Morocco has enjoyed great repute in recent years.. It’s the destination of choice for a rich cultural experience. Plus, you can become completely immersed in postcard-perfect scenes of camels, palmeries and rolling dunes of orange sand.
If you dream of playing Lawrence of Arabia, riding a camel over orange sand dunes at sunset, then not anywhere will do. Not all of Morocco will afford you the chance to frolic through sand dunes.
Although glossy tour brochures may lead you to believe that Morocco is endowed with sandy, amber dunes everywhere, that’s not true. Many a Sahara desert trip review will warn you otherwise.
The best way to get the snapshots to prove your sandy endeavor is by driving from Marrakec. It can take the better part of a day each way. The journey is part of the experience, though, and the final destination is absolutely worth it!
Read on and we’ll tell you how to take a Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Morocco’s Sahara Desert: where to go
Located in the westernmost corner of North Africa, Morocco’s terrain is diverse. The country’s landscape has everything from high mountains and coastal regions to rugged, rocky desert terrain with a smattering of the occasional palm oasis here and there.
With so much desert, Morocco offers a variety of options, from quickie trips to multi-day excursions in western Morocco. Most people visit the dunes in Zagora or Merzouga but If you’re short on time or prefer a more low-key desert experience, Agafay’s your oasis.
But how do you know which desert is right for you?
As you’re planning your Morocco itinerary, ask yourself: How much time do you have to visit the Sahara Desert? That’s the key question to answer.
Here’s what we suggest:
1 Day: Agafay Desert
Agafay’s not your classic Sahara. It’s more of a rugged, rocky landscape with a sprinkling of sandy ripples. Think sun-baked hills and stony plains, not golden dunes stretching to infinity. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit, especially if time is tight.
- Highlights: Camel rides, sunset views, stargazing, proximity to Marrakech.
- Things to consider: Top day trip option, few dunes, less immersive than deeper desert trips.
2 Days: Zagora Desert
If you want to spend a night in the desert, Zagora’s your answer. Just be warned that it’s not the endless golden sea you might picture. Zagora is more rocky and rugged, with historic Kasbahs and date palms.
Reaching the majestic Erg Chigaga dunes in Zagora requires a 2-hour off-road adventure by either camel or 4×4. The highlight is spending the night in a traditional Berber camp and witnessing stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Erg Chigaga dunes.
- Highlights: 4×4 desert adventure, Berber camp experience, Erg Chigaga dunes, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
- Things to consider: Longer travel time from Marrakech, few activities beyond dune exploration, and rocky landscape.
3 Days (and beyond): Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
If you want to experience the magic of the Sahara in its full glory, Merzouga is the classic Sahara experience. Picture windblown sands streaking orange hues beneath a turquoise blue sky, tufts of green pushing up desperately through the rippled surface, and camels lazily navigating the cascades, their backs heavy with colorful cloth and campsite essentials.
Many of the camel trekking trips and desert campsites offered by tour companies will take you here.
- Highlights: Camel trekking, sandboarding, Erg Chebbi dunes, desert camp experience, hookah around a campfire under the stars, and cultural immersion with Berber communities.
- Things to consider: Longer travel time from Marrakech and potentially higher temperatures compared to Zagora. Landscapes are more impressive, with notable stops along the way.
The Sahara Desert: Zagora
Zagora is often called the gate of the Sahara desert. However, those who have visited Zagora say it is predominantly a rocky, arid landscape that boasts only a scattering of smaller, sandy peaks.
That’s not to say that Zagora is without its charm. You just need to know that it is more of a rocky, rugged landscape than you might be expecting. Zagora is fast becoming a well-visited tourist destination, but it’s relatively unknown to local Moroccans.
Set amid a scattering of date palms, the fronds heavy with sweet fruit, Zagora has well-preserved historical monuments worth visiting, such as ancient fortresses and Kasbahs across the Hamada (largely barren, rocky landscape).
Zagora is a fascinating gateway to the Sahara, but it’s not the heart of the vast sand dunes you might be picturing. Expect a long journey from Marrakech – about 6 hours by car.
While Zagora itself has a unique charm with its rocky landscapes, date palm groves, and historical kasbahs, the Erg Chigaga dunes, the most impressive ones, are a further 2 hours off-road.
If you’re set on vast sand dunes, you might want to consider a longer trip to Merzouga or Erg Chebbi. But if you’re open to a unique desert experience with a cultural touch, Zagora can be a memorable stop.
