset camel ride to the camp
One night in the camp
Transfer back to Marrakech. If you booked a Marrakech to Fes desert tour, you will head to Fes instead.
What other options for a desert tour are there?
Some companies offer a 4-day itinerary, but mainly they only include a little time in the desert. So instead, they add more sightseeing on the way back to the city. However, suppose you want to spend time in the desert and meet some locals while experiencing their culture and hospitality. In that case, you will have to book a different tour, whether a private trip or with a specialized agency that offers group tours.
How much does a Morocco Sahara desert tour cost?
You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to tours! If you go on the cheaper ones, be prepared to make a lot of stops at stores where the driver will get a commission from anything you buy. Also, groups are usually much more significant on these tours and can feel relatively anonymous. So spending a little extra and going on a more personalized and intimate tour is better.
If you’re looking for cheap tour options, you can find some that start at just 80€ per person. However, it’s important to remember that budget tour companies will often cut corners to save money. That’s why it’s so important to read reviews before booking anything. Pay attention to both what people say and what they don’t say in their reviews. This will help you to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your trip.
I recommend spending a bit more on a private tour. A good quality private 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour will start at around 295€ per person (based on two people). This is an excellent value, considering all the benefits you will receive from having your guide and car. Furthermore, with a private tour, you can tailor the itinerary to what interests you and ensure that every minute of your trip is perfect!
Consider this when booking any Morocco desert tour.
Where does your money go?
Suppose you book your tour with international middlemen ( Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, Viator, etc.). In that case, most of your money will not end up in the country you are visiting. You are exploiting the locals, enjoying their hospitality, but supporting western companies.
Where does your desert trip money go?
While we are a Moroccan tour company, the money we make with our business stays here in Morocco because we live here and spend our money here. We also hire many locals here from Merzouga. And we pay them above average.
