Explore Moroccan Kasbahs and Camp in the Sahara

This trip is definitely worth doing - an alternative view of Morocco away from the bustle of Marrakech. There is inevitably a lot of travelling to get to the key locations, but if you accept this the time soon passes, and the sites you visit are worth the effort. It helps if you have a good group and the group we travelled with were the best I’ve been with on a group trip. The accommodation was also of a far higher quality than I was expecting. Personal highlights for me were the camel journey and desert camp (not rough camping!), and the mountain hotel (spectacular setting). There are a couple of things to improve. The bus was quite modern but very cramped - I’m 172cm tall and I had trouble getting my knees in, and with 14 people in a 14-seater bus there was no flexibility (this is where it’s great to be with a really good group). Hussein our guide was very personable, but his communication was poor - we had to ask to get basic details, such as departure times, and he gave no information about Morocco or the places we were travelling through - I came away feeling I had learned nothing about the country and this felt like a wasted opportunity. Overall, a good trip and worth doing, but it could be even better.

Please do not hesitate and book this trip! Our guide and driver was fantastic and the Sahara magical. Our guide made sure we reached sites when less crowded at the best times of dat! I recommend paying the bit extra to do the quad biking.

As the other reviews have said, please expect the long drives but this is necessary in order to see everything. Please read the other reviews as there were some useful tips on packing/money.

If you are gluten free, I recommend packing GF cereal for Marrakech for the breakfasts. As soon as I was with our guide, I was looked after very well and certainly did not go hungry!

This was my first much better adventure and I am really impressed, I’m looking forward to booking another. Group was incredibly varied but all amazing company. Guide and driver were a great laugh, company and help.

The trip itself was incredible, a lot of driving, as stated clearly, but very regular breaks at lovely locations and also meant I got to see a large amount of Morocco in a relatively short time. All accommodation was lovely and staff were welcoming and friendly. Highlight was definitely the Sahara portion of the trip, after a tranquil camel ride to the camp we had a lovely dinner then danced around the fire with the staff and some other guests from Algeria. Would highly recommend this trip and incredibly great value for the activities, food and guide/driver.

Weeeeell beyond expectation! Mind blowing experience. Special thanks to our driver Lahcen (what a sense of humor!) and very special thanks to our guide and carer Houssain (what a personality!). Krzysztof

What can I say? This trip I highly as using MBA for the first time this is the perfect trip for newbies that want to start their adventures and travelling. Both our guide and driver was amazing 😍 and so kind and attentive to our needs and a wealth of knowledge. Would definitely do it again!

The trip was amazing. From meeting like minded people to exploring new culture. The guides were very friendly, knowledgable, helpful and patient. It was very easy going and enjoyable. Not much walking at all. The highlight was staying in the Sahara desert where we could enjoy music, dance and watch the night sky. Being able to see sunrise from the desert the next morning was the cherry on top. I would definitely recommend!

My Mum & I had a truly lovely time on this trip, it was our first guided tour/adventure and it was so perfect having everything organised for us (besides the flights). Our guide (Houssaine) and driver (Youssef) were fantastic. They were incredibly warm, welcoming & knowledgeable. Youssef made the driving look effortless. In addition to the provided kit list, I took; quick dry towel, neck cushion (for the long drives), swimsuit, powder shampoo & body wash (my new fav travel items!), handheld fan & earplugs. All these extra items came in handy!

I wouldn't hesitate booking with Much Better Adventures again.

Guide and driver very nice, although would have appreciated being given more information to learn about the history and culture of Morocco. As expected it was a lot of driving but the bus was comfortable. Food in Morocco was lovely. Hotels pleasant.

So firstly, this was my first time doing this kind of tour, or travelling without family and friends, so I was initially a bit nervous.

However, once I had met the group and we got underway, I soon eased into it. The people were lovely, and Hussain was an excellent tour guide - he really looked after us and kept us on track.

As indicated on the webpage, there is a lot of driving, but when you consider the sheer variety of sites and landscapes you get to see, this is par for the course. Also rest stops were well scheduled, so I never felt trapped in the bus.

The Sahara desert was a clear highlight - something everyone should try and experience IMO. The camel trek, the camp, quad-biking - I was blown away.

