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An Unforgettable Experience In The Sahara Desert | Morocco

My two-week trip through Morocco did not disappoint. Every aspect of the landscapes, people, & culture left me in awe, wanting more. However, one particular experience during my Morocco Highlights tour stood out the most:

An unforgettable night in the Sahara Desert.

THE JOURNEY TO THE SAHARA

The journey to the Sahara was a long one, but I knew it’d be worth it. After stepping into the only non-muslim permitting mosque in Casablanca and shopping in the maze-like Medina in Fes, our tour group made our way south to Midelt. Situated in the high plains between the middle & high atlas mountains, this stop allowed us to witness the Berber way of life. It was the perfect way to break up our 2-day drive just before arriving in Merzouga, a small town that sits right at the edge of the Sahara.

ARRIVING TO MERZOUGA

We arrived to remote Merzouga midday after driving through massive gorges and lush green valleys. We dropped our bags off at a hotel overlooking the desert, packed small overnight bags, and set off for the experience we’d all been waiting for – a night camping the Sahara. I remember asking all 9 members of our group what they were looking forward to most and the majority admitted that they expected our desert trek to be the highlight of the trip. I couldn’t help but feel the same amount of excitement for what was to come.

Before jumping on our camels, we prepped ourselves for the elements by wrapping scarves around our heads in traditional Berber style and fueling up with some Moroccan mint tea. We walked out onto the sand to meet the camels who’d be carrying us through the dunes. Since this was my first time seeing a camel in real life, I was completely taken aback at just how tall these animals were. They seemed calm & confident, which helped ease some of the fear a few people in our group had. One by one, our Berber guides helped us get mounted on top of our camels. We were told to hold on tightly as the camels abruptly rose from the ground to an upright position. As I sat atop my camel’s hump, I could hardly believe that this was real life. Woah! I was seriously about to ride a camel!

RIDING CAMELS THROUGH THE DESERT

Up then down, was the continuous motion as we set off into bright orange dunes are far as the eye could see. There was not a single soul or building in sight. Other than the squeals we’d occasionally release as the galloping camels jolted our bodies, you couldn’t hear a sound. The desert was completely silent. Despite the silence of the Sahara, I was overwhelmed by the power of the dunes that towered around us. We all expressed how surreal the experience was in the moment. I began to tear up as we rode into sunset and our shadows silently dance along the seas of sand.

DRUMS UNDER THE SKY

We arrived at our desert camp at dusk and our guides helped us off of the camels. We quickly realized that the 2-hour camel ride would leave us sore for the next few days, but we all agreed it was worth it. The ride was unforgettable! Before getting settled in our tents, we ran to the top of a nearby dune to take in the views during the last bit of light. After only several days, it was like we forgot that we started this trip as strangers. We were cracking inside jokes, rolling in the sand, and snapping photos. I sunk my hands into the powder-like sand and thanked the universe for gifting me these new friends to share this experience with. We headed back down to the desert camp and the first order of business was Moroccan mint tea, of course. We looked at each other in the eye, clinked our glasses, and gushed about the fact that we were spending the night in the Sahara together. We sipped on our tea as the desert guide served us a traditional Tagine. This was the best Tagine of our trip, and I think the extraordinary setting had something to do with it.

SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS

After eating, we all gathered around a campfire for some traditional Berber music. It was just us,  the warmth of the fire, and the sound of drums underneath the night sky. We danced, we sang, and we rejoiced under the starlight. Millions of tiny stars filled the pitch-black sky. It felt like we were in a dream. We all decided to scrap the tents and sleep outside right under the stars. If there was any place made for sleeping outdoors, this was it.

FINAL MOMENTS IN THE SAHARA 

We awoke at a silent 6 am to prepare for our trek back into Merzouga. With sore bums, we jumped back onto our camels with the hopes of witnessing a miraculous sunrise. Unfortunately, the fog prevented us from doing so but that didn’t make our last moments in the Sahara any less magical. I sat on my camel, looking out into the sand, absorbing the calm, and trying to soak in the entire experience. In fact, I decided to demount my camel and stay in the dunes a bit longer as the rest of my group continued on. I stood completely alone surrounded by sand for nearly an hour, trying to process what exactly my eyes were seeing. Being out there in complete solitude was nearly too much to handle. It was both powerful and humbling.

My feet sank with each step as I finally made my way back to the hotel to meet up with the rest of my group. I took one last look around at the magnificent mountains of sand that surrounded me and I felt an immense amount of gratitude. This would be my last moment in the Sahara desert, but I knew that the experience would be imprinted in my mind forever.

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Magical Time in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Wandering Beyond

The title of this amazing post isn’t just a bluff – the Sahara Desert in Morocco truly is magic!

After seeing numerous images on Instagram portraying the fascinating red dunes in the largest desert and people enjoying camel rides during their desert trip, we couldn’t help but wonder, ”Are these photos edited too much to look so beautiful?”

Our excitement knew no bounds when we organised our trip to Morocco , particularly awaiting the moment we would finally experience the Sahara Desert ourselves!

“WOW!” That was the only word that escaped our lips the moment we arrived! We were left speechless and overwhelmed with goosebumps. Describing the beauty of the Sahara Desert is simply indescribable.

The High Atlas Mountains create a natural barrier, separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

When planning your Moroccan adventure, include the Sahara Desert in your itinerary. You must experience it for at least one night. 

In this blog post, we’re providing you with information to transform your trip into a magical experience. From guiding you on choosing the best Sahara Desert tour or a private tour to outlining the must-do activities and listing the essentials you’ll need, we’ve got you covered for an incredible desert adventure.

About The Sahara Desert

The world’s largest hot desert is the Sahara Desert, spanning 9.2 million km² across North Africa, including Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania, and Western Sahara. Morocco’s Sahara landscape boasts vast dunes, rocky plateaus, and barren plains. Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga in eastern Morocco, is well-known for its towering dunes, some reaching heights of 150 meters (500 feet).

The Sahara Desert, distinguished by a dry climate and extremely high temperatures during the day, is home to nomadic Berber communities in Morocco. Notably, the region has served as a unique location in several films and TV shows, such as the James Bond movie “Spectre,” featuring Daniel Craig. Western Sahara is among the countries sharing this arid expanse.

How To Get to The Sahara Desert From Marrakesh

If you’re wondering how to get from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert, here’s what you need to know. 

After some research, we realised that many travellers opt for a Sahara Desert tour. We’re not big fans of private tours and usually avoid them unless it’s the only feasible option, as with visiting certain countries like Syria .

To explore Morocco fully, we chose the flexibility of a rental car and drove ourselves to the Sahara Desert. The journey was an extensive 9-hour drive from Marrakesh, taking us through the stunning High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we spent a night at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the famous Ait Ben Haddou. We continued through the scenic Dades Valley and Todra Gorge until we reached the destination of the Merzouga desert.

Upon reaching Merzouga, the desert camp guide will pick you up and show you throughout your stay there if you go on a road trip through Morocco. We highly recommend renting your car from Rentalcars.com for a pleasant experience.

If you prefer to choose the most straightforward way and go for a tour company, put your mind at rest as the company provides transport and will be with you throughout your stay in the Sahara Desert. 

Choosing The Best Desert Tours

Choosing trusted tour operators is crucial when opting for Sahara Desert tours in Morocco. Amidst the multitude of Marrakech tours available, it’s vital not just go for the cheapest. 

Before committing, check reviews, considering the experiences shared by fellow travellers. We advise choosing a reputable tour company from the suggested tours to enhance your desert tour experience.

T wo days Sahara Desert tour – Fez to Marrakech OR return to Fez

Three days tours – Best Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Dunes

Four days private Marakesh tours to the Sahara Desert

Five days Sahara Desert tour from Casablanca

Should One Consider Taking a Sahara Desert Tour?

Exploring the Merzouga desert through a Sahara Desert tour is a common choice. However, deciding between a private tour or independent travel relies on your preferred travel style. 

One should consider the pros and cons before choosing a desert tour.

Pros of Choosing a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco

It is the easiest choice.

Morocco desert tours simplify your experience, especially when selecting a Sahara Desert tour. Your guide handles all arrangements, from transportation to accommodations. You don’t need to worry about getting lost; you can unwind and appreciate your relaxing time.

For a hassle-free journey, consider booking a Sahara Desert tour before your arrival.

You Make More Friends

In a tour group, you’ll share transportation with random tourists who, amusingly enough, often become your friends. They share with you more enjoyment of your adventure.

Even though we are not big fans of group tours, we had an incredible experience with a group in Syria . We consider this the art of travelling – meeting strangers who become friends, making it hard to say goodbye.

Everything is Ready and Organised

With all the details taken care of, you’re free from figuring out your next destination or when to take breaks, as the tour guide is there to assist you seamlessly every step of the way. 

This ensures a smoother, more enjoyable journey where you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about logistics.

You Enjoy The Scenery Along The Way

No need to worry about driving rules; you can simply sit back, relax, and appreciate the scenery. 

The benefit of experience that, when travelling on your own, often results in missing out on beautiful scenes due to the focus on driving and navigation.

Cons of Going on a Morocco Desert Tour

Limited flexibility in managing your schedule.

Flexibility is limited when you’re on a Sahara Desert tour. You can forget about managing your schedule as the tour company takes care of where to stay, activities, dining options, and more from when you’re picked up at your Riad in Marrakesh until the end of your tour.

Travellers who prefer flexibility and making their schedules might be disappointed.

Communication challenges

People come from diverse countries worldwide in tour groups, and communication can sometimes be quite challenging in large and small group tours, including potential difficulties with fellow travellers and the driver. 

We recommend downloading Google Translate to facilitate communication in challenging situations.

Many Stops For Bathroom Breaks

Be ready for frequent bathroom breaks—when we say a lot, we mean a lot! 

Sometimes, you may have to make a bathroom stop even if you don’t need it. These frequent stops might feel like time wasted when you’re eager to reach your destination.

Excessive Hours of Driving

The drive from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert is very long, typically taking 10 to 11 hours on most desert tours. 

Despite the scenic drive, you will get tired and need a break. You must remain seated until your tour guide tells you to stop for a break. We suggest you bring wrapped food, as hunger may strike, and there might be a while before you can stop to buy food.

Choosing Your Ideal Campsite is Not Possible

Choosing your preferred campsite is not within your control when you’re on a Sahara Desert tour. You must stay at the one included in the tour package. 

Merzouga offers numerous stunning desert camps from which to choose. Although most campsites are beautiful and well-equipped, you lack the flexibility to stay where you want if you have a specific preference.

You End Up Paying More

Although opting for a Sahara Desert tour is ideal to avoid the stress of planning, you end up paying more. 

Even if you prefer not to go camel rides or quad biking, you might still be charged for these activities, as sometimes it’s part of the tour package without even noticing. Additionally, you might find that the camp included in your tour is more expensive than others you could have chosen. 

These aspects are typical and can’t be changed as tour groups provide a fixed package.

Top Must-Do’s in The Sahara Desert, Morocco

Explore lots of enjoyable desert activities in the Sahara. Discover our top must-do experiences during your Sahara Desert tour.

Go For a Camel Ride

Even if you’ve experienced camel riding in Egypt or other countries, you must go on a camel ride in the Sahara. It’s an experience like no other! 

Watching camel trekking is different from experiencing riding camels firsthand in this vast desert. Despite having ridden camels in Jordan , we hesitated in Morocco until we reached Merzouga. We were delighted to try it again, as it offers a unique and exhilarating experience, especially riding camels up and down the enormous dunes. 

For a magical moment, consider indulging in a sunset camel ride.

Go on a Fun Jeep Ride

The Sahara Desert offers a sense of liberation and a desire for pure enjoyment, whether influenced by the landscape or the people. Experience a desert adventure with a fun jeep ride through this vast desert. We tried evening and morning rides, and we couldn’t stop laughing.

In the evening, amid pitch-black darkness, sitting at the back of a jeep with a random buddy, racing through the desert at high speed was an absolute blast. Call us crazy, but the nighttime experience was even more exhilarating! The mystery of the unseen added an extra layer of excitement.

On the other hand, the morning ride revealed breathtaking scenes we couldn’t believe. The vast expanse unfolded before our eyes, with camels passing by as we drove through the desert, accompanied by the tunes of traditional Berber songs. It was an incredible spectacle that left us eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to relive it.

If you’re seeking a desert experience, take the chance to embark on a fun jeep ride in the Sahara. The unique blend of nighttime thrill and morning marvels makes it an unforgettable experience. Embrace the freedom and joy the Sahara Desert has to offer!

Quad Biking During Sunset

Elevate your adrenaline levels with a thrilling quad-biking adventure during sunset in the Sahara Desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes add extra excitement to all Sahara adventures. 

While exploring the Sahara Desert, don’t miss out on including quad biking in desert activities. Driving along these sand dunes on a quad bike is a unique experience everyone should try when visiting the Sahara Desert. Check our ride here .

For an even more enjoyable adventure, we recommend going on an adrenaline Quad Bike Adventure. We drove from our desert camp to the highest dunes. We peacefully waited for sunset with our guides while listening to traditional Moroccan songs. 

We gazed at the sight of the camel trek and camels passing beneath us from our elevated vantage point. Quad biking not only adds a thrilling dimension to your Sahara adventure but also provides unforgettable moments against the backdrop of the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes.

Feel The Excitement of Sandboarding

Most tour companies will do their utmost to take you to the best parts of the desert. Something you’ll be immediately amazed about during your Moroccan desert tour as soon as you arrive in the Sahara Desert is the sand dunes. 

When you arrive, if you’re with a large group on the same tour, you probably won’t start with the activities immediately. Take this opportunity to leave all the luggage in your camp and go for the excitement of sandboarding. 

Even if you have no idea how to do sandboarding, try it; it’s fun! We won’t tell you how many times we fell while trying it ourselves!

You’ll find sandboards near every campsite, and you can use them for free at any time of the day. 

Watch The Sunrise

Waking up very early in the morning was a hard challenge for both of us this time, as it was extremely cold outside. We were snug inside the cosy tent and found it hard to get up.

However, we didn’t want to miss the sunrise, which the Berbers were telling us about. Determined to see this natural wonder, we took a warm shower and put on warm clothes and the Djellabas.

The predawn atmosphere in the campsite was tranquil, immersed in a deep silence that embraced the surroundings. 

Moving away from our tent, we awaited the sunrise peacefully, drinking Moroccan mint tea for warmth. Of all the sunrises we’ve ever seen, the sunrise in the Sahara Desert is the most incredible! We were not sure if we were awake or still dreaming.

Watching the sunrise in the Sahara is an experience not to be missed. It’s just you and the sun. For a perfect view, consider a short hike to the summit of the largest dune. From there, the sunrise unveils its beauty, ensuring an unforgettable moment. 

Trust us; this Sahara sunrise is worth the early wake-up call and chilly morning air.

Star Gazing Before You Sleep

Visiting the Sahara Desert offers an incredible opportunity for stargazing. Suppose you’ve ever dreamt of seeing a falling star to make a wish. In that case, the chances are incredibly high in the Sahara’s incredible night sky – you might even witness several meteors, not just one. 

Star gazing is another reason you should visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco, especially for night photography lovers, as it provides a unique experience from the observation points in the Sahara. 

Make it a point to spend a night star gazing before drifting off to sleep in this extraordinary desert.

Play The Bongos By The Fire Camp

At the desert camp, surrounded by the ambience of the Sahara, we were introduced to the art of playing the bongos by the talented Berbers. As they skillfully created beautiful traditional music around the campfire, we were amazed at the diversity of sound effects they produced. 

Fascinated by their talent and happiness, the Berbers generously offered us the chance to try playing the bongos ourselves.

We eagerly accepted the offer despite not knowing how to play or even hold the bongos. Learning to play this wonderful instrument was a night of pure fun. 

If you find yourself at a desert camp during your Sahara Desert trip, take the opportunity at least one night to try playing the bongos. You might be surprised to discover your inner pro!

Eat The Berber’s Traditional Food

A different type of traditional cuisine in Morocco is Berber food, which has a rich history and boasts flavours influenced by various regions across North Africa. You’ll try this food during your desert camp experience for sure.

Berbers traditionally cook food using a mud oven made with cow manure, warmed with local trees, and occasionally use charcoal for special occasions. 

The food is prepared with unique ingredients and spices, highlighting its cultural importance. Meals are served in tajine pots, adding to the cultural richness of the food experience.

Tasting Berber food feels like eating recipes from the past. Even if the contents of your tajine pot are a mystery, never say no to Berber food!

The flavours, especially the Berber omelette and the Kefta Tajine, will amaze you. Be sure to conclude your meal with Moroccan mint tea.

Discovering The Sahara Desert

Regardless of the Sahara Desert tours you opt for, the fact remains that you’ll have an incredible adventure in the desert for sure. There is so much to discover apart from the great dunes. 

During our Sahara trip in the Moroccan desert, we were incredibly fortunate to witness a new moon, making it one of the most memorable moments of our lives. Surrounded by the fire camp, we were amazed as a bright light emerged, revealing the new moon rising right before us.

Explore The Sand Dunes

The most popular and easily accessible route to embark on a Sahara Desert journey is through Morocco, with Merzouga as the prime destination for witnessing authentic Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

The Sahara Desert, stretching from one end of Northern Africa to the other, boasts incredible landscapes extending from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. 

Among the nations bordering this famous desert, Morocco provides some of the best Sahara Desert tours, offering numerous opportunities to explore its breathtaking beauty.

Many Sahara Desert tours guide you through the villages of Merzouga and Erfoud, following the traditional path along the historical Sahara trade routes. The journey often includes the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes. 

Entering the desert involves trekking along well-known routes and riding camels led by seasoned guides. The trip typically occurs before or after the sun reaches its midday peak, ensuring a comfortable experience.

While exploring Merzouga and Erfoud, observe the Bedouin tribes you may encounter, preserving the rich traditions of their culture. Numerous Arabs and Berbers within these tribes continue to live as their ancestors did for centuries.

If you ever feel like you’re not well treated because you’re not Moroccan, cast those concerns aside! The hospitality in Morocco is truly remarkable. Berber people extend the utmost warmth and kindness to everyone, embracing the philosophy of ‘live and let live.’ Their genuine desire is for everyone to feel at home in their midst.

Enhancing the beauty of this place is its stunning view of both sunrise and sunset, best experienced by embarking on a camel ride and reaching a strategic vantage point atop the dune.

Experience The Berber’s Life

The Berber communities, rich in diverse cultures and traditions, share a common thread: a nomadic way of life. 

These resilient people, known for their warmth and hospitality, often extend invitations for Moroccan mint tea or serve traditional Moroccan dishes.

A clear memory from our immersive Morocco Sahara Desert tour involves traversing a Berber village. During a brief stop, a gracious man opened his home to us, generously offering Moroccan mint tea and a delicious meal shared with his family.

Embarking on your Sahara Desert trip in Morocco provides a unique window into the traditional Berber way of life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle.

As part of this experience, you’ll have the opportunity to spend nights in a desert camp, providing an authentic taste of Berber living.

We recommend considering a dedicated cultural tour for a more in-depth cultural exploration. 

Visiting a nomadic family outside Merzouga offers profound insight into their daily lives and traditions during your Sahara Desert Morocco trip.

Choose The Best Campsite

If you’re on a Sahara Desert tour, the tour company takes care of your accommodation. Opting for a private tour might provide some flexibility, though it’s still not guaranteed.

There are several campsites, but make sure you book the best camp. Consider this three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Erg Chebbi for the opportunity to select among the best campsites.

Essentials for The Sahara Desert

You’ve decided to go on a Morocco trip in the Sahara Desert. With everything prepared, there’s just one final question: What essentials are necessary for this desert trip?

We highly recommend avoiding large luggage for your Sahara Desert Morocco trip. Maneuvering with bulky luggage on the sandy terrain can be challenging and stressful. Opting for a well-sized backpack is the ideal choice for a more manageable and enjoyable experience.

In addition to making a thoughtful choice regarding your luggage, we have compiled a list of essential items you will find immensely useful during your Morocco desert tour. 

Ensuring these items are on hand will make your experience a more comfortable and enjoyable adventure in the desert.

The Sahara Desert stands out as the world’s largest hot desert, and even if you love the sun and the heat, the Sahara presents an unparalleled intensity. 

The scorching heat experienced here surpasses any other place on Earth.

Carrying sunscreen is essential even if you visit Morocco during the colder seasons. Avoid the risk of unintended sunburn during your Sahara trip. 

The desert’s expansive landscape can deceive, and one may not immediately realise the extent of sun exposure.

In addition to covering your eyes from excessive sunlight, sunglasses are another essential item for your Sahara trip.

These are particularly useful during camel rides and jeep adventures.

When perched atop a camel, the elevated position and the wind make it easier for sand particles to enter your eyes. Similarly, the high-speed drive on a jeep amplifies the risk, making sunglasses indispensable for protection.

Sunglasses are highly advisable for the desert environment, whether you’re used to it or not. The shifting sands and unique experiences in the Sahara make sunglasses not just a practical accessory but a necessary safeguard against the elements. 

Small Flashlight

Throughout your Sahara Desert trip, you may join fellow travellers from your tour group around a campfire after enjoying your dinner at the camp. If you decide to leave before the others, you may have to navigate your way back alone without a guide.