Places to visit on a Marrakech Sahara itinerary
For many, one of the reasons to visit Morocco in the first place (more specifically Marrakech) is to spend a night or maybe more in the Sahara desert. But the ideal Morocco desert tour includes a few memorable stops along the way, too.
Whether you’re departing by bus, self-drive, or tour group, the earnest journey into the Moroccan desert is no small feat. It requires a great deal of patience and a highly efficient air-conditioning unit for the great distance ahead!
The sights, tastes, and sounds along the way are another memorable part of a trip to the Sahara desert. Departing Marrakech, your road trip itinerary includes stops en route at some of the most spectacular landmarks and locations in Morocco.
Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass
Tizi-n-Tichka is a well-known, scenic mountain pass. It will take you through the impressive High Atlas Mountains. Reaching an altitude of 7,415ft, it links Marrakech to Ouarzazate and offers a welcome break from the long drive.
Be sure to stop along the pass. You’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views.
Ait Ben Haddou
The first highlight of the journey is a UNESCO world heritage site. After the 4-hour, 185-km drive from Marrakech, you’ll be glad to have a chance to stretch your legs and explore.
The modern part of Ait Benhaddou will greet you, with all the touristy shops you’d expect. A short walk down the hill and across the bridge will bring you to the old part.
If you’re a fan of the silver screen, you’ll want to see Ait Ben-Haddou. Countless producers have used this as a film location, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile, The Last Temptation of the Christ, Gladiator, and even Game of Thrones.
Ait Ben-Haddou is probably the best known of Morocco’s ksars, which are fortified Berber strongholds. Once a caravanserai – where traveling merchants would stop for the night and stable their camels – the ksar now supports itself through tourism.
ⓘ TIP: Be sure to climb all the way to the top for the best views of the area.
Tinghir and the Todgha Gorges
Three hours from Ait Ben Haddou through Ouarzazate, and passing palm-lined Skoura, will bring you to Tinghir (in the Draa Region) and the neighbouring Todgha Gorges. Combining it with Ait Ben-Haddou would make for a long day. Rather, stop here on your return trip.
Owing their splendid, natural beauty to both the Todgha and Dadès Rivers, the limestone river canyons have been deeply etched into the earth, with impressive rock walls reaching up to 525 feet into the sky.
Erfoud
The once oasis-outpost of the desert, Erfoud is a mere 45 minutes from Merzouga and an excellent stop to purchase dates and Moroccan madfouna (known as ‘Berber pizza’) – easy to find within the bustling souk. Be sure to check out the ‘Erfoud stone’ or fossilized stones that the area in known for.
Erg Chebbi
If you’ve pictured yourself riding a camel through seas of dunes in the Sahara desert, then Erg Chebbi is the destination for you.
Morocco has several ‘ergs’ or large seas of dunes, washed into shape by the wind. However, the Erg Chebbi dunes are especially spectacular. They tower almost 500 feet above the surrounding rocky hamada below.
The dunes here are far more impressive in size and composition than you can find at Zagora. You will arrive after a memorable camel trek.
How to get from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert
According to the array of Marrakech desert trip reviewers, there’s little difference in cost between a self-drive, do-it-yourself trip and booking with a professional tour guide.
If you do it yourself, you can tailor the trip to your own needs and stop whenever you want. On the other hand, there’s a lot to be said for sitting back and enjoying a stress-free excursion.
How to see the Sahara Desert on your own
Depending on how much you would like to see en route, these are your DIY travel options:
- Public bus – Supratours
- Rental car
- Local flights – you’ll land at Ouarzazate airport.
- Private helicopter – hey, it’s an option!
To go on your own, you’ll have to arrange your activities when you get to Merzouga, or pre-book your Sahara desert activities online with a recommended tour operator. There are plenty of options, each one promising an enticing experience that seems to outdo the other.
What is a Sahara Desert Camp experience like?
For some, a desert escape may be daunting, especially if you are used to the creature comforts of modern living. But there are luxurious desert camps that offer a memorable getaway from the city.
With meticulous attention to detail, comfort, and luxury, these desert escapes are an oasis of relaxation and solitude, set in the midst of a stunning landscape. Single or not, these camps a spehavecial Lawrence of Arabia-esque allure. Imagine yourself encircled by the warmth of the fire, embracing the flavors of a hookah, and feeling as if the Milky Way above is guiding you through a portal into another world.
