Choosing between a private vs shared desert tour in Morocco is mainly about flexibility and price, because the camp and tents are the same. Short answer: book a shared tour if you are travelling alone or as a couple, want the lowest price, and are happy to follow a fixed plan. Book a private tour if you travel with children, in a group of four or more, want to stop when you like, or care about photography and pace.
With us, both styles stay in the same kind of accommodation with your own room and your own tent with a bathroom. The difference is in the vehicle, the timetable and the cost. This guide to choosing between a private vs shared desert tour in Morocco sets out the facts side by side, explains how the price is calculated, and walks through real travel situations.
For general travel information about Morocco before you choose a tour, the Moroccan National Tourist Office is a useful official source.
Private vs shared desert tour: side-by-side comparison
| Private tour | Shared tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is in the vehicle | Only your party | Your party plus other travellers, up to [CONFIRM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE] |
| Vehicle | Air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus for you | Air-conditioned minibus or 4×4 shared with the group |
| Driver | English-speaking, for your party only | English-speaking, for the whole group |
| Start date | Any day you choose [CONFIRM] | Set departure days [CONFIRM] |
| Start time | Agreed with you | Fixed for the group |
| Stops | Flexible — add, skip or extend | Fixed stops and fixed length |
| Lunch | Where you like (with the driver’s advice) | Group restaurant chosen by the schedule |
| Route changes | Possible, e.g., add a night or a detour | Not possible |
| Hotel room | Private | Private |
| Desert tent | Private, with its own shower and toilet | Private, with its own shower and toilet |
| Meals included | Breakfast and dinner | Breakfast and dinner |
| Camel trek / campfire | Included | Included |
| Pick-up | Your accommodation | Your accommodation or a meeting point [CONFIRM] |
| Routes offered | All our routes, including longer and custom trips | Three 3-day routes |
| Cost per person | Higher for 1–2 people; falls as your group grows | Lower for 1–2 people; same per seat whatever your group size |
What is the same on both
It helps to know what you are not giving up by choosing shared. On both styles you get: – the same camp, Mouhou Luxury Camp in Erg Chebbi, with a private tent and bathroom for each party — we do not use basic camps with shared bathrooms [CONFIRM same tent category on both styles]; – breakfast and dinner every day; lunch is not included on either; – a camel trek to the camp, or a 4×4 transfer if you have back or knee problems; – the campfire evening with Berber drums; – an English-speaking driver who knows the route.
So the choice is not between comfort and discomfort. It is between flexibility and price.
How the cost works on a private vs shared desert tour
The biggest cost of a desert tour is the vehicle and driver for three or more days: fuel, road taxes, the driver’s time and his accommodation. Rooms, tents and meals are counted per person.
- On a private tour, that vehicle cost belongs to your party alone. Two people split it two ways; five people split it five ways. Your price per person falls as your group grows.
- On a shared tour, the vehicle cost is spread across all the passengers. Your price is per seat, so it is the same whether you book alone or with a friend (apart from any single supplement for your own room and tent [CONFIRM]).
In simple terms:
Private price per person ≈ (vehicle and driver cost ÷ your group size) + accommodation and meals per person
Shared price per person ≈ a fixed seat price + accommodation and meals per person
This is why the gap is largest for solo travellers and couples, and why it narrows — and can disappear — for families and groups of friends.
| Your group | Private, per person | Shared, per person | Typical difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | €680 (3-day tour) | €230 | Largest gap |
| 2 travellers | €380 (3-day tour) | €160–€170 | Clear gap |
| 4 travellers | €230 (3-day tour) | €160–€170 | Smaller gap |
| 6 travellers | €180 (3-day tour) | €160–€170 | Often small |
Prices depend on route, season and accommodation level. Example: 3-day Marrakech to Fes route. Ask us for a side-by-side quote for your dates.
Which suits you? Five common situations
Travelling solo
Shared is usually the better value. You pay for one seat, not a whole vehicle, and you still have your own room and tent. You also meet people, which many solo travellers enjoy after days of city sightseeing. Choose private if you want complete control of your time, or if you plan a longer or unusual route that has no shared departure.
A couple
This is the closest call. Shared saves money; private gives you the freedom to stop for photos, have a long lunch or take a detour up the Dades Gorge. Ask for both prices. If the difference is small for your dates, private is usually worth it. If it is large, shared is a sensible choice for a first trip.