In such situations, having a flashlight becomes vital to prevent the risk of getting lost by accidentally taking the wrong path back in the expansive desert. The absence of ambient light in the darkness makes it crucial for personal safety.

Additionally, the desert terrain poses another challenge. It’s very easy to drop belongings in the sand, and without a flashlight, locating lost items becomes impossible in pitch-dark surroundings.

Therefore, packing a flashlight is essential during your Sahara Desert adventure – not only as a navigational tool to ensure a safe return to your camp but also as a practical aid for retrieving items misplaced in the sands of the desert at night.

A power bank is significant during your trip to the Sahara. 

While the desert camps are well-equipped with essential amenities, one thing you will need to find readily available is electrical plugs in your camp. As a result, you may face a weakening charge on your mobile phone or laptop.

Although there is the option to recharge your devices in the morning, the real challenge arises when you need to use your phone in the camp and the charge has drained. 

In such instances, the ability to make an important call to your family or send an urgent email becomes compromised. 

A power bank is vital in ensuring you have a good power source and stay connected in the Sahara’s vast desert.

A scarf is essential for your Sahara Desert adventure, serving multiple purposes to enhance your experience. 

Whether shielding your head and shoulders from the intense heat during the day or covering your face to prevent sand from irritating your skin, a scarf is helpful, especially in windy conditions. 

As the sun sets and temperatures drop dramatically, a scarf becomes reliable, providing warmth even on summer nights when the desert air can turn surprisingly chilly.

Beyond its practical functions, a scarf also takes on cultural significance in the form of a keffiyeh, a traditional cotton scarf. This keffiyeh serves as a protective layer against dust, sand, and sunburn.

Wearing a scarf on your Sahara journey adds a touch of authenticity to your overall experience. You’ll find yourself taking pictures of yourself wearing it while creating memories of this memorable trip in the Sahara Desert.

In addition to a scarf and sunglasses, opting for long pants during your trip to the Sahara Desert in Morocco is crucial for several reasons. 

While the scorching heat in the summer might make it tempting to wear shorts, it’s essential to wear long pants to prevent sunburn. 

Moreover, wearing shorts or a dress can lead to discomfort and even pain when it comes to camel rides. Packaging long pants is highly advisable to avoid discomfort and ensure a more enjoyable camel riding experience. 

So, be prepared and choose comfort during your desert adventure by including long pants in your packing list.

Warm Jacket

During your journey through the landscapes of northern Africa, a warm jacket is essential, especially during cold nights in the desert. 

While the days may be warm under the desert sun, the temperature can significantly drop after sunset, creating extreme conditions. 

A warm jacket ensures you stay comfortable and cosy during the cooler evenings, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the Sahara under the vast night sky. 

Whether you’re stargazing, sitting around a campfire, or simply drinking Moroccan mint tea in the tranquillity of the desert at night, a warm jacket becomes valuable throughout your Sahara adventure.

Our Experience at The Sahara Desert

After contemplating whether to explore the Sahara Desert in Morocco independently or opt for a Sahara Desert tour, we are so glad we decided to go on our own. 

From the desert camp to the exhilarating experiences of camel riding, fire camps, star gazing, jeep rides, quad biking, and sandboarding our Sahara Desert adventure was nothing short of an amazing experience. 

Choosing to explore the Sahara Desert independently allowed us the freedom to shape our journey, making every moment a unique and unforgettable part of our desert experience.

When planning your visit to the Sahara Desert through one of the many Morocco desert tours, researching is vital to ensure you choose the best group tour suited to your preferences. 

Go into detail, but don’t worry too much, as most tours promise a unique and incredible experience. We are sure that, like us, the Sahara will undoubtedly claim its place at the top of your list of unforgettable destinations. 

Our last suggestion is don’t just stay for one night. If possible, stay for at least two nights to have enough time to explore the Sahara.

Have you ever been to the Sahara Desert in Morocco before?

Share your experiences with us, and if there’s anything we might have missed during our adventure, feel free to let us know in the comments. 

We don’t mind revisiting the Sahara Desert!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. If you book your accommodation or buy anything through our links, we earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. We only recommend links to services we truly trust. Thank you for your support!

Wandering Beyond

We're Norbert and Steff, a couple from the tiny island of Malta. Our love story began in 2012, and our shared aspiration has always been to embark on adventures and uncover new horizons. With a passion for backpacking and a desire to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, we continue to create unforgettable experiences. Our dream has reached a new level today since we are full-time digital nomads living our dream, travelling the world one country at a time.

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How to Take a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco (The Right Way!)

Let me preface this post about Morocco desert tours and our experience with a Sahara Desert tour in Morocco by saying that I despise signing my life away to anyone else managing my time for more than a few hours.

As a child, this meant that I hated summer camp with the passion of a thousand fiery suns, and only made it through a couple of them (despite growing up to love most of the actual activities that campers participate in).

As an adult, it means that I am deeply suspicious of organized group tours and generally avoid being part of them at all costs.

So, when I say that Jeremy and I found that the final night of our 3 day/2 night Sahara Desert tour in Morocco to be the most rewarding thing that we did in the country–I really, really mean it.

Table of Contents

Pros of Taking a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco

Cons of taking morocco desert tours, should you book morocco desert tours in advance, overall thoughts on our sahara desert tour in morocco.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Erg Chebbi, the giant dune that most tourists seek out when trekking to the Sahara in Morocco, is one of the most remarkable things I have ever seen. The complete silence that greets you in the desert, and the way you can truly lose yourself in sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, is incredible.

The sand in the Sahara Desert is the softest I have found–no beach or desert that I have ever been to before can compare: this was akin to sitting on velvet or running your hands through water. It is so soft.

And, the stars–don’t get me started on the stars. I have been to some fairly remote places, but the Sahara Desert is about as dark as it gets: when the sun went down, the sky utterly erupted with more stars than I thought it could hold, complete with a crystal-clear view of the milky way.

To add to the ambiance, we trekked to our campsite by camel at sunset during our Morocco desert tour, and then out again at sunrise. It sounds romantic to do it that way (and it was)–but really, I’m pretty sure the sunset/sunrise schedule has more to do with shielding the tourists from the heat than anything else.

Either way, though, the camels definitely added to the atmosphere.

Initially, I was a bit disappointed that our 3-day Morocco desert tour only included one to two hours of camel ride, but I quickly got over it–first, because as it turns out that was one to two hours each way, and second, because the similarities between camel riding and horseback riding are somewhat limited.

I was so sore by the end of the second ride that I couldn’t wait to dismount. About half our group abandoned the camels entirely on the way back and chose to walk alongside them instead.

(Fun fact: The camels of the Sahara Desert in Morocco have one hump instead of two, and are therefore technically “dromedaries”, or “Arabian camels”. Everyone in Morocco just called them “camels”, though, either for the tourist’s benefit or otherwise, so I’m going to stick to that for simplicity here.)

Due to a combination of refusing to close our eyes and stop watching the stars, and being roused at the literal crack of dawn to jump on our camels again and leave (I think it was less than 10 minutes from opening my eyes to sitting on the camel–the Berber boys and men running this show were incredibly efficient), we barely slept–but it was so worth it .

Raving about the desert seems to be a pretty consistent reaction among people who have been there–I really can’t speak highly enough about being consumed by a very different kind of nature than most of us are used to, and I will forever nag anyone who is headed to Morocco to be sure to add a night in the desert (preferably by camel–you can go by 4-wheeler, by unless you have a physical limitation, I don’t recommend it) to their itinerary.

… This begs the question: how should you get out there? We did a multi-day Sahara Desert tour in Morocco, but while you certainly need to hire a trekking company to head into the desert for the night, it is possible to get yourself to Merzouga (the “entrance point” to the desert) and find a company there, rather than signing your life away for multiple days.

The right answer, I believe, depends fully on your travel style, experience, and expectations.

Based on our experience, here are the pros and cons of using a multi-day desert tour to visit the Sahara in Morocco.

It is the simpler option.

With a Sahara Desert tour, your transportation, trekking company, lodging, and normally some meals are taken care of in one (negotiated) price. There’s a much smaller chance of getting lost, and there are far, far fewer logistics to manage.

Want to make the logistics even simpler? Book a tour before arriving! This popular tour has been reviewed nearly 2000 times, and follows essentially the same pattern our tour did (most of them do). Yes, you will pay about 40% more than if you haggle well on the ground, but if you’re not on an extremely tight budget, there is something to be said for peace of mind.

The group dynamic can add to the experience.

Of course, group dynamics can be finicky, but Jeremy and I were lucky enough to end up with a great group of people who all got along well.

Those brief “travel friendships” were valuable, and greatly enhanced our experience of both being out in the desert and in Morocco in general.

The stops along the way will be organized.

This can really fall under both “pro” and “con”, but there’s no denying that the tour bus drivers know exactly where to take you to get some great photos throughout Morocco–some of my favorite photos of our time in the country came from our driver pulling over to the side of a small road and having us all get out to snap.

You can be reasonably certain of the safety of your trek.

There’s a certain vulnerability in traveling to a country that you’re unfamiliar with, that also has a language that you’re unfamiliar with, that also has completely different customs than you’re familiar with.

Though you can never be 100% certain of the safety or reputability of anyone that you’re working with, having a contract with a tour company that delivers dozens of tourists to them regularly does suggest a certain level of experience.

You will have little to no control over your schedule.

From the moment we were picked up at our riad in Marrakech until the moment the tour was over, we were told when (and where) to eat, when (and where) to spend money, and when (and where) to sleep.

In many ways, this is the nature of group travel–but for people who prefer to make their own schedules (guilty as charged), the dynamic can get very frustrating, very quickly.

You are a captive audience.

Though our tour company did keep to all technical promises made–transportation, breakfast, dinner, lodging, and our desert trek were covered by our initial fee–the tour company and those working around us pushed the boundaries every way that they could.

Mysteriously, we did not eat at one restaurant for lunch that charged less than typical US prices for mediocre cuisine–shocking, I know. We also never ate at a restaurant that had any other stores, restaurants, or general options surrounding it.

Our tour group also ended up forking over money for a “tour” that we didn’t know that we were taking–and yes, an “any optional entrance fees will be additional” notice was given, but we did not receive any notice when this “optional” activity started and were not given a choice to opt-out.

Most obnoxiously, in my opinion, on the final day of our tour, half our group (us included) were going to head to Fez rather than bus back to Marrakech. We were told that we would be dropped at a bus station and could then arrange for a bus or a taxi–fair enough.

What actually ended up happening, however, was that we were dropped off on the side of the road, no town or bus station in sight, and our bus driver called a “friend” to pick us up before the bus drove away.

Of course, we were left with essentially no bargaining power in this situation, as we had no real option but to get in the chosen taxi or be left on the side of the road with our luggage and no transportation.

Outside of the Sahara Desert, the controlled activities were mediocre.

Our visits to Ait Benhaddou and Tinghir were interesting, but they were also very rushed, very formulaic, and were clearly designed to extract money from us rather than provide us with an experience.

We stayed in each place for less than 2 hours, with at least 1/3 of that time being dedicated to the clear attempt to sell us things–most obviously, we were taken to a “Berber carpet shop” in Tinghir where we were “shown carpets” for five minutes and “aggressively sold to” for another twenty before we were directed to leave.

When we took our Sahara Desert tour in 2016, our answer to this question was a hard no: we were traveling on a strict budget, and the easiest way to get the cheapest rates for Sahara Desert tours was to haggle in person.

That’s still true, but things have also changed in that time: Morocco has received more and more tourists, and as a result, prices for online bookings have been driven down from absolutely insane (we were quoted well over 300 Euros/person at one point!), to a more manageable $120-$140 USD for a basic, but a reputable tour that looks essentially like the one we took.

Yes, that means you’ll still be paying about 40% more than haggling on the ground, assuming you’re a solid negotiator–but there are benefits, as well.

While you can never completely guarantee an above-board booking, there’s safety in booking through a company that already has thousands of online reviews, and therefore has a reputation (and possibly contracts with booking agents) to protect.

This, sadly, goes double for women–in the years since our Morocco desert tour, we have met more than one woman who was subject to sexual harassment by their guides, including a current dear friend.

There’s also logistical ease to planning your trip ahead of time, especially if you know you need to complete your tour on certain dates and plan to make other bookings around that.

If we return to Morocco in the future with more travel experience, and yes, a slightly larger budget, we will absolutely visit the Moroccan Sahara Desert again–and this time, we will definitely book ahead–probably on this tour , which has been reviewed nearly 2000 times on Get Your Guide.

Check reviews & book your Sahara Desert Tour today!

I think that we made the right choice by taking a Sahara Desert tour in Morocco. This was our first time in Morocco, and the stress of navigating buses or hiring a car to get to Merzouga, only to find a trekking company ourselves, was an overwhelming prospect that I am glad we didn’t take on.

In fact, while updating this blog post years later, I am now more convinced of that above statement (originally written in 2016) than ever–the logistical challenges of traveling independently in Morocco are impressive, especially for people who don’t speak either French or Arabic.

At this point, we have traveled to nearly 50 countries, including additional countries in Africa, and I am still confident that if we return to Morocco, we would book a tour again in a heartbeat rather than drive ourselves to Merzouga.

That being said, the activities leading up to the Sahara Desert itself were definitely a bit of a disappointment, at least the way our tour did them–I would have loved to have had more time at Ait Ben Haddou in particular, and definitely would have preferred to have more restaurant options.

A certain amount of that, though, is simply the price of entry to this type of tour–and ultimately, when I look back on our Sahara Desert tour in Morocco, those moments under the stars, nestled against the sand that felt like velvet under a sky holding more stars than I had ever seen, made everything that came before and after absolutely worth it.

We are now 5 years into our life of travel, and our Sahara Desert tour in Morocco remains one of the most memorable travel experiences we have had.

If you’re headed to Morocco… don’t miss the chance to take a Morocco desert tour. You won’t regret it.

P.S. — Don’t head out on a Sahara Desert tour in Morocco without travel insurance! We use and recommend Safety Wing for their affordability, ease of purchasing & the clarity of their contract!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

52 thoughts on “How to Take a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco (The Right Way!)”

Beautiful pics – I’m looking to do the same in a few weeks! What is a good benchmark price for the 3 day/2 night tour? Are both nights camping or do you do one night in accommodations? Thanks!

Oh, how exciting, and thank you!

There are a million different companies, so there may be small differences, but we got the impression that the tours were almost identical (our tour group even included people who booked through multiple agencies). Your tour will likely be similar to ours.

A good price appeared to be 750 dirham (75 USD). It was the most common negotiated price in our group of 17. Some people paid up to 900 dirham, and a few negotiated as low as 600 dirham.

The first night was spent in a hotel, and the second night was camping. We had a private room at the hotel, but camping we were with a few others (several people were told this wouldn’t be the case, including us, so fair warning there).

Be sure to bring lots of water–our camp didn’t have any available once we got out there for the night.

Have fun!! It’s really such an amazing experience, I’m sure you’ll love it.

Thanks for all the advice! Much appreciated.

Happy to help! Have a great time. 🙂

Hello Kate, thank you for all the advice! I keep hearing that booking of a tour to the desert should be done on site. But did you just go through your hotel or looked around? Also, I have read a lot about people who have done a 2 day/3 nights desert trip and would have rather taken a longer one. That’s what I have been thinking of doing, but now that you talk about how you think you would have preferred a shorter trip I am wondering. Do you think you could elaborate on your reasons? Thank you!

Hey Alyssa! Great questions. We did go through our hotel to book our tour, but I don’t recommend it–we overpaid because of doing that. There are several tour companies in Marrakech near the tourist areas, and I would recommend just stopping by a couple of those and haggling until you get the best price. You’ll be going to essentially the same tour regardless (as I mentioned in the post, our tour was made up of several companies bookings), so a fair price is the goal.

As far as time, I can certainly see someone wanting a second night in the desert, though we were very sore and exhausted by the end of our time and happy to head back to town. The reason I would have preferred the shorter tour is that rather than extra time in the desert, you’re really paying for the tour companies to take you to extra places with the objective of getting more money from you–very overpriced restaurants, aggressive salesmen in a carpet shop, etc. We did include a couple of the extra stops such as Ait Benhaddou, but not enough to justify taking up more of our time in Morocco for it.

I hope you enjoy your trip! Morocco is an unforgettable experience. 🙂

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Hello, I’ve done a lot of research about going to a Sahara desert camping trip and have learned a lot about it. The one thing no one has wrote about is what to take with you on that part of the trip. How much stuff do the tours usually let you carry with you?

Hey Andrey! Our tour company didn’t have us bring anything except a small bag with a camera/contact case/jacket/water in it for the overnight part of the trip. The water was especially important, because there was no water source at the camp. Everything else was left locked in the van overnight.

Thanks for your honesty. I appreaciate that the fact that you portray the ‘warts and all’, particularly the carpet shop extravaganzas that put me off travel in the Arab world. Having been in the Amazon, I imagine that the night sky must be something else.

Thanks, Gearoid! We always aim for honesty in our writing. 🙂 The night sky really was absolutely incredible–one day we’ll have to go back and photograph it properly!

I like your story. I am going alone next month and a little nervous about haggling for a tour once i get there. what company did your tour?

Hi Heidi! We’re actually not sure of the company–we booked through our riad, but there aren’t really any specific “companies”. No matter what tour officer you negotiate with, you’ll likely end up in a group with people who booked all over town. The people in our group came from several different agencies!

Hi, your blog is awesome in breaking down your experience in Morocco. My husband and I are looking to plan a trip to Morocco in late October. I am so overwhelmed in websites and deciding between booking flights/hotel or utilizing the travel vacation tours. How did you guys maneuver through the process? Thanks again and wonderful site!

Hi Kate! Great post! This whole blog is amazing.

I’ll be flying in to Marrakesh with a group of 5 of us for 6 days and we plan to visit Fes as well as do a night in the Sahara. My issue is- this trip is part of a much longer 6 week plan so we have quite a bit of luggage (Each with a carry on, back pack and one check in). Because we want to protect our items, do you think it will be a necessity to just pay for a hotel to store our luggage while we venture out for a night of camping? And with that- will they drop us back where we were picked up or will we be transported to Fes like you mentioned with your strange bus/cab incident?

Thank you so much for your reply!

Thanks, Monica!

We visited Morocco as part of a larger trip too, and we left our large bags locked in the tour company’s van during our overnight (we took our electronics/valuables in our day pack with us into the desert). Hotel storage is a very standard option as well, I would say that both are equally safe–things can always happen, but I don’t think the odds of theft are terribly high.

Most tours, including the one we took, return to the city they started in, so you shouldn’t have any problems there! The way we did it was unusual, but not unheard of–we weren’t the only ones to ask to continue to a different city.

Hope that helps and that you have an amazing trip! 🙂

This was great advice! I’ve always wanted to go to Morocco! Will definitely bookmark this

We are thinking of going to Morocco for a little less than 2 weeks in late December/January (basically to use the Christmas break). And we thought of doing the desert trip from Marrakech to Fes as well. So I had a few questions:

When do you make your payment? Before the trip or when they pick you up?

From the sounds of it, it seems you took all of your luggage with you. Was there any space issues with all the luggage?

Sounds sketchy that they just leave you on the side of the road for another car to take you to Fes. Did you have to pay again?

How was the tent situation? Was there electricity, blankets, how were the washrooms? I know it usually gets cold in the at night but it will be even colder in december.

I’m not a fan of being flocked around to sales pitches, but I do want to see Ait Benhaddou and Tinghir and think this will be a nice way to get a quick glimpse of these places.

Happy to help!

We paid before the trip, though some people may have paid at pickup.

They were totally prepared for all the luggage, it ended up in the back of a van.

Yes, the cab to Fes was separate (and yes, a little sketchy too). It’s not required, though–the “official” tour began and ended in Marrakech, but since we and several others were headed onto Fes, we didn’t want to double back several hours.

The tents were pretty standard, no floors, cots to sleep on. No electricity. The bathroom is literally a toilet buried into the ground inside another tent, no plumbing. There are luxury camps too, but of course, they cost a lot more.

Thanks for the thorough post.

We are thinking of doing a 2 week trip in December/January over the Christmans/New Years break and were also thinking of doing the desert tour en route from Marrakech to Fes.

Do you make your payment before, or when they come to pick you up at your hotel?

Were there any issues with having enough space for all your luggage on the van?

It’s definitely sketchy that they left you on the side of the road for the ride to Fes. Did you have to pay again?

Did you go directly to Fes, or make stops on the way?

I definitely do not like being flocked around to sales pitches. But I do want to see some of those smaller towns so I might go with the same option.

Re: going directly to Fes–it was completely direct minus stopping for gas, snacks, etc. It was just us, the driver, and two other girls from our tour, so if you hired a private cab, I’m sure they’d be happy to stop in any smaller town you like (for a fee, of course).

Were most of the options you found 3days/2nights? Or did you see options for 4days/3nights as well? We booked our airbnbs in Marrakech and Fes but have 3 nights in between because we were thinking of doing a 4day/3night desert tour. But it seems like most of the tours leaving daily are 3days/2nights. Just wondering if we should book an extra day with either our Marrakech or Fes riad.

The 3 days/2 nights was definitely the most popular version on offer. There were a few people offering 2 day/1 night tours from Marrakech, but that is the only one other than the 3/2 that I remember.

