Azalai Desert Lodge
Sahara Desert, Moroccan Desert, Morocco
At a Glance
Delightful boutique hotel located close to the impressive sand dunes around Zagora
Superb camp located about 3 hours from the lodge
Inviting pool and gardens
Period features and fittings
Does not have an alcohol license, so be sure to bring your own
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Late autumn (September to November) and early spring (February to April) are the best time to visit, with daytime temperatures in the 20s and low 30s Celsius. You can also go in midwinter (December to January) if you don't mind the chilly nights (typically 5-10 Celsius). Midsummer (June to August) is best avoided, as blistering temperatures climb to the high 30s.
Insider's View
Fly directly from Paris to Ouarzarzate to avoid the long drive from Marrakech.
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Description
The Azalai Desert Lodge is located in the Draa Valley, close to Zagora in southern Morocco, and is a delightful boutique bolt-hole with 6 rooms and 2 suites. It also has a small desert camp, about 3 hour drive away in Chigaga Dunes.
The Azalai is a quiet retreat where you can easily base yourself in order to explore the desert and surrounding area. Simply decorated with period furniture, the lodge evokes the spirit of writers who have captured the romance of the desert, such as Lawrence of Arabia.
All rooms come with air-conditioning, a fan, safe and shower or vintage cast iron bathtub and open out in the delightful gardens. The two Discovery Rooms are slightly smaller than the four Traveling Rooms which come with a small lounge. They also offer the chance to have a Twin Room. The two Suites are larger still and have a living room.
In the gardens there is an inviting swimming pool, and there is also a spa with a hammam. The Lounge has a fireplace with chairs surrounding a lovely Art Deco walnut table. You can also find a small library with various games on offer.
The Restaurant offers diners the chance to dine inside or on the terrace beside the pool.
Do note that the lodge at present does not serve alcohol, so it is worth bringing along your tipple of choice and the staff will gladly serve you until your desert-parched thirst recedes.
The Camp is about 3 hours away by 4x4. We suggest taking in some of the amazing scenery along the way either by taking a ride on a camel, or a walk in the great Stone Desert. The 4 tents are marquee style, with fixed double beds and quality bedding and mosquito nets. They have a bedside table, shower, chemical toilet, sink and small living room. There is also a restaurant tent, and also a lounge.
Accommodation
There are six rooms and two suites in the lodge and seven tents at the Desert Camp. All rooms in the Lodge are air-conditioned and open out into the gardens.
| Discovery Room | Covering an area of 20m². Equipped with reversible air conditioning and a fan, safe, double bed, a shower or bath vintage cast iron & a hair dryer. |
| Travelling Room | Covering an area of 25m². Equipped with reversible air conditioning and a fan, safe, double bed (2 bedrooms with twin beds), an Italian shower or bath vintage cast iron, hairdryer & lounge. |
| Suite | Covering an area of 30 m². Equipped with air conditioning and a fan, safe, an Italian shower, hair dryer, living room, welcome pack containing a mini wicker basket + water orange blossom + a soap with orange flower or rose water + soap with rose) |
| Desert Camp Tent | 4 prestige tents of 20 m², beige linen lined with canopied double bed with mosquito net, 2 bedside tables, a shower, chemical toilet, sink, small living room. |
Childcare
Azalai Desert Lodge accepts children of any age and can arrange babysitting and children's menus on request.
Facilities
The hotel has a restaurant, which can either provide seating indoors, or out on the terrace. There is a small spa with a Hammam and they offer a few treatments which can be pre-booked. There is a lounge with a small library offering a range of books and games.
Activities
Venture out into the desert in a 4x4 or on camels.
Experiences
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A camel ride across the Sahara desert
Explore Morocco in true Berber style - on the back of camel. This is a spectacular way to traverse the immense sand dunes, capturing the changing light across the rolling, golden dunes of the Sahara.
Location & directions
Sahara Desert, Moroccan Desert, Morocco
Located in the Zagora oasis, the Azalai Desert Lodge is a perfect base to explore the surrounding desert.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator