The Sahara desert evokes some tranquility and a serenity that very few places in the world can compete. Imagine at the top of the dunes, hundreds of meters high, with an orange sea at your feet and the sun that melts in deep blue horizon, a picturesque setting that inspires meditation and contemplation.
At night, thousands of stars illuminate the night sky in a purple mist, an experience of totally immersive nature, really unique in its kind. You are dragging with your friends and family around a campfire, sizzling clay pots emanating from attractive aromas, and a till bouquet of spicy fragrances.
A trip to the Sahara desert can be detoxifying for the soul, a truly rewarding experience that you do not want to miss. That said, planning your trip can be a difficult task. In this guide, we do not accompany you in the preparation of your trip to help you plan the best circuit in the Sahara desert in Morocco!
Why plan a trip to the Sahara desert?
The Morocco, and the Moroccan desert, in particular, is a destination that many travelers have on their list of things to do. If you want to escape the agitation of urban life or if you simply enjoy a natural environment, monumental dunes and a diverse landscape, then plan a trip to the Sahara desert is one of the adventures more enchanting than you can live.
On the way, you will be able to admire breathtaking landscapes, see closely the size of the Atlas mountains And as they disappear to give way to the golden sand and the desert dunes, you will see the wind shape and reshape new peaks and valleys undulating.
You will also have the opportunity to interfere with the local population, to admire the sunset on the back of a camel, to look at the stars, to surf on the sand, to make quad and much more !
Travels in the Sahara Desert - Where to go?
When planning your trip in the Sahara Desert, one of the first decisions you need to take is to know what part of the Sahara you want to go.
The choice of a specific area to visit you will help you better understand your options in terms of transport, accommodation, activities, etc. There are two main desert areas that tourists visit during their stay in Morocco: the desert of Merzouga and the Zagora desert.
MERZOUGA
Excursions in The desert of Merzouga Are the most popular because Merzouga is located near the popular sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. These dunes are much higher than those of Zagora, they are also much more impressive and constitute a magical framework.
In addition, the region of Merzouga also has the advantage of being close to the city. This means that there are all kinds of amenities you may need: modern hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc. And you can easily get to the sand dunes because they are a short distance in camel.
This makes the trip much more convenient, especially if you are pressed by time or if you do not want to get out of the beaten track. That said, being the most popular destination also means that your trip to the desert will be more expensive and that the area will be more frequented, especially during the high season.
Keep in mind that Merzouga is 9 hours drive from Marrakech, and so you need to provide a stop for the night.
Zagora
Zagora is located in the southern part of Morocco, and although it is a desert, unlike the sand of Merzouga, it is a desert of stones, so fewer magnificent dunes and more a lunar surface. That said, it is 60 km from the sand dunes of Erg Chigaga, which allows you to integrate them into your itinerary, but you will need a lot of time to get there.
That's why Zagora is not as popular as the tourist magnet that is Merzouga, and that's why she's more for small budget travelers who have no problem out of the beaten track. Zagora's camps are not so extravagant, so expect to have to share the toilet and other facilities.
Zagora is 6 hours drive from Marrakech, so if you do not have a lot of time to go to Merzouga, you can opt for Zagora. If you do not have time to go to Merzouga, you can opt for Zagora. In any case, you must make sure to spend enough time in the desert because most of your trip will be done by car.
If you book a circuit of 2 or 3 days, check that at least 2 nights of the circuit will be passed in the desert. This will allow you to explore the desert at a slower pace and take part in all the activities that interest you.
Excursion in the desert by your own or through a guid tripE In the Sahara desert?
You can quite organize your own personalized trip in the Sahara desert because there are many transportation and accommodation options. You can rent your own car or take the bus and upon arrival you can then decide where you will stay and what you will do.
That said, a Droom tour is not very recommended because you will be more focused on arrangements than enjoying your stay. Nor can you predict that the plans fall into the water and the last thing you want is to be left alone in harbor (although the worst scenario).
When you book a circuit in the desert, camper in the Sahara can be an extraordinary experience. You do not have to worry about finding accommodation or putting your business safe. You also benefit from the advantages of a trip organized by a professional.
In addition, everything is programmed so that you can make the most of each activity you undertake. The options are endless and there are many packages for all budget ranges. You can even book a private tour if you want to enjoy the tranquility and tranquility of the desert.
A guided tour is all inclusive, which means it covers your transport from Marrakech, activities, accommodation and usually meals. There are also fewer risks you get lost because you will be accompanied by a local guide that knows the surrounding area.
In addition, he will also know the best places to take astonishing photos. In addition, there is no problem of linguistic barrier and you can be sure of your safety throughout the trip.
WHAT TRAVEL GUIDES in the desert book?
BUDGET
If you are looking for a more rustic experience and you are not too decontencied by poor equipment, then an economic trip may be done for you. If you can expect to benefit from transportation and accommodation, you should also keep in mind that all meals will not be included.
You will probably not find showers either, and the few bathrooms available, you will have to share them with many other tourists. Bedding can be uncomfortable and camel hike will most likely be the only activity you can participate.
MIDRANGE
An average range trip will include some of the amenities in luxury camps (showers for example or a private trip instead of a shared trip). Guests can also enjoy better meals and a more comfortable place to sleep. However, keep in mind that you will not get the same level of splendor as if you booked a luxury camp.
LUXURY
Luxury camp circuits in the Sahara desert will provide you everything you need, as well as some additional benefits. You will enjoy an individual tent with running water, a private bathroom, a heating system installed inside the tent for fresh nights, a large comfortable bed, your own seating area, in addition to succulents. Traditional Moroccan meals. There are also many other fun activities that you can participate.
CONCLUSION
If you want to live a really relaxing experience in the Sahara desert, starting with conviviality and comfort, make sure to book your trip in advance (even before reaching Morocco). You will have all the time to do in-depth research on each camp to know exactly what to expect during your excursion.
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