Choosing a Tour Guide for Desert Trip in Morocco

Can you believe how exciting it was for me to be able to discover the stars and galaxies from our desert tents that I have never seen before? But it did definitely remind me of my all-time favorite song ”A horse with no name” by America. I am an amateur travel photographer, so I needed a local tour guide who could offer a customized private trip plan to the Sahara desert based on my interest. Atman from Eco Desert Morocco planned our incredible four days trip keeping that wishes in mind. As a result, we were lucky enough to visit places usually not visited by regular tourists.

Sitting in the front seat of the 4×4 next to Atman, I had the opportunity to ask him any question that came to mind. He never got bored. Suddenly I asked him to explain why tourists like me would choose his private tour service instead of so many other guides offering similar trips. The answer he gave me was true for me and for all the travelers planning their future trips to that country. So whether you choose his service or not, those are the things every one of us should consider before making any decision.

Why to Choose Private Tour Guide

1. Private, customized tour with the freedom of stopping anywhere that may surprise you during your trip, for instance, a bunch of desert camels crossing the highway and your freedom to get out of the car, enjoy the moment, and take a few shots.
2. The quality of accommodation they offer included with the trip is much different than other tour guides. The discounted rate they are getting as a local tour guide would not be possible when you book the same ones through online international booking sites.
3. No rush what’s so ever at your every sightseeing stop so that you can take your time to enjoy based on your interest.
4. If your trip includes accommodation in a tented camp in the desert, then you definitely need to check out the tent and camp they offer; as per my experience, Eco Desert Morocco was excellent.
5. Make sure the hotel accommodation is what you agreed with, and a good idea to read the review.
6. The experienced, knowledgeable guide also makes a big difference, and a friendly fluent English (in our case) speaking guide will definitely make your trip more enjoyable. So that is also a factor you must consider while choosing your tour company.
7. Tour companies should be proud to provide excellent value to their clients and help the local people that give back to the place they visit. It’s good for the tourist to experience the culture and meet local people and the locals benefit from that.
8. They should take every tour inquiry seriously and respond to them immediately. Understand the client’s interest and offer a detailed trip plan and the best possible quote based on their area of interest and priorities.
9. They Guarantee that every arrangement related to your travel itinerary is reserved and confirmed before your arrival.
10. Tour companies should not hesitate to meet any additional request from the client or charge extra that could be done without added effort. Examples:
    1. We had to make two separate trips to Marrakech airport to handle our lost luggage issue, and we were so thankful to Atman that he did not even hesitate to support us in every way until it was resolved.
    2. We wanted to buy fresh meat from a local butcher store and later have them grilled at our desert camp for our dinner, and again Atman not only fulfilled our desire but also did not hesitate to drive extra miles to get us a bottle of local wine.

Many tour companies will certainly claim that they will provide you with the best deal and service for your experience. However, when choosing to deal with a firm, there are various elements to consider– particularly when you want to take a trip to an unfamiliar place, such as Morocco.

The bottom line is that you are investing your valuable time to visit a country of your dream, so it’s not only just the trip cost you need to be looking after but also the quality of service you are getting. So if you are interested in giving them a try or if you have any additional questions, then feel free to fill out the form below.

Sample 4 days 3 nights desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

What is included in the package:

1. Air-conditioned 4-wheel SUV
2. A knowledgeable English/French/Spanish speaking driver
3. Accommodation for 3 nights (Dades, Merzouga, and desert camp one night each)
4. Camping, Camel Trek in Erg Chebbi dunes (Sunset and Sunrise)
5. All Dinner and Breakfast
6. Freedom to stop anywhere along the way

Day 1 Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Gorge

1. Early morning pick up from your Riad/Hotel where you will be staying or from the Airport upon your arrival.
2. Head towards Dades and make a quick stop for Breakfast at N9, Toyama, Morocco
3. The next stop at Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260 meters above sea level to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Zig Zak’s winding road through the Berber villages and the picturesque high Atlas mountains.
4. Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5. Have lunch at one of the local restaurants by Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
6. After lunch, you will continue toward Dades Gorge via Quarzazate city, known as the Hollywood of Africa.
7. While following the ”Road of the thousand Kasbahs,” you will make a quick stop at 19th century Kasbah Taourirt in Quarzazat for a photo opportunity.
8. Stop at Kelâat M’Gouna or Tighremt NImgunen, ”The Rose’sRose’s City,” well known for roses, and it’s an annual festival during the roses harvest in May.
9. Continue to the hotel in the heart of the Dades Gorge.
10. Overnight at Panorama Hotel Auberge Panorama Dades, Gorges de Dades, 45150 Aït Ben Ali, Morocco. The hotel’s location is excellent, with a beautiful view of the rolling mountains and the valley as this is part of the package tour, so breakfast and dinner are included with your stay.

Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

1. On the 2nd day of your trip, you will have complimentary breakfast at the hotel, then be back on the road again by 8:00 am.
2. Drive through the scenic valley and stop to see the fantastic 19th-century rock, which looks like the monkey’s hands.
3. Take the zigzag road to the top to enjoy the picturesque Dadès Gorges carved out by the Dadès River.
4. Leave Dades valley towards Tinghir and make a quick stop to enjoy the panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking the Ziz Valley.
5. Next, stop at Todra Valley, where you can walk between 305-meter-high rocky mountains, where many rock climbers come to enjoy their preferred sport.
6. Later continue driving towards Merzouga via Tinjdad and Erfoud.
7. Soon you arrive at Merzouga. You can rent Moto Quad /ATV to explore the Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy the spectacular desert sunset.
8. Check in to Nomad Palace, Ctra. Merzouga – Taouz, km,7, 52202 Merzouga, Morocco. The location of this hotel is excellent, with two outdoor pools and surrounded by golden dunes. As this is part of the package tour, breakfast and dinner are included with your stay.

Day 3: Merzouga and the area of Erg Chebbi

1. On the 3rd day of your trip, you will have a complimentary breakfast at the hotel and visit an oasis in Merzouga.
2. A quick stop to explore the Dayet Srji salt lake, just west of Merzouga in Tamzgidat village.
3. The next stop is at a traditional market in Rissani, about 25 miles (42 km) from Merzouga.
4. Visit The Village of The Blacks to enjoy the Gnaoua tribe’s music and dance.
5. Visit a nomad village, have your wood-fired Berber pizza for lunch, and enjoy mint tea sitting in a traditional tent.
6. At about 3:30 pm, you start your Camel-Trek through the rolling dunes and later watch the spectacular sunset from the top of a higher dune. 
7. Continue the camel ride until you arrive at Sahara Desert Luxury Camp, where you will stay overnight in a luxury tent.
8. Have a complimentary delicious dinner at the camp and later enjoy the local music and traditional dance.

Day 4: Merzouga – Marrakech

1. On the fourth day, at 6:00 am, camel man will wake you up to watch one of the most amazing sunrises of a lifetime.
2. Afterward, return to the camp and have breakfast.
3. Camel-Trek is back in Merzouga. En route, you will enjoy the beautiful dunes in the early morning.
4. Your guide will be waiting for you with his 4×4 in Merzouga to take you back to your next destination, Marrakech (you have the option to go to Fes )
5. On your way to Marrakech, stop for lunch.
6. Arrive in Marrakech late afternoon.

The above four-day itinerary can be customized based on your needs and interest, do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

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