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SAHARA DESERT TOURS
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Although local companies running Morocco desert trips will happily take you on a two-day tour of the Sahara if that’s what you ask for, the realities of getting from Marrakesh or Fez and crossing the High Atlas mountains both there and back mean it will be difficult to experience all the Saharan sands have to offer on a tour of less than three days. With this amount of time dedicated to the desert you’ll find the opportunity to relax in a tented camp among the Berber people, journey over the dunes on a camel, and begin to get a sense of what the region is all about.
Booking your Sahara tour in advance
Both Marrakesh and Fez are ideal gateways to the Sahara’s warm sands and even warmer traditions of hospitality. Spend just a short time in these southern cities and you’re sure to come across companies offering tours. Many undoubtedly offer perfectly adequate trips, but by walking in off the street it’s difficult to know the quality of exactly what you’ll be getting.
Best time to visit
Renowned for its fierce summer heat even by the tribes you have lived here for centuries, the Sahara’s summer months, when temperatures can reach beyond 40°C in the shade, are best avoided entirely. By contrast, Moroccan winters can be disappointingly wet, and the high passes over the Atlas mountains blocked by snow. You’ll, therefore, find that most companies offer Morocco desert tours between March and May, and then again from late September and October when there are clear skies, bearable temperatures, and the best road conditions.
Geography of the Moroccan Sahara
The Sahara spans an area of 9.2 million square kilometres (approximately the size of the United States), making it the largest non-polar desert in the world. In Morocco, it stretches south from the High Atlas mountains, around half a day’s drive from Marrakesh and Fez.
How to get to the Moroccan desert
By far the easiest way of getting into the Moroccan desert is on a tour, which will take you along the well-maintained roads by minibus. Should you prefer, its also possible to hire a car in Marrakesh or Fez, or hop on one of the country’s frequent bus services.
Dunes to visit in Morocco
The slowly shifting dunes of the photography books are to be found at Erg Chebbi, near the village of Mergouza in the southeast of the country, and Erg Chigaga in the far south, near the Draa Valley and border with Algeria.
What to pack for the desert
Needless to say, the desert is hot, but what is sometimes understated is the change in temperature that comes with nightfall, where temperatures can drop twenty degrees in half an hour. So while the thermometer will still read a pleasant 20 degrees, after the heat of the day it will feel cold and you will be wanting warm clothing.
What to do in the Moroccan desert
The desert is such that you can do as much or as little as you like. The landscapes of drifting dunes, contrasting sharply against the blue sky by day and stars by night are endlessly fascinating, while riding a camel is perhaps the easiest way of getting even closer to the dunes and that true desert experience. Sunrise and sunset treks provide the most astounding colour palette (and more suitable temperatures), while the cuisine, music and hospitality of the Berber help unwrap some of the secrets of the desert.
http://sahara-holidaytours.com
Top Merzouga Tours
$1500 Per Day
Majestic Morocco Tour 14 Days
HIGHLIGHTS
-Visit the imperial cities of Morocco plus Casablanca, Essaouira, Atlas mountains and the Sahara Desert
-Learn more about Moroccan history, culture and lifestyle with our very skilled guides
-Visit families in their homes in the Berber villages and little towns
-Get to experience the real Morocco
-Enjoy your vacation by travelling on AC cars, SUVs and Mini-Vans.
ITINERARY
...Read more
HIGHLIGHTS
-Visit the imperial cities of Morocco plus Casablanca, Essaouira, Atlas mountains and the Sahara Desert
-Learn more about Moroccan history, culture and lifestyle with our very skilled guides
-Visit families in their homes in the Berber villages and little towns
-Get to experience the real Morocco
-Enjoy your vacation by travelling on AC cars, SUVs and Mini-Vans.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Casablanca / Rabat (56 miles) (D)
Greetings and assistance upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. While in Casablanca, you will stop at the Great Hassan II Mosque, the third largest Mosque in the world. You will visit the interior of the Mosque, before having lunch at Le Pilotis restaurant & lounge, the best seafood restaurant and Mediterranean cuisine overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
You will then continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Rabat featuring the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, the outside of the Royal Palace and the Ouddaya Necropolis.
Driving Time: 1 Hour approx...
- 5 Star Deluxe Tour: Villa Mandarine
- 5 Star Tour: Riad Kalaa.
- 4 Star Tour: Riad Dar EL Kebira.
- 3 Star Tour:Riad Dar Soufa.
Day 2: Rabat / Meknes / Volubilis / Fes (123 miles) (B,D)
After breakfast, you will depart for the Imperial City of Meknes, also known as"the Moroccan Versailles". Meknes, with its monumental gates and city walls, was founded at the end of the 17th century by the Sultan Moulay Ismail. The highlights will include Bab el Mansour (perhaps the finest gateway in Africa), "Dar Jamai" Museum, the old Medina, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, old granaries and stables. Lunch will be at Palais M'nebhi in Meknes. After lunch, you will depart for the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. Sightseeing of the Ruins of Volubilis. Departure and drive to Fes for your overnight at the Riad.