I have seen plenty of tour operator websites offer the 4 day 3 night from Marrakech to Fes. I’m sure that literally any of the tour operators would be happy to give you that trip even if it isn’t listed on the website. I’m shopping for tour operators myself and I get the feeling that most of these are either one-man shows or just shell websites that sell the clients to the few bigger companies that exist….

I agree, Zee, the shell companies selling to bigger clients is pretty much what happens when buying in person, too.

There are some legit companies out there–I actually think the landscape has gotten a bit better/more competitive online in the last couple of years (I couldn’t find anything less than 200 USD/person in 2016).

But, as a general rule for tourism in Morocco, just about anything is possible… for a fee.

Have you heard of any experiences of people dealing with bedbugs from these desert trips? I read somewhere that the desert camps might have them.

I haven’t personally heard about that from our experiences in Morocco or from fellow travel friends, no–unfortunately, there’s always a small risk of bedbugs while traveling, but I haven’t heard anything to suggest the desert camps are particularly afflicted.

How much was the taxi ride from Merzouga to Fes? I am getting some quotes where they will take us from Marrakech to Fes for 135 Euros. I am wondering if it is worth it rather than paying for the ride to Fes separately.

Oh gosh–this one sent me back to my notes. We paid $60 USD for the taxi that took us to Fes. It wasn’t from Mergouza directly, they dropped us off at a town maybe an hour or two away?

Ok thanks for all the help. I am wondering now if I should pay a bit extra and go for a private tour. Do you remember how much those were going for? I am getting quotes for 250-300 Euros but obviously there’s other that are higher.

Private tour without a group? I’ve never looked into the prices for those, but 250-300 sounds pretty reasonable; that would put it about 2.5-3x the price of booking a group tour ahead of time.

When you do the 3 day/2 night desert trip starting in Fez, what time of day do you arrive in Marrakech at the end of the trip? Do you recommend the 4 day/3 night or is the first option just as fine. Lots of driving it seems, but everyone says it’s manageable. I am an older mom taking my soon to be 16 year old.

I’m honestly not sure on the ending time of the trip, but would estimate the end of the day–it’s a long drive back to the city. Personally, we though 3 days/2 nights was more than enough and wanted our time back after that. I would only consider the 4 day option if you review the itinerary and are very interested in the extra stops added in on the additional day. And yes, definitely lots of driving… and definitely worth it! 🙂

Just an update since you were so kind to answer all my questions. We ended up doing a private tour. It was a bit expensive at 260 Euros per person. But it was definitely the highlight of the trip. All the stops we made were very picturesque. The tour guide was spoke very good english and was very knowledgeable and made a lot of stops to take pictures. The place we stayed at the first night was a renovated kasbah overlooking the Dades valley, which was pleasant surprise. We did do shared group tours for day trip excursions to Ouzoud Valley and Essaouira from Marrakech, and it was great for those trips, but I am really glad we did not do a group tour for the desert trip.

Thanks for letting us know! So glad to hear that you ended up with a memorable and beautiful trip, and it’s good to hear that the splurge was worth it in your case, too–I’m sure you had an amazing time. 🙂

TR CAN YOU PLEASE ROVIDE THE CONTACT INFO FOR THE PRIVATE TOUR? THANKS

Hello, Could you please provide the info for the private tour company you used? What was the duration? A 4 day/3 night option or 3 days/2 nights?

Amazing Post! Thanks for sharing and keep up the amazing work.

Thanks, Mia!

Great article. I am headed on a 2 night / 3 day tour next friday, departing from marrakesh. I have always dreamed of going to the Sahara, but I am nervous that I am trying to shove a lot in to 3 days and it will result in a rushed desert experience and just be mostly the grueling 12 hour drives to and from Marrakesh. Should I wait to do a more leisurely tour at another point in my life? Or should I just deal with the drive and make sure I see it? Can’t decide! The experience cost me $200 USD and I can get a full refund still.

Thank you! Maria

If the tour is like ours (most of them follow the same itinerary), it will be pretty grueling, especially before getting to the desert, but the payoff is worth it! We had two camel rides, one into the desert and one back, each lasting nearly two hours, which is MORE than enough, trust me. We then spent one night in the desert getting the camp experience. That part honestly didn’t feel rushed at all, though of course everyone was exhausted.

If you can still get a full refund for your tour, I would suggest shopping around a bit, as $200 USD sounds high–the tour I link in this post is quite a bit cheaper, and if you book in Marrakech, it can be cheaper still (though I don’t necessarily recommend that if you’re concerned about the quality of the experience).

I can’t tell you what’s right for you, but I can say that our night in the desert is still one of the most memorable nights in all our travels, and the memories of the exhausting drives have faded with time. 😉

Sorry I just saw this. You can contact them at [email protected]

Hi, thanks for sharing this definitely was helpful. I was just curious of how the camp was set up. I only ask because the pictures I’ve seen so far seem to differ constantly.

I’d say this was a mid-range-ish camp, but the options definitely run the gamut. It was far from luxury, but not quite roughing it.

The structures were semi-permanent tents, and there were around 6 beds to a tent, I’d estimate? There were beds/cots, so you weren’t sleeping on the ground.

There was a separate tent for meals, and places to hang out outside set up nearby as well.

Hi Kate and Jeremy,

I would like to visit the desert in June/July 2020 before I head to UK. However I’m a first timer for a desert Traveller and have some questions to ask for a 4 days 3 nights solo backpacking trip:

Is there any phone signal throughout? If I were to make a call/message someone

I read online and it stated there are dangerous animals or reptiles like scorpions and snakes and cougars, etc. What’s the chances of meeting them? Did you guys encounter them?

If I were to rent one camel for my solo backpacker trip as my transportation would it be possible?

Is it still possible/recommendable to travel adventurously alone into the desert? If yes, how should i go about it? Like eg communicate with the desert locals?

Hi Joycelyn!

We absolutely would not recommend going alone into the desert. Having locals to guide the way is essential out there.

As I recall, there’s not any phone signal out there, but I imagine that varies depending on where you go. I wouldn’t count on having any, though.

We didn’t personally run into any dangerous animals out there, but they do exist!

Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks for your interesting blog. I have been reading blog after blog and am more confused. What tour company did you book with. Thanks.

Hi Alan! We booked in person, so we weren’t given a company name (pretty standard in Morocco). However, we’ve linked a reputable company in this post. 🙂

Hi Kate, I see the last comment on this post is more than two years old, but I thought I’d give it a shot. We are just starting to plan a trip to Morocco (think of October 2023, but not totally sure). I REALLY want to do a desert trip, but in one of your replies you mentioned it being grueling. I’ll be going with my son, who will be 5 when we go, and my mom, who is 66. Is it too hard for them? Also, the whole sharing tents with strangers creeps me out a bit — especially with my son. How many people were in your tent? Mind you, I’m not spring chicken either! LOL Thanks in advance! Juanita

Hi Juanita,

I’m still here! 🙂

It’s hard to say without knowing your family personally, but a desert tour definitely wouldn’t be the most comfortable thing any of you have ever done.

Riding the camels isn’t necessarily difficult in the sense that running up a hill is, but it’s uncomfortable, and we were all VERY sore by the end of our trek. The tour is also simply tiring, the pace is very quick and no one got fantastic sleep.

It was worth it, of course–years later I still count being in the Sahara at night among my most treasured travel memories–but it wasn’t exactly luxurious.

There were probably around 6-8 people in our tent if I remember correctly.

There are a few modifications or alternates you might consider if the 3 day/2 night tour sounds like a bit much for your group.

For example, you could book the 2 day/1 night tour so the experience is shorter, or you could book the ATV version of the tour, which includes sleeping in the desert but not camel riding.

There are also luxury camps that include private tents, though I don’t know of any names off the top of my head. I know plenty exist, though.

If an overnight seems like too much, you can get a taste of the desert experience and enjoy a shorter camel ride at the Palm Oasis outside of Marrakech–it’s not quite the same effect as Erg Chebbi is, but it’s much more accessible!

Thanks, Kate! I think we’re going to look into the “glamping” option! LOL Once in a lifetime, right? 😁

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Why You Must Take a Tour of Morocco’s Sahara Desert

Visiting the Sahara Desert was the main reason why I decided to travel to Morocco.

I love exploring different types of landscapes when I travel, but I hadn’t yet stepped foot in a desert. What an oversight! And so, I wanted my first time to be special; I wanted to take a trip to the largest desert in the world. Go big or go home, right? And I certainly wasn’t planning on going home.

Fortunately, visiting the Sahara Desert is really easy from Morocco. Simply step foot anywhere touristy in Marrakech and you’ll be greeted by a hundred tour operators begging you to follow them into the sands.

There’s tons of different options, too, ranging from one to three nights; from sleeping on a mattress on the sand to glamping in a luxury tent. The abundance of options can be a little overwhelming, to be honest.

Well, that’s why I wrote this article, because visiting the Sahara Desert is the best thing I’ve ever done — on of the highlights from 10 years of continual travel — and I want to ensure you have just as wonderful an experience that I did.

Let’s take a look at the different options that are available.

Should You Spend One, Two, or Three Nights in the Sahara Desert?

To start, let’s narrow down what you’re looking for from your experience.

If you’re short on time or tight on money, you’re probably going to want to opt for spending one night in the desert. After all, this will take up just two days of your itinerary and cost the least amount of money (around $100 per person).

If you are at all able to afford the time or money to visit for two nights and three days, I would highly recommend going for that option.

The main reason for this is that the one-night tour takes you to see the sand dunes in Zagora . Well, I say sand dunes, but they’re not like the ones you’re picturing. These dunes are rocky, with shrubs scattered across them, so likely not really what you’re picturing when you imagine stepping foot in the Sahara Desert. It’s not super impressive, to be honest. In fact, the desert at Zagora isn’t part of the Sahara Desert at all — it’s actually 100 km from the start of the Sahara!

Still some desert is better than no desert at all, so if you really can’t squeeze an extra day into your itinerary, I’d still recommend going for the Zagora tour. This Zagora tour on Get Your Guide receives excellent reviews from hundreds of guests.

So what about the three-day-two-night tour?

This is the tour that I took.

Well, on this tour , you’ll venture into the Sahara Desert proper, and spend a night camping in amongst those beautiful orange sand dunes. That is exactly what you’re picturing when you’re imagining the Sahara Desert. It looks a little something like this:

Now that’s what I’m talking about.

And let me tell you that riding a camel over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes was one of the most magical moments of my life. Within minutes, you’ll be engulfed by dunes of orange and unable to see where you came from; you’ll feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere, all of a sudden, days away from humanity.

I paid $120 for this two night tour to the Sahara Desert and it was more than worth paying that extra amount for an additional night. In this article, I’m going to share everything we did on the tour, and why it ended up being one of the highlights of my life.

But before I jump into that, I first want to quickly cover the four-day-three-night tour option. This one combines both the one night and two night tours, so you’ll see the Zagora sand dunes first before heading over to Erg Chebbi. In my opinion, it’s not really worth doing this, as you’ll be wasting a day at the smaller, less impressive dunes, when they’re going to pale in comparison to the more impressive ones!

Okay, so let’s take an in-depth look into my time in the Sahara.

What I didn’t realise when I booked my three-day tour was that the Sahara Desert is really far away from Marrakech.

Like, two days of driving away.

And you only reach the dunes just before sunset on your second day.

Before you get worried about having to deal with an inordinate amount of time inside a minivan, I want to reassure you that there’s actually tons to do on your journey out to the dunes. We were making stops all the time to take photos of beautiful viewpoints and explore interesting places.

The first place you’re going to experience is the excellently-named Tizi n’Tichka, which is the highest mountain pass in all of North Africa. It’s regularly described online as one of the most dangerous roads in the world, which is quite the dramatic statement! I could only find accounts of one fatal bus crash and one car crash over the past decade, so I’m not sure how accurate that claim is. However, with more than 100 switchbacks to navigate, and few crash barriers to protect you, it can feel a bit nerve-wracking at times.

Next on the list was Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a traditional mud-brick city in the high Atlas Mountains that has been featured in so many famous movies. Most notably, it set the scene for both Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

Fortunately for us, we had much of the village to ourselves and we able to wander around its alleyways without much disturbance from our tourists or touts.

After a very long and very tiring day of over 10 hours of driving we finally reached our hotel for the night, where I nearly passed out at the excitement of having wifi in the almost-desert.

And then I actually passed out from exhaustion.

The second day began at a horrifically early hour but today, I wasn’t complaining.

Today, I was finally going to see the Sahara Desert!

However, like the previous day, the journey wouldn’t be complete without visiting even more Berber villages. These ones were even more interesting — dry, dusty mountains, enormous gorges, spectacular waterfalls and lush green valleys, which looked wildly out of place in the middle of the desert.

Then, finally, we reached the start of the desert.

Over the next two hours, I watched the surrounding landscape get flatter and flatter, the rocks get smaller and smaller and the sand get more and more orange.

At 6pm, we arrived.

I was finally in the Sahara Desert and it was all I could do to keep from crying with happiness.

It was so magical. I’d never seen sand so orange, never seen so much sand before in my life. I loved it.

We were greeted by our Berber guides and taken over to meet our camels.

This was the moment I had been dreading.

Knowing the ridiculous things that always seem to happen to me, I knew that there was no way I’d be able to successfully ride a camel without having a near-death experience.

Which is why I was completely astonished to find myself gracefully hopping on top of the camel with perfect poise and courage.

Hey, I’m good at camel riding!

For the next two hours we rode deeper into the desert. I soon realised that although riding a camel on flat surfaces is a piece of cake, going up and down sand dunes is a bit of a nightmare.

You see, when you’re sat on a camel and start going down the steep edge of a sand dune, every step it takes has its feet sinking immediately into the sand.

Whereas to climb up a sand dune, camels perform some some sort of gallop that had my camera banging against my ribs as I fought to stay upright.

This was a lot harder than it looked.

There were a few moments of relief, however. The first of these when we dismounted to watch the sunset.

Our guides motioned towards the largest sand dune, at least 100 metres high, and we soon realised that we were going to have to climb it. It took at least 15 minutes to reach the top and I quite often felt like I was genuinely taking one step forward and two steps back.

It was absolutely worth it though, as the view at sunset was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

An hour more of camel riding and we reached our camp for the night. Our evening was spent eating chicken tagine, listening to our guides play Berber music as we danced around the campfire, and racing each other up the sand dunes until we were too exhausted to move.

Of course, we all wanted to sleep under the stars that night, so we excitedly dragged our mattresses out of the tents and onto the desert sand.

Having spent my entire life in polluted London, I always squeal with excitement when I go somewhere without light pollution and can actually see the stars for once.

And these stars were incredible. With zero light pollution, you could see the Milky Way over the sand dunes and I was completely transfixed.

So. Many. Stars.

Once the campfire had been extinguished, we all settled down into bed and it was at this point when I felt an entirely new and unexpected sensation.

Cold. 

It was unexpectedly freezing and I had travelled with only light clothes in preparation for the desert heat. I had just a thin sheet to cover me. I was not going to be getting much sleep tonight, but for once I didn’t mind.

I lay awake for much of the night and saw more shooting stars than I thought possible, and before I knew it it was 5am and it was time to hike up another sand dune to watch the sunrise.

The sunrise was just as spectacular as the sunset from the night before. There was something so peaceful and relaxing about watching the sun rise over a landscape that had no buildings or people in sight. There was nothing but sand stretching out in every direction, fading out into what seemed like infinity.

We dejectedly traipsed back down the sand dune to our waiting camels and eased ourselves back on, grimacing at our rapidly appearing aches and pains from the previous day’s riding.

It wasn’t going to be a gentle ride back.

As I’ve said a hundred times before, the Sahara Desert has been the highlight of, well, my entire life. It is the best thing I’ve ever done and has kick-started my new-found obsession for deserts.

I can’t wait to return…

How to Book the Same Sahara Desert Tour as Me

I loved my trip to the Sahara Desert and I’m frequently contacted by people who want to have the exact same experience!

The first thing I’d say is that you have two options.

If you want things booked in advance:  If you’d prefer the peace of mind that comes with having everything booked before you arrive, go for the tour I took . It’s $120 for the two-night trip, so slightly more expensive than turning up and booking on the streets of Marrakech, but the tour has amazing reviews (over 4,000 people have taken this tour!) and you’ll be in great hands. You’ll have the time of your life on the trip!

Where to Stay in Marrakech

In Marrakech,  Riad Carina  ( $43 a night  for a double room; rated 9.1 on  Booking ) receives a whole lot of love. So what’s so wonderful about it? Not only is it a stunning and well-designed riad, but it’s located just a five-minute walk from all of the main tourist attractions in town and is home to some seriously friendly staff. It’s quiet and peaceful, has a beautiful swimming pool, and an even more beautiful rooftop terrace.

Happy cameling!

Related Articles About Morocco 💰 How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Morocco? 🧕🏼 The Complete Guide to Travelling to Morocco as a Solo Woman 🇲🇦 28 Incredible Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco 🔹 Is Chefchaouen the Prettiest City in the World? 🏖 Every Post I’ve Written About Morocco

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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162 comments.

Wow… You were actually able to capture the stars w/ your camera! No easy task. Surprised you had shorts on, was the ride rough on your legs? The camel safari Q & I did through the Thar desert felt just as special, except for the fact that India recently installed power windmills that really was a distraction from the desert.

It may have taken me about 382 photos to finally get a decent star shot!

The ride was fine because there were plenty of blankets over the saddle… But yes, it was a stupid decision because it was so bloody cold!

Ah, aren’t deserts the most amazing thing in the world?!

Hi Lauren, great post. I am planning on traveling with a friend this June as well and was wondering if you can recommend the company you went with and also, where did they pick you up from, Fes or Marrakech?

Thanks, Lea! And so sorry for the late reply to your comment, I must have missed it. I actually waited until I arrived in Marrakech before booking a tour, and they all seemed pretty similar. I just booked mine from my hostel! Hope you have an amazing time! :-)

This is SUCH an amazing experience- seriously so jealous! I’d love to do this one day. SOON!

I hope you get to, Melissa! It’s a truly incredible experience :)

Truly amazing !!! Your writing is incredible !! Im so addicted to reading your adventures .. Its the first thing i do in the morning and the last thing i do at night … Seriously !! Better than any book out there ! I cant thank u enough for sharing all of this !! Keep travelling and keep blogging .. You are living millions of ppls dreams :):): Xxxx

Haha, thanks, Sarah :)

Beautiful pictures! I begged my friends to book a trip, but once we began researching how to spend our short three days, we only go to some of the Berber villages in the mountain. It was my best travel karma – we accepted an offer for tea and squeezed a few nearly free meals and a donkey ride out of it!

Will you be close at all to Seville, or are you even coming to Spain?

Thanks, Cat! That sounds like an awesome experience – I want to ride on a donkey! :)

I don’t think I’ll be able to get to Spain this time around, but hopefully next time I’m in the area :)

This really DOES sound incredible, Lauren! Wow. I really really want to do this someday!

Ah, you’d love it, Amanda! :D

Thank you so much for sharing this. I wanted to see the actual Sahara too. We did see some on our drive from Alexandria to Cairo, but nothing like this. This is awesome. Thanks again. You have a wonderful site and I hope lots of people come to experience the Sahara like you.

Thank you so much, Debbie! I believe everyone should get to experience the Sahara in their lifetime :)

Great pictures of the stunning desert! I would love to stay overnight in the desert too.

Thanks Debby! :) I hope you get to soon!

I majorly LOLd at you screaming that you were going to get eaten by the camels hahaha! I assume you meant the camels and not the people in your tour group.

Those stars look amazing. It’s so difficult to see stars here in Korea and it bums me out, as I grew up on a farm and you could always see them!

p.s. I’m in a state of shock that a camel didn’t fling you off with your head getting stuck in the sand. Good job!

Hahaha, oh my god, Tom! They would run up behind me and touch my legs WITH THEIR MOUTHS! Terrifying.

I know, how amazing is it that nothing dramatic happened?!

Although me and camels don’t get along, I would love to do that tour for the dunes, camping and the amazing view of the stars at night. Almost reminds me of camping out in Rajasthan desert, only the dunes were much less spectacular.

It was definitely worth the crappy and bumpy ride to get to spend so much time in the desert. I’d love to see the Rajasthan desert someday :)

I love spending the night in a desert and do it every chance I get, but I’ve never seen one quite so orange–that looks amazing. I really wish I’d had more than three days when I was in Morocco.

I can definitely do without the camels though and the one time I tried riding one, I lasted a whole ten steps before it tried to kill me. I walked the rest of the way.

Amazing! Which company did you use for the tour to Sahara Desert? I’m going to Morocco in January and thinking of going to Sahara as well, just can’t really find a decent tour there

Amazing colors! Can’t wait to go there and see this “orange” in person!

Welcome to my life! This is what I blogged about the most, but from the Egyptian side of the Sahara desert. You know it stretches all the way to Egypt right?

And although I don’t do the camel rides, I still get much adrenaline and almost pee my pants while riding a 4WD car with some crazy driver :D

And yes, no one believes the amount of shooting stars you can see in the desert!

Well next time you can return to the Sahara from the Egyptian side ;) I’ll show you around and not the tourist way, because it is my friend that is there driving the car, so we actually go exploring places that we haven’t been to before! It’s always good :D

Love your post. We just got back from Spain and Morocco, but only spent 2 days in Morocco in Chefchaouen. Loved the town and our time there though the journey from Spain was nuts. I would LOVE to go back someday and go to the Sahara, so I really enjoyed your post.

