Desert Luxury Camp Morocco — Hotel in Caïdat de Taouz

Driving from Marrakech to Merzouga we arrived at our arranged meeting point where we were greeted by two friendly men in an SUV. From there on we left our rental car and went with our suitcases in the SUV to reach the desert camp.

The drive from Merzouga to the camp was shorter than expected. We arrived at sunset and it was a beautiful sight to discover our own entire private camp in the form of a dome tent. The wooden terrace of our round pavilion extended by multiple carpets laid out on the sand to a dining area made a well-executed and polished first impression. Bonfire space and sunbeds completed the glamping surroundings well. The dome tent was tastefully decorated with beautiful Morrocan style bedcovers and pillows, in addition, swan folded towels on each side of the bed,- all together created an instant feeling of a very romantic atmosphere. The bathroom facilities were a pleasant surprise to us, as both the shower and the toilet were as functional as one that could be found in any hotel. In addition, electric bed-blankets combined with a heater in the tent, we were defamed of our concern for the Sahara to be cold on a December cloudless night.

After our “property” visit and a little unpacking we went outside and were greeted by two personal waiters and a table full of snacks and beverages. As the darkness fell by, a bonfire was started while candles all around the camp were being lit, one by one. It was a perfect transition from sunset to our dinner to come, creating a magical feeling of being within a 1001 nights fairytale. The full course dinner was absolutely delicious and the staff very accommodating. The following morning was spent indulging a delicious breakfast followed by sandboarding on the golden dunes and relaxing in the sun until noon (you can expect some rainfall if visiting in the winter). We were picked up by the manager for some adventure time in the form of some off-road dunes driving which was a lot of fun and a nice way to enjoy the panorama. We passed by quite a few camel herds along the way and stopped over a couple of times for some „pats“, pictures and some chitchats with the Bedouins family owning them. A nice way to learn a little more about the location and its culture. Afterward, we were driven to another campsite to have our lunch. At this point, our anticipatory happiness was probably at the equivalent of a child awaiting Christmas morning since every meal we’d been served so far was a whole experience in itself. What we especially liked about our courses was the red thread of “Berber style” in everything, meaning that with each meal we were served something conventional yet, very different from the version we would have expected it to be. Among our favorites was the pizza “Berber style“ also known as Moroccan Madfouna and our breakfast omelet “Berber style” known in Morocco as Shakshuka.

After another satisfactory “feast” and some well-deserved napping back at our camp (digestion is important), it was time for some camel riding at sunset. The camels were very calm and well behaved which made it easy to feel comfortable considering the fact of sitting on a 500-kilo exotic animal whilst trying to capture some nice moments on camera along with it. Not even a 3-meter long pole attached to the GoPro seemed to spook them even the slightest bit which surprised us (being used to horses knowing it would have likely been a very different story) The highlight was to ride un and down the dunes into the sunset, it felt somewhat a mix of being on a rocky boat and a tiny roller coaster simultaneously (on the downhill parts). It was a very fun ride and we enjoyed it a lot.

Overall, there were only two major issues with that trip.

1- The dates fruits served at the camp will probably change your perception of dates forever and start an impossible quest in finding its matching equivalent. 2- We did not have enough time to enjoy it fully and can only hope to come back as soon as we can.

Dear Sahara Desert, you made our 2020...

