blackmons

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Morocco for spring 2015. I have read that spring is a good time to visit, but Lonely Planet says don't bother doing an overnight in the desert after February due to possible wind storms. But it sounds like February could be wet and cold in other parts of the country that we'll be visiting. So I'm trying to find a balance. From reading these boards, it looks like many people have done the camel ride into the desert at all different times of the year. I don't want to chance not being able to do this, but I also don't want to risk sacrificing the rest of the trip to bad weather. Any opinions? I will probably post this on the Lonely Planet forum also.
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Laurie

ellen75005

Laurie, well spend a night at Erg Chebbi the third week of April. I hope/plan to do a trip report when we return in May. More to come!

Ellen

UNDERMOROCCANSUN

As someone who was born & raised in the area, I would say go ahead with your plan to overnight at Erg Chebbi,---do not let guide books stop you.
True April is good time to do it, as its not hot neither too cold, A sand storm can hit anytime any day, any season, this does not mean its most likely you will stumble on one.
Be well prepared if you plan to do it in winter time as temperature drops after dark.
Regards

BKD

We just did an overnight in late February and the weather was spectacular albeit a little chilly at night. Plenty of blankets to keep us warm. Great experience.

Ian

While not the same stretch of desert but probably applicable, from my trip report on May 1, 2013. We were at a rest stop about to head into the desert for the 2 hour drive to Erg Chegaga: "It was now a wonderful 30C or so with blazing sun"

Ian

blackmons

Back again with more questions. I am in the process of trying to line up a guide for the Marrakesh - Fez leg of the trip, but I want to make sure I go with the right outfit for the camel ride camp-out in the desert. We don't want to be with a large group of people and would prefer to be somewhere quiet, peaceful, and alone. Any recommendations on whose services to use for this important leg of the trip?
Thanks,
Laurie

ellen75005

blackmons,

We're home and I'm going to post in a day or so about the overnight at Erg Chebbi which was the highlight for me of a trip that was full of highlights.

We chose Morocco Excursion, mainly because they were one of the few companies I found that offered a three day/two night trip from Marracech to Fes through Erg Chebbi (it's a LOT of driving in that length of time).

Since there were 6 of us in our family, we were our own group, but at Erg Chebbi, when combined with other travelers, our group numbered about 20 which was fine and didn't detract from the experience. It was certainly quiet and peaceful!

Evidently the night before we arrived, there had been a storm and the groups scheduled that night weren't able to go out. The night we went couldn't have been more perfect; clear skies and beautiful temperatures.

If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. You will absolutely love that part of your trip!

Alex251986

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