Hi Lauren, Just found this and i have to say great post :-) I have a bit of a love affair with the Sahara myself, i got married in Marrakesh last June and then we took 5 of our friends to the Sahara for a photoshoot! we’ve been back since & hope to go again someday! Where did you stay when you weren’t on the camel safari?

We are planning to go to Marrkech in 2013 after Pamplano and the running of the bulls. The Sahara is one of our bucket list items. Thanks for the post.

That sounds like an amazing experience but also sounds like not the funnest experience getting there. I’m glad it was all worth it though.

Looks & sounds amazing. We plan on doing a similar trip when we are in Morocco, doing some research here at home and we are seeing prices around 300 Euro for the 3 night trip (only 1 night is in the desert). Saw you paid $70, did you negotiate? What was the name of the hotel/tour operator?

Thanks for any suggestions!

I stayed at Mama Marrakech Hostel (which was great!). I didn’t negotiate, that was the price the hostel quoted me :)

Great post! Hopefully I will manage to fit this in next year. Want to fit in Africa into next years travels to get all seven in a calendar year.

Nice! Good luck :-)

My boyfriend and I are planning on visiting Morocco in late April of 2014, and, having grown up at the base of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, I have my heart set on camping in Morocco. :)

Do you happen to recall which organization took you on the camping excursion? Was it actually through the people who ran Mama Marrakech Hostel?

I found a clear, nicely organized website that offers trips that sound really really similar to what you describe, but I don’t want to blithely allow some people to take me out into the desert without knowing that it’s legit. ( This is the website: http://www.deserttoursmorocco.com/# )

Can you point me in the direction of the tour guides you used?

P.S. – I really enjoy your blog as a whole!! Thank you so much for writing this!

No, Mama Marrakech just arranged the tour for me. To be honest, I don’t know what the tour company’s name was — from what I personally saw and read about, the tour companies are all pretty similar, and you’ll have the same experience with whoever you go with.

From what I can see, the website you linked to doesn’t list prices for tours — do you know how much they are? You shouldn’t really pay more than $100 for a 3 day tour, and usually the tours you can book online are triple the price of what you can get by just arriving and asking around. (I am a budget traveller, though, so am always looking for the cheapest option!)

Thank you for the advice! Cheapest is good!! I’m hoping to get from Marrakech to Fez, camping in the desert along the way (that would be ideal) but I’m not sure if that is something that’s done often, or if you have to create a custom trip for that. I suppose we can ask around when we get there, and if they don’t offer that option, we can do a loop beginning and ending in Marrakech.

Out of curiosity, what month did you do this in? I’m not sure how cold the nights in April are.

I was there in July. The night was absolutely freezing then so make sure you take something warm! :-)

We took the 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes from October 13 to 15, 2013 and we could not be happier with this company. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and very open about his life and country. He picked us up and dropped us off as close to our riads as possible (this is priceless – trust me). Along the way we got to experience the mountains and the desert, instead of flying between Marrakech and Fes and missing out on so many experiences. It was awesome to see so much of this country and not have the stress of driving and navigating. Our overnight in the desert was one of the most unique vacation memories we will ever have. Even if you’re not a camper (and trust me, I’m not) it is amazing to watch the sunset and sunrise from the top of a sand dune.

A few tips;

Tell your guide what you plan to buy because they know the best spots (we forgot to mention we wanted tagines until the last day), Be prepared that it is a long time in the car – you aren’t driving in a straight line when there are mountains, deserts and awesome things to see in between – but remember you are in a clean comfortable car with air conditioning!

And finally, you are in Africa and on vacation so go with the flow and let your guide teach you about this awesome country and culture.

Thanks for the tips! :-)

First of all, Lauren thanks a lot for your always very interesting travell stories! Since I would like to go from Marrackesh to Fes while visiting the desert in between, I have a question for you Pae; which company did you take and how much did the trip cost? Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi! A friend and I are going to Marrakech in summer and this is EXACTLY what we wanted to do, like EXACTLY- what’s the name of the company so we can ask when we get there?

Thanks!!!!!

Hey Hannah, I’m afraid I don’t know the name of the tour company as I booked it all through my hostel. From what I’ve heard from friends who have also taken tours of the Sahara Desert, they’re all basically the same, so I think you’ll be good whoever you book it through :-)

I’m already researching a bit for my trip to Morocco in May/June. With which tour operator did you go as it is really cheap in consideration what I’ve found out so far?

Hey Stef, I actually booked the tour through my hostel. I think they’re all pretty similar and run by the same company :-)

hi lauren , ive been loving your blog so far as i am mplanning to go to morrocco in april so i’ve used a bit of urs to plan how long to stay in each place e.g ( 3 days for chefchaouen the blueness and peacefullness seems like something to enjoy)

i really want to go to the sahara so please could you tell me what hostel or riad you stayed in that helped you book? as i have yet to book my riad and it would be good to get an excellent deal like yours as well as a good riad to stay in . most of the sahara deals ive seen are for 3-4 days and i think 2 days is enough so i can go elsewhere , also did you go straight back to marakech after the sahara or on to essaouira?.. cheers :)

Hi Christiana,

I stayed in Mama Marrakech. I loved everything apart from the fact it was really hard to sleep there. The rooms don’t have windows and doors so if people stay up in the common room all night, you’ll be kept awake, too. That was the only downside. I’d really recommend doing a 2 night/3 day tour, though. The two day ones only go to Zagora, which hasn’t looked great from any of the photos I’ve seen.

I went back to Marrakech for a night and then went on to Essaouira :-)

Wished you had captured milky way, nevertheless, beautifully described and this place looks surreal! Imagine being in middle of nowhere and actually enjoying or being Mauro Prosperi with options! (Google him if you don’t know him) ;)

With Love from India Shashank

Thanks, Shashank. I wish I had captured it, too, but I didn’t have a tripod for my camera :-(

thank you for sharing, great pictures

Glad you enjoyed!

Hi, just wondering which company did you book your tour with since $70 USD is really cheap!

Hi Raine, I booked it through my guesthouse. I’d recommend not booking in advance and just turning up and finding a tour while you’re there. It’s much cheaper than booking it online!

Thanks Lauren,

I will do that then! Any recommendations on where should I stay in Marrakech? :)

I’m afraid the place I stayed has since closed down, so I don’t.

I just came across your blog as I’m researching my trip to Marrakech this July. Your experience and photos have definitely convinced me that this is what I want to do the week that we are there! A few companies I am emailing have said that instead of camping the second night in the desert ( since its really hot) they would put us in a kasbah again for the second night. Although, I would like to camp for the experience. Do you recommend it? Also, how was the camel trek in the sahara? too hot? I’m a tough cookie but my boyfriend not so much haha Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience and much luck on your future journeys! :)

Hi Kristen,

Camping in the desert is one of my travel highlights, but I did only do it for one night. I really didn’t find it very hot at all. I arrived at about 4pm though, so obviously not the full heat of the day. It was around 20 degrees C then. It’s freezing at night, I couldn’t stop shivering! If I had the option, I’d choose to camp in the desert — once I arrived I didn’t ever want to leave! :-)

Hi Lauren! This Sahara desert trip sounds amazing! My friend actually stumbled across your blog because we are planning to be in Morocco in October and want to do the same thing. We have found some three day excursions, would you recommend 2 or 3 days if we only have about 5 days in Morocco total? If you have any other tips about Morocco I would love the advice!

I’d recommend the three day trip, because I know that the desert you visit on the two-day one isn’t great and is kind of rocky.

Hi Lauren! Your trip sounds so great. I am planning on doing the same. I was wondering whether you still remember the name of the tour you took and the riad you stayed at? thanks in advance

Hey Rafaela. It was Mama Marrakech, and the tour was booked through them.

Nice write up. We are headed to Marrakesh and desert tour in Mid August. I am sure it will be very hot. Was your tour a private tour or was it a “shared” one? On the websites I have explored they mention 3 days desert tour, is that the same as the one you took?

From all the websites I have read, it is essentially the same kind of a tour, just my comment.

Regards Bill.

It was a shared tour.

As almost everyone has said, great write up! It has basically convinced me that I must go as well. Two quick questions for you:

1. It has been a couple years since you have been, do you know if it is still the same as far as just showing up and booking it once you are there? I like this idea more than booking online, but don’t want to assume it is still this way, show up and pay more than normal because I didn’t book ahead of time.

2. Is there a big difference between Marrakech and Fes and the tours that are offered at each? For example, you said that you had to drive 10 hours south to get to the Sahara, being that Fes is further north I imagine it’s even more of a journey to get to the “good” parts like you mentioned. Do you know if the tours from Fes are as great?

Appreciate any help you can offer. Keep up the amazing adventures!

1. Yep, it’s still the same. It probably will always be that way. The online tours are super expensive for the same thing.

2. I don’t know anyone who’s visited from Fes so I can’t comment on that.

I came upon your post because I was looking up the Sahara Desert since someone had asked whether I’d rather see the Sahara or the North Pole. I initially thought the Sahara if for nothing else than that I despise being cold, but the first few sites I came upon talked about the sand storms and the oppressive heat, etc. I am glad I found your post which shows that there is a lot of beauty there too. I may actually have to put that on my “some day” list of places to travel.

I’m glad you found my post, Amanda! I didn’t experience any sand storms, and the heat wasn’t very oppressive at all. In fact, in the night I was freezing cold! :-)

Lauren – thank you for sharing – this is exactly what I needed to know. I, too, have a fixation on the Sahara! I am traveling solo and I’m worried about pre-booking these tours as a single traveler, so I thought it may be best to take my chance and arrange once I arrived there. Can I ask if you traveled alone or with a group?

I definitely recommend booking once you turn up — you’ll pay about a fifth of the cost through doing so! I travelled with a group, and it was arranged through my hostel

My husband and I are planning to go to Marrakech from the UK in April. We want to go to Sahara as well. Our plan is to stay in Morocco altogether 3-4 days. Could you please suggest the transportation from Marrakech to Sahara, the Sahara desert trip, and the stay in Sahara (hostel/hotel)? Thank you so much! Appreciate it!! :)

I stayed at Mama Marrakech and they arranged the tour for me.

Hello Lauren, You have shared your views about the beauty and experience at Sahara desert in wonderful way. I will look forwards to see your more experienced tour adventures. Stay Happy & Blessed!

Hey Lauren, I loved what I read! I’m going to a 11 day trip this summer and can’t wait to visit the desert! I would love to take a 2/3 night tour as you did, but we’ll go from Fez to the desert and will end the trip in Marrakech. Do you think we’ll be able to find good (and not too much touristic) tours in Fez as well? Thanks a lot!!!

Yep, it should be easy to find a tour in Fez! :-)

Hi Lauren! Thank you so much for sharing your desert experience. I plan to do a two-night trek to Erg Chebbi in September, and I’m wondering what you did with luggage during the trek? Did you bring it all with you, or did you leave it in a hotel, and take only the essentials with you? Thanks! =]

I took a daypack with me, with a couple of changes of clothes, a Kindle, some toiletries… that was about it. You could leave it in a locker at the start of the desert.

I love this post! Its getting me so excited for my trip to Morocco in June! Im going for a whole week so I was thinking of doing the 3 day tour – thanks for the tip of not pre-booking the dessert tour! I saved myself some money there… Just a quick question though, is it easy to get accomodation in Marakkech in Morocco without booking in advance?

Thanks, Mel

Sorry I didn’t get around to replying to you, Melanie! I was writing a book and had to go offline to get it finished. I see that you said you’re going in June, so you’ve probably already been to Morocco by now? Hope you had an incredible time! :-)

Yh I had the best time, I completely fell in love with Morocco, I did not expect it! And I totally agree, Camel riding can be pretty scary :)

Especially when you go down a dune!

Hi, nice adventures!

I have a question on this camel ride, can I take a 5 year old with me on one camel? My family plan a trip to Morocco, but not sure about taking the 5 yr old for the desert trip? Did you see any little kids in the desert trips? thx!

No, my tour was run by a hostel so it was all twenty-somethings. I didn’t see any kids but I’m sure it’s possible to take them on one.

What is the hostel name?the one that recommend you to use their tours. Thank you.

Mama Marrakech. It’s in the post :-)

Stumbled upon your blog when planning a trip to the Sahara! Awesome experience and beautiful photos. When I searched for that riad it says it is now permanently closed, hmm? Any other recommendations? Thanks!

Ah, that’s a shame! Sorry — don’t have any other recommendations. Head to HostelBookers and sort from highest rating, and choose the best :-).

I noticed Mama Marrakech is closed down. Do you know why?

Sorry, I don’t know!

Great article and advices, you are always welcome to Morocco :)

Thanks! Hopefully I’ll get there again soon!

Hi! I love your website:)

I have a question for you.

Do most of the tours end in Marrakech? Thanks you!

Yeah, if you start in Marrakech, you’ll normally end there. I think a few people on my tour wanted to go to Fes afterwards, so the tour guide dropped them off at an intersection where they could catch a bus.

Hey!!! OMG What a lovely post!!!!! My husband and I are leaving in 2 weeks to do the exact same thing you did!!! I just want to know about the desert trip! when you booked it did you mention to them you want to go to erg chebbi desert and they knew what you wanted? or does this excursion have a specific name?? I don’t know exactly what the name of this trip will be when I get to Morocco, as Ive been doing lots of research and erg chegaga is the desert to go because it is so remote but it requires at least 3 nights and for me 2 nights will be enough. Also can you tell me what time they pick you up from the hostel and what time do they bring you back? because our flight is during the day at 4pm, so we will need to get to the airport like 2-3 hours before ? Thanks in advance!!

They had a piece of paper that listed the options for a 1 night or 2 night tour. Everyone does the same ones, so there were only two options. They picked us up at around 7 am and dropped us back at maybe around 4 ish in the afternoon (sorry, it was three years ago so I don’t remember that well!). I think you’ll be cutting it fine with getting to the airport on time.

Thanks!!! Was that with a group or just by yourself? you didn’t take the CTM bus did you? and the tour operators are located near jemaa El fnaa, or somewhere else in Marrakech? Please let me know!

It was group tour in a minivan with 6-10 other people. Not sure about the operators, I booked through my hostel.

Very nice article! I am planning my next holidays to Morocco, and I was shocked when you said: “The first thing I’d say is that I’d recommend not booking your sahara desert tour in advance. I paid just under $100 for my two night trip, and I’ve seen prices online that are around 5-10 times what I paid.”

I am planning all my holidays in advance, but I might stop it if I am going to save money if I book the tours when I am in Morocco. But, I have a question, if you book for a hotel for 1 week, and then you go 3 days on a Sahara desert tour, you are paying 2 hotels, your hotel in Marrakech plus the hotel or tent in the tour, isn’t it? Thank you for your help in advance!

No, I paid for my hotel the nights I stayed there and then left my bags with them while I went to the desert. Most accommodations will be happy to let you do that and won’t charge you for the nights you keep your bags with them.

Thanks for your quick reply Lauren! 1 last thing I was wondering was that did the van stop at any point in order to take pictures wherever the people in the van wanted? and did the driver explain anything (any places) as you guys were passing?

Well, the driving and the roads in Morocco are pretty crazy, so there aren’t too many places you can just stop off at without being killed by passing cars. There are designated photo stops in all of the pretty places. And no, the driver didn’t explain anything. I’m not sure he spoke English!

First of all, thank you very much for the informative blog! We wanted to book a similar trip once we arrive in Marrakech, but we wanted to end the trip in Fez instead (Marrakech to Merzouga to Fez). We see a lot of online sites that offer these options, but do you recall if there were a lot of local companies that offered a similar (group) tour? Instead of booking these trips at our Riad, are there areas in Marrakech that had a lot of these tour companies clustered? Unfortunately our Riad doesn’t offer an option that ends in Fez!

Ah, sorry, I don’t. I think it should be fine, though, as a couple of people on a different tour were dropped off to catch a bus to Fez on the way back. Wandering around should help you find somewhere to book a tour — everyone’s trying to sell you them in Marrakech!

Hi Lauren, I loved your blog. I’m thinking of doing a similar Sahara Tour in August 2016, what time of the year did you do it? Your post is marked as 31st August and I wanted some reassurance that it wouldn’t be crazy unbelievably hot in August there. I’m Australian and I do like warm weather though.

Thanks Enza

It was in June. Definitely wasn’t super hot — it was actually freezing cold most of the time! You arrive at sunset and leave at sunrise, so you don’t get much of a chance for some warmth :-) August would be fine!

Great write up!

I was wondering what exactly was included in the price of the desert tour? Breakfast/Dinner? Tent equipment was all ready and waiting for you or do you need your own tent? Should you bring your sleeping bag? And how much are nicknacks/tourist souvenirs when you’re on the road? Thanks :)

Everything was included apart from two lunches. No need to bring a sleeping bag or tent — they’re already set up in the desert for you. I didn’t actually see any souvenirs, so I can’t help with that!

Nice photo! I’m planning to go to morocco on comming august, and I’m wondering how hot it will be. Since I’m grown up male Adult and I’m feeling confident about it but kind of worried that might faint out in the middle of the dessert. How was it when you were at?

Honestly, you arrive at sunset and leave at sunrise. You’ll be absolutely freezing! I was there in summer and couldn’t sleep because it was so freaking cold. I really recommend taking a sweater for the desert, actually.

Hi! Great post. I’m hearing a lot of people say to book the tours once you get there. My only question is how does it work with your accommodation you already have booked? You wouldn’t want to pay for the nights you aren’t staying there. And do the hotels keep your luggage for you?

My guesthouse kept my luggage for free in a storage room for me! I think they’ll be fine doing that as it’s super-common for people to take desert trips and nobody takes their luggage with them.

Hello, I’ve done a lot of research about going to a Sahara desert camping trip and have learned a lot about it. The one thing no one has wrote about is what to take with you on that part of the trip. How much stuff do the tours usually let you carry with you? One more thing- I’m guessing the only time we have to shower is during the second day when we reach the hotel for the night? Is it worth carrying toiletry with me? Thank you for any information!

You can take as much as you need — you’re in a huge minivan, so they put all the luggage in the back. I just took a few changes of clothes and my camera, but some people had a huge backpack with them. The hotel we stayed at had toiletries you can use.

Thank you so much for this post!! I can’t remember if I already commented on it but I’ve been meaning to. Originally my plan for Morocco was just to go surfing, but this totally inspired me to go visit the desert!! And it. was. amazing. I felt like I was on the moon as I jumped off the side of a massive dune!

I look forward to getting more travel inspiration from your blog!

Oh, I’m so happy to hear that, Ray! :-D

Thank you for the quick reply to my other question! I had another another question: what do you recommend wearing- especially for feet gear?

Anything’s fine, really. You don’t do a lot of walking. Just some normal trainers or walking shoes. I wore a cheap pair of running shoes I picked up for about $7.

Hello Lauren… I am a female with my 8 yr old son… we would be traveling to Marrakesh probably to the end of August since we will be in Spain… reading your article and made me really happy since I was trying to book a tour to the Sahara for the end of August… but now I’m just going to wait until I get there…. I was just wondering if the Riad MAMA MARRAKESH…. is it a kids friendly? and if you have anymore suggestions… they will be really appreciated.

Ah, Mama Marrakech is no longer open. If I was to return, I’d probably stay here: http://www.agoda.com/djemaa-el-fna-hotel-cecil/hotel/marrakech-ma.html?cid=1719506 — Agoda has lots (over 1000!) of options here: http://www.agoda.com/pages/agoda/default/DestinationSearchResult.aspx?asq=80tOQyD40iGR5xx5LK%2fqziXpeaqEsljvwQwUEksKPk839BgKFWph%2fIEyL61JmtEbWMhzjquUchzVsqYp6hdUPc6yw0%2fZYqRt0J0aNv5npLnfO5zwj99B7jR2zMeke3c6EgmXFlpGSYuXwU%2fYq%2fgBFyZKhV00Crk8%2fW%2bubGYC6jHZFO6E5DY9Yj%2flyb3O38BFBp0eoREr2xLYHgqmk0Io4MrTapw9m4iXHi0yk7N4Txb9Ibb59LR6UkfoSL%2bNDWuP&city=11825&cid=-189&tick=636036815234&pagetypeid=7&origin=PT&cid=-189&htmlLanguage=en-us&checkIn=2016-10-1&checkOut=2016-10-2&los=1&rooms=1&adults=2&children=0&isFromSearchBox=true?cid=1719506 if you want to look for anywhere else.

Hi Lauren, did you take a private tour? My friends and I are going to Marrakech this November 2016, As we have limited time, and the bus schedules do not match hours, we asked how much a private tour would cost. We were informed that it would cost us 190 Euros each. Reading your blog, it seems that that rate is way expensive

No, it was a group tour with around 8-12 people on it. 190 euros is pretty expensive, although if it’ll just be you and your friends it’s not so bad.

Hi Lauren! Great post! I am headed to Morocco with 2 friends next month and we definitely wanted to do a sahara tour! The tours online are pretty expensive so i definitely want to wait til we get there. My question is…we wont get to Marrakesh until the evening before we are planning on going on a tour. Do you think it will be too late to book this tour at around 8pm if we go to the medina and try to find tour companies? Just wondering if they are out there all day or not. Any insight would be great! Thanks!

Sahara is such an iconic must-do experience when in Morocco. I still remember of this place fondly. =)

is there a place to fly into that is closer to the desert or is marakesh the best option?

Loved you post thank you!

Marrakech is easiest.

Hey Lauren, Thanks a lot for your informative article..Truly, the sahara desert is so wonderful.. i always try to bet my friends and let them know that the sahara desert is so romantic and that they should go with their husbands for a tour there. But i always get the same answers: the desert is so romantic?? How so romantic? what do you have to see there? how a desert area can be romantic… actually, it’s always hard to explain them but when i bet them to go there and they visit it they come back with a big smile and YES, admit that the desert is really so romantic.. Keep up the great work and happy travel always

Glad you enjoyed the article! :-)

Dear Lauren

Happy new year2017!!!

If our group of 4 will make a trip from Marrakech to Fez or Fez to Marrakech (3-4-5days we haven’t decided yet) and we need to bring our big luggage with us, how we going to do or is it possible?

We will go in May2017 Thank you Nana

Hi Nana! I think you would be fine to bring your main luggage with you, as there was space in our minivan for lots of suitcases and backpacks.

Hello Lauren, I loved your post.

Also I have a question, how comfortable is to travel to the dessert? I mean toilet and shower arrangements ? Also how was your hotel at your first stop? Another question would be , how was the food during your trip? Was is save? Thank you so much in advance!!!! ????

It was fairly comfortable. We stopped off for toilet breaks in restaurants, so the bathrooms were all good, and the bathrooms in our hotel were also nice. The hotel was just a standard budget 3* hotel — everything was clean and it was quiet. Just a place for spending a night, but nothing awful. The food was all good — nobody got food poisoning and it was all local Moroccan food.

Could you give me a runthru of the hostels and guest houses you stayed at? That’d be helpful !!

In the Sahara Desert or in Morocco overall?

Hi Lauren! I was smiling while reading your blog, I got excited! :) How long did you spend in Merrakech and to Sahara Desert? Did you bring you luggage to Sahara desert or did you leave it at the hostel you stayed in Merrakech? and one more, cause I’m planning to go to Merrakech, Sahara desert, Fez and Chefchaouen, do you have itineraries for those places? Thanks! :)

I spent four days in Marrakech in total, and it takes just over a day to get to the desert. I didn’t bring my luggage — I left it at my hotel while I was on the trip and that was fine with them. I do have posts on Marrakech and Chefchaouen. Just head over to my Where I’ve Been page and click on Morocco and you’ll be able to read all of my posts about the country.

i am looking to go for 3-4 days next march how many nights and days in total are you on the tour for ? do you return to marrakech at the end of the tour or somewhere else ?

also what time did you end up back to your hotel after the tour the day after? i think you went on a tour similar to this 3 Day Desert Tour From Marrakesh To Marrakech With Erg Chebbi dunes Camel Trekking:

Hmmm, I think it was at some point in the afternoon, around 3pm ish. But I took the tour back in 2012 so my memory isn’t great. And yep: this tour sound identical to the one I took for not too much more money: https://www.partner.viator.com/en/22432/tours/Marrakech/3-Day-Desert-Tour-to-Merzouga-from-Marrakech-Including-Dades-Valley-and-Erg-Chebbi-Camel-Trek/d5408-7674MERZOUGA

It was for three days and two nights. And you return to Marrakech at the end.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experiences and provide insight, advice, and inspiration to fellow travelers like myself. I was wondering if early May is a time that would be ok for travel into the desert. Also, do you have any experience with trains in Morocco that you could share? I am looking to take an overnight train from Marrakesh to Tangier. Thank you in advance!

May is one of the best times of year to visit the Sahara Desert, as it’s not too hot and not too cold. I didn’t take any trains in Morocco, so I’m afraid I can’t help with that. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you for sharing. I was wondering, were the hotel rooms and tents you stayed in shared with strangers from the group (like a hostel), or private for you? Was it possible to stop on the drive in case of bathroom emergencies?

I hope to visit the Sahara in May with my girlfriend. Thanks!

They were private rooms. And yeah, you could stop to pee or whatever on the drive. You stop every hour or so to see something on the drive out there, and there’s usually bathrooms you can use at those places.

Which tour operator did you book with? And omg did you take the starry sky photo with your smartphone? xxx

I included that in my post at the end. But at the top, there is a Viator link to an identical tour you can book online. And yep, I took that photo with my phone.

This is so cool! What do you do about your luggage when you go on the tour by the way? Do people carry suitcases up on the camels lol?

Oh, it’s super simple! You have two options: either leave your luggage at your hostel/hotel in Marrakech and collect it after the tour, or take it with you in the van and leave it on the edge of the desert. The tour companies have offices at the start of the sand and you can put your luggage in lockers there if you need to. Hope that helps!

Hi Lauren. Thanks so much for your recommendation of the desert tour at the end of the post. Just got back from a trip out to the Sahara Desert, booked through Viator, and it was one of the best trips of my life. Just as beautiful as it looked in your photos. Thank you!

Yay! I’m so happy to hear that.

Sounds amazing Lauren! Do you still think of this Sahara trip as one of the best experiences of your life?

Absolutely! Hands down. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’m still talking about it, four years later!

y lauren . i have put a comment on here before i have now booked my flights for morocco and cannot wait to see the erg chebbi dunes but i have been informed by quite a few people that merzouga/erg chebbi is not infact part of the sahara desert ? this hsocked me a bit as everything i have read online says the sahara desert but alot of people say this is a marketing scheme . they even showed a map of the sahara desert to try and prove that point . what is your intake on this ? the reason i ask is i really want to see the sahara desert and even though i will still visit erg chebbi as it looks incredible will i be able to cross the sahara desert off my bucket list ? if not i will go again to another country like egypt etc to go to the sahara desert . p.s great article and pictures on erg chebbi

I mean, Wikipedia says: “Erg Chebbi (Arabic: عرق الشبي‎‎) is one of Morocco’s two Saharan ergs – large seas of dunes formed by wind-blown sand.”

When exactly did you visit the dessert? We are planning to go in December but I’m a bit afraid it could be too cold. Thanks! Mireia

I went in June, and still found it chilly at night. A quick google, though, tells me it’ll likely be warm during the day still. Just bring lots of layers with you in case it’s cold. It’s totally worth doing!

Hi Lauren, How many hour drive was the tour from Marrakech to erg chebbi? The drive sounds really tough. hugs,jeff

Maybe like, 10 hours or so? It wasn’t so bad, as you were frequently stopping to see things along the way.

Hi Lauren, I enjoyed reading your post. I am considering Morocco as my next travel destination and an overnight stay in the Sahara is on my bucket list. But I did not see photos of your tent/overnight experience. I was wondering how it was like. I am guessing it was not the luxury type. I would be looking for something in between. I like it comfortable and clean but not expensive. Any recommendations? I am not sure if Viator offers detail photos of these.

No, it’s not super luxury, but you’re only there for eight hours. And we ended up sleeping on the sand dunes rather than going inside the tents anyway, so I didn’t get a good look at them.

Lauren, Thanks a lot for sharing all this precious informations about your Morocco experience. Im Moroccan and i can confirm every single information shared here. you guys are our real embassadors to the world against all the propaganda and the media .

Sorry if it was mentioned and I missed it but in what time if the year you’ve been in this amazing trip? I’m thinking to go in the and of july. Is not too hot?

Thanks, Gabriel

I went in mid-June. Honestly, I was more cold on this trip than hot! Because you get to the desert at sunset and leave at sunrise, you really don’t spend any time there in the midday heat, so it wasn’t too bad. I’d still go at the end of July.

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Meet Lauren Juliff

Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco: A Travel Guide

Our Sahara Desert tour was one of the highlights of our two week Morocco trip. Not only was it like nothing I had ever done before, but it felt like a proper adventure. A journey into the back of beyond. A place where time goes slower and the stars are just so much brighter.

Before we left for our Morocco trip, we knew we wanted to do a Sahara Desert tour, but we didn’t really know how to go about arranging or planning it.

We didn’t know how to get to the Sahara Desert or how best to plan our time there. It took quite a bit of research and planning to work it out, but in the end, we decided to visit the Sahara Desert on a 3 day organised tour. We chose a local company through Get Your Guide and decided to go in a jeep with a private driver.

I often prefer using public transport and planning trips entirely myself, but with the Sahara Desert, it doesn’t really make sense to. Public transport in the desert is limited and infrequent. It doesn’t add to the adventure. Exploring by jeep however and having a local guide with us to share anecdotal stories and insightful information was invaluable.

So in this travel guide, I will cover suggested Sahara Desert tours, as well as a guide to each of the places you’re likely to visit in the Sahara Desert. Read on and get excited for your own Sahara Desert tour!

A Sahara Desert tour in Morocco – Essential Things to Know

When is the best time to go to the sahara desert.

This might seem obvious, but I wouldn’t recommend doing a Sahara Desert tour in the summer months of June, July and August. Temperatures can exceed 50 Celsius and it would make the trip a lot harder than necessary.

Additionally, it would be too cold to go to the Sahara Desert in the winter months. Therefore, I would recommend going in March-April, or October-November when the day temperatures are lovely and hot, and the night time temperatures are not too cold.

What to take to the Sahara Desert

Things like bedding and towels are likely to be included in the accommodation on your tour, but I would recommend to definitely check this beforehand.

I would definitely suggest bringing lots of baby wipes. I seemed to be permanently dirty from the dust and the heat.

For the camel rides in the Sahara Desert, I recommend bringing some loose clothing and cover-ups, as it can get a bit cold. Also, sunglasses and a scarf to protect against the sand is essential too.

Choosing a company for your Sahara Desert tour

Realistically, most companies offer similar Sahara Desert tours, even at somewhat similar prices. The most important things to factor in when planning your trips are start/finish points, quality of accommodation and to check which meals are included. Another thing to consider is whether you want a private Sahara Desert tour, with the luxury of having your guide to yourself and the ability to adjust the itinerary, or if you’re happy with a group trip.

I would also refer to TripAdvisor to check reviews, as these are often really insightful and helpful when choosing a company.

We were hoping to use our Sahara Desert tour to actually eliminate an awkward leg of a journey – travelling from Fes to Marrakech . Fortunately, we found a Sahara Desert tour that did actually offered exactly that. With pick up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech, with three days of exciting Sahara Desert adventure in the middle it was perfect.

There are hundreds of local tour companie offering two, three and longer adventures to the Sahara Desert, mostly departing from Fes and Marrakech.

Even if you opt to book through a company such as GetYourGuide, they’ll still be working with a local tour partner. If you book through GetYourGuide you get extra peace of mind, knowing it’s a tour with a tried and trusted local company.

I’ve picked out a few suggested tours below:

• Marrakech to Merzouga – 3 Day Tour
• Merzouga to Erb Chebbi Dunes
• 3 Day Tour to Sahara Desert to Marrakech from Fes

Our private Sahara Desert tour, departing from Fes and arriving back in Marrakech cost EUR250 per person. This included almost everything, except gratuity and lunches. The jeep was very comfortable, with charging points, great air-con and ample room to stretch out.

Our guide was friendly and his driving was safe. He didn’t take us to too many local trade stores, which is an added benefit of being on a private tour.

Key Sites and Attractions in the Sahara Desert

No matter where your trip starts and finishes in, these are all of the main places to visit in the Sahara Desert. If your route will go to and from Marrakech, then ignore Ifrane and Azrou on day 1, as you would only visit these if leaving from Fes.

I’m listing all the main places to visit in the Sahara Desert in the order we visited them on a our three day Sahara Desert tour.

Sahara trip: Day 1 Morning

Our guide picked us up in the jeep in Fes at 8am and drove for around 1.5 hours to Ifrane, located in the Middle-Atlas mountains. Having heard it was like a Swiss ski resort, I was really excited to see the town.

Ifrane is a beautiful ski resort during the winter months, and for the rest of the year, it is a leafy mountain town. It is very popular resort town for Moroccans to visit and the architectural style is very European. I found the town centre of Ifrane to be very clean, organised and well-maintained.

Next stop was the famed cedar forest in Azrou to meet the very friendly population of Barbary macaques monkeys. We bought some nuts to feed them and were relieved to find they were quite polite, as monkeys go.

Tizi N’Talghamt

After Azrou, we continued on to Midelt. Here, the landscape really started to change and become far more arid. It also started to feel really remote and more as I imagined the desert to be.

Here, we stopped for a light lunch before crossing the pass of Tizi N’Talghamt.

Sahara trip: Day 1 Afternoon

As we drove further south, the landscape really, really changed. We stopped at the viewpoint of Ziz Valley and its beauty blew me away.

In the fertile riverbed where water once flowed, were now thousands of date and palm trees creating a very cool visual effect. Old ksour (ancient villages) are dotted along the way. Yhis reall challenged my pre-conceptions of the Sahara Desert – it is so much more than just sand dunes!

We then stopped briefly in the busy desert town of Errachidia. Firstly, I really couldn’t believe how clean and organised it was, and secondly, how busy it was! It felt like we were so remote and so far south in Morocco.

We then drove onwards and started to approach the famed dunes at Erg Chebbi with growing excitement and anticipation.

The sand dunes did not disappoint. It was almost all of a sudden that the landscape outside of the car window changed. Rocks and mountain faces were swiftly replaced by golden sand as far as the eye could see. Incredible.

Soon, we were driving through the heart of the Sahara Desert towards the largest town around, Merzouga. This is also the tourist centre of the Sahara Desert, so if you were travelling to the Sahara Desert independently, this is where you’d be trying to get to for a desert adventure.

We arrived at the beautiful Auberge du Sud where we were going to stay for the night. I wasn’t sure what to expect with a hotel in the Sahara, but it was not this.

This huge property was luxurious, with gorgeous gardens and a big pool, although unfortunately it was full of sand, as there had recently been very strong winds.

Our Desert Camp in the Sahara

Interestingly, most of the camps in the Sahara Desert are owned by hotels. This means you have the luxury of a safe place to leave your bags overnight as well as the use of showers in the morning, whilst having a near-authentic experience in the desert camps.

I would say the camp that belonged to Auberge du Sud was mid-range. It was pretty basic but very comfortable. I had no complaints at all, as after all, we were only there for one night.

The journey into the heart of the desert from the hotel to the camp was done on camels, which is included on most Sahara Desert tours. We met our Berber guide who prepared us for the ride. It’s important to know you leave your large suitcases at the hotel, and take a smaller overnight bag with you on the camel.

We rode for around 1.5 hours. The camel ride started off with a lot of excitement, but towards the final third of the journey, my hips and back were hurting and the novelty had worn off. As we peaked at the top of every new dune, I really started to hope the camp would emerge.

It did finally, and we were able to finally jump off our camels to be greeted with Moroccan mint tea and some very welcoming soft giant cushions.

Sahara trip: Day 1 Evening

Our wonderful Berber guide, Hamed, cooked us up a huge Moroccan feast. He made us a delicious warming tagine together with cous cous and salad. For desert, we enjoyed lots of freshly cut fruit.

The temperature really does drop in the night, so it’s highly advisable to bring lots of warm layers.

We joined up with another couple for this journey, who happened to be a Singaporean couple on their honeymoon. We were lucky as the four of us got on so well and we had a fantastic evening. Hamed and his friends sung and played the drums with us, it was a special time.

Sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert

The Berber guides decided we should go and see the stars. So we followed them over the dunes for some minutes, into the deep dark black hole that is the desert. This is one of the best things we did in the Sahara Desert, it was magical.

There truly is no light pollution and my eyes struggled to adjust, it must be the darkest place I have ever been. They laid out some giant blankets and sort of tucked us up!

We lay there for what must have been 45 minutes – just enjoying the moment. It really felt quite special, lying on a blanket deep in the Sahara Fesert with new friends.

Sahara trip: Day 2 Morning

Sunrise in the sahara desert.

After a few hours sleep, we were woken at 6am to see the sunrise. Whilst Hamed prepared breakfast, we went off to explore the dunes and capture some shots.

Hamed prepared our breakfast, which was far more extensive than I expected in the desert! We then prepared for our camel trek back to the hotel.

After a freshen up and a change of clothes back at the hotel, we journeyed into a nearby town called Rissani. This wasn’t officially part of our itinerary, but our guide informed us that they have really good Sunday markets and it was a Sunday after all. This freedom and spontaneity is definitely a perk of going with a private tour!

Rissani was fascinating and a great insight into rural desert Morocco life. Locals were eager to show us their products and we even visited the animal market where locals come afar to haggle for a new camel or a new donkey, for example.

Sahara trip: Day 2 Afternoon

Kalaat m’gouna.

From Rissani, we headed further north again to the Todra gorge. Here, we stopped at a small-scale rose water production store in the town of Kalaat M’Gouna, which is known as the Rose Valley, famous for producing rose water. It happened to be full bloom time in April when we were there and the gorgeous pink flowers everywhere were a great contrast to the sandy desert colours.

Our guide also stopped briefly at the side of the road, where I got to unexpectedly hold baby desert fox!

That evening, we stayed at Riad Tawaza , a gorgeous locally-run boutique riad perched atop the banks of the Todra Gorge. Our room, decorated with rose petals, was perfect after a long day of driving in the heat.

We enjoyed a delicious four course meal before crashing that evening.

Sahara trip: Day 3

After a breakfast on the roof overlooking the gorge in the warm sun, we continued on with a journey north towards Marrakech.

Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou

The town of Ouarzazate could be considered the Hollywood of Africa as ,amy films have been created here. These include Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy, leading to the introduction of a number of film studios in the area.

However, we didn’t linger for long here as we’re not movie buffs.

The real excitement for us just lay further up the road at Ait Ben Haddou . This settlement is centuries old, once occupied but now empty. This is the most famous ksar in Morocco and easily the best preserved. We enjoyed a tour with a local guide who explain its history, as well as its role in films, including Gladiator.

Atlas Mountains

The last leg of the this epic Sahara Desert adventure was a long winding drive in the High Atlas Mountains towards Marrakech. We passed through the Tizi N’tichka pass at 2260m and unsurprisingly, the temperature was significantly cooler and quite rainy.

I don’t know if a holiday dedicated to exploring the Atlas Mountains would be my thing unless the forecast was better.

And that was it. We crawled into Marrakech in the early evening, after a brilliant few days exploring the Sahara Desert.

Sahara Desert tour

Have you visited the Sahara Desert in Morocco before? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

I would highly recommend doing a Sahara Desert tour. Although you could do this kind of adventure with local buses and shared taxis, or even your own hire car, we actually enjoyed the jeep. We didn’t feel restricted at all and it was useful to have a local guide with us the whole way through.

If you are planning a longer trip around Morocco of a week or two, you might find some of my other blog posts useful. I’ve written detail guides to  Rabat ,  Chefchaouen ,  Fes ,  spending 3 days in Marrakech ,  Essaouira and enjoying a beach break in Taghazout and Paradise Valley . I’ve also written some more specific blog posts on  visiting La Mamounia in Marrakech as a day visitor,   visiting Le Jardin Majorelle  and a guide to some of the  best places to eat in Marrakech .

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to the Sahara Desert in Morocco was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or any local companies. This is an independent guide

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Thanks ! I really enjoyed this and have booked same tour on strength of your info !! Looking forward to my trip now …

Thanks Millie! That’s so awesome to hear… Hope you have an amazing trip 🙂 x

Wow! What comprehensive account and great photos:) I laughed at the bit about the monkeys…. not like the ones in Gibraltar and Bali! Yeah, the Bali ones are nasty and so scary! I reckon private tour would also be the way to go for us. It would take too much planning trying to figure it all out myself.

Haha thank you Amy!Yes Bali monkeys are so aggressive but these ones were so sweet 🙂

Definitely go with a private tour for ease and comfort 🙂

This is a great post of how to spend 3 days in the desert. Love how you detailed each thing. I would love to sleep under the stars. That must be so magical! Your pictures are so inspiring too. Thanks for sharing

Thanks Katie 🙂 Sleeping under the stars was pretty cool!

It sounds like you had such a fun time! For some reason I really like the photo of the man pouring the tea.

Haha, they do this amazing long arm pour! 🙂

This looks like an amazing experience. I know I would love all of the animal fun.

Looks amazing…. Definately going… Thanks !

Morocco is one of the unique countries in the world and a country of dizzying diversity. You may wander through spice markets, explore sweeping deserts and enjoy warm hospitality. Morocco is roughly the size of California, this is why day tours are so popular! Perhaps this is one of the most exciting Morocco Desert Tours.

http://Www.sahara-holidaytours.com

It is a wonderful post and great blog talk about Sahara, I think TREK MOROCCO DESERT TOUR is one of the best tour service in southern east of Morocco… They made it on top level before cov19.

Thank you so much for sharing this helpful and informative article about your Moroccan desert tour 🙂

Thanks for sharing this guide! Nice pictures! Traveling to the desert is a must!

Thank you very much for sharing these amazing travel tips!surely you would like the desert and everyone would do ,I just finished my desert trip from Marrakech

Loose clothing can provide comfort, especially during long journeys or in warm weather.

Such an amazing travel blog, highly recommend the Sahara desert

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The Smooth Escape

Nature & adventure travel blog

Visiting the Sahara desert in Morocco: How to choose the right tour for you

In this article, you’ll find a thorough review of my 3-day trip to the Sahara desert in Morocco together with a detailed itinerary and practical tips for helping you choose the right kind of tour for you.

The Sahara desert is the largest of the African deserts and spans across 12 countries, including Morocco. If you ever get a chance to visit this magical country, a Sahara desert tour should be on the top of your list. There are lots of amazing places to visit in Morocco but for many visitors a trip to the Sahara desert ends up being the absolute highlight of their holiday.

When people think about the Sahara desert, the first thing that pops into their mind is an image of massive orange sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. While this is definitely among the most spectacular sights on a Sahara desert trip, there are many other amazing natural sceneries to admire during the journey to the desert. From rocky plains to imposing mountains, from green oases to tall canyons, the landscape of Morocco is incredibly diverse and beautiful.

Getting to the Sahara from major Moroccan cities is not particularly easy, but it’s 100% worth it! The drive from both Fes and Marrakech to the village of Merzouga, which is the “gateway” to the desert dunes, is roughly 500 km (310 mi). Luckily, there’s a bunch of fascinating places to visit along the way.

When it comes to choosing a desert tour in Morocco, there’s an overwhelming amount of options out there. The tours differ in terms of price, length, comfort, size of the group, and starting and ending points. After careful consideration, we opted for a 3-day Sahara tour from Fes to Marrakech organized by Morocco Fabulous Travel .

Before I get into details about all the places we visited and what we experienced on our tour, I will go through the most important factors to consider when choosing your Sahara desert tour.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

How many days do I need for a Sahara desert tour in Morocco?

The largest and most beautiful sand dunes in Morocco, and the ones you probably have seen on photos, are the Erg Chebbi dunes next to Merzouga close to the Algerian border. In order to visit the Erg Chebbi, you’d need to set aside at least three days.

It is possible to find shorter tours departing from Marrakech but these don’t actually take you to the Sahara desert but instead to Zagora, which is another desert a bit closer to Marrakech but with smaller and less impressive dunes.

Taking a guided Sahara desert tour vs visiting independently

While you could drive to Merzouga by yourself and find a company there that would take you to a desert camp, you would be missing out on interesting information and a local’s insight since you wouldn’t have a guide with you. Plus, you’d have the stress of driving for long distances and finding your way through the desert.

We decided to take a guided tour and it was 100% worth it. Our guide/driver shared stories and fun facts during our journey through the country and answered all of our questions about Moroccan culture, nature, and people.

Furthermore, he knew the best photo spots and frequently stopped the car in the middle of nowhere to let us enjoy the views and snap some pictures. All of this greatly enhanced our experience and I feel that we would’ve missed out on a lot if we had just made the trip on our own.

Booking a Sahara desert tour in advance vs buying it on the spot

I recommend doing your research and booking a tour with many positive reviews and good reputation beforehand as this will give you peace of mind during your holiday and more certainty of what to expect on the tour.

Even though you might find cheaper tours through your hotel or when walking on the streets of Marrakech or Fes, you couldn’t be sure about the quality of these tours as you wouldn’t be able to read any reviews.

Choosing a private tour vs a group tour

Choosing a private tour will of course be the most expensive option but it will give you the most flexibility and is probably the best option if you’re visiting Morocco with kids . A group tour, on the other hand, is cheaper and you’ll have the chance to meet some fun people during your desert journey.

We opted for a group tour since we wanted to meet other travelers. Our group ended up being a very small one – just us, our driver and a lovely Canadian couple. While it was very comfortable to travel with a group of this size, I missed having a bigger group during the night we spent in the desert.

Even though our camp was able to accommodate probably around 30 guests, we were just 4 guests and had a very relaxed and cozy evening. I heard that in bigger groups, however, your night at the camp could turn into a big party with lots of dancing, singing and drinks around the campfire. I would have loved to be a part of something like that!

Whether you prefer a calm and quiet evening or a party under the stars, ask the tour company in advance to know the size of the group you’d be spending the night with and make your choice accordingly.

What is the price of a Sahara desert tour?

The prices of Sahara desert tours range from 70 USD (63 EUR) to 700 USD (630 EUR) per person. On the lower end of the scale, you’ll find large group tours where you’d travel by coach buses, and on the opposite end, you have private tours by a 4WD car.

However, there are a lot more differences between the tours than just group size and mode of transport. After reading tons of reviews and blog posts on different desert tour experiences, I found that the main complaint from the people who opted for cheaper options was not having any control over their schedule.

They were frequently taken to souvenir and carpet shops and expected to buy stuff they had no interest in. They had no say in where they would like to eat and when. Instead, they were taken to crappy but expensive restaurants with no alternative options in sight. As the tour operators make a commission by taking you to certain shops and restaurants, they have an incentive to limit your flexibility and make you visit only the businesses they have agreements with.

The cheaper tours are designed to extract money from guests in every possible way. A more expensive tour, on the other hand, will allow you to skip all that and let you decide where you want to shop or eat, and which sights you want to see. It’s best to read reviews about different tour companies to get a sense of whether any aggressive selling and expensive lunches should be expected.

The quality of your desert camp and your tent also largely depends on the price of the tour. If you go for a cheaper one, you might be sharing your tent with other people (as opposed to having a private tent), you might only be allowed to bring a small backpack with you (and have to leave your luggage in Merzouga), there might not be any drinking water at the camp (so you have to bring it yourself), and you might not be served breakfast at the camp.

In terms of the tent itself, cheaper tours might take you to tents that have no floor (so you just walk on sand), army-style beds or thin mattresses only, no electricity, no showers and no toilet (instead the camp has a shared toilet which might just be a hole in the ground). More expensive tours, on the other hand, will have private tents with proper showers, toilets, beds, floors and electricity.

The price we paid for our 3-day Sahara desert tour from Fes to Marrakech was 250 EUR per person. Judging by the range of prices that I found online and mentioned earlier, the price of our tour was a bit below the average. Based on my experience though, which I’ve described in detail below, I really couldn’t have asked for anything more luxurious since everything was close to perfect already.

In a nutshell, I recommend that you avoid the cheapest tours. On top of the above-mentioned significant sacrifices in the flexibility of your schedule and the quality of the camps, I have read about cases where women were sexually harassed, drivers refusing to use AC in blazing heat, people being scammed at souvenir shops, or being left stranded on the roadside with no transportation to their final destination after visiting the desert.

P.S. To get an idea of the price level in Morocco and how much to budget for your trip, check out this article on the cost of travelling in Morocco .

3-day Sahara desert tour itinerary

Day 1: Ifrane, Azrou, Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga

On the first day, our driver Ibrahim picked us up at 8am with his 4WD Toyota close to the medina of Fes. After meeting the other couple joining the tour, we were ready to kick off our trip to the Sahara desert and head south towards the Atlas Mountains.

After a 1.5-hour drive, we reached the first stop of the day – a small town called Ifrane in the Middle Atlas Mountains. I found it fascinating how in just 70 km the landscape had changed from dry flat plains near Fes to snowy hills covered with thick forest. What’s even stranger, is the fact that Ifrane looks like a European alpine village!

With its chalet-style houses, ski slopes, crisp clean air, and calm atmosphere, this place couldn’t have been more different from Fes. The reason why Ifrane looks so European is that during the colonial era when the town was built, the French deliberately tried to create an alpine-style ski resort.  

Even though we didn’t have much time to explore Ifrane, it was nice to take a quick walk around the centre of the town to admire the architecture and grab some breakfast. As it can get pretty cold there (only 3°C during our visit in October), a jacket, long pants and closed-toe shoes are essential.

Just a short drive from Ifrane, near the town of Azrou, we made a quick stop to catch a glimpse of local wildlife and see barbary apes. These monkeys live in the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains. In the parking lot, there was a local man selling peanuts which tourists can use to feed the monkeys. However, I recommend  avoiding touching and feeding wildlife  unless the animal is in danger. 

In roughly two hours, we reached Midelt, the national capital of apples, where we stopped for lunch. Prices outside the main tourist centers in Morocco can be incredibly low, especially if you go to restaurants frequented by locals. For two meals and drinks, we paid just 100 MAD (9 EUR). As there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Midelt, everyone should be able to find something that suits their preferences. 

After our lunch break, we drove to the Ziz Valley where we took a short break to stretch our legs and snap some pictures. This lush oasis with thousands of palm trees stretches as far as the eye can see and creates a beautiful contrast with the surrounding terracotta-colored terrain. Definitely worth stopping for! 

Finally, after another 1.5 hours on the road, we arrived in Merzouga, the “gateway” to the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara desert. Our driver dropped us off right next to the sand dunes where our camels and guides were already waiting. This was the part of the trip I had been looking forward to the most!

It would be wise to bring a scarf to wear around your head when you enter the sand dunes since you might get caught in a sandstorm. As our turban-tying skills were quite minimal, the guides gave us a quick lesson on how to wrap the scarves around our heads and look like proper Berbers.

We moved our luggage to another 4WD car which drove to our camp, and then we were ready to go! Trekking through the desert on the back of a camel while watching the sun drop behind the bright orange sand dunes was such a surreal experience. 

The seemingly infinite dunes around us, the silhouettes of camels against the pink sunset sky and the silence of the desert created a setting that was nothing short of incredible. It’s an unforgettable experience that should be a part of every Morocco itinerary .

The trip took about an hour until we reached our camp. As the sun had already set, the camp was illuminated by lanterns. It looked magical! We were greeted with mint tea and cookies by local Berber guides who were going to look after us during our stay in the desert camp.

Next, we went to see our tent which completely exceeded my expectations. It was spacious, with a large bed and big soft duvets. The floors were covered with traditional carpets. There were even power outlets where we could charge our phones and cameras.

We had our own shower, sink and a toilet, and I’m not talking about some hole-in-the-ground kind of toilet. There were proper bathroom facilities with a plumbing system and hot water. I did not expect to find this level of luxury in the middle of the desert. 

The one thing that would have made the tent even better would have been some heating because it can get really chilly at night. During our visit in October, the temperature dropped down to 6°C. I wasn’t feeling cold when sleeping because the duvets were warm but when I had to get out of bed, I was freezing.

Our camp also had a restaurant tent where we were served dinner consisting of Moroccan soup, bread, couscous, salad, chicken, fruit and, of course, mint tea. They even prepared a vegetarian tagine on request.

After dinner, our Berber guides gave us a traditional musical performance while we sat around a campfire. We spent the evening chatting with our guides, learning about each others’ lives, and gazing at the stars which were brighter than I’d ever seen before.

Day 2: Rissani, Tinghir Oasis, Todra Gorge, Dades Gorge

On the second day, we set our alarm for 6.30am to watch the sunrise and take some photos on the dunes surrounding our camp. It was freezing cold outside at such an early hour but it was totally worth it! As the sun rose above the horizon, we watched the color of the sand slowly change from dull grey to fiery orange. It was such a beautiful way to start the day.

Note: I recently learned that there have been some cases where tourists have been stung by scorpions while staying in the desert. Even though the chances of encountering a scorpion in your camp are very low, I’d recommend that you wear closed shoes when walking in the sand and shake your clothes before putting them on to be on the safe side. I wasn’t aware of this and that’s the reason you see photos of me running in the sand barefoot. Oops! I’ll be smarter next time and wear shoes.

About a thousand sunrise photos later, we were ready for breakfast. I wasn’t expecting much since we were in the middle of the desert but I was wrong! We were served various types of bread, yogurt, pancakes, omelette, sponge cake, fruits, tea, coffee, juice and about 10 different kinds of toppings for the bread. Not bad for a breakfast in the desert I’d say.

After that, it was time to find our camels and trek back to Merzouga, where we met our driver. The first destination of the day was a small town named Rissani where we visited a local market. There were hundreds of stalls with different products ranging from vegetables, spices, nuts and meat to clothes, household items and beauty products.

We also saw a livestock market packed with sheep and goats ready to be sold to new owners. Right next to the market there was something I’d never seen before – a donkey parking lot. I know that donkeys are an important part of Moroccan life but seeing dozens of these animals standing in the scorching midday sun was pretty sad.

Next, after stopping for lunch at a roadside restaurant and driving for a few hours west, we made a short stop at a viewpoint over Tinghir Oasis on the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. This is yet another lush green valley surrounded by dry rocky landscape.

If you’d like to get a closer look at the oasis, I’ve heard that there are guided tours that take you through the valley where you can see how the local farmers use the oasis for agriculture.

Then, we visited the nearby Todra Gorge. As we were walking through the river canyon and admiring the cliffs towering above us, we encountered some Berber nomads and their donkeys. If you want to photograph them, be aware that they will most likely ask you for money for it afterwards. And why shouldn’t they?    

The gorge is also a popular spot for rock climbers – we witnessed a free-climber effortlessly making his way up those huge orange rock walls while we were holding our breaths.

The last stop of the day before heading to our hotel was at the Monkey Fingers cliffs in the Dades Gorge. Over time, water and wind eroded these sandstone mountains and created some interesting rock formations which supposedly look like fingers, though you’d have to use a bit of your imagination I’d say.

We spent the night at a small traditional hotel called Dar Essyaha in the heart of Dades Valley. As soon as I stepped into the hotel I was charmed by its Berber-style decorations and furniture. Our bedroom was rather modest, and some things in the bathroom were falling apart but it was fine for one night. The best part though was the hotel’s terrace with panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Day 3: Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Marrakech 

Our third and final day of the desert tour started with a traditional Moroccan breakfast in our hotel before we hit the road again and continued our journey towards Marrakech.

The first stop of the day was Ouarzazate, roughly 2 hours’ drive from Dades Valley. We had the option to either visit a kasbah (an old citadel), a cinema museum, or both if we were quick. Our driver Ibrahim recommended the cinema museum, so that’s what we chose. 

I had mixed feelings about this place. As it used to be a film studio, the buildings, halls and courtyards had all been used as sets for many famous Hollywood movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy and Aladdin. It was fun to wander around these ancient-looking sets and I could easily imagine how the movies were produced here back in the days. Also, there were almost no other tourists around so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

The major downside, however, was the fact that there was almost no information about the background of each of the sets. It would have been fun to know which movies were shot in each room and how it all came about. The entrance fee for the Ouarzazate Cinema Museum was 30 MAD (3 EUR).

We then headed to Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified mud-walled village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and yet another set for many world-famous movies like the aforementioned Gladiator, The Mummy and the series Game of Thrones. Our Sahara tour package included a guide to Ait Ben Haddou but you can easily visit the village without one.

Once an important stop on the Trans-Saharan trade route, the village with its narrow alleyways and crumbling stairs can easily make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. Our guide gave us a tour inside one of the traditional mud-houses where he used to live in the past and told us about the Berber way of life. 

Despite the fact that only a handful of families actually still live in Ait Ben Haddou, the place is very lively and the streets are filled with tourists, guides, and vendors. As Ait Ben Haddou is a very touristy place, the prices here are relatively high. 

After a few more hours of driving, our 3-day Sahara tour had come to an end. We were dropped off at our riad in Marrakech and said goodbye to our fellow travelers and our driver.

These three days just flew by! I can highly recommend Morocco Fabulous Travel to anyone that is looking to take a trip to the Sahara desert in a comfortable car, with a friendly driver, an amazing desert camp, informative guides, some flexibility in your schedule, and no mandatory visits to carpet shops and expensive restaurants. I have no affiliation with Morocco Fabulous Travel, I just genuinely think they did a really good job.

Our tour included:

• Pick up in Fes and drop-off at our riad in Marrakech
• A 4WD car with AC
• An English-speaking driver/guide
• Camel trekking to the desert camp and back
• One night in a private tent in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
• One night in a hotel in Dades valley with dinner and breakfast
• A guide in Ait Ben Haddou

Our tour didn’t include:

• Lunches & drinks
• Tickets to Ouarzazate Cinema Museum

Be sure to also read my article on how to travel responsibly in Morocco for tips on how to make your trip more ethical and sustainable.

Is a trip to the Sahara desert on your bucket list? Or have you already been there? Do you have any additional tips to share?

Enjoyed reading about visiting the Sahara desert? Pin it!

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What beautiful photos! I am bookmarking to read in it’s entirety later today. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Jamie! 🙂

Great way to visit choice parts of Morocco. My partner and I chose the “Marrakech, desert and southern Morocco in 8 days” tour and it was an unforgettable experience, far beyond our expectations. The natural and cultural wonders are numerous, but, what should not be underestimated, are enhanced by a type of itinerary that favors the perfect balance between a tourist experience and a deeper one, in contact with the territory and its wonderful inhabitants, without, however, give up on comfort. The people to thank for this experience are numerous, but in particular I want to thank the tour organizers: Moroccodeserttour4x4.com We also had a great time with our guide ismail oulfakir, always nice and helpful, he explained many things about local culture and traditions. We were completely carefree, which is the fundamental thing to fully enjoy a holiday

This is really an amazing article with great pictures. You really did very good job to post such increidable content. Very useful for Moroccan travellers who interested in Sahara desert experience. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Wow! I am so surprised and amazed by the the detailed information in this blog. You covered everything and it is so nice to read about your experience and learn from it. Thanks for sharing. Nice pictures and good travel content.

Best article thank you for sharing 😊 ♥️

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Sahara Morocco: Visit the Merzouga Desert on a 3-Day Tour

The Sahara Desert is a place you really can not skip when you are visiting Morocco . It is an area of 9.4 million square kilometers, which is the same size as the United States! Trek through the desert, see the rippling red sand dunes, and camp under a deep blue sky of beautiful stars! Sahara Desert tours are organized by many companies and there are loads of possibilities in order to fit it into your Morocco itinerary. Get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime on a Sahara Desert Tour!

Marrakech Sahara Tour

Our tour started in Fes because we came from Chefchaouen , the Blue City. The tour is also available from Marrakech as a return. Be prepared for a lot of driving, though the sceneries and sights you will visit are so worth it!

Sahara Desert Tour – Day 1

From Fes, we left around 8 AM, and the driver took us to Merzouga that day. Merzouga is a city that is located at the beginning of the Sahara. On our way, we stopped several times to look at the stunning views of the Moroccan landscapes.

Once you have arrived in Merzouga, you will change the car to a four-wheel-drive vehicle that takes you to your camp just in time to see the sunset. Seeing the epic, red sand dunes of the Sahara for the first time is unforgettable! We decided to go glamping, which is sleeping in a tent but far more luxurious. KamKamDunes was the camp we booked in advance, and it was excellent. These tents are super comfortable and come with proper beds and even a private bathroom!

That night we had a great dinner, played music together, and looked at the millions of stars from the dunes. Stargazing in the desert has to be one of the most extraordinary experiences while in Morocco – true magic!

Here are all your hotel options in the Sahara Desert.

Sahara Desert Tour – Day 2

The next morning you will be woken up very early to get up and walk to the top of a dune. Once on the top of the dune, the sun will rise from the horizon, and all the dunes will get a beautifully soft orange color. Temperatures rise quickly as soon as the sun is up, so get ready to experience the famous heat of the desert!

Must-read: the ultimate 10-day Morocco itinerary

Please note: Since this trip in 2016 we have learned a lot about animals used in tourism. We don’t recommend riding a camel anymore! Learn more about wildlife tourism and the better alternatives .

After breakfast, you will leave in the direction of Marrakech. You will pass and stop at several sites like Tenhir, Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud. These are all incredible Saharan towns and cities with wonderful earthen houses.

Once the sun begins to set, you will stop in Boumalne Dades (or a nearby village), where you will spend the night in a traditional Kasbah. A kasbah is a house/palace under the control of a family where multiple families live.

Hotels in Boumalne Dades 😴

Sahara Desert Tour – Day 3

From Dades to Marrakech was the most beautiful part of the route. You will drive through the Atlas Mountains along steep cliffs that can be snowy, depending on the time of year.

Additionally, visit Aït-Ben-Haddou, a famous place where a lot of movies are made. It’s easy to see why the moment you see this amazing scenery! Drink a delicious mint tea here, or buy a traditional Moroccan rug. Just before sunset, you will arrive in Marrakech.

Pick your Sahara Desert Tour wisely

It’s quite a distance to the Sahara from Marrakech or Fes . But once you’ve seen the sunset or the millions of stars at night, the journey is easily forgotten. The journey is also a beautiful part of the trip and a great way to see more of Morocco’s scenery!

Try to pick a tour that fits your itinerary, for example:

• How many days? Tours vary from 2 to 6 days.
• Are you leaving from Marrakech or Fes?

What’s a good price for a Sahara Desert Tour?

The price really depends on the tour you pick. We had a 3-day private Sahara Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, which cost around 700 USD. This included two nights, one at the tent and one in a kasbah, food, gas, etc. Of course, you can also share a minivan with other travelers, which makes the tour a lot cheaper.

We recommend to rent a car in Morocco through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Most of the tours of four or more days will take you far into the Sahara Desert. A two or three-day tour will take you to the Erg-Chebbi area. This is at the foot of the Sahara and is also very beautiful. However, if you have the time, we really recommend going into the Sahara. It is an experience unlike any other to feel the remoteness of the desert and see how locals live their lives here.

Sahara Desert Tour Discount!

We’ve arranged a 5% to 10% discount for you with the guys from Desert Days Tours . The discount depends on the length of your trip. We had an unforgettable time with them during our Sahara desert tour. For security reasons, we will email it to you. Fill in your email address right here.

Get your discount code!

