Most European travelers aim to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco, the world’s largest hot desert. Morocco offers the most accessible part of the Sahara, but it’s not all towering orange sand dunes. In reality, these iconic dunes make up just a small portion of the Moroccan Sahara.
If you’re starting to plan your adventure in Morocco’s desert and wondering how to organize your tour, this Sahara Desert holiday guide is for you. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling in the Moroccan desert.
The Moroccan desert lies in the southeast, bordering Algeria and Western Sahara. It features vast dunes and wavy sand, resembling ocean waves. While vegetation is sparse, you’ll mainly encounter camels, used by nomadic tribes.
Morocco’s two largest deserts, Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, are near the closed Algerian border, nestled within the beautiful and unique Hammada (flat, stony desert).
Located near Merzouga in eastern Morocco, the Erg Chebbi Desert is often regarded as more beautiful than the Erg Chigaga Desert. Read on to discover why.
The Erg Chebbi Desert, a popular part of the Sahara near Merzouga, is easily accessible. Just 10 minutes by camel or 5 minutes by 4×4, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering sand dunes. These high dunes create stunning vistas, making Erg Chebbi a prime spot for photography.
The desert features luxurious glamping tent campsites, offering an upscale experience. Thanks to its proximity to Merzouga, this area has well-organized supplies of running water and electricity. However, expect to encounter other visitors, as the Erg Chebbi’s beauty makes it a major tourist attraction.
The Erg Chigaga Desert is renowned for its beauty, though its sand dunes are lower, especially at the beginning. Accessing Erg Chigaga is more challenging; the last two hours require switching to a 4×4 vehicle, making the journey more expensive. Due to the greater distances, a camel ride to Erg Chigaga is not advisable, as you won’t reach the high dunes deep in the Sahara.
While Erg Chigaga may seem less appealing, its remoteness means fewer tourists, offering a more secluded experience. For a truly solitary adventure in the Morocco Sahara Desert, Erg Chebbi is highly recommended.
The Morocco Sahara Desert is a must-visit for travelers exploring Morocco. Many venture to Merzouga for the breathtaking Erg Chebbi sand dunes or Zagora to experience Erg Chigaga’s beauty.
For an enriching Sahara experience, nothing beats exploring with a knowledgeable local guide. They’ll share captivating tales of the desert’s nomadic heritage throughout your journey. Consider a 3-day tour, including a night in Erg Chebbi’s dunes, for an immersive desert adventure. And for those with more time, the Imperial Cities & Desert Sahara Tours offer an unforgettable blend of culture and wilderness exploration in Morocco’s Sahara Desert.
Erg Chebbi emerges as the ultimate destination for travelers seeking awe-inspiring desert landscapes in Morocco. With its towering sand dunes reaching heights of up to 150 meters, Erg Chebbi stands out as the most iconic and sought-after desert experience within the Moroccan Sahara.
Located 350 miles (560 km) east of Marrakesh, Merzouga offers an enchanting gateway to the Morocco Sahara Desert. Travelers seeking budget-friendly options can opt for CTM and Supratours night buses from Fez to Merzouga, or take a long bus journey from Marrakech for an economical yet adventurous route.
For a more convenient journey to the Moroccan Sahara Desert, consider flying to Moulay Ali Cherif Errachidia Airport with Royal Air Maroc. Errachidia is the nearest town, and from there, it’s a two-hour drive to Merzouga. This option allows you to bypass the lengthy travel from Marrakech or Fez.
Numerous tour operators provide comprehensive desert tours departing from Marrakech or Fez. These tours typically include a guide, various organized activities, and 4×4 transportation, often spanning several days. While three-day tours are popular, opting for a 4- or 5-day tour allows for more time to enjoy the desert scenery. Some companies even offer tours starting in Marrakech and ending in Fez, with a stop in Merzouga along the way. We highly recommend Med Morocco Tours for such an experience.
Erg Chigaga became accessible to tourists in the 1990s and remains less frequented than Erg Chebbi. Despite this, it offers unique benefits, including its proximity to Marrakech and fewer tourists.
Zagora is accessible via two national highways, the N9 and N12. You can either rent a car for a self-drive adventure or take a long-distance bus from major Moroccan cities. With the national bus company CTM, the trip from Marrakech takes about 8 hours and costs 140 dirhams, while the journey from Ouarzazate takes just over 3 hours and costs 55 dirhams.
Zagora has its own airport, Zagora Airport (OZG), with direct flights from Casablanca International Airport via Royal Air Maroc, taking about one hour and fifty minutes. If you’re traveling from Marrakech, there are no direct flights to Zagora. It is often more cost-effective and convenient to fly to Ouarzazate and then drive for 2.5 hours, or to drive directly from Marrakech.
Numerous tour operators provide desert excursions from Marrakech to Zagora, including stops at key attractions like Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, with an overnight stay in a Berber camp along the journey.
