The TRUTH about the 3 Day Tour from MARRAKECH to the SAHARA DESERT (Merzouga) - IS IT WORTH IT?

Are you thinking of taking the 3 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara Desert? If so, you've found the right video!
In this video I'll take you along and show you in detail what the tour is like. I'll show the truth, the good and the bad. The driving, the sights along the way, the food, the accommodation, the timings, the costs. Everything.
It’s a popular tour for anyone visiting Morocco, and it’s the real thing right to the edge of the Sahara proper, rather than the one day tours. Before I went I couldn’t find that much information online prior to going. There was no real detail about exactly what you see, where you stay and what you eat. Also, what you get for paying a little extra for the luxury option.
This is the video I wish I had been able to watch before going.
We’ll go from Marrakech and up into the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass - The highest pass through the mountains. From there we come out the other side of the mountains and visit and amazing ancient town of Ait Ben Hadou, where many movies have been filmed. We’ll stop at the Rose valley and the Dadès Gorges before going to the hotel for the night.
On day 2, we’ll visit Tinghir and the Todgha Gorge before getting to Merzouga and riding a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes to the camp for the night.
The final day is the long journey back to Marrakech. On this day I’ll give you my full summary of the tour - the good, the bad, advice and tips.
Here's a full breakdown of what the tour involved, allowing you to go straight to any part you're interested in. Be sure to watch to the end so that you can hear my summary and useful tips!
This was filmed on 24, 25, 26 May.
I stayed at Riad Al Amine and arranged the tour through the riad. I do not have a name of the tour company.
DAY 1:
00:32 - 7:30AM - Left riad in Marrackech medina
01:19 - 8:00AM - Left Marrakech - Drive 1 hour 30 mins
01:28 - 9:30AM - First stop - Café Restaurant Tagudalt (15 mins) - Drive 1 hour
03:15 - 10:30AM - Tizi n'Tichka Pass (Atlas Mountains) (15 mins) - Drive 1 hour 30 mins
04:18 - 12:15PM - Ait Ben Hadou (2 hours - Old city tour then lunch at Hotel Restaurant L'oasis D'or) - Drive 3 hours 15 mins
10:21 - 5:30PM - Rose valley - Cafe Restaurant Al Manadir (15 mins) - Drive 45 mins
11:13 - 6:30PM - Dadès Gorges (15 mins) - Drive 15 mins
11:47 - 7:00PM - Luxury Riad Dadès (Day 1 Hotel) - See the luxury hotel option and included dinner
DAY 2:
14:44 - 8:00AM - Pick up from the hotel - Drive 1 hour 45 mins
15:01 - 9:45AM - Service station / coffee break (15 mins) - Drive 15 mins
16:15 - 10:15AM - Tinghir tour (1 hour 50 mins) - Drive 15 mins
18:06 - 12:20PM - Todgha Gorge (25 mins) - Drive 1 hour
19:40 - 1:45PM - Lunch at Restaurant & Cafe Reda (1 hour 25 mins) - Drive 1 hour 40 mins
21:41 - 4:50PM - Final stop (10 mins) - Drive 45 mins
22:18 - 5:45PM - Arrive at Merzouga and wait for the sun to get lower
24:24 - 6:15PM - Camel ride to Erg Chebbi camp
25:20 - 7:15PM - Arrive at Erg Chebbi camp - See the luxury camp, food and Berber drumming around the fire
DAY 3:
27:47 - 7:00AM - Breakfast at Erg Chebbi camp
29:00 - 7:30AM - Leave Erg Chebbi camp in pick up
29:20 - 8:55AM - Leave Merzouga in mini bus - Drive 35 mins
29:35 - 9:30AM - Break - Touroug Cafe (25 mins) - Drive 2 hours 35 mins
** 30:01 - My summary of the tour - The good, the bad, advice and tips **
36:41 - 12:30PM - Lunch at Cafe Restauran Panorama (I went over the road instead as reviews were so bad!) (1 hour) - Drive 3 hours 30 mins
39:10 - 4:00PM - Break - Cafe Resto Targa (15 mins) - Drive 2 hours 45 mins
39:45 - 7:00PM - Arrive back at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Marrakech
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[@romlein]

No BS. No sensationalism. This is perfect. Thank you for your genuine thoughts!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@limebarbie]

@@ChrisKermiswhat time of year did you take this trip?

[@ChrisKermis]

Mid May

[@stj53]

A night in the Sahara, under the stars, hearing the wind blow past your tent, and then delicious breakfast in the morning is one of life's great experiences. I've done it twice and hope, Inshallah, to do it with my grandson in a few years. Also, I do this experience on a southern loop from Fez, to the desert, and back around to Marrakech. There are wonderful places to stay the nights before and after the desert, and you're seeing new ground and places instead of backtracking.

[@ChrisKermis]

It is special, I hope you do manage to return with your grandson

[@ooregon100]

I am traveling to Morocco next month, last 2 weeks of January. Would you please recommend me an agency for a trip to Sahara desert. I will be in Marrakech. Thank you in advance

[@yamileroumie4909]

Hello! I am from Argentina. I m looking for an excursion to the desert but leaving from Fes and arriving in Marrakech but I can't find a trustworthy agency. I travel alone and would like to be able to join a group. If you have information I would appreciate it. Thank you! Yamile

[@stj53]

@@ooregon100 I've used ExperienceIt Tours. Based in Fez and totally reliable.

[@stj53]

@@yamileroumie4909 I've used ExperienceIt Tours - based in Fez - for 5 trips.

[@Boug0014]

I’m Moroccan living in the US and I have done a tour driving from Casa to Merzouga then ouarzazat then Marrakech then back to Casablanca. I did the full trip in 5/6 days. I think seeing the other side of the Atlas mountain is worth it and I think it’s the best part of Morocco. The roads are excellent with really good cellular coverage. Food in Morocco outside of large cities and especially along the roads in villages could be hit and miss but I don’t think $10 at a restaurant is abnormal (knowing that a sandwich in Marrakech or Casablanca could cost you between $4 to $6). But for people worrying about it, get some sandwiches with you from Marrakech to eat for lunch. The trip you did is indeed long for 3 days. That’s 560km one way with stops probably most of the day you would be driving. I think that region is so beautiful with some spectacular landscapes (especially the spring with snow on the mountains as a background) to rush through it in 3 days. I do not believe it’s a desert trap but the area is famous along tourists and if you showed up in the high season, you will encounter many tourists as the country does host close to 10 million tourists a year. Advise for some of your viewers: The desert is warm during the day but also could be very cold at night (especially during fall, winter and spring). I would not advise doing this trip in the summer as these areas could be extremely hot.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks for the additional info, 5/6 days seems like a nice more relaxed way to do it if not on the 3 day tour.

[@andrew_owens7680]

We skipped Marrakech this time, but I recommend flying to Ouarzazate to save yourself a 14 hour drive back and forth. When you return to Casa, Marrakech is only a two hour train ride.

[@user-ob4cc1jl5h]

​@@ChrisKermisalso if you're a Cheapskate you shouldn't travel!

[@ChrisKermis]

@user-ob4cc1jl5h If you like bad food just because it’s cheap you should eat at McDonald’s 😂

[@georgemirowski7921]

So much money you say and being ripped off for around £10 for an extensive salad and chicken tagine...really? You might consider the distance a food supplier has to deliver his wares to this location and the associated costs. People still think Morocco is immune to rising world wide costs. Making a fortune??? well this may come as a shock to you but a business relies on making a profit to survive and Morocco's travel industry is seasonal.

[@ChrisKermis]

Simply comparing to other restaurants in the same area that don't have a deal with tour companies but offer better food...

[@megametification]

Flying to morocco tomorrow and visiting merzouga around next week, really hyped about it. Happy to have found a realistic blog about the tour with some actual advice, thanks for that!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, glad it was useful for you!

[@madmags3292]

Going to Morocco 🇲🇦 in August 2024 ( family of 4 ) We watch all your videos! Thank you 😊

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you enjoyed them. Hope you have a great trip to Morocco with your family!

[@khalidhakeem4621]

I was planning to do something like that in Morocco and I found this video very helpful. Chris gave a very detailed information about everything a new tourist may need about this tour. Thank you Chris.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, Khalid. Glad it was useful!

[@emperorrulereu600]

At least go once

[@emperorrulereu600]

Check it out

[@emperorrulereu600]

Don't trust no word'go see by your own eyes

[@hreal8953]

Am from there stay at home go Turkey 80% cheaper

[@onlygroovefans]

Thanks for sharing Chris. Will certainly be considering the luxury option as well. Your video is extremely insightful and appreciate your honesty

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@foodandfashionmag]

This is literally the best video i ve ever watched. clear , totally helpful. Thanks billlionsss

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, I'm glad it helped!

[@eradavid]

Great fun traveling and meeting Chris. Thank you for making the video and reminding me of part of my trip.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you enjoyed it! I really hope it helps some people out as well before they take the trip.

[@monizdm]

Less than a month ago I did the camel trek (each way, about an hour each) and overnight in the tent camp. As it was part of a larger, comprehensive tour of the country it felt more integrated with the overall country experience. It was well worth it.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you enjoyed it! 3 days was enough for me, I was very happy to be independent again after that

[@pedrocostabarros2537]

hi monizdm, could you kinldy provide the tour company you traveled with? much appreciated! cheers ;)

[@wesleyphish5765]

Hello @monizdm did you book through a tour company? If yes, what's the name? Thanks

[@mimikiwi000]

Chris oh wow you look good in sahrawi style 😊 i really like you❤ im moroccan from italy

[@andrew_owens7680]

I skipped the camel back and was able to make an extra stop on the way back through Draa Valley.

[@lussssy]

Thank you for your video Chris, thanks to you I have chosen this excursion and the same luxury option, it was a really nice trip !

[@ChrisKermis]

Good stuff! I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@TwoFourCharlie007]

What a fantastic video, we’re off there on our motorbikes april 2024, thanks for a super informative insight

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad it helped!

[@tomasbitocchi8417]

Hello Chris I love your style! We're going to Morocco on february and we are using your videos as a guide, greetings from Argentina!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, I’m glad to hear you like them!

[@Riskadewit]

thank you for this, we are going on a trip to marrakech soon, and your tips and insight are very helpfull!

[@ChrisKermis]

Good stuff, enjoy your trip!

[@Princeofpersia0086]

Thanks Chris, I love your channel, enjoy watching your videos .

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@andreadrever1073]

SO incredibly helpful, thank you!!!!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad it helped you!

[@user-sc8gx9se5c]

Welcome to Morocco and to desert

[@renstheunissen8269]

Enjoyable video! And refreshing that it's honest instead of going overboard on the positivity like a lot of travel videos do.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you! I certainly hope to show the truth in my videos rather than Instagram perfection. With this one I just made the video that I wish I could have watched before doing the trip.

[@bellaferman]

Brilliant video! Really appreciate your honesty. Peace!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad it was useful!

[@mohdmukhlis1701]

Thank you for uploading this informative video.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@nicolaslemay]

Thank you for your video, it really help us planning our trip. Our tour was a bit different, but very similar at the end.

[@ChrisKermis]

Great to hear, glad it was useful!

[@vittoriodivittorio]

Thanks, really a big thanks for this video, very interesting, very real. I'll do this trip perhaps next summer, and I appreciate to have a clear idea about it.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, glad it helped!

[@laczobalazs847]

What a useful video! Thank you!

[@MikelMovies]

Great video!! Like you said, there is not an abundance of information about this desert trip online and I will be undertaking it in November (albeit with a rental car) so I am happy to find a recent video not long before I leave myself and to see see it's worth the long distance.

[@ChrisKermis]

Definitely worth the effort and the stop offs, but if you see a load of white minibuses at a restaurant, avoid!

[@tenbear5]

Great review! Thanks 👋

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, hope it was helpful!

[@enzome9667]

Thanks Chris a very informative video

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad it was useful!

[@yohahn2000]

Thanks Chris for your video!

[@nichol54]

I learnt a lot from your own experience throughout this journey...thank you for sharing the bad and the good feelings.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad it was useful!

[@chipm2544]

Hi Chris, thank you for your candid information in your excellent video. I’m going to Marrakech next month. Your information helps greatly. Looks like you had a good & insightful trip. As you say, always save some room for patience, it’s hard.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad it was useful!

[@TT-jw1dp]

Thank you for posted this video

[@ChrisKermis]

You're welcome

[@YawmiyateFarah7]

I love this place, thank you for sharing

[@JT-qr8lt]

Interesting. I just came back from Marrakesh, staying in a beautiful riad all by myself, exploring Marrakesh. I don’t think I missed a great deal without taking such a trip, but thank you for the video so we can appreciate what to expect on such a trip.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks for watching, hope you had a great time in Morocco!

[@EMvanLoon]

Thanks for your in depth review! We are going next month "on our own", so great to see the roads and spots in advance!

[@ChrisKermis]

Doing it without a tour will certainly be better. Enjoy your trip!

[@soffee222]

Very accurate feedback in this video. Great review

[@orozcoaj69]

I agree. It sounds like my exact experience except I had a private guide 😕

[@matthewmorris7510]

Nice video Chris, it's a beautiful country Morocco, probably the most different place you can visit that is closest to home.

[@ChrisKermis]

Absolutely, I think that's why it sees so many tourists. The downside of that is that may tourists equals more hastle. Still, well worth visiting finally!

[@nickoutram6939]

I recently went to Morocco and hired a car at the airport for the duration of my stay [5 weeks]. Although it was a smaller Fiat 500 I had much fun taking it through the Atlas Mountains and often on dirt track roads and some roads still being constructed. Many times I didn't see another car or person for an hour at a time so some level of mental preparedness for these 'solo' adventures is required, staying at Riads and your back with real people again (4G mini-router helps keep you connected in the wilderness, buy the data-SIM in the airport arrival hall.) It was a great and relatively cheap way to see this amazing country and I had total freedom to stop and eat wherever I wanted.

[@ChrisKermis]

Sounds like a great fun way of doing it to me. On my trip I did want to do the major cities as well so public transport worked well for that. The trains are really good in Morocco between the cities.

[@nickoutram6939]

@@ChrisKermis I'm more of a Mountain person than a City person despite living in London (or perhaps because of it.)