Simply by leaving your email address.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re starting your journey to the stunning Sahara Desert from Fes or the bustling Marrakech, there are plenty of beautiful accommodation options to choose from in either city. Relax in the pool after having spent 3 days in the desert and fully recharge from all the incredible sights you’ve seen.

Hotels in Marrakech 😴

Hotels in Fes 😴

Best time to visit Sahara in Morocco

The best time to visit the Moroccan Sahara Desert in Merzouga is during the cooler months of October to April when temperatures are more comfortable. Avoid the extreme summer heat, especially in July and August.

Sahara Desert Vlog

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9 Best Things To Do In Chefchaouen, Morocco

Morocco travel guide: best things to do (10-day itinerary), 11 things to do in fes, morocco (complete guide).

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Hi Hannah & Nick, just wanted to say thanks for your amazing Morocco articles & tips! During our Dec trip there, we did the 3-day Marrakech-Desert-Fes tour with Desert Day Tours and had a phenomenal experience. We’re planning a trip to Portugal soon and will be reading through your guide!

Happy New Year, Su & Hui

Hi guys, thank you so much for your lovely message. Happy New Year and have the best time in Portugal.

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Merzouga Desert Safari, Camel Trekking and Camping Overnight

traveller Supriya

Merzouga desert travel guide will help any individual who is planning to explore the mighty desert. A visit to the serene yet capricious Sahara Desert of Africa should be on your travel bucket list because the experience is unmatched.

The Sahara Desert Safari was the core of my trip to Morocco. The best and the most convenient way to enjoy the Sahara Desert is to travel to a desert town called Merzouga. This Merzouga desert travel guide will take you through all the information needed to plan a trip to the land of sand dunes.

Merzouga is a small town in south-eastern Morocco, and very close to the Algerian border. Accessing the Sahara Desert is easy as the town is on the edge of the desert. This town only has hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and makeshift houses for people who work here. The only thriving trade in Merzouga is travel and hospitality.

The first sight that beckons you as you approach Merzouga, is the bright orange sand dunes that loom in the horizon. When I reached here, I couldn’t believe I was actually here. It’s absolutely stunning. Get set for fantastic landscapes & starry nights.

Merzouga Desert Travel Guide: An Overview

Backpacking to Morocco was one of the best decisions that I took. Travelling to the region taught me a lot about different cultures and travelling as a whole.

A trip to Morocco is incomplete without a glimpse of the Saharan desert. What follows will answer a thousand questions popping up in your head at the moment – When do I visit? How do I get there? Where do I stay?

Now that you have a brief overview of this exotic land, let’s dwell a little deeper into the details. Being informed will not only help you be safe but will also help you optimize your trip to Merzouga.

Merzouga Morocco Weather: Most Preferred Time to Visit

As you might already know, deserts are lands of extreme temperatures. One moment you’re burning in the scorching heat, and the next, you’re struggling to keep warm.

Merzouga’s weather to varies drastically. While some seasons are relatively pleasant, the rest make it almost impossible to visit.

Here’s an outline of what seasons and temperatures in Merzouga are like:

So as per my Merzouga desert travel guide, the only time of the year that must be absolutely avoided in summer.

The deserted streets of Merzouga in winter months. I clicked this particular photograph at around 8 AM. I couldn’t spot a single soul for miles. However, this is great for people who like to avoid the crowds and frenzy. Also, Merzouga is pretty safe.

Merzouga Desert Travel Guide: Getting There

Based on your itinerary in Morocco, you might want to visit Merzouga from Marrakech, Tinghir or Fes. Fortunately, there are multiple ways of getting to the mighty desert. All of them have their own pros and cons, and after reading through the next section of this Merzouga desert travel guide, you can make a choice for yourself.

Time is taken to Reach Merzouga:

Although you can more or less rely on these figures, the time taken will largely depend on multiple factors like the route taken, traffic, etc.

Transport Options

There are a number of ways in which you can reach Merzouga. Depending on what suits you best, you can pick any of the following.

Your choice would majorly depend on:

• Your budget
• Time in hand
• Desire for independence
• The preferred style of travel

Here’s what each one of them would roughly cost you (one way):

Bus Ride to Merzouga

Two major bus companies – Supratour and CMT operate in Morocco. I personally used them throughout my stint in Morocco and had close to no complaints.

Boarding a bus is a great choice if:

• You wish to travel by yourself and do not want to stick to a guide or tour operator’s plans.
• You’d want to take halts and explore places (viz. Aït Benhaddou and Dades Gorge) on the way.
• Your budget doesn’t match that of a rental car or taxi.

The bus journey is safe, comfortable and reliable. The only downside to it is the inconvenient booking process. While schedules can be viewed online, booking them is a task. Note that there might be websites offering to help you book. DO NOT blindly go for it. Most of them will charge heavy service fees, and might just be unreliable. Furthermore, several websites require a Moroccan bank account and card for payment.

Tip: Book your bus tickets at the bus stations in these cities a day in advance.

I personally travelled from Tinghir to Merzouga. When I checked at the bus station, they asked me to wait for the seat matrix that Supratour had to release, in order to book a ticket. To my relief, the staff at the bus station was extremely helpful. Finally, I got my ticket and hopped on to the bus going to wonderland.

Tips for a seamless bus journey:

I can narrate an incident. When I was returning from Merzouga to Fes, the bus journey was for 9 hours. The bus stopped mid-way for refreshments and the nearest cafe was full of men drinking Moroccan tea. This is a very common sight in Morocco. Unfortunately, there was no woman around for me to feel comfortable to walk into that cafe to use the restroom. I had no option but to wait until I reached the hotel to relieve myself.

As a side note, I must say that restrooms at bus stations are very clean and tidy. So, make use of them before hopping on to the bus.

Shared or Private Cab

Personally, I would not suggest cabs, since drivers might not be willing to cover long distances. If you’re visiting or coming from Tinghir, you could do some asking around about cabs.

Travelling by cabs generally comes with a lot of changing and hassles. Additionally, nobody can take responsibility for your safety if you’re left looking for a cab at an isolated stretch. And lastly, while cabs might seem reasonable, the costs tend to add up.

Right before reaching Merzouga, you will witness a Muslim cemetery . This is one of the very few cemeteries in the region. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many burials must have taken place over the years, at this very spot. 

Sahara Tour from Marrakech

While packages and group tours are generally more expensive than independent travel, this might not always be the case in Morocco. Opting for one of these tours will take you from Marrakech to Merzouga hassle-free. You will also have the opportunity to stop by at beautiful locations on the way, and to meet fellow travellers.

Lastly, you will not have to worry about comparing, bargaining and finally settling for accommodation that you think is best.

A number of companies in Morocco offer tours of the kind, thus bringing down prices. Simply ask a local, or search on Google.

DIY Merzouga: Rental Cars

If you love driving, and especially love driving in different terrains, you wouldn’t even want to consider bus, cabs or tours. Fortunately, the roads that take you to Merzouga are absolutely stunning. They are free from potholes, traffic, and crowds.

In case this is an option you’re considering, keep in mind the following:

So, you could opt for car rental if your driving skills, patience, and budget allow it.

Merzouga Desert Travel Guide for Booking a Safari

Throughout your time in Morocco, you’re going to see thousands of tour guides, companies and hotels selling desert safaris in Merzouga. Whom do you approach? How do you know which one’s legitimate? What’s a fair price to pay for a safari? It can certainly get confusing. To help you here, I have offered my insights into how to book a desert safari for Merzouga.

NEVER buy deals from Marrakech or from any other city, in that case. There will be hardly any scope for bargaining. The best way to finalize on a deal is to do so in Merzouga itself.

First things first, check with your hotel at Merzouga as soon as you get there. Also, always check for reviews from previous travelers before booking. While I was there, I met a couple from Spain who had booked a Merzzouga safari package online . This included an overnight stay, trek and two meals. They seemed quite happy with it. 

Here’s what I did:

I asked my hotel owner for the price and he quoted around 700 MAD (70 USD or 5000 INR) per head. As per the little research I had done, this seemed expensive. So, I excused myself and spoke to other desert safari organizers in town. Unfortunately, either their prices were higher or the timings did not match my schedule. Irrespective, always make sure you compare before settling.

Thus, I went back and tried my hand at negotiating with my hotel owner. Tip: Always bargain in Morocco. Eventually, we settled for 660 MAD (4780 INR).

Yes, the margin is very less but it’s still worth a try.

Note: Desert safaris differ in terms of the activities involved, accommodation, duration, etc. Make sure you keep all these factors in mind and analyse what exactly you want.

The desert safari will turn out to be the most memorable experience of your Moroccan journey. While riding a camel in the middle of the Sahara Desert, I almost felt like I was in a movie. Also, I finally understood why so many films are shot in this very place.

Merzouga Desert Travel Guide for a Comfortable Stay in Merzouga

Since Merzouga is visited by travellers from all across the world, hotels have flocked in abundance. Of course, they all vary in terms of luxury, services offered, and tariffs.

Following are a few recommended options for accommodation, as per my Merzouga desert travel guide:

This is the breakfast that I was served at my hotel. Relishing a hot cup of Moroccan Mint Tea as the sun warms up your body is really comforting. Also, you can be sure of the fact that you’re going to eat until you can’t anymore. Nobody stays hungry at the Berbers’.

In case you want to experience true local life, consider spending a night in one of the home-stays in Merzouga. You will definitely come in close contact with the local culture and local life during your desert safari tour, but staying at one of the Berbers’ homes would be different altogether.

One of the options you could check out is “Chez Les Habitants.”

Know Your Hosts Before Your Merzouga Desert Tour

Most people living in the eastern desert or mountainous regions of Morocco are Berbers, a nomadic tribe from North Africa. They speak Tamazight – a standard for all Berberian languages combined. Most of them, however, speak Arabic, French and sometimes, English. This is generally the case in tourist locations like Merzouga, where the Berbers need to cater to the incoming tourists.

In their community, hospitality is taken seriously. What’s most noteworthy is their humility and passion for service. I was so impressed, that I simply can’t mention them in this Merzouga desert travel guide.

Following are a few facts you’d want to know about the Berbers before you make it to their homes:

Morocco Desert Tour: Travel Essentials

Irrespective of what month of the year you travel in, the following items MUST be part of your backpacks when you visit Merzouga desert.

Merzouga Desert Travel Guide: Dressing Up

While you might want to pose for photographs and look all hep, remember that it is important to dress comfortably in Merzouga. Dress functionally. Do not underestimate the desert, and do everything in your capacity to ease the trip.

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable pants or trousers that ideally have lots of pockets. Next, always cover your face with a stole when you’re in the desert. No matter how calm the desert looks, the winds and the sun can take a toll on your skin. There is no harm in practising extra caution.

Women, DO NOT wear thongs if you have plans of riding on a camel.

Also, make sure you wear comfortable shoes or boots. Wearing sandals during the safari might not be a great idea, because the sand could either be too hot or too cold. Additionally, you do not want creepy insects crawling into your pants.

Lastly, do not underestimate the temperature drop in the desert post-sunset. It’s pretty cold, especially for those that aren’t used to these temperatures. While your host will give you a blanket, it is advised you carry sufficient warm clothes yourself.

Dressing Local

If you really want to take your dressing to the next level, purchase some of the local accessories in the market. Dark blue or red cotton cloth turbans are widely sold in Merzouga. They cost barely 25-30 MAD. The Berbers will help you out with turbans, and it might be cool to get into their skins just for a day.

Merzouga Desert Travel Guide for Riding a Camel Like A Pro

For a lot of you, this will be your first time riding on a camel.

At first, you will be introduced to your guides. The first greeting to exchange is Marhaba , meaning hello in Arabic.

Generally, the journey begins around 4 pm when the sun is not too harsh. The perspective of the desert and the horizon from the camel’s hump is almost unreal. The sand dunes look invincible and shine bright orange under the sun. As the sun starts to set, there is a different glow to the desert altogether.

The trail of camels walking one behind the other is beautiful. You will finally be witnessing for real, what you have only seen photographs of on Instagram.

This is what a camel trail in the Erg Chebbi desert looks like. To be able to see nothing but sand and blue skies for miles is odd, yet breathtakingly beautiful. You ought to experience it at least once in your lifetime. It’s totally worth the money!

You will make it back to the camp before it gets dark. Watch the sun go down while enjoying a cup of hot mint tea.

Tips for a pain-free camel ride

Follow these basic tips, and you won’t go through post-camel-ride-trauma.

Sahara Desert Tour: It Isn’t All About Camels

The desert safari is not just limited to a camel ride and a night spent at the campsite.

You could try your hand at sandboarding on the dunes of Sahara. This is a sport similar to snowboarding, except that it’s on the sand. I tried it, and I was thrilled.

Although your host might have a sand-board at the campsite, it is better to ask in advance. The Berbers are so hospitable that in case they don’t own one, they’ll get it arranged for you.

While in Merzouga

If you are interested in dune bashing, you can request for a 4×4 desert safari. You need to book this in Merzouga itself. There is also quad biking available. You can rent one for a specific time frame and conquer the sand dunes under supervision.

Merzouga Desert Camp: Knowing the Layout

Here’s a rough idea of what your campsite would look like and what to expect.

Your camp would be in a low-lying plain surface surrounded by sand dunes. At night, these very dunes act as barriers against strong winds.

There is a separate kitchen where your host will cook food. Restrooms at the campsite are clean, well-equipped and ‘modern’ enough. However, be conscious of the amount of water being used. Tip: Carry a hand sanitizer.

Back in the tents, beds are comfortable and are laid out on a metal cot. Thick blankets to keep you warm at night, are provided to sleep.

Tip: As mentioned before, I really cannot assure how frequently they are washed. So, as per my Merzouga desert travel guide, carry your own sleeping bag the way I did .

The commonplace in the campsite is decorated with the finest Berber rugs. The seating arrangement is such that there are a long table and cots around it. Tea and dinner are served on this low-height table, and it is here that you will get to mingle around with locals and other travellers.

Merzouga Desert Travel Guide for Eating in Merzouga

After washrooms, the next concern generally is the food. But don’t worry. At the Berbers’, you will eat well.

You will be dining on sumptuous meals of chicken and potato cooked in a tajine , an earthenware pot typically used to cook in North Africa. Generous amounts of rice and bread are served.

There are olives served on the table to pick and eat. Not to forget, streams of Moroccan mint tea always mark the table. It’s almost like a food festival in the middle of nowhere.

This was what lunch in the desert looked like. This particular dish is called “Shakshouka.” It roughly translates to “all mixed up” in Arabic. The dish is made using poached eggs and tomatoes and is spiced with garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili peppers.

Lastly, the alcohol scene in Merzouga is dicey. You won’t find a single shop selling liquor and most locals look down upon it. So, my Merzouga desert travel guide would suggest you to avoid drinking for the time that you’re there.

Music and Dance in the Merzouga Desert

Make sure you opt for a desert safari tour that includes music and dance in it. Although most deals would come with it, do check in advance.

Everybody gathers around the campfire to experience traditional folk songs and dance. On request, the musicians also let you try your hand at their instruments.

Despite the cold winds and low temperatures, a different kind of warmth enveloped our campsite. Berber Music is respected and appreciated across Morocco. It will certainly be one of the most memorable moments of your desert safari. It was mine for sure.

It feels like a party – Moroccan style, in the middle of the Sahara Desert.

Furthermore, try to indulge in a conversation with the Berbers. It is certainly eye-opening to get to know about their lifestyle. I was pleased to know that a lot them are still unspoiled from technology, and completely depend on their cattle for survival. Income from the desert safari is often just an additional income.

The Star-Studded Night Sky

At around 12 am, they call it a day, after which you’re left by yourself. I was sure about what I wanted to do. I went about 10 meters away from the camp and scaled the nearest sand dune. The only source of light was the campfire which was almost dead by then.

You might want to lie on the sand dune and gaze at the starlit sky. The Milky Way and the constellations look unreal. Any exaggeration of this sight is totally justified. If you observe with keen eyes, you will spot shooting stars every now and then.

To be honest, this was one of the most surreal moments of my desert safari.

Do not go too far from your campsite. Getting lost here is very easy while tracking a person is not. The desert is untamed like a stormy sea. It is also difficult to stay warm, no matter what you’re dressed in. So, exercise caution and do not venture too far.

End of Your Morocco Desert Tour

Get a good night’s sleep in the camp. You will be woken up at 7 am, by the sound of a ringing bell – almost like in school. The sun rises above the horizon on the Algerian side, which is only 50 kilometres away from where you are.

The air feels fresh and cold. You are offered fresh Moroccan mint tea. Sip on this warm glass of tea and appreciate the final moments in the desert as it’s time to head back soon.

I did not want to return to Merzouga. I wish I could spend some more time camping in the mighty desert. There’s so much more to learn about the Berbers’ culture, food, and lifestyle. One thing is for sure – I am definitely coming back to the Sahara Desert.

On reaching Merzouga, we thanked the Berbers profusely for a great time and said our goodbyes.

Depending on your itinerary and schedule, you can plan your next move. I took a cab to Rissani, a town 42 kilometres away from Merzouga. I bought a bus ticket on the spot to go to Fes, which was my next destination.

I hope this Merzouga Desert Travel guide gave you enough details to have a hassle-free visit and a great time in the Sahara Desert.

Happy wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

Much more than a desert: A trip into the Sahara

It’s hard to describe the feeling of approaching a desert to someone who has never seen one before. You can describe what you see; a drying of landscape, a browning of land and a slow disappearing of trees and shrubs and signs of life. Before, all of a sudden, the dunes appear. A sea of golden waves that appears to have no beginning and no end. You can show pictures and write words but portraying that feeling is harder. Perhaps it’s one of those things, like seeing the ocean for the first time, that you need to experience for yourself.

I’ve approached deserts before; Mongolia’s Gobi, India’s Thar, Egypt’s Western Desert. All were powerful and desolate and imposing. Yet still, the Sahara felt different. Perhaps it was the knowledge from our guide Mustafa, who had descended from nomads in the South of Morocco . He had told us tales about the wanderers who call the Sahara home. And the closer we got to the desert, the more excited he had become, slowly swapping his city clothes for a turban and floor length royal blue Gandora. His smile had grown wider, his confidence with the people we met along the way was contagious.

Our first glimpse of the desert was in Midelt. A town placed strategically between the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. After days of being in Morocco’s imperial cities, it feels wonderful to escape the bustling medinas and enter a world filled with Kasbah’s, olive groves and clear skies. We take an afternoon walk through a local village filled with shy children and their Berber families. The old Kasbah, a grand yet worn down sandcastle sits at one end of the village. It lies empty now,  instead, the families had rebuilt their homes across green fields and a small river. The new village still had the feeling of a Kasbah, sandy in colour and each winding corridor cooling from the midday sun. Children ran through the streets, finding a particular joy in trying on our sunglasses and having their picture taken with them on.

At sunrise, light floods the valley and shimmers on a faraway village I can see from the window of my room. Any sign of haze above the mountains had cleared and the snow topped peaks of the High Atlas stand majestic above the village. It’s the first view of the trip which has taken my breath away, but as we prepare to head into the Sahara, I have a feeling there will be many more to come.

After a traditional breakfast of M’smmen pancakes, local cheeses, honey and of course a pot of sugary mint tea, we begin the drive to the dunes. Although Midelt already felt like a desert town, it turns out we have a long way to go before we reach Merzouga, where the sand dunes begin. We have seven hours of driving to go, but luckily the landscape changes enough throughout the day to keep my eyes constantly occupied.

Our first stop is a barren roadside tea shop. Where children pose on the dusty road to their village and cars drive ahead, disappearing into the wall of rock which will eventually become the Atlas Mountains. This time of year, the heat is manageable yet the sky is a constant bright blue that appears never-ending above the road. Mustafa plays Tinariwen through the speakers of our minibus, windows down and drifting into his home mindset. While I’ve heard Tinariwen before, here in their homelands, where local people speak the language they sing in, and the landscapes and beauty they sing of surround us, it gives the melody of the music a whole new meaning.

Oases are common in this part of Morocco, where the desert lets go of its unforgiving nature and gives water, palm trees and a place for life to settle. We stop at view points to find green blooming Oases in the valleys below. This is date heaven, and most of the nomadic families in this region have settled to cultivate this sweet fruit. Our lunch stop is in another Oasis Valley, at one of the most idyllic restaurants of the trip. It’s my first taste of Berber omelette, a local dish in the South of Morocco made up of eggs, tomatoes, onions and lashings of herbs. We leave behind the lush oasis valleys and the landscape once again becomes dry and barren. Our final stop is at a Berber shop, where a blue-turbaned man fits our heads with matching scarves. While we take shelter in his tin hut, a sandstorm takes over and the rainbow shawls blow violently in the wind. It’s a reminder of the power of the desert we are about to head into.

Merzouga is not much more than a few shabby hotels on the edge of the dunes. But of course, the main attraction lies beyond. Camelback is the main mode of transport to enter the dunes, and a row of 10 are majestically lined up for us. Our camel master is a nomad man who stands a few inches shorter than me. His face has aged from the harsh sun, yet his eyes are wild and warm, his comfort in the desert is undeniable. Like every other nomad we’ve met on the journey here, he proudly wears a silver necklace shaped into a Berber compass. Our guide Mustafa explains that people of the desert always know the time and direction based on the sun, stars and moon. While I whip my iPhone out to check which way the sun will set, the nature of these people is to understand the earth based on the sky.

