If you want to experience something different, you may consider visiting the location of many wonderful oases, dunes and camps, the Sahara Desert. Since this tourist attraction is definitely different from the others, you have to know some information before packing your bags. In this blog, our dear readers, we will introduce you to the most important facts you need to know before you plan your visit to this magical place.
The first question to ask is how to get to the Sahara Desert?
The Sahara Desert is the largest Sahara in the world. Occupying more than 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara Desert occupies different countries, such as Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Egypt. However, the best way to get into this wonderful place is through Morocco as it is easier and safer. Morocco is known for cherishing and appreciating tourism therefore the country has a good infrastructure, good services and incredible tours and excursions to the orange dunes. The excursions are well-planned and guarantee a memorable vacation. You may take a direct flight to Marrakech airport and then head towards Merzouga, the door to the Sahara Desert.
When Is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?
You need to be careful about the time when you visit this wonderland. The best periods are from March through May and September through October. Otherwise, the weather is not that pleasing. It gets too hot in between June and September and below freezing at night in the winter months.
What are the essentials you have to take with you?
To protect yourself from the blowing sand and the burning sun, you need to take with you a hat, a scarf and a lot of sunscreens. Also, make sure to pack comfortable clothes as you will walk and ride camels. Lastly, make sure to bring some thick covers because the temperature gets really low at night. And don’t forget to bring extra batteries.
Is it compulsory to book a tour or can I visit the Sahara Desert alone?
The answer to this question depends on which type of travelers you are. If you like to have people around you and be in groups, then it is better to book in one of the tours available. However, some travelers would prefer to discover the Sahara Desert alone without booking in one of the planned excursions. In fact, the latter would have a more flexible schedule; you can spend as much time as you want. In addition, you will also have more freedom of choice concerning the places you want to visit and the activities you would like to try. Don’t worry, there are multiple offers to choose from, the vehicles are very clean and fitted with the best supplies as for the drivers they are highly professional and well trained.
Should I rent a car or hire a private driver?
Many of these tourists find themselves in a dilemma. They can’t decide between either renting a car and driving it themselves or hiring a private driver. If you want to know our honest opinion, we highly recommend hiring a private driver for different reasons.
First of all, there are many local private drivers who master other languages, like English, French and Spanish. There will be no problem in terms of communication. He might help you in communicating with toddlers, local people and traders as they don’t speak English.
Second, a private driver is knowledgeable about the roads, the infrastructure, the signs and the directions. As a result, you won’t be bothered with focusing on the road, being afraid of getting lost and more. Especially that the Moroccan roads might be different from those of your country and some are very hard to navigate. Instead, you will have the opportunity to enjoy your journey to the Sahara Desert. Make sure to benefit from the ride and enjoy the beauty of the country, the multiculturalism of the country, the architecture of the villages and the countryside and the Amazigh way of life.
Also, by hiring a private driver you don’t guarantee a safe and quick ride to your destination but also you hire an encyclopedia that will answer all your questions about the country and its history, culture and people. After all, your driver is a local!
You can hire a driver to take you from point to point and back without staying with you during your visit. However, we advise you to hire a driver who will stay with you throughout the whole trip. Especially that the prices are not very high, of course the first option is cheaper, yet the second one is better as it will make your stay more enjoyable and pleasant.
How much hiring a private driver costs?
The prices vary according to the services you might choose. Hiring a private driver costs about $100-200 per day. However, you can always find some extraordinary offers. You only need to do your research. Regardless of the price, the unique experience you will have is totally worth it! Don’t hesitate and consider hiring one of the extremely professional private drivers to ensure a fun, enjoyable, safe and full of discovery trip to the Sahara Desert.