Published on Mar, 2025
Day 1
Set off Marrakech at around 740am. Had a few stops. The mountain stop was particularly stunning as we were lucky enough to see the place covered with anow. When arrived to Ait Ben H, after greeting by a local your guide, we were brought to the top of the village. There are many stairs along the way so a nice pair of walking shoes will be useful. The trip ended when we were brought to a shop for scaf. Had lunch in a restaurant nearby.
After a few more stops, we arrived Maison Hotel. We had shared meals for dinner at around 8pm and followed by Beber music and dance.
Day 2
The breakfast started at 7am ( buffet style). We set off at around 8am.
We stop at Todgha Gorge for 1 hr. Do use the toilet near the entrance as there is no toilet available at the other end of the Gorge.
The last stop is for shopping water and snacks before Merzouga.
We arrived Merzouga hotel at around 4pm. After having mint tea and a short break to sort out the clothes, we started the camel ride. We were dropped to the middle of the journey to have free time to enjoy the desert and sunsets. After seeing the sunset (around 7pm), we continue the camel trip to the camp site.
It has been windy in the desert so scaf, sunglasses, suncream to cover the face and eyes will be useful.
The standard camp has a tent for meal and functions. There is a power point to charge the phone. Do ask the host for details. The shared toilet is basic but clean. No shower is available in the toilet. The dinner starts at around 8pm. After dinner, the host play the traditional Berber music with camp fire. It is a good time for star gazing under the clear sky. I'm amazed by the number of stars I can see. This is definitely the highlight for the trip. It is dark so a torch can be useful or just use mobile phone when walking in the desert at night. It can be cold and windy too.
Our tent has just a double bed mattress which placed on the floor and a light bulb. There are two thick blankets. The door can be shut from inside but there is no lock on the outside.
Day 3
We woke up around 6am to see the sunrise (around 640). We have to pack and bring all our bags before walking up to one of the dunes.
We took the camel back to the hotel at around 7am. We had our breakfast in the hotel. You can use the socket to charge the phone. Free wifi is available in the hotel. Shower is available.
We set off at around 830. After a few stops, we had our lunch in the restaurant. It is a buffet style. The food is reasonable.
Finally, we get dropped off to our choice of destination in Marrakech at around 7pm.
Additional comments
We received text to confirm the pick up time and place a day before the tour. The communication with WhatsApp with Ando is good.
The mini bus is comfortable. Front two seats with the driver are the best. You will not only enjoy the full scenery view but you get to chat with the driver.
Our driver Mohamed is number one.
He is a very kind and polite person. He made sure all the passengers are ok throughout the whole journey.
I am really pleased that there weren't many sales arrangements during the travel.
Overall the foods is above average considered a group tour with choices for vegetarian. The price is reasonable and sometimes the meals come with the drinks and some don't.
The room and the facilities in the desert camp is basic. I did not sleep well. It was cold and the mattress is not comfortable but I can live with just one night. This is part of the experience in desert.
I personally think that the camel ride is not comfortable and very bumpy. However no regrets to do it.
Although the journey from Marrakech to Merzouga is long, there are sufficient stops to break the journey up. All thanks to Mohamed, the number one driver.
Overall, we love the desert trip organised by Ando travel.
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