Morocco Desert Tours

1- Merzouga Desert ( Erg Chebbi dunes )

Erg Chebbi is the more popular among travelers, given its higher, colorful dunes, considered the largest and the most beautiful sandy desert all around Morocco, and everyone dreams to visit it at least once in a lifetime and try the camel ride to the desert camp. Erg Chebbi near Merzouga is located 560 km from Marrakech (one way) and it takes 8 – 9 hours with short stops traveling through routes N9 and 10N or 565 km through routes N9 and N 12. Keep in mind that the speed limit on open roads in Morocco is 100km/h, and 60km/h in towns.

2- Zagora Desert:

A Morocco trip to Zagora is the perfect way to spend a short, 2-day getaway. Although it's located about 360 kilometers away from Marrakech, and the journey there takes about 7 hours by road, it's well worth the trip. The Zagora tour takes you to a much more arid and rocky than the other great desert in Morocco, Merzouga.

3- Erg Chigaga

Erg Chegaga is a group of ergs, or large sand dunes, located in the Souss-Massa-Draa region of Morocco. It is approximately 45 km from the Berber town M'hamid and 98 km from the provincial town of Zagora. Erg Chegaga is known for its high sand dunes and is the largest golden sand sea in Morocco, winding along the horizon for approximately 35 km with a peak at 300m. The Sahara desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga takes about nine hours by 4x4 on a private tour, or by camel ride from Mhamid, as the road is unpaved once you pass the gate when approaching M'hamid. M'hamid is a small administrative center and the last oasis in the Sahara desert. To the south lies a rock desert, Hammada du Draa. In M'hamid, Wadi Draa disappears under the sand dunes of Erg Chegaga.

4- Agafay Desert

The Agafay desert is a beautiful and unique place, located just 30 kilometers from Marrakech, which makes it ideal for a short visit with a camel ride to get the feeling of the desert landscapes while in Morocco. It's a rocky desert, similar to a sand desert, with white dunes and a landscape that looks like the Sahara. In the middle of the desert, there is a surprising oasis, where the fauna and flora thrive. This oasis is a haven of peace and tranquility, where frogs and turtles live peacefully in the oueds, surrounded by water and rocks. Lost in the dunes are some Berber villages that continue to exist in this austere but sublime nature.

We believe that our Morocco Sahara desert tours are the perfect way to experience the country's stunning landscapes and culture. Our desert tours are designed to give you the best possible experience, including plenty of time to explore on your own, as well as guided tours and activities. We know that planning a private tour can be overwhelming, so we take care of all the details for you: from booking the right Sahara desert camp to the camel rides in Erg Chebbi sand dunes. We'll help you choose the right trip and make sure everything is taken care of before you arrive. And, of course, we're always available to answer any questions you have along the way. Booking with us is the best way to ensure an amazing and hassle-free Morocco tour.

The sand dunes near the town of Merzouga are known as Erg Chebbi. They are located approximately 561 km from Marrakech via the valley of Dades (N9 and N12), and 552 km from Marrakech through the valley of the Draa (via N9 and N10). The closest dunes to Marrakech are located in Erg Chegaga, approximately 520 km away. Erg Chegaga dunes are one of the highest dunes in Africa and lie about 60 km off-road from M’hamid. There are also a number of small dunes between Zagora and M’hamed (in N9).

A visit to the Sahara Desert is a must for anyone traveling to Morocco. Most people will arrive in Merzouga to see the Erg Chebbi Dunes or M'Hamid to see the Erg Chigaga Dunes. However, the best way to explore the Sahara desert is with a knowledgeable local guide. They will be able to share the rich nomadic Berber history of the desert with you along the journey and make your experience that much more special.

1- From Marrakech:

There are several options for getting from Marrakech into the Sahara Desert: minibus ( for group shared tours ), helicopter, or private car. Most travelers choose to go by car with a private driver. A car will cover the 249 miles (561 km) in roughly 9 hours. Leaving Marrakech on the N9 Highway, you will soon be in the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, plan time to admire the views of the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. Shortly thereafter, you will be near the ancient hilltop city of Ait Ben Haddou. From there, you will continue to the riverside city of Ouarzazate. From here, take the N10 Highway until the turnoff for R113. Along the route, you may see people selling fresh dates from the local palm groves. Soon you will turn onto the N12 which leads you into Merzouga. Alternatively, take to the skies in a private helicopter or plane charter. Arriving via helicopter will take nearly 2 hours.