A family with children
We usually suggest private. Children need breaks at unplanned times, and a fixed group schedule can be stressful for everyone. With your own driver you can stop for a toilet, a snack or a play in the sand when needed. For families of four or more, the cost per person on a private tour can also come close to a shared seat [CONFIRM with real quotes]. Tell us the children’s ages when you ask for a quote [CONFIRM CHILD PRICING and child seats].
Photographers
Private. Good light does not wait for a group timetable. On a private tour you can be on a dune before sunrise, stay longer at Aït Ben Haddou in the late afternoon, and stop when the clouds are right over the Atlas. On a shared tour, you get the same places but at fixed times.
Tight budget
Shared. It is the lowest-cost way to reach Erg Chebbi with transport, accommodation and two meals a day included. Bring cash for lunches and tips. If you are a group of three or four friends on a budget, compare a private quote too — it may be closer than you think.
Questions to ask any operator before you book
Whoever you book with, these questions protect you from surprises: 1. Is my tent private, and does it have its own toilet and shower? Some camps use shared bathroom blocks. 2. What is the maximum group size on the shared tour? Ask for a number, not “small group”. 3. Which nights are in a hotel, and which are in the desert? And what are the names of the places? 4. What exactly is included? Lunch, entry fees, local guides and the camel ride are common grey areas. 5. What are the departure days and the start time? 6. Where is the pick-up? At your riad, or at a meeting point? 7. What happens if the shared tour does not have enough people? 8. What is the cancellation policy and how much is the deposit? 9. Is the camel ride optional, and is there an alternative? 10. Which stops are real visits, and which are only seen from the vehicle?
Our answers to these are on each tour page; anything still open is marked for confirmation in your quote.
Compare private and shared versions of the same route
We run three routes in both styles, so you can compare like with like:
| Route | Private | Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech → Merzouga → Marrakech (3 days) | 3-day desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga (private) | Shared 3-day Marrakech desert tour |
| Marrakech → Merzouga → Fes (3 days) | 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour (private) | Shared 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour |
| Fes → Merzouga → Marrakech (3 days) | 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour (private) | Shared 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour |
Want to see how the shared tours work in more detail — group size, departures and timings? Read our overview of shared desert tours in Morocco. For longer or tailor-made trips, see private Morocco tours and multi-day itineraries.
A quick way to decide
- Price is your top priority, and you are 1–2 people → shared.
- Children, mobility needs or photography → private.
- Four or more travellers → ask for both quotes; private may be close in price.
- You want a route longer than three days, or a custom route → private.
- You are unsure → message us your group size and dates, and we will show you both prices side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is a shared desert tour worth it?
For solo travellers and couples on a budget, yes. You see the same places, sleep in the same camp in your own tent, and pay less. It is less worth it if you need flexibility, travel with young children, or are four or more people.
Can I switch from a shared tour to a private tour after booking?
Usually yes, if a vehicle and driver are available for your dates. You pay the difference [CONFIRM policy and timing].
Is a private tour worth it for one person?
It costs much more per person, because one traveller pays for the whole vehicle. It can be worth it if you need full flexibility, want a route longer than three days, or have specific needs. Otherwise, a shared tour is the better value.
Do private tours include a guide as well as a driver?
Your driver speaks English and knows the route, but is a driver, not an official guide. Local guides for places like the Fes medina can be arranged [CONFIRM which tours include them].
Will a shared tour feel crowded?
That depends on the date and the group. The maximum is [CONFIRM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE]. At night you have your own tent, so the busiest time is the drive, not the camp.
Is the desert experience different on private and shared tours?
The core experience is the same: camel trek, sunset and sunrise in the dunes, dinner and campfire at the same camp. On a private tour, you have more freedom with times — for example, a later or earlier start on the morning after the camp night [CONFIRM].
Ask us for both prices
Send your route, dates and number of travellers, and we will quote private and shared side by side so you can decide.
Check availability & get a quote · Ask on WhatsApp: +212 667 850 421
We reply 8:30–20:00 Morocco time. Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS].
Morocco Desert Excursions — a local company founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga.
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What a day feels like on each style
The table above sets out the facts of a private vs shared desert tour. Here is how the difference feels in practice on a typical first day from Marrakech or Fes.