In summary, for the quality of food, accommodation, landscapes and experiences, this tour was an absolute steal. Would recommend it to anyone, especially a first-timer.

Sure, the journey from Marrakech to Merzouga's Berber desert camp is a marathon, not a sprint. But with Hussain's expert guidance and Driss at the wheel, the miles melted away punctuated by drink and lunch breaks, epic photo ops, and jaw-dropping views.

The real magic unfolded under the desert's night sky. Stargazing with a fellow adventurer, these are the memories I'll treasure forever. The transition from Marrakech's vibrant chaos to this serene wilderness was simply unforgettable. Bonus points to Hussain for getting me exclusive access to the hotel terrace in the Dades Gorge for a 3 am stargazing session, for which I will be forever grateful.

Wow, what a fantastic experience. Our senses were assaulted from the minute we arrived in Marrakech, with all its hustle, bustle, noise and aromas. What a contrast with the open, barren lands through which we passed on the following days as we visited the various destinations on the tour. I couldn't pick out a highlight, it was all fantastic, from the historic sightseeing, the sunsets, the camel and quad bike rides, the film studios, the food.... I could go on, but it's always so much better to experience these things for yourself 😎 Thank you.

What a fantastic break. It was a compact introduction to Morocco with a great guide in Hussain. The group was friendly which helped, the accomodation was good, activities were well thought out. All in all a great experience. In response to people’s comments re driving, there is a lot but that’s how you get to see the country and there are breaks at various locations along the way eg the fossil factory, walk along the gorge. Highlights were definitely the sunrise at the Berber camp and walking through Ait Ben Haddou. Thanks all for making it a great experience.

I had a great experience! The group was diverse in age group, with likeminded people. Trip went just like it was planned and our guide Hussain was knowledgeable with local history, is a great person to talk throughout our journey! Hotel/Raid accommodations were fine in the Marrakesh , whilst others were much better and vibrant with local vibe. The food was great! The pace of the trip was just like needed and short breaks, though we have to accept it’s long way on the roads!

Genuinely incredible trip & we were well looked after. I was wary of false reviews but genuinely our group had an incredible time. I will definitely be using this company again. Morocco itself was unbelievable with what we did, saw & learnt! You won’t regret going! Only minors out of their control is if you go Jun-Aug the heat will be unpleasant in my view otherwise amazing overall.

Solid trip. The Riad on arrival day was a bit disorganized (had a notably better experience at a different Riad on another trip), and the drives were long (though it was nice to watch the world go by, and it was a comfortable ride), but the Sahara Desert is a stunning place and worth it. The stops along the way were a bit touristy, which I suppose is to be expected (and I was, after all, one of them).

Great guide and tour. Lots of terrain covered and the trip to the Sahara was a highlight.

Morocco is stunning and this trip does it justice, absolutely value for money. I went with one person I knew and the rest of the group were so lovely, we all got on well. It's probably a good idea to get in on the first day with time to find an ATM as it was a bit difficult at least on the 2nd day to get money out outside Marrakesh. There is a lot of driving so I'd pack earphones to pass some of the time. It started to get warm towards the final days of the trip but not enough to need swimwear. Also, perhaps what we didn't prepare for was significant windy weather, especially in the Sahara so sunglasses and headscarf became a must.

This was a fantastic opportunity to get a good overview of some beautiful Morrocan scenery and a great introduction to Morroco. The journeys were long but the changing landscape was stunning. The transport was very comfortable with ample room and aircon. As with any group it is the people who make it, our group was made like minded people all of whom wanted to make the most of the limited time we had. Hasan our guid was phenomenal. Part guide, part professional photographer he made sure that we had anything we needed. Food and accommodation were basic but this is reflected in the low cast of the trip. Day two was by far my favourite seeing the city of Marrakech fall away and the landscape open up beneath the Atlas mountains was breath taking. With the least amount of travel and the opportunity to walk around Ait Ben Haddou later in the evening, learning about the history of the area and the Berber people along with modern sites such as filming locations, definitely my highlight.