Driving Time: 3 Hours approx...
- 5 Star Deluxe Tour: Riad Palais Amani.
- 5 Star Tour: Riad La Maison Blue.
- 4 Star Tour: Riad La Perle De La Medina.
- 3 Star Tour:Riad Layali Fes.
Day 3: Fes (B,D)
After breakfast, the entire day will be devoted to sightseeing the city of Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. Step back six centuries into the medieval Medina with its narrow and cobbled streets filled with ancient mosques, towering green glazed minarets and crumbling fondouks. Narrow openings into private worlds reveal architecture of peaceful courtyards filled with carved cedar, brilliantly colored mosaic tiles and delicately carved stucco ornaments. Suggested lunch will be at Palais Terrab, a beautiful Arab palace. After lunch, we will visit the Attarine and Abou Anania Medersas, the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the Karaouine Mosque. In the afternoon, we will visit the countless souks, the famous tanneries and Fes Jdid. Overnight at the Riad.
Day 4: Fes
This is your free day at leisure to explore the arts and culture of Fes. Your experienced driver/guide will be at your disposal to assist you with today's adventures. Overnight at the Riad.
Day 5: Fes / Erfoud / Merzouga (287 miles) (B,D)
After an early breakfast, departure to Erfoud through the scenic, wooded Middle Atlas Mountains region. Stop in Azrou to visit a Berber village known for its handicraft cooperative. Lunch will be at the Ayachi Hotel before continuing to Midelt (an important mining center) and the Ziz River through a series of fortified villages characterized by fascinating southern architecture. Arrival in Merzouga. Dinner and overnight under the tents.
Driving Time: 5 Hours approx
5 Star Deluxe,5 Star and 4 Star Tour: Luxury Desert camp.
3 Star Tour: Regular Berber tents camp
Day 6: Merzouga / Erfoud / Ouarzazate (227 miles) (B,D)
Early morning wake-up to view the awe inspiring sunrise off the Merzouga dunes followed by an 1 hour camel ride. After breakfast, you will travel to Ouarzazate via the Todra gorges. Lunch in Todra at the Yasmina restaurant. Possible visit (if there is no production event) to the movie studio where scenes from Bertulucci's "The Sheltering Sky", Spielberg's "Gladiators", "The Last temptation of Christ", and "Lawrence of Arabia" were filmed in and around the area renowned for its Berber ceramic work and fine carpet making. If time permits, you will see the Tifoultout and Taourirt Kasbahs. Dinner and overnight.
Driving Time: 4 and a Half Hours approx...
- 5 Star Deluxe Tour: Hotel Le Berbere Palace.
- 5 Star Tour: Hotel Le Berbere Palace.
- 4 Star Tour: Hotel Le Fint.
- 3 Star Tour:Kasbah Chamaa.
Day 7: Ouarzazate / Marrakesh (126 miles) (B,D)
After breakfast, departure to the Ait Ben Haddou village where you will visit the ruins of this ancient Kasbah. Lunch at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou before we continue via the Tiz-In-Tichka pass (7,415 ft / 2,260 m) and Taddert to Marrakesh for a 4-night stay at Riad La Maison Arabe. Dinner and overnight stay at Riad.
Driving Time: 4 Hours approx...
- 5 Star Deluxe Tour: Riad Kniza.
- 5 Star Tour: Riad La Maison Arabe.
- 4 Star Tour: Riad Chergui.
- 3 Star Tour:Riad Dar Anika.
Day 8: Marrakesh (B,D)
Sightseeing of Marrakesh nicknamed "The Pearl of the South,"featuring a visit to the 16th century Saadian Tombs, "Dar Si Said"Museum of Moroccan Arts, the fragrant Menara Gardens, the Koutoubia Minaret and the magnificent Bahia Palace with its extraordinary tiles, opulent courtyard sand fountains. After lunch on your own, you will visit of the Djemmaa-el-Fna Square where fortune-tellers, acrobats, vendors, snake charmers and magicians put on a never-ending show. In the evening, entertainment dinner show at Le Comptoir restaurant before returning to the Riad for overnight stay.
Day 9: Marrakesh (B,D)
Sightseeing of the private gardens of Yves Saint Laurent and the private Islamic Art Museum. Drive along the city ramparts dividing the town into the oldest and the newest parts of Marrakesh. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish with your guide/driver at your disposal. Suggested dinner at Bo&Zin restaurant and overnight at the Riad.
Day 10: Marrakesh / Ourika Valley / Marrakesh (100 Miles) (B,D)
Excursion to the beautiful Ourika Valley. Nestled on the main road in Ait Ourir, the Ourika Valley is a beautiful, charming, hospitable and peaceful Berber village where you can take a short hike in the cooler mountain air. You will encounter beautiful isolated villages clinging to hillsides with plots of cultivated land lying along the river valley. Lunch in the Valley. Return to Marrakesh and dinner at the sumptuous Yacout restaurant.
