I’m not sure how much things have changed but when we were there the grand taxi system meant that if you were
a)willing to bargain hard
b)willing to pay for the extra seats
you could leave pretty much when you wanted and even stop to take pictures if you can get the driver to understand what you want. We had some hilarious experiences in those taxis but every time we found the
drivers careful and honest – they bargain (or the guy who speaks French does) like it’s a fight to the death and then you get in the car, drive through the desert for hours sometimes, get out in a parking lot full of their friends (grand taxi stand), hand them the amount and they just say “thanks”. Don’t know if you’ve been to Egypt, but it’s NOTHING like that.
One time the guy took off through these little side streets and we were thinking, um, what the heck is this? Anyhow, we drive for a couple of minutes, he finally stops, gets out of the car, and motions for us to stay in the car. He comes back about 5 minutes later – with a sandwich, and OFFERS US SOME!!! Best we could figure out his wife made him something for the drive!
Hi,
I really like your site. You guys get around.
I am planning to go to Marrakech for 7 days in the middle of July. I guess it’s not the best time to go, but that’s my only choice. I am conflicted about whether I should devote my time to Marrakech with side trip to Essouiria and the mountains, or if i should throw caution to the wind and try to make it to the erg chebbi.
After your experiences, what would you advise me to do? do you think i have enough time to make the trip to the dunes? Would i be able to get all the way to the Merzouga via grand taxi? it sound like this is more or less what you did and i would really appreciate any tips or more insights you have about marrakech and making the trip to the sahara.
Thanks!
-Ben
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Hi There,
Love your site it fabulous. We are planning a trip to Morocco leaving at the end of May. We are flying into Malaga at 11:00am. We then plan to get a bus to Algeciers (3hrs) and catch the ferry to Tangier. From there we plan on catching the 9:05pm overnight train to Marakesh for a few nites and then take a grand taxi from Marakesh to Erg Chebbi. First, do you think we have good chance of making the train schedule, as I really don’t want to end up in Tangier for the night and second, how much did the grand taxi cost you from Marakesh to Erfoud. Third, Do you know of any tour companies you can recommend for 1 night desert excursions? We plan on ending up in Fes and flying to Madrid from there. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.
Cheers,
Simone
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