Many thanks to our fantastic guide and driver, Houssain and Hassan, for leading us on this on this road trip. They created a friendly and relaxed atmosphere as they introduced us to the diverse landscapes of Morocco's interior. They even taught us a few phrases that proved very useful for haggling in the souks of Marrakech on our return! Travelling with a group was fun - I would recommend this to anyone travelling solo in Morocco and wanting to get outside the main cities. The views from the Atlas mountains and the dunes of the Sahara will stay long in my memory. Tanemirt (thank you)!

This trip exceeded my expectations and really was a once in a lifetime experience! There was a lot of driving but this was broken up with lunch breaks at gorgeous restaurants with views and interesting stops along the way. Our guide and driver were brilliant and made the trip completely stress free for us and the hotels were lovely; comfortable and some with balconies or great views. I’m now recommending this trip to all my friends as it was so special and hope to go back to Morocco soon!

The tour was very well planned and every aspect of the tour was well thought out. Both the guide and the driver were very knowledgeable and friendly. The highlight of the tour was the time spent on the sand dunes. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to explore this part of Morocco.

This trip massively exceeded my expectations! MBA were amazing with communicating in the lead up to the trip, particularly around the time of the unfortunate earthquake. Aztet Trek Team were simply wonderful! Special shout outs to Mouna, Assia, Hassan and Hussain - what a powerhouse of a team. Seamless communication before, during and after the trip. It was really life changing to see such beautiful views in the dunes, Marrakesh and the valleys we passed. Hussain was a wonderful tour guide who answered all questions we asked and was extremely knowledgable, as well as very helpful and friendly. Hassan was the best driver, always smiling and going the extra mile. Mouna and Assia were second to none at assuring we had everything we needed and were on hand to answer any questions we had so I felt very well equipped and confident on arrival to Morocco for the first time and sadly when it came to leave. Would definitely recommend and already planning on coming back!

This journey felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity, the camel ride through the Sahara surpassed my expectations. The atmosphere was surreal. Our tour guide Hussein was very friendly and helpful. This experience has definitely made me want to go back to Morocco in the future or explore further afield. The right choice for a roadtrip to experience a lot of Morocco.

AMAZING!! such good value and I enjoyed every part of it. all of the accommodation had amazing views, the food was delicious and our tour guide Hussain was so friendly. I can’t believe I got to experience Marrakech, the desert and the atlas mountains for such a small price. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering.

Highly recommended, enjoyable trip which gives you a flavour of Morocco. Take more cash than you think you need outside Marrakech. The camels are lovely.

Overall this trip was really good, with the Sahara being the unforgettable highlight. This trip however could be improved by some better attention to details. For one I recommend bringing more money than you think, even though breakfasts and dinners are included this does not include water on the trip, therefore we were spending most of our cash buying water every day which I did not account for. I would also recommend trying to break down your exchanged cash into smaller notes where possible, it was extremely difficult to buy anything outside marakesh as places did not take card and never had any change for larger notes. A final warning is that if you are going in August (+40 degrees) you will be spending 5 hours roughly on a minibus which in our case had very poor (basically zero) air conditioning, so I would recommend a mini hand fan. The kit list is also a bit confusing about luggage stating you need a medium Rucksack, this was not the case as I brought along a checked in suitcase which was fine.

I really enjoyed this trip!! As a solo traveller you don’t need to worry - the group & guide will be close after the first day! Just be aware it is a driving/sightseeing holiday - we spent on average around 6 hours in a minibus each day. If you’re going in the summer months you should definitely take a strong handheld fan & a swimming costume (which isn’t included in the kit list). The accommodations were amazing (there is no air-con in the desert & also no hairdryers in the accommodations if you’re wondering), the pools were a welcome surprise! Breakfasts are incredible, lunches and dinners are not varied but tasty (you will spend around £10-£20 per lunch) as dinners are included. You also have to pay for drinks (£1.50) across the trip. I spent £150 with a few souvenirs included! You will also have to pay for one kasbah visit & the film studios - which are worth it but not included in the price. FYI you can take money out at the airport or at an ATM (only Marrakech accepted card payments). Overall, this is an amazing experience & worth the money.