Driving Time: One Hour each way approx...
Day 11: Marrakesh / Essaouira (109 miles) (B,D)
After breakfast, you will depart for the romantic seaside town of Essaouira. After arrival and check-in, a sightseeing tour of the city will feature Essaouira's typical Portuguese harbor portraying influences of both Moorish and Portuguese design. Highlights will include the fishing harbor and the Skala(the Battery) left by the pirates. Optional: 1 hour Sea Tour by boat. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure. Overnight at the Riad.
Driving Time: 3 Hours approx...
- 5 Star Deluxe Tour: Hotel Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa.
- 5 Star Tour: Hotel Atlas Essaouira & Spa.
- 4 Star Tour: Riad Mogador Essaouira.
- 3 Star Tour:Riad Dar Darko.
Day 12: Essaouira (B,D)
Full day at leisure with your guide/driver at your disposal. You may want to take a small boat cruise (optional: not included). Overnight.
Day 13: Essaouira / Casablanca (218 miles)
After breakfast, the morning is free to spend at your leisure before departure to Casablanca via El Jadida with a stop at El Oualidia where you will stop for lunch. Continuation along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to reach El Jadida where you will be given a quick orientation tour. After arrival in Casablanca, you will check-in and spend the night at the hotel. Overnight.
Driving Time: 5 Hours approx...
- 5 Star Deluxe Tour: Hotel Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanches
- 5 Star Tour: Hotel Le Meridien.
- 4 Star Tour: Hotel Parc Suites & Spa.
- 3 Star Tour:Hotel Maamoura.
Day 14: Casablanca Airport (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for your return flight. Assistance with the boarding formalities.
Driving Time: Half an Hour approx...
$320 Per Day
Tours from Marrakech to Sahara Desert Trip - Morocco Tours
Morocco Tours from Marrakech:
-Marrakech Tours to Fez via Merzouga-Sahara Desert 3days.
Day1: Marrakech, Tizi N’tichka, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate and Dades.
Day2: Dades, Todra Gorges, Tenjdad, Jorf, Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga.
Day3: Merzouga, Oasis Tafilalet, Ziz Valley, Medlit, Azrou and Fez.
Morocco Tours from Marrakech:
-Marrakech Tours to Fez via Merzouga-Sahara Desert 3days.
Day1: Marrakech, Tizi N’tichka, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate and Dades.
Day2: Dades, Todra Gorges, Tenjdad, Jorf, Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga.
Day3: Merzouga, Oasis Tafilalet, Ziz Valley, Medlit, Azrou and Fez.
-Marrakech Tours, ErgChebbi-Merzouga and come back to Marrakech 3days.
Day1: Marrakech, TiziN’tichka, AïtBenhaddou, Ouarzazate and Dades.
Day2: Dades, Todra Gorges, Tenjdad, Jorf, Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga.
Day3: Merzouga, Erfoud, Jorf, El Galaat M’gouna and Marrakech.
-Marrakech Tours, Zagora through Sahara Erg Chebbi and Nomads. 5days:
Day1: Marrakech,Tizi N’tichka,Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate.
Day2: Ouarzazate, Agdez, Dara’a Valley and Zagora.
Day3: Zagora, Tazaine, Alnif, Rissani and Erg Chebbi-Merzouga.
Day4: Erg Chebbi, Nomads and Merzouga.
Day5: Merzouga, Erfoud, Jorf, El Galaat M’gouna and Marrakech.
$35 Per Day
Merzouga Cameltrekking Bivouac
The sand ridges of Erg Chebbi is a conspicuous weird natural structure. On the summit of the plainest region you may envisage, abruptly a lengthy mountain of sand mounts. This mountain is encircled by plane and barren nature in all parts.
1. Sleeping in a nomad tent, bivouac in the dunes
...Read moreThe sand ridges of Erg Chebbi is a conspicuous weird natural structure. On the summit of the plainest region you may envisage, abruptly a lengthy mountain of sand mounts. This mountain is encircled by plane and barren nature in all parts.
1. Sleeping in a nomad tent, bivouac in the dunes
You quit for a few hours for a hike across the dunes along the sunset captivating colors. You will be invited into our tents in an oasis by our team who dwell in tents in the center of the desert. by the concluding stages of your journey, after dinner you can do a pastime connected to music. The subsequent morning, after breakfast, you revert to the hotel.
2. Several days in the dunes. A nomadic experience
We will discover various locations dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will be hosted by diverse families of nomads in your road and have numerous breaks to live a peaceful night. You have plenty of time you require to get familiar with the Sahara has to pass the stars, wild life, the culture of nomads and the “seminary” of the desert. This manner can be executed in two days or at utmost in a fortnight. get in touch with us for detailed data. Your suggestions and critics are welcomed