bronwyn737

Hello again!

I'm going on a tour of Morocco in late October. It finishes in Marakech (after breakfast) and I have a flight home departing from Casablanca the day after the tour ends (at approximately midday).

The tour I am on doesn't seem to go into the Sahara, but as I am in Morocco, I think this is something I would be upset about later if I didn't see.

I was just wondering if anyone knew if it would be possible/feasible to take a day trip from Marakech to see something of the Sahara - and if so, who I might contact to find out more.

Thanking you very much for your help in advance.

Crisshowe

I recently did one week solo trip to Morocco. For about 3 of those days, I joined a tour group from Marrakesh with 5 people on a trip to the Sahara.

We got together in a 4x4 and headed through the High Atlas Mountains catching some great panoramic views. The total cost of the 3 day trip was about $100 USD and it took us through some of the most beautiful terrain in Morocco. After passing through the High Atlas Mountains, we were to spend a night in a hotel nestled in the Dades Gorge, a quiet valley cut into the mountains splashed beautiful pink oleanders, lush greenery and a pleasant stream that carved its way through. The second day we headed off to the Todra Gorge which is Morocco's most impressive gorge strickly for its size. After a quick lunch, we were on our non-stop journey to the Sahara. We arrived at Erg Chebbi around 5 pm and quickly joined with the camels and headed into the dunes. The journey only took about 1.5 hours and we were guided by 2 nomads who brought us to their camp. We arrived just in time to catch the sunset over the dunes. After getting back to the camp we pulled blankets out from the tents and all gathered around a lamp and ate Tajine and listened to traditional Berber music that the nomads were performing for us. We all chatted for a bit and then laid down to stare at the stars.

The trip ended with a long 10 hour drive back to Marrakesh with stops along the way for lunch.

Email omar at [email protected], was friendly and knowledgeable. He made sure we enjoyed the stay and did a good job during the visit. We are happy with our visit to Morocco.

jenmaroc

The Sahara at Zagora (closest access from Marrakech) is a day's drive away - 6-8 hours each way depending on conditions and traffic. If you left after breakfast, you wouldnt get there until evening - and would have to leave immediately to get to Casablanca.

I dont know of any day tours from Marrakech to the Sahara...and even if one existed, it would be so exhausting as to not be worth it.

markwillenbrock

Hello Jen! Absolutely right, the Sahara cannot be done in a day from Marrakech. You really need to get to M'hamid or Merzouga. Two days is an absolute minimum, three days a comfortable minimum.

If you haven't already done so, why not explore the Atlas? There are plenty of good destinations you can reach easily from Marrakech.

timsaah

Your best bet is one day trip to Ouarzazate. is gonna be comfortable, you will drive through some nice scenery through the Atlas mountains, then get to see the Kasbahs around Ouarzazate, visit th film studios in the city and get to see some of the famous production sets. By the afternoon, u'll get to back to Marrakech.

laclaire

I know this is a late response, but you are still at home. I recommend changing your ticket to leave room for a 3 day tour of the Sahara by Sahara International. I just posted this on the Europe forum (it cam up along with a France question), so look it up. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE SAHARA!