On a private tour, your driver collects you at the time you agreed. If you want a second coffee in Ifrane or twenty more minutes at Aït Ben Haddou, you take them. Lunch is where you choose, and the day moves at your pace.
On a shared tour, pick-up follows a set order, so you may wait while other travellers are collected [CONFIRM pick-up arrangements]. Stops start and end on time for the whole group. In return, you have company, the planning is done for you, and the cost is lower.
Neither is better in every case. When people weigh up a private vs shared desert tour, it usually comes down to whether control over time is worth the extra cost for their group.
Common misunderstandings
Several ideas about a private vs shared desert tour are worth correcting before you decide:
- “Shared means sharing a tent.” Not with us. Every party has its own tent with its own bathroom.
- “Private means luxury.” On our tours, private and shared use the same camp; the difference is the vehicle and the timetable [CONFIRM same tent category on both styles].
- “Shared is always cheaper.” For groups of four or more, a private quote can come close [CONFIRM with real quotes].
- “Shared tours are only for backpackers.” Shared tours suit many kinds of traveller, from students to retired couples.
The social side
For many solo travellers weighing up a private vs shared desert tour, the people are part of the trip. A shared tour gives you companions for the long drive and someone to watch the sunset with.
At the camp, guests from different tours often eat and sit around the fire together [CONFIRM camp dining arrangements], so even on a private tour you may meet other travellers in the evening. With a private vs shared desert tour, the real social difference is in the vehicle, not at camp.
Special needs and accessibility
If anyone in your group has limited mobility, a medical condition or specific dietary needs, that often settles the private vs shared desert tour question: private usually makes things easier. You can stop when needed, adjust walking time at sights and travel at a comfortable pace.
Shared tours can still work for many needs, such as vegetarian meals or a 4×4 transfer instead of the camel ride. Tell us in advance and we will advise honestly [CONFIRM accessibility of camp and vehicles].
How to ask for a fair comparison
To compare a private vs shared desert tour properly, ask for both quotes for the same route, dates and accommodation level. Include in your message:
- Your route and preferred start date
- The number of travellers, with children’s ages
- Whether anyone needs a single room or tent
- Any must-see stops or activities
With that information, we can give you a like-for-like comparison rather than two prices that are hard to match up.
Booking in busy seasons
In spring, autumn and holiday periods, shared departures and private vehicles can both fill up. If your dates are fixed, ask early for both options, then decide [CONFIRM typical booking lead time].
Shared tours run on set days [CONFIRM departure days], so they are less flexible if your dates are tight. A private vs shared desert tour decision sometimes comes down to which one is available on your dates.
Tipping on private and shared tours
Tipping works slightly differently on a private vs shared desert tour, and tips are optional and not included in either style. On a private tour, your party usually tips the driver directly. On a shared tour, each traveller tips individually, which keeps the amount per person modest.
Camel handlers and camp staff can be tipped separately on both styles. Give what you feel the service deserved, in dirhams.
More questions about choosing
Can two couples share a private tour?
Yes. If you are travelling with friends, a private tour for your combined group is often good value, because the vehicle cost is shared among more people. For four travellers, a private vs shared desert tour comparison can come out closer than you might expect.
Can children join a shared tour?
[CONFIRM minimum age on shared tours]. When families compare a private vs shared desert tour, we usually suggest private for flexibility, but older children who travel well can enjoy a shared group.
Does the driver speak other languages?
All our drivers speak English. Other languages: [CONFIRM languages offered]. On a private tour, ask when you book and we will try to match you with a driver who speaks your language.
Can I change my mind after booking?
Moving between styles depends on availability and our terms [CONFIRM policy]. If you are unsure about a private vs shared desert tour, ask for both quotes before you confirm, so you can compare calmly.
Which style do you recommend for a first visit to Morocco?
There is no single answer to the private vs shared desert tour question for a first visit. If budget matters most and you are one or two people, choose shared. If you want a gentle introduction to the country with time to stop and ask questions, private is usually the more comfortable choice.
Is the camel ride the same on both?
Yes. The camel trek to camp, sunset and sunrise in the dunes are the same on both styles. Only the time you leave camp in the morning may vary on a private vs shared desert tour [CONFIRM].