[@hannaj.6961]

That's awesome! I'm thinking to rent a car too for a trip in May, would be going from Ouarzazate to Merzouga... What are the roads like? Is petrol/diesel cheap? I'm most worried about keeping the car in perfect condition to return it without risking insurance claim, I know in Europe they can be really petty about tiniest scratches, no idea what they're like in Morocco?

[@user-wi9tx9pt1u]

Thank you for such a great video..

[@abdelhadielmoustahli9801]

❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 thumps up Mr. Chris, realy appreciated such Great vido tank you so mcuh.

[@PG.1063]

I think for €12 a 3 course meal in the middle of nowhere is a deal no matter how you look at it. It is pretty annoying to see tourists that make 25 times the average salary of a Moroccan complain about the price of a tour meal. Other than that comment pretty informative video and great captures. Straight to the point.

[@rafaellapolley6985]

I couldn’t agree more with you!

[@blackbelt2003]

I was thinking the same. 12 euro gets you a crappy McDonald's in most European countries.

[@ChrisKermis]

The point was never that it was too expensive, the point is the quality is not good. For the same money you can find way better. A restaurant should not compromise quality just because they have a captive audience. I'm just seeking to give an honest and authentic view and I glad you enjoyed the video overall.

[@ramys.4313]

With 12 bucks you look for daily specials junk at McDonald's here in California.

[@souadabdulsalam1957]

@@ChrisKermis Finally someone told you what i wanted to tell you since you came to Morocco.stop complaining 😂😂😂😂😂

[@khadijabelgaid278]

Thank you for all the infos. Making this trip in June with my daughter

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad it helped and I hope you have a great trip!

[@leeturton9254]

Cheers my fellow Englishman... excellent informative video showing everything 👌... planning on going to morrocco in September... just trying to make my mind up Agadir for the sea or Marrakech for the experience and the trip to the desert something I've always wanted to see 🙏

[@ChrisKermis]

Hey it all depends on how long you have. I would say don't spend too much time in Marrakech. The medina is an experience and well worth seeing, but I soon got fed up with it. Then you've got the Majorelle Garden which is a must outside of the old city and not to be missed IMO. 3 days was plenty for me though. I actually shot a bunch of footage there and intended to make a video but I wasn't happy with it so never released it. I'm super keen to visit Agadir myself and will do so on my next trip. Enjoy your trip and by all means get in touch via the usual socials if you need any tips.

[@matthewmorris7510]

Nice video Chris, you are getting better at this.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, glad to hear! Now if only KZbin would offer it up to a few people so that more could watch it.

[@matthewmorris7510]

@@ChrisKermis I guess it takes a while to build up an audience. Have you ever seen the Finnish lads who did Madventures? That was really different, although quite extreme. Why not do some videos on places to drink great beers in Netherlands and Belgium...you know it really well and lots of people visit the Netherlands & Belgium

[@ChrisKermis]

@@matthewmorris7510 Yeah it's tough to build, there was some really good growth then it slowed to a crawl when my content shifted away from Iraqi Kurdistan. I don't think I've seen the Finnish lads though I wathc a fair few other channels. Your not the first to suggest I do something about beer, but my heart wouldn't be in it. I've completely lost interest in the beer scene nowadays.

[@shonawilliams5262]

Thanks for the honest review

[@liesmies3492]

Mister Kermis, it was an absolute delight to discover your channel. Yours insights are always no nonsense, very down to earth, very thoroughly and highly entertaining. It has been a pleasure, please keep doing what you do x

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you 🙏🏽 Glad you like what I’m doing

[@liesmies3492]

@@ChrisKermis Can i go with you next time ? xD A shame the one in Tangier was so short, but that was an awesome one!! Culturally very highly rated! Never knew he wrote Naked Lunch there. ! Instant classics! Be waiting when you make a mor eprofound vlog about Tangier!

[@ChrisKermis]

😆 I was surprised the Tangier one didn’t get more views to be honest, I thought it was quite a good one!

[@fluffyfur]

I am very happy to watch this video before I go to Morocco. Thanks!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, glad it helped!

[@alannaedwards8586]

Thanks for this! Doing one of these tours on the 27th and this was a great overview. As a solo traveller I have no desire to pay the premium for a private tour or drive on my own, so this seems to be the way to go!

[@ChrisKermis]

Absolutely, it’s well worth it overall!

[@teranceniles4784]

Did you try it? I will be traveling solo in morroco and i wonder if its worth it.

[@drinkxbert]

Great info Chris.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks!