Cue the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp, where we were invited to spend two nights. There, we enjoyed a true nomadic experience in one of their premium ‘khaimas’ which are traditional tents. The meal buffets were traditionally Moroccan, from the tea to the tagines. The abundant spread was the perfect introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine, and even the pickiest eater found something to enjoy.
At sunset, we found ourselves between the cascading dunes and the constellation-filled sky.
What to do in the Sahara desert
Getting to the Sahara desert from Marrakech is part of the fun, but the rest of the fun comes once you get there. That’s because there are many things to do in the Sahara desert.
Merzouga desert tours can last anywhere up to four nights. We suggest you make a list of your “must-do” activities before you finalize your plans. This way, you won’t miss out on anything during your once-in-a-lifetime stay in the desert.
These activities are some of the best things to do once you reach the dunes of Merzouga:
Sahara Desert camel ride
The humble Dromedary (or Arabian camel) with its lone hump, is expertly designed by nature to survive the sweltering desert conditions, and is one of the most iconic animals in all of Morocco.
With their long, lustrous eyelashes and gentle, patient nature, they are the perfect companion for a trek around the undulating dunes of Merzouga. A camel ride into the desert may be necessary (and delightful) if you want to get off the beaten track. It’s the only way to find a quiet spot with perfectly rippled sand, undisturbed by the feet of dozens of other travelers.
Getting onto the camel’s back is quite the experience – we think it’s part of the fun of the camel ride! As it kneels gracefully beside you, it won’t be hard to hop onto the camel’s saddle. Camels stand up with their rear legs first, so hold tight and lean back. You’ll settle into your seat as soon as the front legs follow.
As the string of camels follow your nomad guide, the swaying pace is generally rather slow. It provides the perfect opportunity to whip out that selfie-stick (if that’s your thing) and dare a few picture-perfect desert snaps.
Sahara Desert trips by 4×4
An experience like no other, transport yourself to the Dakar Rally route and navigate the terrain of the Sahara Desert on a 4×4 desert tour!
Departing Merzouga, traverse the dunes by off-road vehicle, edging further into the desert where you can stop to drink tea and spend time with a local Berber family, and even move on to visit an oasis.
Step back in time and visit the ruins of the medieval desert city, Sijilmasa, a once-thriving trading post near present-day Rissani. Soak up the Saharan atmosphere in Rissani, a charming, holy city with a daily souk at its heart.
Each sector of the souk offers a sampling of Moroccan fresh produce, dates, spices textiles, and local craftsmanship. Enjoy an afternoon in the souk and seek out the landmarks of Rissani, including the imposing and ornate ‘door to the desert’ or Bab.
While in Rissani, a refreshing stop in the desert allows you to indulge in the local cuisine over lunch, where you will get the chance to savor aromatic, authentic Moroccan flavors. If all of this sounds right up your alley, then give the Merzouga half-day tour a try.
Sahara Desert at sunrise
Even if you are not a morning person, be sure to wake up with the rising desert sun. As the burning ball of light peeps over the sandy curve of a dune, illuminating the rippled surface and setting the horizon ablaze, you will be glad you did so!
Bask in the morning glow, meditative and silent, so quiet that it makes your ears ring inside. A spectacular moment with just a little bit of magic.
The Sahara Desert at night
In contrast to the scorching hot daytime temperatures, the Sahara desert at night is quite different.
Gaze up at the pristine Milky Way overhead, without the city glow to wash out the starlight, and you may just witness a shooting star. The Sahara desert under the stars is breathtaking, almost surreal against the silhouette of cascading dunes (and the occasional roaming camel).
For aspiring astronomers, it is the perfect chance to spot constellations, planets, and stars with just the naked eye.
Thinking about camping underneath the stars on the Sahara desert floor? Well, you’ll need to come prepared. Once that gorgeous, blazing sun that you awoke to see sinks below the horizon, things start to become very chilly.
To get technical, we’re talking about 55 degrees Fahrenheit (about 12° C). That’s thanks to the lack of water vapor in the air and the sand’s inability to hold heat once the sun has gone. With that said, nighttime in the Sahara is a magical experience.
There’s a plus side of those low temperatures: You get to wrap up like a Berber nomad, with a little help from your guide.
Evenings are usually spent around a cozy fire, with a bellyful of tagine and the sounds of Berber music dancing in the still night sky.
