Here’s a general outline of what you might expect during a typical desert tour:
Duration: Desert tours can vary in length from one day to several days, depending on your preferences and schedule. A 3-4 day tour is quite popular and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the desert landscape.
Starting Point: Most Morocco desert tours start from major cities like Marrakech, Fes, or Ouarzazate. These cities serve as gateways to the desert regions.
Itinerary:
Drive Through Atlas Mountains: Your tour might start with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, where you can stop at viewpoints and small towns along the way.
Kasbahs and Ancient Villages: En route to the desert, you might visit ancient Kasbahs (fortresses) and traditional Berber villages. Ait Ben Haddou is a famous UNESCO-listed Kasbah you might explore.
Dades Valley and Todra Gorge: Experience the stunning Dades Valley with its impressive rock formations and the narrow Todra Gorge, a popular spot for hiking and photography.
Camel Trekking: The highlight of your desert tour will likely be a camel trek into the Sahara Desert. You’ll ride camels into the golden sand dunes, possibly to Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, where you’ll spend a night in a desert camp.
Desert Camp Experience: Spend a night in a traditional desert camp. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, traditional music, and gaze at the star-filled desert sky.
Sunrise and Sunset: Watching the sunrise and sunset over the sand dunes is a breathtaking experience. The colors and shadows transform the landscape into a surreal painting.
Local Culture: During your journey, you’ll have opportunities to interact with local Berber communities, learn about their way of life, and experience their hospitality.
Optional Activities: Depending on your tour, you might have the chance to try activities like sandboarding down the dunes or taking a 4×4 off-road adventure.
Return Journey: After your time in the desert, you’ll make your way back to the starting point. Along the way, you might visit more attractions or simply enjoy the changing landscapes.
Tips:
Packing: Bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a warm layer for chilly desert nights, and a flashlight.
Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning desert landscapes.
Hydration: It can get hot during the day, so stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle.
Respect the Environment: Be respectful of the fragile desert environment and follow the principles of responsible tourism.
Guided Tours: While you can explore the desert on your own, a guided tour ensures you have a knowledgeable guide who can enhance your experience with cultural insights and safety information.
Whether you’re captivated by the vast sand dunes, intrigued by the local culture, or simply seeking a unique adventure, a desert tour in Morocco can provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.