Desert Camping
We might be experts on the desert, but we also know a lot about other parts of Morocco too! We can therefore organise trips that not only include accommodation in Marrakech, but also trips to other parts of Morocco too. The website has package templates for the best of Morocco. But these are just templates and we can tailor-make your trip in accordance with your wishes.
Built in 1860, it is one of the former residences of Pacha Glaoui and perhaps with the best examples of Islamic architecture in Morocco. After lunch in Telouet continue through the Ounila Valley, a part of the main caravan route from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech, and the narrow river valley connecting Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou. After arriving morocco desert camp near Marrakech in the afternoon in Ait Ben Haddou, visit the stunning Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and the night at your riad in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate. We provide transport services to the camp by 4x4, van, minibus, camel or helicopter. What are the sleeping arrangements or accommodations in the Morocco Sahara Desert camps?
When you arrive at camp, you are welcomed with mint tea – you can choose a little table set up in the sand to relax at while you sip tea and soak in the view. In this post, I’m going to describe exactly what our experience was like with an incredible Sahara desert luxury camp that I can 1000% recommend. Of everything that we did in Morocco, spending a night in a Sahara desert luxury camp was EASILY the experience I was most excited for. Evening at the camp was memorable—live Berber music, a great dinner spread, and the most stars I’ve ever seen!
I had very romantic visions about how I expected this journey to go. I had been thinking about this camel ride ever since Egypt (where I intentionally didn’t ride any camels for ethical reasons), and I had about a million photo ideas in my head. The tour we chose was a three-day, two-night private tour through Fes Desert Trips. The tour started from Fes and included several sightseeing stops in the Atlas Mountains, a night of desert camping and a night in Ouarzazate, before dropping us off in Marrakech. There’s onlyone Supratours bus from Fes, and it’s overnight. We left in the evening and arrived to Merzouga around 6 am I think.
The sand in the desert is so soft and just perfect to sit with your toes dipped in. Find out beforehand where you be will staying, the hotels and the Berber tent camp. In my case I was surprised and excited by how amazing our camo site was, however that isn’t always the case. I have also seen some very basic camp sites without showers etc. Make sure you ask the tour company to explain exactly what type of tent you will be sleeping in. We woke up late the next morning and missed the sunrise – we were so tired!
The whole team is led and represented by Tuareg people, born in the Sahara and raised up in the wilderness…. Choose from our tours down below the ones that suits your needs or contact us to customize your trip. Our camp has also its own restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine dishes and where also we care about our vegetarian, vegan, gluten free…etc guests. There are a few modifications or alternates you might consider if the 3 day/2 night tour sounds like a bit much for your group. It’s not required, though–the “official” tour began and ended in Marrakech, but since we and several others were headed onto Fes, we didn’t want to double back several hours.
It may not be the most comfortable journey but it’s definitely an interesting workout. There were two 4x4s driving to our camping spot which was about an hour into the desert. If you are backpacking or traveling by bicycle, visit one of the many hostels or backpackers to safely secure your gear if you wish to go on a hike or spend the day on the beach. While tourists and travelers report being well received in Morocco, especially by remote communities, it is not advisable to leave your camp set up and unattended.
They sing and dance, and in the end, they’ll show you how to play one of the instruments (if you’re interested). Another plus is that Kam Kam is surrounded by tall dunes and is spaced out well from other camps. From what I read, you’ll need to bag your stuff up and leave your luggage in the car.
Temperatures are around freezing until the sun shows up. You really have to dress for the desert with a coat, mittens and a hat. We probably spent an hour walking and sliding on the dunes and taking a heck of a lot of pictures. In hindsight another night and day would be lovely just to revel in the beauty of the area.
Consider as an additional expense the payment of fuel and tolls. I recommend looking in detail at the accommodation options and prices, since as a general rule those that include a greater number of amenities or additional activities tend to cost a little more. I am also the founder of Black Kids Do Travel which is an organization created to bring about diversity in travel and bridge the gap. My goal is to inspire and encourage families to find a balance between parenting, educating their kids and traveling the world with kids.
The temptation for individuals living a nomadic existence to take your ‘abandoned’ gear is too high. While wild camping is permitted in Morocco, it is advisable to do so without trespassing and in areas outside of the main cities. When setting up camp in an isolated area, it is still likely that nomads, locals, or even police will come to say hello.
I was expecting quite a relaxing ride, but it was actually quite strenuous. My camel seemed to be in a mood, and I was lodged precariously in between two humps, squeezing my inner thighs for dear life. From Merzouga, depending on where you’re staying, you can either get a camel ride to your camp or pay extra for a 4×4 to drive you to the camp. If you choose the camel ride you won’t be able to bring your luggage.