Group 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

We had an incredible trip to Zagora that stands out as one of the most memorable parts of my entire journey. Our driver, Ali, was an absolute gem. He wore a constant smile, enthusiastically accommodated our wishes, even joining in group activities and posing for photos with us. Ali truly went above and beyond! Our host, Nidal, was equally fantastic. She provided invaluable assistance, even arranging transport for us on two separate occasions after our tour had ended. Despite no longer being under his direct care, Nidal remained responsive and eager to answer all of our queries. One area that could be improved upon was the lack of information provided before the tour. Although we received an email the day before the tour, having a detailed itinerary with a timeline and all planned activities for the first day would have been very beneficial. Another aspect we encountered was a bit of pressure from our guide, Hassan, at Ait Benhaddou, urging us to make purchases from his family’s store at inflated prices. Nonetheless, our experience at Zagora campsite was wonderful. The hosts there were delightful to chat with, the accommodations were excellent, and the food was top-notch.

The experience is truly remarkable and something that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. The guides are incredibly friendly, the food is delicious, and the location is stunning. While the van driver seemed solely focused on driving, it would have been nice if he shared some insights about the places we were passing by. In the back of the van, there was only ventilation, and with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, it was quite challenging. Admittedly, they do take you to eat at relatively expensive places, but the meals are all very tasty. The camel ride was a bit less enjoyable due to the heat, but the campsite made up for it. We were fortunate enough to sleep outside under the stars, which turned out to be a beautiful experience. Given the intense heat, staying inside the tents wasn’t an option. Despite some downsides, I believe this experience is truly unmissable. If you have the chance, consider going for the 3-day trip as this one felt a bit rushed due to its length.

The activities were enjoyable, but the bus ride turned out to be much longer than expected (they should make this clearer beforehand). Not all expenses are covered as it seems you need to pay separately to visit the village (Aït-Ben-Haddou), which might not be worth it. Additionally, you’re expected to tip the guide. On a positive note, the camel guides were friendly and didn’t demand tips. The night in the desert is incredibly hot, and having air conditioning would definitely be a valuable addition.

This overnight trip is a fantastic way to truly feel the desert experience! Along the journey to the desert, you’ll be treated to stunning views of various mountain ranges in Morocco. The sunsets and sunrises are absolutely breathtaking. Be aware that the food quality might not meet high expectations, and be prepared for the bus ride. Our Berber camel guide and the camp experience were delightful. This is definitely a must-do when you’re in Marrakech.

It was a positive experience overall. The only issues were that the drive from Marrakesh is quite lengthy (over 8 hours of travel), and our driver seemed inexperienced, lacking knowledge about our planned itinerary. I highly recommend those who are about to embark on this experience to pack a backpack, as suitcases can’t be taken into the desert (if you bring one, the van driver will store it). Keep in mind that the bathrooms and showers are shared with other guests in the desert camp.