Sahara Car Tour Review: Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains, Desert

Thinking about doing one of those car tours from Marrakesh that takes you through the Atlas Mountains all the way to the Sahara? You know, it can be hard to tell if they are actually any good just from the website, too it’s almost like everyone says theirs is amazing! So, after going on one, I figured I’d break down what the experience is *really* like to, perhaps, assist you in figuring out whether or not to, perhaps, hop on this type of adventure yourself.

What to Expect From Your Sahara Car Tour Starting in Marrakesh

These tours, often three days and two nights, generally kick off in Marrakesh, a place that just pulses with activity, by the way. Most start really early, just so they can try and beat some of the traffic getting out of the city. That said, you’ll, arguably, get picked up right from your riad or hotel, making it a fairly convenient start to a trip that will definitely take you out of your comfort zone! From there, basically, expect some seriously diverse scenery and also a lot of hours spent driving, by the way.

Day one often involves traveling over the High Atlas mountains, where you, arguably, wind through switchback roads offering insane views. Now, you might visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aït Benhaddou, which, clearly, is one of those ancient fortified cities. It’s, like, incredibly photogenic and also has a cool history if you’re interested, or not!. You’ll then head towards Ouarzazate, sometimes called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” seeing as it has some large movie studios. The lodging on the first night tends to be in or around this area, basically providing a, kind of, comfortable spot after what, apparently, is a pretty long day on the road, or in this case, a car!

Hitting the Road to the Sahara

Day two, arguably, is the day you push closer to the Sahara, typically visiting places like the Todra Gorge, by the way. The Todra Gorge is that, kind of, magnificent canyon with tall cliffs – totally stunning and a place to stretch those travel-weary legs with, maybe, a little hike. After this, get ready to properly delve into the desert regions. The drive goes on until you make it to Merzouga, a town close to Erg Chebbi, which has really big sand dunes. As evening sneaks closer, well, get prepared to ride a camel into the Sahara. You’ll go to, seemingly, a desert camp where you’ll chill, have a conventional Moroccan dinner, and also sleep under a canopy of stars – a genuinely unforgettable moment, to be honest!

Experiencing Desert Camp Life

Staying at a Sahara camp isn’t always what you think it will be, seeing as accommodations can be quite diverse. Some camps are more simple, with just tents, shared bathrooms, and also basic mattresses, by the way. Others go all-out “glamping,” presenting really lavish tents that have things like real beds, and private bathrooms with proper showers and flushing toilets – what a treat!. That said, activities at the camp might include things like sandboarding (which is trickier than it looks!), drumming circles by the fire, and, clearly, just soaking in that stark desert scenery, if that appeals!. The highlight for pretty much anyone, clearly, is watching either the sunset or the sunrise above the dunes – so you will be waking up early if you would like to make the most of that second day and early part of the morning!

The Drive Back and Final Reflections

The third day, is that the one when you get up early to catch a sunrise, maybe take a short camel ride back to the village or where you will start the drive to take you all the way back, mostly driving. It is a super long drive. You will generally, get back to Marrakesh in the evening, kind of tired and, arguably, filled with way too much mint tea. All said, a Sahara car tour is just the kind of exhausting but amazing adventure, by the way, that stays with you – yet you do have to factor in quite a lot of travel and, maybe, very touristy locations.

What You Absolutely Need to Know Before you Book the Trip

Before you jump and sign up for a tour like this, consider these important points: Comfort can be, maybe, pretty varied, so look into accommodation levels meticulously, so that, at least, your expectations match. Now, there will be tons of driving. As a matter of fact, count on spending long periods in the car. That said, bringing entertainment and things that can help you sleep during transit times isn’t a bad idea, or maybe bring somebody with you who does not get car sick easily so you don’t have to drive yourself everywhere!. Tourist spots tend to get very busy and there’s, literally, nothing organic about a set-up where everybody descends for the photo op.

Picking the Ideal Tour and Tour Operator

Shop around different tour operators! Look closely at the details and, clearly, not only the pricing. Is food included? What kind of transportation is used? What exactly is, like, the capacity for each of these cars or vehicles? Read real customer reviews too, or better yet, ask friends for referrals. If it matters, check their credentials to, arguably, ensure they are running a real responsible operation. Don’t forget travel insurance! Stuff can occur, therefore make sure your covered for lost or stolen stuff, medical care and those other very fun holiday misfortunes.

Stuff You Want To Pack in Your Bags

Packing wisely will actually make or break your Sahara car tour so think through some of the, what many would see, as must have bits. Pack clothes, which you could layer because the weather changes. Comfy walking footwear is that key to explore sites like, say, Ait Benhaddou and also Todra Gorge with zero moans from painful blistered feet. Sunscreen, shades, and any hat will actually offer great protection. You might think to purchase a proper scarf to, perhaps, shield your mouth and nose, by the way, from all the dust when you go to places like the Sahara; actually the locals may actually suggest that you take a picture with them with those types of face coverings which is arguably touristy to partake.

Things That May Ruin Your Adventure

So there are just a few potential watch-outs when it comes to taking a desert tour! Traveling throughout peak times gets ridiculously chaotic given the volume, not to mention higher expenses; going slightly before or after prime tourist season will help out a little bit!. Bargaining with vendors, too, might feel uncomfortable. Knowing some local phrases and that you’re, arguably, negotiating costs is part of culture may actually ease things somewhat.. Long vehicle rides also should not be dismissed. If it’s likely to be rough because your back gets twingy, well consider getting pillows that support your lower lumbar place, seeing as that’ll bring tons relief on long vehicle hours, really!