I know Mustapha at the Grand Tazi Hotel (near the square) arranges these. He did one for us to the mountains on our first trip and I read his customer book which included many reccommendations for his desert trips. I am sorry but I dont know the figure.

Thanks for the help .I have strated to get itineraries and costs .Can't contact Hotel Ali for some reason .

Does anyone know whether it makes any difference if the camel trip starts at Merzouga or Zagora ?

Also is it worth an extra day in a tight schedule to vist Todra Gorge .Mel

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The Dadès gorge has many local fortified villages (kasbahs), and the Draa valley is lined with one of the nicest palm groves.This beautiful landscape is worth visiting in itself and is a odd example of the habitats to be found in the valleys of the southern foothills of the High Atlas. Getting There Access to the valleys starts from the towns of Boumalne du Dades and Tinerhir. The two towns can be reached by bus but a car is really necessary to explore the area. The gorges can be reached by taxi but their prices can be exorbitant for tourists.Strategy The best time to visit the lower valleys is from March to May and the mountains are best from May to July .It is worth spending at least two days here. One day should be spent in the palm-groves and in the Todra gorge and the other exploring the Dades valley.

the dunes at Merzouga are significantly more impressive than those at Mhamid, and spending a night or two at the foot of these dunes can be a refreshing and quiet experience.

Camel rides are 'exotic', though most people get a little bored after a half an hour or so. Walking, running, rolling and tumbling in the dunes is significantly more amusing!occasionaly,you can book with these people in complete confidence(e-mail :omar@whitecamel.com),they greatly enhance the trip for you.

The Moroccan South is a land of contradictions (more so than the North) as it mixes traditional lifestyle with advanced forms of tourism.

Hi . thanks for the ideas . I must be doing something wrong though ! So far a trip for four people from Marrakech to Zagora , camel trip and night in desert is priced at £472 from one company and 545 Euros from another for the round trip from Marrakech and overnight .This is a lot more than I expected ! I haven't had a reply from Hotel Ali yet so I;m hoping this might be more reasonable .Who else should I get an estimate from ? Mel

Bear in mind, the quotes you have now probably provide privatedriver/guide for you. Hotel Ali has a larger bus- about 15 person but I may be wrong on that.

Since there sre 4 of you, I think that is a fair price for 3 days

Hi Blue men , The prices I have been given are for two nights , they seem expensive .Mel

Hi, I've been looking into this a bit for myself next year too, I'm planning on Merzouga as I've already been to Zagora. Places offering accommodation in Merzouga offer trips, camel rides, 4 x 4 drives, overnights in berber tents etc have a look at www.responsibletravel.com morocco accommodation listings, the kasbah in Merzouga listed there offers trips as does www.aubergedusud.com in Merzouga. They both offer transfers from Marrakesh, not sure of the total cost as we plan to get a transfer to Todra first and then on to Merzouga. I think you'll find it cheaper than what you've been quoted.

Hi Imission, My wife and I just got back from 21 days in Morocco and we had the pleasure of doing a 3 day desert trek. The people who put our excursion together was bluemen of morocco. I have to say that bluemen did a super job, they really took care of us and made sure that we had a good time and also the knowledge of thier guides and friendlyness made the trip that much more enjoyable. Thanks bluemen you guys are my heros. Go with bluemen you wont be disappointed