We had a fantastic time on this trip! Our local guide Ibrahim and driver Youssef were so friendly, informative and eager to introduce us to Moroccan culture and it was a pleasure spending time with them. We had an intimate group of 4 people which meant we had a brilliantly bespoke experience, Ibrahim kindly adapting the itinerary to whatever experience we preferred. Our highlights included the trek into the Sahara desert and the overnight stay which was stunning and felt incredibly special, as well as the beautiful Todra Gorge walk which was off the beaten track and felt like something not a lot of tourists get to do. We also ate at local restaurants which were clearly hand-picked for their great menus and picturesque settings. We would not hesitate to recommend this trip to others. Overall, this is incredible value for money and a great way to see the country.

The trip was excellent - well planned and well executed and the local staff were spot on with descriptions and explanations. Our guide Ibrahim was very knowledgeable and brought much more to the trip than merely facilitating a journey into the desert. The side trips were tailored to the ability of the group so we got to do a few more fun rambles up small ditches and down rocky banks. The riads were well chosen and the staff in all were very helpful with great suggestions of where to go in Marrakech/sh, printing out forgotten boarding plasses etc. Great trip and well executed - have been recommending it to friends since returning

We booked this trip and we were not disappointed. In fact, it exceeded both of our expectations!! Neither of us had been on an organised trip like this before and we are so glad we decided to do it with MBA. Everything from beginning to end was spot on from booking to getting updated information about the trip before we left to the trip itself! The Riads, hotels and Berber tent (in the desert) were great! All had WIFI, ensuite facilities and aircon (except in the desert). Most of the riads had a small plunge pool and all were all exceptionally clean and comfortable. Stops and walks were always tailored to our group and our tour guide Ibrahim, and driver Hassan, were just brilliant!

We were a group of 8 and the minibus was a good size so we could spread out. The journeys are long, but bearable as there are lots of stops along the way. We were really lucky with the group we were with as we all got on well and therefore there was lots of chat and laughter during the long rides. We felt that any more than 8 people in the group would perhaps have made the minibus feel rather cramped but it may be that for bigger groups a different (or more than one) vehicle may be used (maybe something to ask when booking?)

We had two solo travellers in our group but within minutes we had all become friends and they seemed very comfortable and well integrated in the group. We both felt that, should we ever want to travel solo, this company would be ideal to go with as everything was brilliantly organised and we always felt safe and well looked after.

Some tips: bring swimwear as there are small plunge pools at most locations. For the majority of the time, we were most comfortable in long thin trousers and cotton shirts. Bring a hat as the sun is very hot at times (a small battery operated fan wouldn’t go amiss in the 40 degree heat in the desert). Trainers are good enough so you don’t need walking boots. We also brought our own head scarfs for our time in the desert (protection from sun and sand if its windy) but there’s an opportunity to buy local scarfs from around £10 to £20 on the way. We used a European adapter plug and there were plenty of opportunities to charge phones etc wherever we stayed. The minibus also had charging points by the seats.

The camel ride into the desert was fantastic - all camels very well behaved and accommodating. There is an option to camel ride, 4x4 or quad bike back out the desert after your stay. We opted to take the quad bike option which was brilliant fun! The camels and 4x4 truck are included in the holiday price but the quads was an extra cost. That said it was only 450DH each (£37 at the current exchange rate) and was well worth the money!!

You can pay by card in many places but the local restaurants in the smaller villages prefer cash so make sure you have some with you at all times. There are opportunities to visit ATMs throughout the trip and your guide is great at letting you know when you have the opportunity to do this - but do just ask anyway so they can plan this into a stop.

We took out local currency at the airport (the exchange was 1DH/0.86p when we went) and we found that 2000DH (around £160) was enough for both of us to buy lunches for the three days we were travelling outside of Marrakech. Lunch, with a drink, was about 120DH (about £10) each on average. We also each gave our guide 200DH (about £16) on arrival as he took care of buying us bottled water and also tipping at the local rest stops and cafes/restaurants. You will obviously need more cash if you are keen to buy souvenirs in the villages. That said many of the lunch stops did take card, however it is best to have cash when you are not in the main towns as this may not always be an option.

If you are partial to a glass of wine or gin and tonic with dinner, be aware that none of the places outside the main city supply alcohol. So, talk to your guide who will let you know where you can buy alcohol to take with you. The Riads and hotels we stayed in were very accepting of BYO but it is always good to check with your guide that this is the case in all places as it is a Muslim country.

Have a great trip - you wont regret it!!

Kate and Kirstin