The Moroccan desert offers a wide range of activities, including camel trekking, glamping, sandboarding, and ATV quad biking. A 3-day tour provides limited time in the Sahara Desert, allowing you to ride a camel at sunset, dine in the desert, sleep in a tent, and watch the stars and sunrise before departing. For a more immersive experience, consider taking a bus to Merzouga and planning an independent trip rather than joining a tour from Marrakech.
Merzouga, a small village on the edge of the desert, is renowned for the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi that stretch to its outskirts. These dunes make Merzouga a top destination for adventure tourism in Morocco, offering travelers a breathtaking and immersive desert experience.
Situated in southeastern Morocco, 50 km from Erfoud, Merzouga greets visitors with an unforgettable panorama of the Erg Chebbi dunes, which change color from yellow to ochre throughout the day. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the Saharuis, the iconic “blue men” in their indigo-blue cheiches, along with camel guides and their camels. Merzouga offers a serene Saharan village atmosphere dedicated to desert tourism, providing an authentic and captivating experience.
You’ve finally booked your tickets to Morocco and are now planning your trip. However, you’re unsure what to do in Merzouga, the gateway to the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi.
The Erg Chebbi desert is Merzouga’s main attraction, with all tourist activities centered around exploring the vast sand dunes.
Despite the focus on this sandy landscape, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re with family, a partner, or friends, you’ll find activities that suit your preferences. You can embrace the tranquility of the desert with hiking or camel riding. For the adventurous and thrill-seekers, quad biking or buggy rides will satisfy your craving for excitement. No matter the time of day, there’s always something to experience in the Merzouga desert, from early morning adventures to late-night explorations.
We began our camel trek at 4:30, the ideal time to witness the sunset towards the end of our two-hour journey. We then headed to the desert camp nestled in the middle of the desert, surrounded by dunes, where we would spend the night. As my camel rose, I felt a bit uneasy sitting atop the tall animal, worried about maintaining my balance. Eventually, I grew accustomed to it. Though my seat became uncomfortable after a while, the experience was unforgettable and one I would gladly repeat.
We traversed numerous dunes, ascending and descending until we reached the summit of a much taller dune. From there, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of the sunset. Afterward, we continued our camel ride to the desert camp. As the day ended, the desert grew cold with strong winds. Finally, we arrived at our camp.
For those seeking a luxurious and comfortable trip to Erg Chebbi, marrakechtourcompany.com offers the perfect package.
Their Luxury Overnight at the Desert Camp begins with a memorable sunset camel ride, followed by a relaxing session with mint tea and a delicious meal under the stars.
The following day, you can indulge in quad biking or sandboarding adventures before refreshing with a much-needed shower. This experience includes water and transportation to and from your accommodation or the Merzouga bus station.
Hop into the off-road vehicle awaiting you. Your local driver, arranged to pick you up from your accommodation, will lead you on a journey to explore the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi. Traverse sand mountains aboard a 4×4, an experience that promises both literal and figurative excitement.
Pause at a Berber tent to delve into local traditions. Here, you’ll partake in a meal and tea with a nomadic family, immersing yourself in their culture. Additionally, they’ll introduce you to their traditional music and unique instruments.
The Erg Chebbi desert is an ideal setting for such an adventure. Quad biking in Merzouga offers a thrilling experience for driving enthusiasts. Riding these motorized vehicles allows you to explore incredible terrain, from sandy dunes to rocky desert landscapes, with rugged paths posing no challenge.
Your guide will lead you to remote natural spots, far from civilization. Along the way, you’ll pause for tea with a welcoming Berber family, offering you insight into the local culture and traditions.
If you’re seeking an unconventional experience, look no further. If your past adventures down slopes have only been on snow-covered terrain, prepare for something entirely different. Gone are the gloves, caps, and winter coats; instead, envision yourself sliding down sand dunes in a t-shirt.
Sandboarding in Merzouga offers a unique thrill. From the peaks of the dunes, you’ll embark on a thrilling glide session unlike any winter sport you’ve experienced before. The only difference? You’ll be basking in warmer temperatures while enjoying the exhilarating ride down the high dunes of the Merzouga desert.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure away from the usual paths and delve into the dunes. After a brief introduction to operating these motor vehicles, you’ll traverse vast distances across the desert, maximizing your sightseeing opportunities in minimal time.
Accompanied by a guide, you’ll have the chance to visit a Berber family, renowned for their deep-rooted customs. Sharing a refreshing mint tea with them precedes an enlightening tour.
Prepare to be amazed by the desert’s myriad surprises as you uncover magnificent vistas during your excursion.
During the summer, this brackish lake, located four kilometers west of Merzouga, dries up, but it is replenished by autumn rains. Resembling a vast blue oasis amidst the desert dunes, Lac Dayet Srij boasts remarkable photogenic qualities. However, its true marvel lies in its rich birdlife, making it a haven for avian enthusiasts.
Near Merzouga lies the village of Khemliya, home to a small community of the Gnaoua ethnic group.
