If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask us.
We are ready to answer all your questions, just send us an email to: solsaharajourney@gmail.com
Here are some frequently asked questions:
What are the dates and how do I get there?
The SolSahara journey begins from Marrakech at 12 noon on Wednesday April 10th. You will need to arrive in Marrakech by that time. SolSahara ends also in Marrakech, on Monday April 15th. The simplest option is to book a round trip ticket to Marrakech, arriving before 12 noon on Wednesday April 10th, and departing at any time on Monday April 15th. Once you arrive to Marrakech, we will take care of the rest. READ More Info on “How to GET THERE” HERE.
How soon should I book tickets?
We suggest booking a round trip flight to Marrakech as soon as possible. April is “high season” for tourism in Morocco, so flights will sell out quickly. Check out are “How Do Get There ” section for some recommendations on flight routes, airlines, and price quotes.
What does the ticket price for SolSahara include?
2 Sol Selectas Music showcases: Thursday in the Sahara Desert until sunrise / Sunday at the Source in Marrakech for our closing gathering
All food / alcohol / snacks for ENTIRE Journey prepared by our private hired chef *
Farm to Table lunch At Maison Boutchrafine day 1
lunch in Ouarzazate day 3
Flight from Marrakech to Zagora
All ground transportation including airport pickup and transfers to and from events
All accommodations for the 5 nights: 2 nights in Dunes D’or / 1 night at Sahara Desert Camp / 2 nights in Marrakech
Camel Ride at sunset into the Sahara Desert
Live Berber music performance in Sahara Desert
Henna Tattoos (to be Booked on the day of)
Head wrap workshop
Guided Tour through Medina in MarrakeCh
* Saturday Dinner / Sunday Lunch Free to Explore Marrakech
How do I depart?
All guests will depart from Marrakech, or if time permits, we highly recommend you stay in Morocco, and continue to explore its vast culture.
Can I come to the event for just a few days?
Unfortunately the entire trip is curated for a limited number of guests who choose to join us for the entire journey.
Do I need a Visa for Morocco ?
There are 67 countries including USA, Canada, Mexico, European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey, and UAE, just to name a few, that do not need a visa to enter Morocco. For the full list of countries exempt from requiring a visa to visit Morocco click here. If your country of residence is not in this list and you need a Visa, we are here to help you. Please just send us an email to solsaharajourney@gmail.com and we will be happy to assist you.
Where will we eat on Saturday night / Sunday lunch ?
On Saturday night you are free to eat in Marrakech wherever you like. We will have many suggestions on good places to go or you may even choose to eat at your hotel.
On Sunday lunch most of us will be in the Medina exploring. There are several options and places to snack along the way. We will have English speaking guides with you at all times, and they may also recommend some unique places to enjoy local cuisine. However, we are planning a largE group dinner early Sunday evening before sunset, so make sure to save your appetite for the Grand Cuisine Finale!
What should I bring on the day trip to Maison Boutchrafine?
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Bathing Suit
Towel
Camera
Appetite
Cash for gift shop
Whats should I bring to the 1st showcase party in the Desert?
This party will be in the Sahara desert dunes, but walking distance from our hotel Dunes D’or. We will have a full bar on location at the party. We do recommend you bring the following as well:
Good vibes
Water bottle
Warm layer as the desert gets chilly at night
Personal Ashtray for any cigarettes
Flashlight
*Again, we will be within 1 minute walking distance (thru the sand) from the hotel, so you may come and go as you wish
How many people will be attending?
We are expecting a total of 100 people including staff for the adventure
What should I bring for the Sahara Desert?
We will be taking all our things to the Sahara camp. Your LUGGAGE will be transported via 4x4 trucks, and awaiting you at your destination, while we ride camels into the sunset.
What should I bring on the camel ride?
water bottle
Camera or charged phone - trust us you will take 100’s of photos as the ride is simply breathtaking
it will be hot until the sun goes down, so bring a poncho or other layer in case you get cold Later on
sunscreen
lip balm sunscreen
Are there local cultural customs I should follow in Morocco?
YES, the old saying "When in RomE, Act like Romans" can certainly apply in morocco as well. Morocco is an Exotic country of colors, handcrafted designs, Spices, Art, and Textiles. Every corner of this country is Finely decorated with islamic art. Considering that Morocco is an islamic country, it is recommended all female tourists dress appropriately. Most local women dress in traditional KAFTANS, keeping their legs and shoulders covered. Couples should refrain from PDA, holding hands, kissing etc, while in PUBLIC. It is wise to be cautious in both dress and Behavior to avoid offending others.
How is the weather during this time of year?
The weather in the Sahara in APRIL is simply “perfect”. Temperatures in the day will be hot and dry and could reach up to 85 F / 30 C. At night it could get a little chilly and drop down to as low as 45 F/ 10 C
Can I drink the water ?
The tap water in Morocco should be used for shower and hand washing only. We will provide filtered drinkable water for all our guests at all times.
How much money should I bring?