2- From Fez:

If you're looking to take a Sahara Desert tour, a great way to do it is by driving from Fes to desert. The journey is only 287 miles (463 km), and there are plenty of amazing landscapes and unique stops along the way. Departing from Fes, take the N13 Highway to Ifrane, Morocco's Switzerland. Continuing on the same road, you will eventually arrive at the Azrou Forest and then the Ziz Valley. The drive should take around 7 hours in total, not including any stops you may want to make.

3- From Casablanca:

The journey from Casablanca to Merzouga is a long one, at 9 hours. But it's a scenic drive, and you'll get to see a lot of the country. You'll take the N13 Highway across the country towards the Eastern border. A good midway stop for lunch is the Berber village, Midelt. From there, it's back on the N13 for the rest of the journey. If you're looking to arrive as quickly as possible, you can take a direct flight from Casablanca to Errachidia. The flight is only one hour long. From Errachidia, it's only a 2-hour drive to Merzouga on the R702 Highway.

Sahara Desert tours from Marrakech are very affordable. Prices for private tours depend on the size of your party, the tour length, and the type of accommodation selected. Prices for group tours, meanwhile are static, and start from 65 Euros. You won't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy all that this amazing destination has to offer.

There are many benefits to booking a private Sahara desert tour from Marrakech. For one, private desert trips offer unique tours that can be customized to your individual wants and needs. You don't have to follow a pre- planned itinerary, and you can travel at your own pace. This means you have full control over your trip. You can even choose the times and dates of your Sahara Desert tours. Private tours are also a perfect choice for people who need special assistance, such as older relatives, kids, or people with medical or mobility concerns. On the other hand, traveling in a group tour can also be a great choice. It is more affordable compared to taking a private trip. In addition, booking a group tour is an opportunity to meet people and make new friends from all over the world.

The best time to visit the Sahara desert is probably in the autumn (September-November) or early spring (March-April), when temperatures are more moderate. Young children, the elderly, and people with health issues should avoid taking a Sahara Desert tour during the summer, when it is scorching hot, or during winter, when night-time temperatures can plummet. The seasons in between can provide ideal conditions for exploring Merzouga Sahara desert, but keep in mind that unexpected sandstorms are common in the desert, especially during April. If you plan your Morocco tours at this time of year, be sure to pack extra layers to protect your skin and face from the overhead sun and swirling sands. They'll also help to keep you warm at night, when temperatures can drop significantly, even in the warmer months.

The Sahara Desert is a safe place to visit for everyone, without a doubt. We have been organizing desert tours from Marrakech for decades and never once were we in serious danger of anything.

Morocco is a safe country for female travelers, even those who are traveling alone. In fact, thousands of women from all over the world travel to Morocco every year and return home safe and unharmed. However, it's still important to be aware of your surroundings and vigilant at all times. Familiarizing yourself with the local culture is also a good way to avoid offending anyone. However, when you take part in our Morocco tours, our drivers and guides will be your guardian angels in order to fully enjoy your private tour.

There are endless possibilities for adventure while on Morocco Sahara desert tours. In the Sahara, you can go sand surfing, relax around the desert campfire, watch the sunrise or sunset, spot desert wildlife, ride a camel, and do some stargazing. For motorsports amateurs, you can ride quad bikes or drive buggies across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. And if you're feeling brave, you can even try a therapeutic hot sand spa.

Camel humps are filled with fat, not water as previously thought. This will keep them going for days. Camels can actually move quite quickly, but when you are riding on top of one, you will go slowly and leisurely. This is so the journey is safe and you can take in the beautiful desert landscapes. Most of the camel trekking on our Morocco tours will allow you to enjoy the sunset on your way to the desert camp.

To guarantee your best desert tours experience, we recommend packing light. If not, your tour company can store all your luggage until you are back from Morocco Sahara.
If you choose a luxury desert camp, there is not much to worry about. They offer towels, shower condiments, and bath robes. otherwise, you will need to bring your own if you opt for the standard desert camp.
Good walking shoes are necessary as walks in Tihghir oasis, rose valley, and Kasbah Ait Ben Hddou are included in your desert tours in Morocco.
For your desert trek in the rolling dunes of Merzouga, we highly recommend wearing pants, and no thongs or skirts, as the camel fur, will be scratching your legs and might cause skin irritation.
During winter, warm clothes and thermal sleeping clothes are necessary. Temperatures in Morocco desert can drop below zero at night. Our Morocco Sahara desert camps will supply warm blankets. So there is no need to bring your own sleeping bags.
During summer, temperatures are soaring during the day, and get a little cooler at night in Morocco Sahara. keep yourselves hydrated, bring hats and head scarves, and sunscreen to protect from the hot sun.
To have an amazing trip, bring some wet towels and personal toiletries, for your desert tour. Check our list of what to pack for a Morocco desert tour.