Originating from West and Central Africa, the Gnawas were brought to present-day Morocco and Algeria as slaves (the term “Gnawa” stems from Berber for “slave”). With the adoption of Islam by the Berbers and the abolition of slavery, the Gnawas embraced Sufism, enabling them to maintain certain pre-Islamic traditions.
These traditions encompass healing and prayer rituals, featuring musicians playing bass and performing melodies on a string instrument called the sintir, accompanied by clapping and call-and-response chants. Gnawa music, often transcending its ritualistic origins, has gained global recognition and is prominently showcased at events like the World Gnaoua Music Festival in Essaouira.
In Merzouga, you can arrange a guided trip to Khemliya for an intimate encounter with this ancient musical tradition.
A fascinating sight in Merzouga is a national museum dedicated to off-road vehicles, situated on the desert’s edge. Admission to this attraction is complimentary, showcasing a diverse collection of 4×4 vehicles, including Jeeps, Ford models, Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Toyotas, and Moroccan military vehicles. Additionally, visitors can marvel at more unconventional exhibits such as a single-seater buggy and an amphibious vehicle. Among the displays is the oldest car, a Ford Model T, equipped curiously with off-road tires.
The fertile oases of Merzouga appear like mirages in the desert. Sip a mint tea in the company of oasians who have preserved their ancestral culture.
While a 3 or 4-day desert tour typically explores the Erg Chebbi region, situated at the Sahara’s edge and offering its own charm, opting for a longer 4 or 5-day excursion will venture deeper into the Sahara Desert of Morocco. This extended journey provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to truly feel the vastness of the desert and witness the daily lives of its inhabitants.
We’ve secured a 5% to 10% discount with our trusted team for Morocco desert tours, tailored to the duration of your trip. Our experience in the Sahara Desert with them was truly unforgettable. For inquiries or bookings, feel free to reach out to us for further details and assistance.
The cost of the tour varies depending on your preferences. Our private 3-day Sahara Desert excursion from Marrakech to Fes was priced at approximately $780. This rate covered two nights’ accommodation, one in a hotel/Riad and the other in a luxurious desert camp, along with meals, camel rides, and more. Alternatively, you can opt to share a minivan with fellow travelers, which offers a more budget-friendly option.
For those considering a stay in Merzouga, an excursion to the Erg Chebbi dunes, or a tour with an overnight desert camp experience, the optimal time falls between October and May.
To reserve your Sahara desert tour in Morocco, it’s essential to determine the starting point for your journey. We offer tours departing from two distinct destinations. Once you’ve selected your desired starting point, you can proceed to choose the destination that best suits your tour.
Embarking on a desert tour from Marrakech is an essential experience that everyone should partake in at least once in their lifetime. From scaling the highest dunes in Morocco to spending the night in a traditional tent and witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the desert, these moments are etched into memory forever. We offer several desert tours tailored to meet your needs:
For travelers with ample time in Morocco and a desire to explore the entire southern region, we highly recommend exploring our range of tours departing from Marrakech.
Our Desert Tours from Fes are meticulously crafted to fulfill your dreams and exceed your expectations. Each tour is curated to introduce you to new experiences, immersing you in the moment of the desert and igniting joy in every second. Additionally, you have the option to tailor your tour according to your preferences.
For travelers with limited time, our 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech offers a delightful glimpse into the Sahara desert.
For a more extensive exploration and engaging activities, our 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech is an excellent choice.
For the ultimate adventure encompassing the entire Erg Chebbi desert, our 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech is perfect.
If you find yourself in Fes with ample time and an inclination for an extended Sahara desert journey, we encourage you to explore our array of Tours from Fes.
Deciding between a group tour or a private desert tour in Morocco depends on your travel preferences and style. If you’re experienced with independent travel and speak French or Arabic, independent exploration is feasible using guidebooks and public transportation. However, navigating remote desert areas alone is not recommended.
Opting for a private tour offers deeper immersion into Moroccan culture, daily interactions with locals, and access to hidden gems with knowledgeable guides. Marrakech Tour Company arranges various private tours, including excursions to the Sahara Desert, which can be tailored to your preferences.
Morocco’s conservative culture requires mindful clothing choices, particularly in rural areas like the Sahara Desert. Ensure coverage of private body parts: women should cover arms and knees, while men should cover shoulders and knees.
While spending a night under the Sahara stars is unforgettable, consider extending your stay for a more immersive experience. With two nights, you can leisurely explore the desert, partake in activities like sandboarding and camel trekking, and immerse yourself in local traditions.
Marrakech is approximately 600 km from Merzouga, near the Erg Chebbi dunes, and about 360 km from Zagora, near Erg Chigaga dunes. Fez lies 470 km from Merzouga and 670 km from Zagora. Travel times range from 8 to 12 hours one way, with ample opportunities to explore cultural and scenic attractions en route.
Ensure you pack essential items for your desert adventure, including a windbreaker, comfortable pants, suitable footwear, sun protection gear, a camera, and additional supplies for unforeseen circumstances. Consider bringing extra medication, as pharmacies are scarce in the desert.