Sahara Desert trips by quad bike
Once you’ve selected one of the best Sahara desert tours Morocco has to offer, or even if you’ve chosen the self-drive option, consider squeezing in a quad biking adventure in the dunes.
Dress comfortably and be sure to bring your sense of adventure, because this is one for the adrenaline junkies!
Traverse the changing landscapes of the Erg Chebbi dunes, nearing the border of Algeria. The scenic, wind-swept dunes create the perfect conditions for racing around cascading heights of up to almost 500 feet.
All conducted under the watchful eye of a professional guide, you can safely set your own pace and make the experience your own. Some of the points to consider and enjoy include;
- Use of a Moto Quad
- Safety helmet
- Professional Guide
- Choose between a 1-2 hour or 3-4 hour tour
- The longer tour sees you sip Moroccan tea with a nomadic family
- Depart at any time you like, between 8am to 7pm
ⓘ RELATED TOURS: Quad Biking in Desert Dunes Merzouga Erg Chebbi (Viator) and 4-Day 4WD Sahara Desert Discovery Tour (Get Your Guide).
Book a guided tour of the Sahara desert
Exploring the desert on a 4×4, taking a sunset camel ride over the dunes, and even camping in a Berber tent beneath the stars, are perfect ways to experience the Sahara Desert.
1 day Sahara Desert tours from Marrakech
If you are visiting Marrakech and want to spend one day in the Sahara desert, your options are limited. You won’t be able to visit Zagora or Merzouga, but there are a few ways to spend a day in the desert from Marrakech.
2 day Sahara Desert tours in Morocco
But seriously, could anything be more picturesque than heading into the dunes by camel, as the sun sets over the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Couple that with watching the sun rise over the desert the next morning from atop a sandy dune. Now you know why you should try to schedule at least two days for your desert adventure.
Zagora doesn’t have many dunes, but these overnight Zagora desert tours from Marrakech will allow you to get a taste of the desert:
- Complete Sahara Desert safari from Marrakech to Zagora, via top Ouarzazate sights
- Watch the sun rise and set over Zagora by camel, at an overnight Sahara Desert camp
- Visit the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’ with a overnight Sahara stay and sunrise camel ride
- Experience desert life in the Zagora dunes, with a stop at Ait Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate
3 day Sahara Desert tours in Morocco
Three days of travel from Marrakech to Merzouga will create some of the best memories you will keep of Morocco. Explore Kasbahs and desert camps, camel rides, and canyons.
Take the time to enjoy three days and two nights on one of these top Sahara Desert tours from Marrakech:
- 3-Day shared Marrakech to Merzouga tour complete with a camel trek and desert camp in Erg Chebbi
- 3-Day private Marrakech to Merzouga desert safari with top sightseeing, cultural stops and camel ride
- Small-group sightseeing and Sahara desert experience from Marrakech
- 3-Day private guided tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
4 day Sahara Desert tours in Morocco
If you can reserve three nights for the Sahara, so much the better. Just about every desert trip article you come across recommends at least two or three nights in the desert.
Part of travel’s appeal is the chance to check out of your monotonous daily grind and escape into the great unknown, far away from routines and responsibilities. If you crave a digital detox, this is your chance.
You can let the professionals take the reins, literally and figuratively, and sweep you off into the Sahara on these four-day tours:
- 4-Day private tour from Marrakech to Merzouga including a luxury desert camp
- Pull out all the stops on this complete 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour
- The ultimate 5-day Desert Tour to Merzouga from Marrakech
If you are looking for the trip of a lifetime, and the photos to prove it, make sure that you book a desert experience on your upcoming travels to North Africa’s magical Morocco.
A journey complete with picturesque palmeries, camel rides, delicious Moroccan cuisine and plenty of storytelling, a Sahara Desert tour will have you coming up roses (or surrounded by them) in just four days or less!
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Before reading this, I didn’t know a desert tour was on my bucket list! By golly, it is! I think the 4×4 experience would be fun and definitely the desert camp. Your photos are lovely too! It would be an experience of a lifetime for sure.
You should go, Sherry. Morocco is incredible! There’s something so magical about being out in the desert and seeing all those stars in the night sky. That plus the sunset camel trek are some of our best travel memories EVER. We can’t recommend the desert camp experience highly enough!
Thank you for the photography compliment. Morocco was an especially easy subject for the lens. 🙂