[@marie-evelafond25]

Thanks for your video, I’m so happy we rented a car and will be in control of our itinerary

[@TimCullis]

Excellent video, Chris, with some great insights into these tours. It helped that you had a degree of awareness about the kickbacks earned by the tour companies for bringing their customers to the various sales outlets. And of course they get kickbacks from the restaurants as well so you did well to eat solo on the way back. Once you get over the Atlas mountain ranges, the whole massive area to the south and east is semi-arid desert which the Moroccans refer to as 'sahara' as that's Arabic for desert/wilderness. But it's not 'The Great Sahara Desert' which is hundreds of kilometres to the south. Much of this Moroccan desert area is 'hamada' which is a stony/beaten earth surface, a few bits are 'ergs' which are sand seas, but geographically they are all part of the same semi-arid region. Some people think only Erg Chebbi (measuring 16 miles by 5 miles) is desert, but no, that's just a sand dune within the same climatic region. Anyway, great video which I will point people to.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, appreciate the additional info too. Some day I must make it to the Sahara proper, though overall I'm glad I took this trip to the edge of Morocco.

[@zuzman]

True very beautiful video. I love so much Morocco. I myself Come back from a road trip there. You Can even see the first vidéo of thé trip on m'y channel : Au Sud De Nulle Part (Cheffe Chaouen) subtiles available

[@georgericketts-hf4eu]

Tim Cullis is correct when he talks about the kickbacks. It is well known that bazars and other tourist facilities have to 'take care' of the guides, etc, if they want tourists to visit their establishments. That said, it also happens in other countries. Another thing to point out is that, due to the excessive heat during the summer, the main foreign tourist season is between October and May, which means months of unemployment and a lack of income for folks employed in the remoter areas south of the High Atlas Mountains, including the desert regions. Enjoyed the video - Lots of correct info.

[@kristis3410]

I beg to differ regarding a few points. I've been to Morocco three times, almost always in the area east of the High Atlas, and mostly in Merzouga. The many Moroccans I met didn't call everything past the mountains "desert." Maybe Arabs call it "sahra" as a description for both arid and semi-arid. The eastern edge of Morocco where Merzouga is (and many miles to the north and south) is true desert, and since that desert is contiguous with the rest of the Sahara, there's no point in saying it's not the Sahara. The Sahara isn't just sand dunes. To be considered arid (desert), an area must have less than 10" of precipitation a year, on average. Merzouga's average is 3.2". (Ouarzazate is also desert, by the way.)

[@alexmamae6977]

@@ChrisKermis thank you if you could share where did you book your tour to the Desert

[@lupitabutler6890]

I love the old town where you see the houses like claves on the Mountain and the dry river, and we didn't stay the night at the desert, but spend 2 hrs admiring the sunset and the views, spectacular.

[@ianhutchinson3635]

Hi Chris, great video, thank you. Just wondering what camera you use for your KZbin clips ?

[@ChrisKermis]

This video was shot with a GoPro Hero 10. With media mod and shotgun mic. Nowadays I have more kit than just that but the GoPro still does most of the camera work

[@adecurtis5658]

Thank you for struggles and highlighting a few of the traps... The camel i rode was on a beach in Agadir... The ride was much smoother then a horse.

[@KimmyWood]

I did that over 30 years ago. It was great and the owner was called Michael and he introduced his camel. Also called Michael

[@paulhumphries3795]

Very good and honest review.. no sugar coating ❤

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, that’s what I wanted to do

[@ishxd8052]

Hi Chris hope you're well, lovely video; I wanted to know if you had guidance on clothing and/or specifically footwear for the desert?

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you! Assuming you’re just going on a tour like I did, it’s not proper desert, it’s just what could be described as an edge. I went around in trainer style shoes, but then barefoot around the camp. With caution though, its not common at all but there could be nasties around like scorpions.

[@ishxd8052]

@@ChrisKermis That's brilliant and yes the exact same tour; thank you for the prompt response. Did you find the trainers to be okay? Any issue with sand or general abrasion?

[@sonyfxi]

Hi Chris, in retrospect if you had to do this trip over again would you have booked this 3-day tour -or- used a car rental to venture at your own pace? Thanks for the video!

[@ChrisKermis]

Sorry for the slow reply, internet was blocked in Iran where I just was. If I was solo I would certainly have booked this tour again. If I was with others I would probably use a car rental (split the driving, have company etc).

[@customer7903]

Very good and honest videos, we spent a month driving our own car around Morocco and totally agree it is far better going to non tourist stop off “restaurants” they are a rip off and are not what “true” Morocco and Moroccans are. Our stay for one month was so good we are going back again next year.👍. The people are lovely, friendly and have a great sense of humour, the food is excellent and the scenery is outstanding. Having been to many of the cities we found that even if you do have some men approaching to act as guides if you say no they say OK and walk away. Same for the stall holders they will try to get you to go into their shops etc if you say no they say OK so all in all we felt very safe even in medinas where we spent most of our time in back alleys we had absolutely no problems.

[@ChrisKermis]

That's a wonderful for way to do it if you have the time! I only had 2 weeks there so doing this tour made sense for me. Also solo so didn't want to just drive myself. What you say about dealing with the unwanted attention is certainly the way, just be clear and always look like you're not freshly off the plane!

[@customer7903]

I agree, being polite is always the best way as while we would say “no” we always said in Arabic “thank you” and always with a smile as they always greet you politely and with a smile - lovely people.

[@sheislittlewonderer]

Do you think it’s oki to drive through the desert to Mezouga by our car? Do we need 4x4?

[@ChrisKermis]

@@sheislittlewonderer Mezouga is the point where the road runs out pretty much. Getting too Mezouga is fine

[@12nakedtruth]

Hi there, can you please share the information of the guest house you stayed at or if you have any recommendations where to stay? TiA

[@zimk5555]

Thanks. Very useful information. Which was the month this video was recorded?

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad to help. This was taken in late May 2022

[@ull474]

Thank you for your honest review.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad it helped!

[@jmmarimon]

Great video Chris! Love your humor Can you share the tour company you did it with? Thanks!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the vid! I can’t really say what company it was, I never contacted them directly. Basically I just made a deal with my riad In Marrakech (a lot cheaper than doing it online in advance)

[@jmmarimon]

@@ChrisKermis thanks a lot Chris!

[@fildzahamaliaaziz]

Hi Crish, thank you for the video and the explanation. I'm planning to visit Marrakesh this May and interested to join the tour, but I couldn't find any detail about the tour you are using. I try to read the description and find the pinned comment but i could find any. Could you give me any more detail if you have please? Thanks

[@matthewotite]

I plan to travel to Marrakech for a holiday this year, and a night in the Sahara will be on my list to do. looks amazing

[@nosas66]

Great video review.

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you!

[@stephengibson7709]

Great video. Well done. Thank you. Just curious. What camera did you use and what video editing software did you use? Thanks. Steve in Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you! I use a GoPro Hero 10 with media mod & shotgun mic. I've come on a bit since making this video but still rely heavily on the GoPro. For editing, DaVinci Resolve.

[@TheBrainBoostNetwork]

Love your video Chris, i was wondering how did you book your 3 days trip?

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, I just booked it with the riad where I was staying in Marrakech. I think you get a better deal than doing it online in advance. Check the pinned comment for a bit more info

[@stevetibbs7032]

Thanks for the advice, I live in Fuerteventura, there’s talk of starting a new ferry to Morocco from Fuerteventura soon, I look forward to taking a trip to Morocco, probably in my van 🚐

[@moniqueleger7479]

Hey Chris, great video. We are looking to book a tour in November. Can you tell me which tour company you used as well as the name of your Riad in Marrakech. Thanks.

[@ChrisKermis]

Sorry for the slow reply, internet was blocked in Iran where I just was. I stayed at Riad Al Amine which I was very happy with, though a little hard to find. Beware of some in the medina who will help you find where you're going only to aggressively charge you for helping. I don't know the tour company, the riad arranged it.

[@souadabdulsalam1957]

@@ChrisKermis you are the most sad youtuber i have ever seen since i follow people coming to Morocco and omg you don't stop complaining pfffft

[@eddiezhang7152]

Thanks for sharing this Chris. Just one question - do you recall if the hotel in Merzouga has good wifi connection and speed?

[@ChrisKermis]

I do remember the first hotel had pretty bad wifi. I could not connect at all from my room and had to sit outside by the reception.

[@beautylife310]

Very informative and helpful, many thanks for sharing! I am planning to join this tour, just a question, since you stay 2 nights on the road, did you check out the previous hotel? I assume the hotel have storage to keep your suitcase for 2 days? Thank you.

[@ChrisKermis]

I checked out. I travel light anyway so didn’t have a suitcase

[@beautylife310]

@@ChrisKermis Thanks for sharing!

[@MartinGrigorovv]

Great video! Can I ask you which month you were there? Thanks in advance!!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks! This was in May

[@davidmclachlan6592]

A very interesting video, I'm going to morocco in November /December, what is the weather like at this time of the year, do they still run the Sahara desert trip?

[@bearhapps3245]

Hey great video! :) In which month you visited marocco? Thinking about July, but I am not sure if it is way to hot?

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, I visited in mid to late May myself. The hottest place was actually Marrakech, not the desert!

[@goofygirl6270]

Hi Chris, thank you for the great video. Please could you tell me if I can bring my small trolley luggage with me to this tour or does it have to be rucksack? Also I want to know if there is wifi in the hotel? Thanks.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad it was useful! A small trolly luggage is absolutely no problem. It will go in the back of the minibus, and in the 4x4 when you take the camel. Wifi is not so reliable, in my first hotel I could only access it in the shared area. In the camp it worked somewhat around the main area but not outside on the dunes.

[@goofygirl6270]

@@ChrisKermis thanks for your reply Chris, sorry another question: I already booked my Marrakech to Merzouga 3 days tour but I couldn't find the one where you can pick for a better accommodation like your one! Do you request on the day of the tour and pay the differences to have it upgrade? Thank you again, much appreciates for your reply.

