Private 4-Day Morocco Desert Tour

I would strongly advise against booking the 3-day Sahara Desert to Merzouga tour from Marrakech with Marrakesh Travel Services. The experience was poorly organised and did not match entirely what was advertised. At Ait Ben Haddou, an “optional” guide was imposed on the group, and we were asked to pay misleading extra fees. Ouarzazate was reduced to a quick photo stop, with no opportunity to visit the advertised film studios or Cinema Museum. The accommodation on the first night was far below the promised 3-star standard. Instead of Hotel Bougafer or a similar property with a swimming pool, we stayed at Dar Almadina, which lacked basic comfort and hygiene standards. There was no pool, electricity failed during the night, the bathroom door in our room was broken, and some guests became unwell after eating there. Communication throughout the tour was poor, particularly regarding the desert stay, and basic essentials were not properly explained in advance. Transport conditions also felt unsafe and uncomfortable, with excessive speeding, broken seat belts, faulty air conditioning, and minimal information provided by the driver. Lunch stops appeared controlled by the company, limiting choice, and requests to stop elsewhere for takeaway food were initially refused. Overall, the tour was disappointing due to misleading accommodation, lack of transparency, safety concerns, and poor management. If I were to visit Merzouga again, I would rent a car and travel independently instead.

It was so unforgettable and amazing southern of Morocco We really had great time at the desert with blue men and camel ride We spent beautiful night under the starts at merzouga desert

Fantastic family trip seeing so much of Morocco. Firstly, our driver, Mohamad Ben Haddou, was outstanding. The driving was safe and calm at all times. Minimal use of his mobile whilst driving. He shared his own experiences to give us insights about the places we were visiting and life in Morocco. He was understanding of our needs, including when the children needed unexpected stops! He took us to some different lunch places, pizza one day, a much more local roadside BBQ location another as well as water melons by the road. The driving was so smooth that we finished several books on the journey, despite some very twisty roads! As our tour came to an end we were all sad to say goodbye to Mohamad who had become part of our family experience. The vehicle was comfortable despite the many km’s covered. The AC worked well, which was very important as the temperature outside topped 43oC in the desert! For the itinerary, Fatimazahra in the office at Marrakesh Travel Services, helped us build our bespoke tour with airport pick up. She was very quick and thorough in response to our questions and enquiries. We added a hot air balloon sunrise trip from Marrakesh on day one, then a 5 day trip to Merzouga with a camel ride & night under canvas in the desert. This was amazing and a real highlight. The tents were well equipped and the whole experience something very special. (However camels are still not comfortable to ride not matter how spectacular the scenery!) Along the way visits to: Ait Benhaddou Kasbah; Todra gorges; and, Dades gorges. Finally a private transfer to Essaouira. The hotels were decent. Only alcohol served at Hotel Bougafer in Tinghir. Riad Bouche D’Or was a bit outside the centre of Ouarzazate, but Mohamad gave us a lift in to our choice of restaurant for dinner. The only grumble was visiting the Berber headscarf shop en route to the desert which was well overpriced. So an amazing family holiday and loads of great photos & memories.

Fantastic, awesome, service outstanding! We organised this tour from Australia and loved our driver, hotels and the staff at head office. We were travelling with two children so had decided to take our time travelling across from Marrakech to the Sahara desert camp. Our driver took us to lovely local eateries and gave us plenty of opportunity to stop and take photos. He went over and above to ensure that our holiday was enjoyable. We had hoped to do a day trip to the snow but due to a lack of snow at that time we requested to change our day excursion to a cooking class in Marrakech. This change was done quickly and efficiently and we thoroughly enjoyed our day cooking in one of the local riads. I am a travel agent based in Australia and I would have no hesitation in recommending this company to anyone who is wanting to plan their own independent itinerary. Thanks again. Tina & Matt Johnson