Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ali & Sara's Desert
Palace
( 0668 95 01 44; thedesertpalace@hotmail.com; price per person incl full board Dh850)
Make
friends with Angel, Romeo and Casanova - no they aren't local lads trying it on, but your
trusty dromedaries - as you head out from Merzouga for a trip of a lifetime. Husband-
and-wife team, Ali and Sara, have spent four years crafting a personalised experience that
gets rave reviews. Coming from a nomadic family of 11 brothers, Ali's knowledge of the
desert is second to none, while Sara's know-how makes for a luxurious and organised
camp, first-class cooking and beautifully decorated tents.
To keep things small, intimate and hassle-free, the camp (8km east of Merzouga) ac-
commodates only 12 people and the rates are fully inclusive, including non-alcoholic
drinks. Reserve in advance.
CAMPGROUND
€€€
Information
Merzouga has
téléboutiques,
a post office, supply kiosks, a mechanic, a couple of carpet
9am-10pm)
.
Getting There & Away
The N13 runs from Rissani to Merzouga, and the
piste
from Erfoud will probably be
sealed in the next few years. That said, most of the hotels are some distance from the road
on
pistes
marked with signs. If you're driving a standard rental car, don't head off-road as
you'll likely get stuck in the sand. Minibuses will pick up or drop off in Hassi Labied -
your hotel can make arrangements. Minivans run from Merzouga between 7.30am and
9.30am in the high season.
Grands taxis leave from Merzouga centre, opposite Dakar Restaurant, heading north to
Rissani (Dh13), and minibuses head south to Taouz (Dh15).
(Dh250, 12½ hours) and a 7pm bus to Fez (Dh180, 10½ hours).
TOP OF CHAPTER
