My trip to the Sahara Desert in Morocco is one of my favorite memories. In this article, I’ll explain how I booked this trip and share my advice on why you should do it the same way. I’ll also recount my journey in Merzouga and how I spent my three days there, hoping it helps you plan your own adventure or simply inspires you to go.
Why is the Sahara Desert, specifically Merzouga, a must-visit destination for travelers? First of all, any traveler should have a camel trek, dune hiking, and starry night skies on their bucket list. Merzouga not only offers these iconic experiences but also allows visitors to immerse themselves in Berber culture. Additionally, it’s the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of cities like Marrakech due to the tranquility and peace of the desert.
- How I Booked the Trip
- Day 1: Visiting Ksar Aït Ben Haddou
- Day 2: My First Camel Ride
- Day 3: Watching the Sunrise on a Dune
- How to Prepare For this Adventure
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How I Booked the Trip
I booked my trip through my hostel in Marrakech, called Miostello Lifestyle Hostel Marrakech. I highly recommend booking through your hostel or hotel because they will take care of everything for you. We were gone for three days but could leave our backpacks at the hostel. A taxi was arranged to take us to the meeting point and back to the hostel at the end of the trip.
Most hostels and hotels offer options for trips to the Merzouga Sahara Desert. To be sure, you can always email the hostel or hotel to inquire about their options before booking your stay.
To know more about how to choose a great hostel, check out our article 10 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hostel.
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Day 1: Visiting Ksar Aït Ben Haddou
On the first day, I left my hostel at 6 a.m. Most of the day was spent on the road, as the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga takes about 8.5 to 9 hours. We traveled by bus with 10 other people and made frequent stops to take pictures of the stunning scenery.
One of our stops was at Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fortified village. We stayed for 2 hours, exploring this incredible location, which is famous for being a filming site for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The village has no electricity or running water, and the architecture is very fragile, so be careful and take your time to enjoy this unique place.
We spent our first night at Hotel Restaurant Kasbah de la Vallée, where dinner was included in the price.
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Day 2: My First Camel Ride
We had breakfast at the hotel at 7 a.m. and were back on the road by 8 a.m. We made another stop at Toudgha El Oulia. As you can see in the video, it’s a beautiful place to take a walk near the water and stretch before the final leg of the drive to Merzouga.
We arrived in Merzouga at 5 p.m., and 30 minutes later, we were all on our camels, ready to start our desert journey. The ride from the edge of the desert to our camp took about an hour. Riding a camel is more challenging than it looks, so pack light—you’ll need to carry your backpack during the ride. It felt strange at first because riding a camel isn’t as smooth as riding a horse. However, I had a fantastic time because it’s truly an amazing experience to explore a small portion of the Sahara Desert on the back of such a magnificent animal. As the sun sets, the temperature drops, so I recommend wearing long sleeves.
When you arrive at the camp, the organizers will ask you to choose between two options for the ride back: another camel ride or a jeep ride, which includes “sand surfing” at sunrise. The second option costs extra. My mother and I chose to ride back on camels, as we came to Merzouga specifically for this experience.
We shared a large tent with two other travelers. The camp provided a blanket and a pillow, but nights can be freezing, so bring warm clothes to ensure a good night’s sleep. Our tent had a shower and toilet, but they were not enclosed, so privacy was minimal. Let’s just say I skipped the shower that day! After settling in, we had dinner at 8 p.m., and I was pleased to find a vegetarian option. After a delicious authentic Moroccan meal, we spent the evening around a campfire with the other guests. Our camp had around fifty people, but this number can vary depending on the camp.
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Day 3: Watching the Sunrise on a Dune
Our day started early at 5 a.m. After breakfast, we left around 6 a.m. on the same route as the day before, stopping along the way to watch the sunrise. We climbed to the top of a dune and had an hour to take in the magical view.
Spoiler alert: Hiking to the top of a dune is very difficult. With each step forward, you might slide back two steps, but the view at the top is 100% worth it. It was quite cold, so bring a jacket or hoodie, but the breathtaking view makes up for it. Afterward, we got back on our camels and headed to the bus.
Our bus was waiting for us around 8 a.m. Once everyone was settled in, we started the journey back to Marrakech. We stopped once for lunch and arrived in Marrakech around 6 p.m.
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How to Prepare For this Adventure
Being well-prepared for this trip is crucial to ensuring you have a great time once you’re there. There are many things to keep in mind, which is why I wrote a list of general points to consider:
Safety Tips
- Stay hydrated.
- Protect yourself from the sun.
- Respect local customs.
- Dress in layers.
- Wear appropriate footwear.
- Be cautious of the desert environment.
- Communicate your itinerary.
What to Bring
- Backpack
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag
- Snacks
- Power bank
- Scarf or shawl
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toilet paper
- Microfiber towel
- Earplugs
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