Summary
Marrakech is an exotic destination known for its narrow maze of streets running through the Medina (the old fortified city) and busy souks near the crowded square of Jemaa El fna. But there are some amazing Marrakech desert tours that you must do. A Quad Marrakech Tour is at the top of our list.
Quad Marrakech – A Marrakech Desert Tour
Getting lost while exploring the area is a rite of passage; bartering with vendors in the Souks (a maze of covered markets) is an adventure unto itself, and visiting a Hammam (Turkish Bath) is something everyone should try at least once.
Dining on Moroccan Cuisine or taking a cooking course is a must too. However, another adventure awaits just outside Marrakech in the surrounding Desert.
Our Quad Tour Marrakech
We were picked up for our Marrakech desert tour near the Saadian Tombs at 9:00 am sharp, where we were whisked out to the rock desert to begin our Quad Bike Tour.
The thrill of driving through the new city of Marrakech revealed a different side of life, as we made our way to the outskirts of town. People in suits rushed to work, while others relaxed at coffee shops reading and using their smartphones. The golden arches of McDonald’s and KFC’s signs stood out among the modern buildings.
Having spent two days in the Medina—a place where time stands still and life continues much like it has for hundreds of years—we experienced a stark contrast with the everyday life we had been witnessing.
About Quad Marrakech Adventure
The owners and guides of Dunes Desert Exploration greeted us with warm smiles. This company is a joint French-Canadian venture where you can book their Quad Biking Tour with Get Your Guide.
They employ local guides who speak fluent French, English, and Arabic. We were part of a small group of six. After signing our waivers, when asked if we wanted to drive solo or together, Dave and I surprised everyone by choosing to ride together.
We focused on capturing photographs, as driving a quad bike and taking pictures simultaneously is quite challenging. Consequently, we opted for a dune buggy instead.
Choosing the dune buggy turned out to be an excellent decision. These vehicles offer superior safety and stability compared to a quad.
Dune Buggy Marrakech
During the tour, we could drive faster and play harder than on a quad bike, allowing us to be separated from the group and embark on a unique journey through the desert. When we inquired whether our request to ride together affected their plans, they assured us it was no problem at all.
Since quad bikes can be a bit more dangerous, they must proceed with caution. However, as we were in a dune buggy equipped with roll bars and seat belts, we could enjoy a more exhilarating experience, venturing in a different direction than our four companions.
Shh, don’t tell them, but we were taking a more adventurous route.
Learning the Ropes
After a quick briefing on the controls, Dave took the wheel. Driving a dune buggy is straightforward, and within seconds, he felt right at home.
We followed our guide through a brief obstacle course to familiarize ourselves with the buggy’s handling, and soon it was time to set out for our desert tour.
The adventure was as thrilling as it was scenic, leading us through palm groves, rock gardens, and quaint villages. This journey provided a refreshing change of pace from the vibrant energy of the Medina.
Locals casually walked along the empty paths, waving as we passed and smiling upon our approach. People tended to their sheep and farms, seemingly unbothered by our presence.
Dunes Desert Exploration supports the community by donating a portion of their profits to local schools and community projects. Upon reaching a high lookout, we were greeted by polite children waiting for us.
They did not rush up asking for money or candy; instead, they simply stopped by to say hello, showcasing the strong connections our guides had with them.
Tea Time and House Visit
After driving through the countryside for a couple of hours, we stopped at a house for some tea and bread. Our guide pointed out the house Hammam as we entered.
A *hammam* is a steam bath where Moroccans go to be bathed and scrubbed before enjoying a massage after relaxing in a hot steam room. Traditional houses in the country also feature Hammams.
These cone-shaped rooms are attached outside the house and heated with coal. The fire stokes the water, creating a delightful steam bath suitable for a good 20-minute scrub.
It was a brilliant setup. Our hands grew cold from the wind, and I yearned to sneak inside for a few warm moments.
Lunch on our Marrakech Excursion
However, it was time to eat. We entered the house (known as a riad in Morocco) and presented our hosts with figs we had bought at the market.
It’s customary in Morocco to bring a gift when invited for tea. Thus, despite being on an organized tour, we felt it courteous to follow this tradition.
Surprised yet grateful, the women received our gift. With the help of our guide, we washed our hands by pouring warm water over a basin, removed our shoes, and settled onto the inviting carpets.
We adore the Moroccan way of dining—lounging on the floor beside short tables is the most relaxing way to enjoy a meal.
Regrettably, our visit was too brief, as we could have spent hours there, but it was time to continue and complete our tour.
The End of the Dune Buggy Tour
The return ride to the office was swift, and upon arrival, we seized the opportunity to accelerate on the flat roads. Covered in desert dust, we found that the staff was prepared; before departing, they hosed us off with an air gun to eliminate all the sand from our clothes.
We had an exhilarating time and thoroughly appreciated the hospitality of both the owners and our guides.
It’s rare for tour owners to be as engaged with the guests as they were. They participated in signing people in, hosing them down, and distributing helmets, right alongside the guides and staff.
That’s the kind of place you want to visit.
When you travel to Marrakech, consider escaping the city for an exhilarating desert excursion. Give a dune buggy or quad bike a try.
There’s so much more to Morocco than just carpets and markets; adventure awaits!
Note: Please be aware that the terrain in the images on their website does not represent the areas you will drive through. There are no sweeping dunes; the desert near Morocco features more palm groves and shrub deserts. If you anticipate rolling sand dunes, you may be disappointed.
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to plan your next trip? Consider using these reliable resources.
Flights: Begin your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner.
Hotel Prices: Discover the best hotel prices with these two providers: if you are located in Europe, use Booking.com; for anywhere else, utilize TripAdvisor.
Apartment Rentals: For the most affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Protect yourself with travel insurance. Here’s a recommended option:
- Safety Wing – Great for occasional travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Activities: For walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more, we recommend Get Your Guide.