[@ChrisKermis]

I requested it when negotiating the booking. No idea if you can change on the day, good luck!

[@shellyxu7709]

Hi Chirs, thanks for your video. I've been to Marrakech, can I go to another part of Morocco to Sahara as I don't want to spend too much time on the road. Any idea?

[@ChrisKermis]

I know some do it from Fez but I can't imagine that's much faster

[@rogerchoi1170]

Great job for my visit in June.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad it’s useful, enjoy your trip!

[@user-vb7gq1pc1r]

Are there links for the tour agencies/guides your booked? Would love recommendations. Ty.

[@Perseveranze]

thanks for the informative video - may I ask if you had the option to, would you have stayed in the desert for another day (so 2 nights in the desert instead of 1)? Just trying to think if it's worth doing 1 or 2 nights

[@ChrisKermis]

One night was certainly enough for me, I think there would be nothing to do staying longer. Unless you find some different tour that goes deeper into the desert than the camps on the edge, but I don’t know if that exists.

[@xymzk]

I did 4 days with one night in the dunes in the lux camp and another night with a very short walk to the dunes at a hotel (Kasbah Mohayut). I absolutely loved it as it allowed me to have 2 sunsets and 2 sunrises in the dunes which can change quite a bit with the light and color. The tour I was on also went to various stops in the area. But if you have limited time/money it's still worth going for the more limited trip. I also felt comfortable walking around the dunes myself bc I could see the camps/buildings and there was (spotty) 4G and GPS. I downloaded offline Google maps and was able to use it all over Morocco. Sometimes there wouldn't be a pathway in a medina or it says you need to go around when there's a path through, but I found it to be pretty useable. I booked the Sahara trip with Camel Safaries. They might be on the pricer side, and I spent way less than it is now esp with a discount code, but it was great. On the way there I stayed at Riad Gabsi Du Dades and the service was amazing. It included dinner and breakfast with local farm products. The Sahara one did as well though the dinner was just okay TBH. In the lux camp the food was stale though. It was the only negative part of the whole 4 day trip, but I was so amazed by the views. The stars were amazing with the milky way visible. They turned the lights off to see them better. You might have to ask (if feasible). I had the lux camp to myself and joined the reg one for performances, though I was honestly more interested in the stars.

[@ChrisKermis]

Have you been on this tour? What's your experiences and what advice can you offer others? Let us know 😀

[@thesymbolized]

what I would love to know, around what time of year (what month) did you take the tour? I am sorry if you said it in the video, I must have missed it.

[@carolinalainez6827]

@@thesymbolized I have the same question. I would also like to know what the name of the tour company is. Thank you

[@ChrisKermis]

Sorry for the slow reply, internet was blocked in Iran where I just was. I took the tour in late May but do not know the name of the tour company as it was arranged by the riad that I stayed at in Marrakech (Riad Al Amine)

[@carolinalainez6827]

@@ChrisKermis sorry it took me so long to thank you for your reply.

[@josechacko7005]

Thanks Chirs, for your honest review. Thanks for the tips on the tourist food scams

[@eastwestpicayune8200]

Good information.

[@petebrandon8164]

Thank you Chris - that was very well filmed and presented! I was surprise that a 3 day tour wasn’t more than 150 Euros- was that including hotel and evening meal and breakfast, so you just paid for lunch? I just came back (May 2024) from a couple of trips to Morocco- I flew to Ouarzazate courtesy of Ryanair £45 return. Stayed at AirbnB Hotel Atlas in the centre for about £15 a night and took local cross-country buses to various places (cost about £10 eg to M’Hamid in the desert - 5 hours) stayed in a comfortable desert camp AirbnB run by Brahim for about £12 a night - woke up surrounded by sand dunes 😁! I recommend both those Airbnb’s - basic but comfortable, safe, and friendly- I’m an 80 year old seasoned budget traveller. As Chris said, you need cash, but there are lots of cashpoints- don’t get your dirhams at UK airport ! Pete 😊

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you 🙏🏽 Yes it was just 150 Euros including the hotel, desert camp, evening meals and breakfast. Overall a really good deal, particularly if you’re traveling solo.

[@grabedigger]

Quite an enjoyable video, no BS, straight to the point. Helped me to plan my trip there, without needing for a guide, just rent a car and drive off :) Did you notice if, next to the tents in Merzouga there were places to park our cars and then go to the tents? Or some sort of transfer to the tents?

[@ChrisKermis]

Cheers, glad it helped. You can’t take your car to the tents but 4x4s travel between Merzouga and the tents, and you can opt for those rather than camel. It’s how they transport your luggage. In the video you’ll notice I take camel to the tents but 4x4 back in the morning.