Absolutely Life Changing Experience into the Sahara with Desert Luxury Camp. We began our journey from Marrakesh, where our driver Youssef was right on time and ready to go. Our ride was outfitted with wifi, plenty of bottles of water, and Youssef introduced us to some traditional Berber Moroccan music. We went straight for the High Atlas Mountains, all while Youssef was telling us about the history of the area as well as some geographical information. He also was cracking jokes all along the way, which was just part of his great character. The mountains were beautiful, and Youssef even had a couple of windy back roads for some great scenic views. We stopped in a small town for some lunch, a very nice cafe. The food was excellent and all handmade (of course). We then continued to a Kesbah where we did a tour, very cool. We finally arrived at to our hotel in the small city of Boulmalne Dades, in the Xaluca hotel. It was very nice, and the views were astonishing! The next morning we headed out towards the Sahara. we stopped at the Dades gorge for a bit in the morning (best time) and took some pictures. Later that day we arrived in a small Berber village, where we got a tour and had some Berber pizza, which was excellent. We learned about Berber culture and history, and of course some rugs were involved, but not any pressure. We then made our way to Erg Chebbi. Here, Youssef asked if we wanted to ride a dune buggy or ATV's. We opted for ATV's and went out for a dune riding tour. It was a ton of fun, and our guide was great. Finally we arrived at the long awaited Royal Tent, and it did not disappoint. Nestled right above the dunes, it was a beautiful setup full of tapestries, rugs, teapots and places to soak in the beauty of the Sahara. We enjoyed dinners right by the dunes, sunrise breakfasts, and sunset cups of tea. Our host, Mustafa, was incredible. He was friendly, funny, professional, and really made us feel comfortable and relaxed. The food here was excellent, with their tangine style cooking. We did our camel ride during our second day morning, where we went out exploring and then settled in some shade for a spot of whiskey Berber (tea). Our guide was funny, relaxed, and sang some nice jingles. We went for a hike during the day (climbing dunes rly) for some awesome views, and that evening we went down to the main camp for some Berber music by a band they brought in. The band was excellent, and many of us got up and danced around the fire with some traditional moves. Finally we made our way to Fes, stopping in some areas of the Rift mountains along the way/ Youssef took us to a pottery place we really wanted to go to, and then to our next Riad. Overall and unforgettable experience. Thank you Youssef, thank you Mustafa, and thank you Desert Luxury Camp for a once-in-a...

If you’re looking to book Desert Luxury Camp and are researching, this is your sign to go ahead and book it!

My wife and I stayed in Morocco for 6 days at some wonderful places including La Mamounia, but no experience was as awe inspiring and as life changing as our 4 day personalized tour with Desert Luxury Camp.

Right from the start, Jana was incredible in helping us plan every detail and answer every small and nuanced question we had. Communication was excellent, prompt follow up and responses!

Jana customized a package for us that fit our requirements. She arranged for a driver to pick us up from Marrakech. If you’re thinking of leaving from Marrakech, Fez, or Casablanca, there is no better way to see actual Morocco.

That’s where our driver, Abdul Ali made all the difference. We spent 4 days with Abdul and he was by far the best driver, an amazing host and one of the most hardest working and earnest people we have ever met. During our first night, I really wanted to see the sunset, and with such limited time, Abdul drove with such tenacity and focus to get us to a secluded place he knows to catch the sunset. It was truly and unplanned and the most magical experience to be coming from Canada and chasing the North African sun. After the night we asked Abdul if he had a good day? He said “if my clients are happy, I am happy” and that is exactly who he is. He will go above and beyond for your every need and he does it with such pride.

If you want to have the absolute best experience, as we did, I would advise you to personally email Jana and ask for Abdul. We got lucky that we got him but I wouldn’t bet on luck!

As for the camp site. As a Canadian, we obviously take the word luxury very seriously and it was evident that Desert Luxury Camp did as well. From the minute we arrived our luggage was taken care of, and we were greeted with fresh tea and dates. Keeping in mind that we really are off-the-grid, to have running water, electricity and air conditioning at night truly felt like luxury. The tents were larger than life with massive beds! The staff at the site are so wonderful. Each one trying their best to ensure you’re having a wonderful time. They genuinely care about your well-being and the pride of the Sahara is evident in them once you start a conversation.

If you are a star gazer, this is truly heaven. If you are an admirer of our planet, landscapes, adventure seeker or especially an influencer, this place is for you.

Again, take this as your sign, and book now! Ask for Abdul and your journey will truly be an incredible experience and your visit at the camp will be...