From Marrakech: 2-Day Desert Excursion – How to Plan Your Adventure

If you’re searching for an exciting and exotic vacation, consider a 2-day desert excursion from Marrakech. In this tour, you’ll travel through the stunning valleys of the Atlas Mountains to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate; stay overnight in a traditional Berber tent; take a camel ride as you watch the sunset over the dunes; and explore the Draa valley, home to 11 million palm trees. Here’s how to plan your adventure:

Step 1: Choose Your Tour Operator

The first step in planning your desert excursion is to choose a reputable tour operator that offers the trip. One recommended operator is GetYourGuide, which provides transportation from Marrakech, hotel pickup and drop-off (if private option chosen), driver, one night in a desert camp, dinner, breakfast, and camel trekking (one camel per person).

Step 2: Book Your Tour

Once you’ve chosen your tour operator, it’s time to book your tour. Click on this link to book the tour today: book the tour here

Step 3: Plan Your Trip Itinerary

With the tour booked, it’s time to plan your trip itinerary. Here are some of the places you’ll visit on your tour:

Day 1

• Travel through the stunning valleys of the Atlas Mountains
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of great cultural significance historically in Morocco.
• Enjoy unique insight into local history and culture from your guide
• Visit the kasbah of Taourirt
• Stay overnight in a traditional Berber tent and dine with the families there

Day 2

• Take a camel trek through the Sahara Desert as you watch the sunrise or sunset
• Explore the Draa valley and see the 11 million palm trees planted there
• Stop by in Ouarzazate
• Return to Marrakech via the scenic road through Tichka Pass

Step 4: Prepare for Your Trip

Before you depart for your 2-day desert excursion, be sure to pack accordingly with plenty of sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing suitable for desert and mountain environments. Also, check the weather forecast before you leave.

Step 5: Embark on Your Adventure

With all the preparation done, it’s time to embark on your 2-day desert excursion from Marrakech. Enjoy the stunning views, learn about local history and culture, sleep under the stars, and experience a true adventure in the Sahara Desert.

Conclusion

A 2-day desert excursion from Marrakech is a truly unique and exciting adventure. With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the highlights while exploring the beautiful Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. So why wait? Book your tour today via GetYourGuide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Insider’s Guide to Marrakech: Local Attractions, Dining Spots, Cultural Experiences and More

Marrakech is a city that is basically paradise on earth, nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, brimming with culture, a stunning fusion of old and new. The city is also a great base from which visitors can explore the nearby desert and mountains. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take a look at some of the must-visit tourist attractions and take a look at some of the off-the-beaten-path suggestions that would give you an exclusive Marrakech souvenir experience.

Local Attractions

One of the top attractions in Marrakech is the Medina, which is also recognized as the old town. It’s rich in history, with winding alleys concealing authentic Moroccan artworks, souks buzzing, the smell of spices, and numerous stalls selling colorful rugs, hand-woven baskets, tin lamps, and authentic Moroccan jewelry.

The Bahia Palace should also be on your must-visit list, a former residence of a wealthy Moroccan sultan, with lush gardens and intricate architecture, reflecting traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. The Palace is located within walking distance of the Medina and is believed to be commissioned for the Sultan’s favorite wife.

The Saadian Tombs is another must-visit destination and popular with history enthusiasts. It was discovered in 1917 and contains the remains of the Saadi Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour. The tombs are quite elegant, built with colorful mosaic tiles, and showcase intricate carvings.

Dining Spots

When it comes to dining, Marrakech is famous for its traditional Moroccan cuisine, with its melting pot history as an African, Arabian and Mediterranean. Moroccan cuisine is filled with vibrant flavors, from the freshly baked bread to the tagines or couscous, a staple that is served with different stews like the famous chicken tagine, lamb tagine, or a vegetable alternative.

Dining at Café des épices is also a must. Located at the heart of the Medina, perched on one of the rooftop terraces, diners overlook Marrakech’s Medina, enjoying a tea ceremony with a Moroccan Mint Tea or a special drink, served with their signature pastries, such as Briouats filled with beef, almond, or spinach.

Cultural Experiences

Looking to experience Marrakech’s culture? There’s no better activity than taking a cooking class, where you can learn how to make traditional Moroccan dishes, starting from the way the ingredients are chosen to the use of unique spices. The classes are taught by local chefs, who share their family recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Another cultural experience is checking out the local Hammam. It’s a traditional way of bathing in Morocco and an ancient practice that many have been using for centuries. It involves a steam bath, followed by a body scrub and massage by a Hammam expert, where the focus is on exfoliating the skin.

Local History

Marrakech has a string of interesting and exciting museums where visitors can learn about the city’s history, such as the Marrakech Museum, belonging to the Dar Menebhi Palace, or the Berber Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the nation’s identity and culture.

Another place of historical importance worth visiting is the Koutoubia Mosque, located in the heart of the Medina. The mosque was built at the end of the 12th century and represents a noteworthy piece of art, designed with cedar wood and decorated with different local materials, including the Medina’s Ochre-colored clay.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something less touristy and more exclusive, consider a hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains. Marrakech’s hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to see the desert, with a chance to experience magical sunsets or sunrise and to explore the secret corners of Morocco’s outback.

Another unique experience is visiting the Ourika Valley, nestled in the Atlas Mountains’ midst. Visitors can take a bike ride or hike through the mountains and enjoy lunch at local Berber villages, where they get a chance to learn more about Moroccan lifestyle and traditions.

Conclusion

Marrakech, with all of its rich history, culture, dining spots, and local attractions, is a place that every traveler must visit. From the Medina to the local markets, hammams, and the Berber Museum, visitors can appreciate the city on different levels. So, pack your bags, book your trip and get ready to experience Morocco’s most vibrant and welcoming city.