[@abderrahmanehouaoui4973]

Hi chris. Thanks for the video, it was really helpfull could you write the agency name that you did the toyr with. Ir thier link pls. Thanks in advance

[@ChrisKermis]

Hey thanks for watching. Do check the video description and pinned comment, that’s all the info I have. I didn’t go through an agency or anything like that.

[@pauzzel5729]

Hi, is there spaces for hand luggages? We’ll be travelling with backpacks and hand luggages in our trip around Morocco we’re thinking of booking this trip you see thanks for the vid

[@ChrisKermis]

Plenty of space there for your luggage from what I saw, don’t worry! Enjoy your trip!

[@panama_scroll]

Amazing info. I am heading to Marrakech in a few weeks. I wonder can you actually swim in those riads, mini-pools? Or it is more of a decoration?

[@orozcoaj69]

You can swim in the riads. They are small but still cool off in them 😊

[@moniqueleger7479]

Great video Chris. What is the name of the Riad you stayed in Marrakech

[@ChrisKermis]

Sorry for the slow reply, internet was blocked in Iran where I just was. Thanks! stayed at Riad Al Amine which I was very happy with, though a little hard to find. Beware of some in the medina who will help you find where you're going only to aggressively charge you for helping.

[@Arthurobouchetti]

- Very Nice vlog !!…… Merci 🙏 beaucoup pour cette belle vidéo de partage !!…❤❤

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you!

[@jaurvi]

thank you for your vlog, could you say by private the agency which contracted the tour, thank you!!

[@ChrisKermis]

If I could I would let you know, but I can’t. I just arranged it through my riad in Marrakech and don’t know the company used.

[@Chuckscott]

Great videos. What time of year (month) were you there? We'll be going in October. Also what is the name of the tour company that you used? So that I can avoid it?

[@ChrisKermis]

Please check the video description and pinned comment for more info. I was there in May but I think any company you go with will be the same, you don’t really get a choice on that. The real choice is to go on one of these and not pay much, or go solo (ideally needing more time) and pay more. With more time I would chose the later. With less time, the tour is good value overall for what you get to see

[@mohacameltoursmorocco7366]

Lovley video,welcome to Morocco,but what i can say as a tour operator that you been in good experience,

[@loued1050]

CHRIS!!! You are terrific!! I'm planning my trip now. Was wondering how you got from Marrakech to Casablanca at the end of this trip. That's sort of my last thing to figure out. Thank you for sharing!

[@ChrisKermis]

Very easy! There’s a fast train between Marrakech and Casablanca.

[@loued1050]

Ha - what used to be the Marrakesh Express. Can't help singing the song!@@ChrisKermis

[@soulfull9635]

Morocco and it’s people are wonderful 🎉 il be going back with some small change in my pocket they deserve it ❤🎉🙏

[@nikitaandsuissanswedding5941]

Hi Chris, great video, so clear and descriptive. 1 Question, how does luggage work? Do people tend to bring very limited luggage on these tours or do they have room? What do you suggest? We are on a two week trip going to multiple locations and can't leave luggage anywhere. Thank you in advance!

[@ChrisKermis]

There’s space in the back of the minibus for luggage and when you do the camel ride your luggage comes separately by 4x4.

[@NaturalBornQuerdenker]

Thanks a lot! 👍

[@adamawad9195]

Hi Chris. I have watched your videos in Tanger and Tatwan. In your experience, which city is better to open a fast food restaurant in? Thank you

[@ChrisKermis]

I’m pretty sure you’re better off to some research there than talking to me, I’d have no idea 🤷

[@nadineheller6838]

thank you very much, it was perfect for a decision making.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad it was useful, enjoy your trip!

[@andrew_owens7680]

I just came back from a Merzouga trip with my family. We flew to Ouarzazate, spent a day touring the Atlas Studio and Ait Ben Haddou, then two days to Merzouga, a night in the desert camp and a day back to Ouarzazate. That's a good way to go.

[@kwiblis6334]

Thank you Chris for sharing, all your videos are amazing and this is so helpful :). I need your advice: How much do you think is reasonable to pay for a 3 day tour to desert from Marrakesh and back. I guess I should bargain on spot and not buy upfront via Internet, right?

[@AnInterstellarOdyssey]

Hey please let me know if you got the answer! I also have this same issue!!

[@abdelelazhari9116]

Hey man , love ur videos . Just wanna put thst out there . Good luck . Moroccan native , live on US ..✌️🙏💕

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you! They’ll be more coming from Morocco this year 🙂

[@leoniebode7528]

Nice Video! We are going to Morocco in October. How much did you pay for the Tour?

[@ChrisKermis]

Sorry for the slow reply, internet was blocked in Iran where I just was. Thanks! The tour cost 1575 MAD / 150 EUR / 158 USD. Great value overall I thought.

[@UsonAdventures]

Hi what tour company’s did you use to book the luxury tour?