Camping in desert in marrakesh

[Alitripletmum]

Hi we’re travelling to Marrakesh first week in January with 3 teens and would love to go 3day trip and camp in desert. Has anyone done this, is it good or will it be too cold in January?? Also thinking of hot air ballooning for sunrise but again not sure if this will be too cold in January. Thanks in advance for any input

I personally didn't feel safe in Marrakesh out of our hotel, I wouldn't camp.

Oh sorry should’ve said it’s an arranged trip to Merzouga with a tour group

Marrakesh is perfectly safe! Well as safe as London or any other city.

It'll be cold at night in January, but I presume the camping company will be aware of that and bring lots of blankets.

When did you go? As city, hassle-wise it's been transformed. In a bid to get tourists back after COVID, the government went heavy on the touts and hasslers, and the tourism police vans are very visible and keeping control of the situation.

I went last November, a solo female independent traveller, and had no issues at all. I was out in the main square until past midnight, loving the buzz and feeling entirely safe. It was a remarkable change.

Tbf it was over a decade ago, sounds like it’s changed for the better. I remember having a monkey put on me as we walked down the street and they demanded money even though I said no to them doing it, someone else grabbed my arm and went to put a needle in my skin as I walked past. We had a map and people would demand that they showed us the way to somewhere then demand money from us. Honestly the worst holiday of my life by far and I’m pleased it’s changed but I’d never go back!

@Alitripletmum did you go on desert tour in the end? Thinking of similar for next year and would appreciate your advice.

I had friends do this last year. They had a brillliant time. It was quite a hair raising bus journey though from what I remember.

I did this about 20 years ago from Merzouga, it was very very cold at night (January). Also I was the only woman in our group and the guide kept trying really hard to get me on my own away from my friends, it was pretty exhausting and stressful.

@Tophelleborine thats awful I’m sorry to hear this negative experience you had

No we ended up just doing Marrakesh which we loved. Did hot air balloon for sunrise, quad bikes and camels and hamman.