Morocco Desert Tours: Should You Go Private or Shared? A Simple Comparison Guide

on May 27, 2024

Hey there, adventurer! Ready to embark on a thrilling journey with Morocco Desert Tours? Picture this: ancient traditions blending seamlessly with breathtaking landscapes, the allure of the Sahara Desert pulling you in, and the rich culture of Morocco just waiting to be explored. Imagine riding a camel through the dunes, visiting traditional Berber villages, and spending starlit nights under the vast desert sky. Sounds amazing, right?

But how do you choose between a private trip and a shared tour for your desert adventure? That’s where we come in! This guide is here to help you navigate the differences and decide which type of tour best suits your needs. We’ll compare everything from cost and flexibility to group size and social experience. Whether you're after a budget-friendly option or a customized experience, we’ve got the insights to help you make the best choice. Let’s dive in and find the perfect desert adventure tailored just for you!

Buying guide - Private Vs. Shared

differences similarities morocco desert tours

Differences

When it comes to choosing between a private and a shared tour, the conversation often starts with cost AND STOPS THERE. But there's so much more to consider! Let’s break down the key characteristics that set these two options apart and will give you clues to make the BEST CHOICE for you and your group. 

Table 1. Desert tours comparison table (Private Vs. Shared)

Criteria

Shared Tours

Private trips

Cost 

Budget-friendly, costs are split among travelers

More expensive, offers exclusivity and tailored service

Flexibility

Fixed itinerary, less flexibility

Highly flexible, customizable itinerary, spontaneous stops, driver who speaks English, propose preferred hotels

Group Size

Social experience with varying group sizes

Intimate setting with just your own group, ideal for couples, families, and friends celebrating special occasions

Interaction with the Driver 

Driver’s attention is divided among the group

Personalized attention from the driver, deeper conversations and insights

Pace and Comfort

Fixed schedule, comfort varies with vehicle and amenities

Set your own pace, choose level of comfort, linger longer at favorite spots

Social Experience

Great for meeting new people from different cultures

Focused on spending quality time with your travel buddies, privacy, controlled environment

Accessibility and Special Needs

Limited options for special needs, caters to general public

Customizable to accommodate specific needs, better for travelers with disabilities, dietary restrictions, or other special requirements

Cultural Immersion

Provides a general cultural overview

Deeper cultural immersion, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, participate in unique local experiences

Aspect #1: Cost

If you’re watching your wallet, a shared desert tour is a fantastic choice. Since you’re splitting the cost with other travelers, it’s much easier on the budget.

But if you’re after a more personalized experience and don’t mind spending a bit more, private trip are the way to go. They offer exclusivity and tailored service, perfect for families or small groups who want that special touch! They usually have specific requirements that needs to be met.

Aspect #2: Flexibility

Are you the type who likes to go with the flow? Shared tours stick to a set itinerary, which keeps things structured and ensures everyone gets the same experience.

On the flip side, private trips are like a choose-your-own-adventure book. You can tweak the schedule, make spontaneous stops, and really customize your trip to fit your interests and pace. Plus, with private trips, you get the added benefit of a driver who mostly speaks English, and you can even propose a hotel you’d like to stay at during your tour.

Aspect #3: Group Size

Shared tours are a great way to meet new people, with group sizes varying depending on the tour operator. It’s a social setting where you can bond with fellow travelers.

But if you prefer an intimate setting with just your own crew, a private Morocco desert tour will keep things cozy and personal. It’s just you and your travel companions, making the trip all about you. Private trips are especially ideal for honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries, marriage proposals, or just wanting some privacy. They’re also perfect for families with small children and groups of friends celebrating graduations, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or other special occasions.

Aspect #4: Interaction with the Driver

In a shared tour, the driver’s attention is spread across the whole group. This can be fun but might not allow for deep, in-depth conversations.

In a private trip, the driver is all yours. You get personalized attention, which means more detailed answers to your questions and insights tailored to your interests.

Aspect #5: Pace and Comfort

 Shared tours operate on a fixed schedule, which might feel a bit rushed or slow, depending on the group’s dynamics. Comfort levels can vary too, depending on the vehicle and amenities provided.

Private trips let you set the pace. Want to linger a bit longer at a stunning viewpoint? No problem. You can choose the level of comfort that suits you best, from luxury vehicles to charming accommodations.

Aspect #6: Social Experience

If you love meeting new people and making friends from around the world, shared tours are perfect. They’re a melting pot of different cultures and personalities. This is also ideal if you’re a solo traveler and looking to socialize and companionship in this great adventure.

But if you’re more about spending quality time with your travel buddies, private trips keep things within your circle. It’s great for those who value privacy and a more controlled environment.

Aspect #7: Accessibility and Special Needs

Shared trips to Moroccan sahara might not always cater to specific needs, since they’re designed for the general public.

If you have special requirements, a private trip can be customized to accommodate them. This makes private trips a better option for travelers with disabilities, dietary restrictions, or other specific needs.

Aspect #8: Cultural Immersion

A shared desert tour give you a solid overview of the culture, but they might not go as deep because they have to cater to a diverse group.

Private trips, however, dive deeper. You can explore off-the-beaten-path locations, participate in unique local experiences, and really immerse yourself in the culture.

Similarities

Despite their differences, shared and private trips have some common ground. 

Morocco desert tours

#1- Upgrade luxury camp

Both types of tours often allow you to upgrade to a superior camp for a more luxurious stay. 

#2- Dietary restrictions

They can accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone’s needs are met. 

#3- Unique Experiences

Travelers can enjoy exciting activities like quad biking or sandboarding whether they book shared and private trips.

Saharies’ Private Vs. Shared Morocco Desert trips 

Differences Morocco desert tours by saharies

To help you choose the best desert tour package offered by Saharies, we’ve created a detailed comparison based on key criteria such as duration, flexibility, accommodations, activities, and more. This table highlights the features of both private and shared tours, ensuring you find the perfect match for your Moroccan adventure.

Table 2. Product comparison table (Private Vs. Shared)

Feature

Private Morocco Desert Tours

Shared Marrakech Desert Tours

Duration

Options range from 2 days/1 night to 6 days/5 nights.

Options range from 2 days/1 night to 3 days/2 night.

Cancellation Policies

48H Free cancellation

48H Free cancellation

Daily Departures

Often available with flexible scheduling.

Usually fixed daily departures.

Pickup Included

Private pickups from your specified location.

Included, but usually from central locations.

Payment

Flexible payment options.Only 15% Deposit required. Rest paid day of the excursion.

Flexible payment options.Only 15% Deposit required. Rest paid day of the excursion.

Flexibility

Highly customizable itineraries and activities. More cities included in the packages. Flexible scheduling.

Fixed itineraries with predetermined schedules. Limited number of cities scheduled.

Departure Locations

Departures from both Marrakech and Fes with more flexibility.

Generally Depart from Marrakech (or Fes).

Arrival Locations

Flexible, can be tailored to your travel plans (Marrakech, Fez or any other city agreed on).

Typically returns to the departure city Marrakech with possibility to arrive at Fez.

Accommodations

Private amenities. Possibility to upgrade to a superior camp. Flexible hotel choices.

Comfortable shared accommodations. Possibility to upgrade to a superior camp.

Activities

Scheduled activities (Camel ride, visit to historical monuments). Customizable activities (quad biking, sandboarding)

Scheduled activities included in the itinerary (camel ride, visit to historical monuments). Customizable activities (quad biking, sandboarding)

For more details, visit the Saharies page on Morocco Desert trips packages.

If you are short on time Agafay desert trips are a great option, whether to spend the night or half a day while engaging in activities such as quadbiking or camel rides.

Conclusion

So, what’s it going to be? If you’re on a budget and love meeting new people, shared tours are an excellent choice. But if you’re looking for a more personalized, comfortable, and immersive experience, private trips are the way to go. Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure in the mesmerizing Moroccan desert!

Final Remarks

After comparing the options in the product table, you now have a clear understanding of private and shared Morocco desert tours. Whether you seek exclusivity or prefer a more budget-friendly tour, your choice ultimately depends on your preferences and travel style. The buying guide provided valuable insights to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your expectations.

As you plan your adventure through the mesmerizing Moroccan desert, remember to consider factors like group size, itinerary flexibility, and personalized experiences. Your journey awaits, promising unforgettable moments, clear starlit sky amidst breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural encounters. Choose wisely, embark on this remarkable expedition, and create lasting memories under the vast desert skies.

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