All of your ground transport, meals, and activity events will be included in the total ticket price. There will be a few opportunities for you to support local artists and craftsmen during the trip. Our hotel in Merzouga will have a small gift shop, as well as the restaurant at Maison Boutchrafine. And of course we will be spending a full day in the famous Medina of Marrakech. Trust us you will want to purchase A LOT of things in the Medina, its truly an unbelievable market which has everything.
We suggest bringing extra cash for your meals on Saturday night and Sunday lunch. Also cash in Dirhams will fair much better prices for you when shopping.
Where should I change money?
You CAN ONLY EXCHaNGE CURrency for dirhams inside the country of morocco. You may transfer your money into dirhams at the airport, but you may encounter added fees. ATM Machines usually provide the most current rates. we will be arriving into MERZOUGA on Wednesday NIGHT, Directly to the desert. There is no where in MERZOUGA that we know of to Exchange currency, so we highly suggest withdrawing some cash, or changing your currency, before we depart Marrakech on Wednesday April 10th.
What is the language spoken in Morocco?
The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and French. Almost everyone you will meet will speak both of these languages, as well as some Spanish and English. in MERzouga, and areas near the sahara Desert, many people you will meet will also speak the traditional Berber language. Our guides and staff on this adventure will all speak English as well.
What should I expect in the Medina market ?
The Medina sells almost everything you can imagine, kinda like an outdoor Walmart, but with even more things such as live animals, cobras, and spices. You could literally spend 2 weeks in there and not see all of it.
The deeper you go, generally the better prices get, as tourists tend to stay near the main Plaza where all the snake charmers are. YOu WIll HAVE GUIDES to Assist you and help you find your way. Your guide may ask you what you’re looking for, and if they bring you to a particular shop, its pretty sure he knows the owner, and working with them to lure in customers. Don’t feel pressure to buy anything, but know they will try not to let you exit without a sale.
Most vendors will take Euros, some maybe even US dollars, but Dirhams will always get you a better price. Some of the carpet or leather dealers may take credit cards too, however, cash is always the most promising way to get the best deals.
Most people in the market speak a bit of broken English, but not all. Many speak some Spanish, almost all speak French, and of course everyone speaks Arabic. Do yourself a favor and learn a few words in Arabic - that will go a long way in earning respect from the locals. Here are 2 links to check out:
https://youtu.be/WGcoYPd2unc
http://ilovelanguages.org/arabic_phrases.php
The Medina is pure organized chaos. There will be horses, donkeys, monkeys, snakes, wheel barrows, carts full of vegatables, motorcycles, bicycles, and tons of people, rushing to squeeze by you in a very tight space. Be aware of who’s coming towards you, and who is behind you so you can try to stay out of the way. If you get nudged or hit - you were probably in the way. Don’t take it personal. Again just be respectful.
Obviously this goes without saying, but keep an eye on your purse or wallet, like any country with tourism there is some petty theft, pick pocketers, but as long as you’re smart, you shouldn’t have a problem at all. There will also be lots of people begging for change.
Last but not least, always try to bargain, as it is a sign of respect. The first price given is almost always a mark up -especially for tourists. But be reasonable. If the cost is $20 don’t offer $1 for example. They will probably tell you to get lost. If you buy several items in one place thats a great reason to ask for a discount. Many of the carpet shops and fabric stores also have back rooms with even more inventory to choose from. be adventurous, and you will be amazed at what you can discover.
What else should I know about MOROCCO?
Morocco is great example of a peaceful country filled with multi-ethnic cultures, and the unique blends created by all these merging traditions. Sharing its international border with Algeria and Spain, Morocco is home to 34 million people, and is a country with various landscapes including picturesque rocky terrain, vast deserts, and ocean coastlines.
Morocco’s culture is as diverse as its landscape, but in the midst of great ethnic diversity the country has managed to maintain unity. A mixture of Arabic, Roman, French, Spanish and South African influences, somehow create a perfect balance between old and new.
Moroccan cuisine is typically a mix of Mediterranean, Arabic, Andalusian and Berber cuisine. It is highly influenced by its interactions and exchanges with other cultures which only shows how multicultural Morocco is.
The Berber influences are most prominent in the range of spices used. The great love of grains like couscous is an indication of the country’s African roots, while the use of fresh fruits and vegetables comes directly from the country’s proximity to the Mediterranean.
Moroccan Architecture has been greatly influenced by numerous architectural styles such as Arabic architecture for fountains, Geometric Design and Islamic calligraphy, Persians techniques for tiling concept, and Southern Spanish for Andalusian gardens and arches. Modern buildings keep a balanced combination of all these architecture styles, including the more recent French influence.
The art of this country is truly special, and ranges from handcrafted carpets, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, painting, carving, and calligraphy. We highly recommend supporting local artists during our Sunday excursion to the Medina in Marrakech. And lastly, Moroccan people are probably some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Hospitality is really a part of their culture, so you can strike up friendships virtually anywhere if you have the right attitude.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask us.
We are ready to answer all your questions, just send us an email to: solsaharajourney@gmail.com