As the camels dip their hooves into the soft sand, the landscape of the Sahara opens up to us. Dunes roll into one another, merging and changing shape as the wind blows over each sand mountain. The setting sun creates long camel shaped shadows and in each direction, the sand appears a different shade of golden yellow. Although I’ve seen deserts before, nothing compares to the sheer scale of the Sahara, the dunes rise and fall so dramatically, and the sea of sand seems to go on for miles.

We reach our camp for the evening, a group of tents set around communal spaces where tea is served. As the sunsets, the stars come out to play, and after a dinner of smokey tagine, music is sung around a campfire, under blankets of stars. I fall asleep to the sound of drumming, yet awake in the middle of the night to peaceful silence and the milky way displayed above my head.

Indeed, the desert is a place of contrasts, and there’s no greater example of that than out here in the Sahara, the world’s greatest. A place of solitude and intense heat. Yet also a place of music, stories, cultures and traditions. While a short trip might show vast landscapes and huge skies, it’s the people that call this place home which are the only ones who can truly understand the Sahara. The nomads who know what each of the stars in the milky way mean. The people that know which way to pray at sunrise and which way to walk the camels back to civilisation and phone signal. It was our short encounters with these people which had made the Sahara much more than any desert I had seen before. For now, I can attempt to relive that feeling through photographs, the melodies of Tinariwen and a silver Berber compass which hangs in my room.

Words and images by the lovely Annapurna Mellor, who travelled on our 15-day Best of Morocco tour. Check out her website and Instagram for some serious wanderlust inspo! 

Want to discover the magic of the Sahara for youself? You need one of our small group Morocco itineraries! 

Feeling inspired?

Annapurna Mellor

Annapurna Mellor is a photographer, writer and storyteller. Her travels have taken her across Asia, Northern Africa, along the Trans-Siberian Railway and around Europe - always taking the road less travelled and always aiming to go a little deeper into the heart of local culture and people. Her photography work has been featured in National Geographic Traveller Magazine, Lonely Planet Guide Books and in campaigns for many travel brands around the world. Although she is usually dreaming about adventures afar, she is based, most of the time, in Manchester, England.

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The Unknown Enthusiast

5 BEST Sahara Desert Tours from Fes, Morocco

Looking for the best sahara desert tours from fes read on for my top recommendations.

Visiting the Sahara Desert of Morocco was an absolute dream come true for me. It had always been at the top of my bucket list, and I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As we approached Merzouga, the village right on the edge of the Sahara desert dunes, the anticipation and excitement grew. The sight of the sand dunes rising out from the desert was surreal. I couldn’t believe that I was about to ride a camel through the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert!

Thankfully, going into the Sahara Desert absolutely lived up to expectation, and still continues to be one of my favorite travel memories, ever. If you’re visiting Morocco, you simply must put the Sahara desert on your itinerary.

What These Sahara Tours from Fes All Have in Common (Important!)

I chose these tours based on a few different criteria:

➡️All include pickup from your hotel or riad in Fes

➡️All include transfer in an air-conditioned van

➡️All tours are led by friendly, kind, helpful, and engaging guides , and spending time with your local guide will be a highlight of the trip.

➡️All tours include going by camel into the Sahara, and an overnight stay in a luxury tent while you’re there

The 5 Best Sahara Desert Tours from Fes

I have categorized the best Sahara desert tours into five different categories. These tours feature friendly guides and exciting itineraries that will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore them to find the ideal Saharan adventure for you.

#1: Best 2-Day Sahara Tour from Fes to Fes

⭐Rating: 5.0 of 5 stars | Read all reviews here

This 2-day Sahara desert tour offers a quick but unforgettable experience, taking you to medieval ksours and Kasbahs, through the landscape of northern Morocco, and finally the breathtaking Sahara Desert.

You’ll also have the opportunity to go on a camel ride through the desert and witness a stunning sunset over the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

If you want the highlights of the desert in one easy tour, this is the best option for you.

Enjoy the following inclusions with this tour:

• Breakfast + dinner
• Professional driver and guide
• Stops in Azrou to see barbary apes, Ifrane to see “the Switzerland of Morocco”, and the town of Rissani.
• Camel rides at sunset and sunrise

You can explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 2-day Sahara Tour from Fes to Fes here.

By far this was the best part of our Moroccan trip, where we took this tour and spent the night in the middle of the Sahara. We rode camels to our tents, and at night time after an amazing dinner we had a drum circle with plenty of laughing and singing. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour. Highly recommend taking this one, as it’s an experience of a lifetime! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – tour review

This tour is perfect for:

This 2-day tour is perfect for travellers who have limited time in Morocco – as this is the quickest (but still quality) tour you can take to experience the Sahara desert.

#2: Best 3-Day Sahara Tour from Fes to Fes

During the 3-day tour from Fes , you’ll enjoy one full day in the Sahara desert, where you’ll visit villages around the Sahara, the large Rissani souks, the Lake of Merzouga, and more.

Enjoy a memorable sunset camel ride, and spend a night in a traditional Berber tent under the stars.

It’s a thrilling journey that combines cultural exploration and natural wonders, providing unforgettable experiences in Morocco’s Sahara Desert.

• Camel trek into and out of the desert
• Private luxury tent in the Sahara
• Two breakfasts and two dinners
• On your drive to the Sahara, make stops in in Ifrane (the Switzerland of Morocco), the Azrou Cedar Forest, the marble producing town of Erfoud, and the beautiful Ziz Valley

You can explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 3-day Sahara Tour from Fes to Fes tour here .

A journey to cherish! Our tour guide was fantastic and quite informative; he truly provided us a great understanding of the Berber culture and the natural beauty of Morocco! We had no idea how much we would enjoy the camel ride, the sunset, and the night in the desert. The camp where we stayed was fantastic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – TOUR REVIEW

Anyone who wants to spend one full day in and around the Sahara desert, while ending up back in Fes at the end of the tour.

#3: Best 3-Day Sahara Tour from Fes to Marrakech

⭐Rating: 4.98 of 5 stars | Read all reviews here

Experience an authentic desert adventure with the 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour .

Ride camels across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and spend a night in a luxurious desert camp.

Make multiple stops at top attractions in Morocco as you travel to and from the Sahara desert.

• English-speaking driver/guide
• Camel trekking in the Sahara
• Private luxury tent + en-suite bathroom in the Sahara
• Sandboarding
• Two dinners and two breakfasts
• Stops in Azrou for the cedar forests, Ifrane to see “the Switzerland of Morocco”, the Ziz Oasis, the Rissani souks, the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, the film studios of Ouarzazate, and the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou

You can explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 3-day Sahara Tour from Fes to Marrakech here .

Our guide was the best! He is an excellent driver and showed us his country with pride. We learned a lot about his Berber culture and had an unforgettable experience in the Sahara desert. This is a tour not to be missed! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – tour review

This 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour is for anyone who wants to experience a wide variety of places in Morocco, and end their tour in Marrakech to continue the Moroccan adventure.

#4: Best 3-Day Sahara PRIVATE Tour from Fes to Marrakech

This 3-day private tour from Fes to Marrakech showcases the best of the Moroccan desert, while enjoying a private and customizable expeirence.

In this tour, you’ll start from Fes and journey south through Cedar forests, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert.

Along the way, you’ll drive on the Road of 1000 Kasbahs , visit Palms Oases, cross the High Atlas Mountains, and conclude your trip in Marrakech.

• WiFi on board
• Tour through the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle, visiting various villages, markets, and a nomad family
• Camel trekking to your luxury desert camp
• Sandboarding in the Sahara dunes
• Stops in Azrou for the cedar forests and apes, Ifrane to see “the Switzerland of Morocco”, the Ziz Oasis, the Rissani souks, the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, the film studios of Ouarzazate, and the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou

You can explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 3-day Sahara Private Tour from Fes to Marrakech here .

Exceeded our expectations in how it enables us to meet locals and immerse ourselves in the authentic Morocco’s culture and how it covered all the major attractions of the beautiful country. If anyone is choosing to explore Morocco, I would highly recommend Morocco Culture Travel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – TOUR REVIEW

This is the ideal one for travellers who want a convenient, luxury, and private Sahara desert tour with a fantastic itinerary. This tour offers many incredible experiences, including some unique experiences in the desert.

#5: Best 4-Day Sahara Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Discover the beauty of Morocco’s Sahara Desert on this 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakesh. Highlights include visiting Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Ziz Valley, and Erg Chebbi Dunes.

Experience a full day in the desert, where you’ll explore the area in a 4×4 tour, including visiting a nomad family, a stop in Khamlia village to hear the traditional Gnawa music, a visit to an oasis in the dunes, and a visit to the flamingo lake. Then enjoy your traditional night in the Sahara, including camels, dinner, music, and a luxury tent.

• Three breakfasts and three dinners
• A full day in the Sahara, with a tour to many attractions around the desert
• A stay in a luxury desert tent
• Stops in Azrou for the cedar forests and apes, Ifrane to see “the Switzerland of Morocco”, the Ziz Oasis, the fossils of Efroud, the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, the film studios of Ouarzazate, and the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou

You can explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 4-day Sahara Tour from Fes to Marrakech here .

I loved every bit of the journey – The endless roadtrip, the stunning views, the nature vibe, the lovely people and the experience as a whole. Literally every place we went to was full of surprises! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – TOUR REVIEW

Anyone seeking an immersive Sahara Desert experience. This 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakesh offers thrilling 4×4 desert tours, camel trekking, and a chance to stay in a traditional nomad tent, with an entire day spent in and around the Sahara.

What to Expect While You’re in the Sahara

Each of these Sahara desert tours from Fes has a very similar itinerary when you’re actually in the dunes. To save you time reading the same descriptions for each tour over and over, let me give you a full description here.

You’ll meet your desert camp hosts in Merzouga (the village right on the edge of the dunes) in the evening, usually a couple hours before sunset. Then, you’ll head off into the Erg Chebbi dunes (the name of the specific dunes in Morocco), riding a camel into the Sahara.

It will take about 1.5 hours to reach your camp on the other side of the Erg Chebbi dunes. There, you’ll witness the sunset either in the middle of the dunes or right at the camp.

When you arrive at camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious hot dinner – this dinner will be as good as any Moroccan meal you’ve eaten! An appetizing breakfast will be served in the morning too.

After dinner, your Berber guides will make a fire and play traditional music around the flames. Definitely don’t miss observing the stars in the middle of the dunes!

Finally, you’ll spend the night in your luxury desert tent. These are not your usual camping tents – they are well-designed, sturdy, and roomy tents, and sometimes have en-suite bathrooms, with running water, a bathroom, and electricity.

Important Things to Know Before You Book

➡️ my top tip for choosing a sahara desert tour.

My big tip for choosing a Sahara Desert tour is to dedicate a complete day to embracing the wonders of the Sahara Desert. Although an overnight stay can provide a remarkable experience on its own, if you are investing the time and effort to reach the desert, why not extend your stay and fully immerse yourself?

We loved our full day in the desert, and I’d recommend it to anyone who can make it work in their schedule.

The 4-day tour I listed above (#5 on the list) and the 3 day tour starting and ending in Fes (#2 on the list) both give you a full day to explore and play in the desert.

➡️ Booking Your Tour in Advance vs Booking in Fes

You do have the option to wait until you are actually in Fes to find a tour operator in the city (it won’t be hard, there are lots around) and haggle for the most affordable price there.

But it’s important to know that there are advantages and disadvantages to this. Obviously, you can certainly get a tour for a lower price when you’re haggling in Fes than booking online.

However, it also comes with some disadvantages. Online tour companies are much more committed to giving quality experiences to tourists since they are looking forward to receiving positive reviews.

The ones you’ll find in the city won’t care that much because they don’t rely on reviews for new travelers to book them, and your travel experience can really be affected by this.

In particular, if you are a solo female traveler, I would definitely book your Sahara desert tour from Fes online ahead of time, as there have been multiple reports of women being hassled by their guides on tours like these.

For such a bucket list experience, I think it’s worth making sure you get a great desert adventure.

➡️ Small Group Tour vs Private Tour

This one is really down to personal preference. It’s really up to you and what’s available for the itinerary you want. For example, I could only find a private tour available for a 3-day tour (not 2 or 4 days).

I used to totally avoid any kind of group tour (after an experience in Cozueml where us and 500 other people were shuffled through the streets), I’ve come to really appreciate and enjoy a quality small group tour.

We’ve now gone on a lot of small group tours in many countries we’ve visited, and the result has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve enjoyed connecting with fellow travelers from different corners of the world, and these interactions have often become highlights of our journeys.

Embracing the company of like-minded adventurers has brought an unexpected and delightful dimension to our travels.

What to Pack for the Sahara Desert

Headscarf:  Beyond making you look very authentic, Moroccan headscarves are very helpful to protect your head from the sun, wind, and sand. You can get one in any marketplace in Morocco for around 50 dirhams ($5) – plus it makes a great souvenir from Morocco to bring home with you.

Your desert guides will help you tie the scarf in their traditional style.

Dress, kaftan or djallaba : Kaftan and djallabas are traditional Moroccan clothing (long “dress”-like outfits that both men and women wear) and are a great thing to pick up if you want to look SUPER legit in the desert.

Matthew is wearing a kaftan in our camel pictures and he looks absolutely bomb. (Wear shorts underneath and then hike up the kaftan a little bit – it wasn’t hard for him to sit on the camel wearing that outfit).

Jacket : The Sahara can get chilly at night, even after a hot day. I’d plan to bring a light jacket if you’re visiting during the spring or summer. However, nights get downright cold during the winter, (lows in the 30’s and 40’s) so I’d bring a heavier coat and possibly other winter gear (hat, gloves).

Sunscreen : No explanation necessary, but definitely don’t forget it. Matthew always uses  this sunscreen stick , and I wear this facial  sunscreen for sensitive skin  under my makeup.

Something for motion sickness : No matter what tour you take out to the Sahara, you’re going to have to ride on the winding roads of Morocco. These roads made me suuuuuuuuper nauseous (I actually  threw up out the window  as we were going through switchbacks in the Atlas Mountains).

All that to say, I’d highly recommend something for motion sickness.

While  dramamine  is a tried and true option, I recently tried out the  Relief Band for motion sickness  and it has worked impressively well!

You wear this device like a watch on your wrist, and it sends out little pulses of electricity to stimulate your vagus nerve. You’ll feel just a little buzz in your wrist and hand (its nothing like getting shocked), and is extremely effective.

An E-Sim Card: I like having fast, high speed data when we’re traveling out of the country, and I recently found a new service that for getting inexpensive data while traveling.

Instead of purchasing a local SIM card when arriving in a country, I’m now using an e-sim card from Airalo. I’ve used a lot of different methods in the past to get data when traveling internationally, and let me tell you, buying an e-sim card is EASILY the most affordable, fast, and convenient option.

Sahara Desert Tours FAQs

Can You Do A Day Trip to the Sahara Desert from Fes?

It takes 8-9 hours to reach Merzouga from Fes, so it’s not possible to do a day trip to the Sahara desert from Fes. You’ll for sure need 2 days minimum to do an ideal desert tour.

Don’t worry, the extra time is definitely worth it!

What is the Best Month to Visit the Sahara?

As one would expect, the Sahara Desert can become scorching hot during the summer months. From May to September, temperatures soar into the mid-90s to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (35-40 degrees Celsius), with nighttime lows ranging from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (20-25 degrees Celsius).

In winter, highs generally hover in the 60s-70s Fahrenheit (15-20 degrees Celsius), while lows drop to the low 40s Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). If you plan to visit during this season, it’s essential to pack warm coats, cozy pajamas, a beanie, and gloves, as the tents lack heating facilities.

Undeniably, the optimal time to explore the Sahara desert is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate and the heat is less intense. Nonetheless, regardless of the time of year, you can still have an incredible experience in the Sahara desert, as long as you come prepared for the prevailing weather conditions.

Is It Worth Going to the Sahara Desert?

Without a doubt, the answer is a resounding yes! Including a visit to the Sahara desert in your Morocco itinerary is unquestionably worth the time and effort you’ll spend. This surreal and epic bucket list adventure will be one you never forget!

The Wrap Up: Sahara Desert Tours from Fes

All of these tours are incredible adventures with welcoming and knowledgeable guides, so it’s really just a matter of choosing which option works for your itinerary. Include one of these excursions out to the Sahara desert as part of your visit to Fes !

Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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Luxury Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech: 12 Best Options

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Looking for the ultimate luxury Sahara desert tour from Marrakech? You’re in the right place!

Checking out the Sahara desert is a bucket list adventure for loads of folks. Morocco’s your go-to spot for easy access to the Sahara. You’ll find all sorts of tours kicking off from Marrakech, making it a hot spot for travellers from all over the world.

A luxury tour offers an unparalleled level of comfort, relaxation, and personalized service. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sahara desert without having to worry about any logistical or accommodation arrangements.

With luxurious accommodations, gourmet meals, and exclusive experiences, a luxury tour truly elevates your desert experience.

I visited the Sahara on a 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, and it was an unforgettable experience. Driving through the Atlas Mountains , camping under the stars in a desert camp, and climbing giant dunes were just some of the highlights.

But with so many tour options available, how do you choose the best one for you? Here are 12 of the best luxury Sahara desert tours from Marrakech to help you plan your dream trip

Hi, I’m JJ!

I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.

I’ve visited Morocco multiple times and took a tour to the Sahara desert from Marrakech during my first time in Morocco

I hope you enjoy my free guides and travel tips! If so, please consider supporting my work 💕

Table of Contents

Why Choose a Luxury Sahara Desert Tour?

Choosing a luxury Sahara desert tour elevates the entire experience to an extraordinary level!

These exclusive tours blend adventure with comfort, offering plush accommodations, gourmet dining under the starlit sky, and unparalleled personal service – Imagine traversing the vast, golden sands in a 4×4 vehicle, with every detail tailored to your preferences.

Luxury tours also often include unique experiences not available to the average traveller, such as private camel treks at sunset, visits to secluded oases, and intimate Berber cultural encounters.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and mystique of the Sahara without sacrificing comfort, a luxury tour is the perfect choice. It’s not just a trip; it’s an unforgettable adventure where every moment is crafted for pleasure and relaxation!

Luxury Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech: My Top Picks

Helicopter Ride & Luxury Desert Camp

✅ Private helicopter ride

✅ Overnight in luxury camp

✅ ATVs & camel ride

8 Day Private Luxury Tour

✅ Private tour

✅ Multilingual driver

✅ Custom itinerary

3 Day Sahara Tour – Marrakech To Merzouga

✅ Camp in the desert

✅ Accommodation and meals included

✅ Camel safari

12 Best Luxury Sahara Desert Tours From Marrakech

1. helicopter ride with overnight in luxury desert camp – tour from marrakech.

⏳ TOUR LENGTH:   2 days | ✅ Book it!

This is the ultimate luxury desert experience! It’s perfect for those on a once-in-a-lifetime trip who want to make it unforgettable.

The tour starts with a scenic helicopter ride over the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, before landing in the heart of the desert where you’ll spend the night in a luxurious camp.

You’ll have a private tent with your own en-suite bathroom, as well as fine dining and entertainment options. And to top it off, you’ll get to enjoy an exclusive camel trek at sunset.

After a night under the stars, you’ll start the next day with a hearty breakfast at the camp, followed by a thrilling ATV or buggy ride across the sand dunes—a truly exhilarating adventure!

After an hour or two of fun, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet some nomads, diving deep into their rich culture and traditions.

This tour truly offers a unique and unforgettable experience and is also a great way to cut down on travel time and maximise your time in the desert.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. 12 Days Private Tour in Morocco: Cities, Atlas and Desert

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 days | ✅ Book it!

Discover all of Morocco’s best natural, historical, and cultural highlights and hidden treasures on this 12-day private tour from Marrakech!

Embark on a thrilling 12-day adventure across Morocco , where every day is a new discovery. From the bustling coastlines to the serene desert, from majestic Imperial cities to the awe-inspiring Atlas mountains, this journey has it all.

Imagine exploring the Sahara’s beauty with a 4×4 tour and spending a magical night under the stars at a luxury desert camp.

On this tour, everything is taken care of for you so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

With all transportation provided, along with a knowledgeable driver-guide, comfortable accommodation, and selected entry fees and activities included, you’re set for an unforgettable experience.

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Morocco in just 12 days, without having to stress about logistics or planning.

“We felt so incredibly safe and well cared for by our driver Hassan. He has truly been one of our family this whole trip.” – A Tripadvisor Reviewer ( Read more reviews )

3. 10 Luxury Days Tour to Casablanca via Desert from Marrakech

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 days | ✅ Book it!

The 10 Luxury Days Tour to Casablanca via Desert from Marrakech offers you the exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the majesty of the Moroccan Sahara.

This isn’t just any trip; it’s your gateway to experience the Sahara in its full glory, where the sands tell tales of time, and the stars light up the vast desert sky like nowhere else on Earth.

You’ll be accompanied by an experienced driver-guide, fluent in English, ensuring that communication is seamless and every query answered.

Your comfort is prioritized with travel in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, cutting through the desert heat and ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is memorable. This is your chance to live the dream and witness the magic of the Moroccan desert, all while enjoying the luxury and convenience this tour has to offer.

Along the way, you will make several stops to take in the breathtaking villages and landscapes that Morocco has to offer.

Since this tour is private, you have the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your preferences. If there’s a particular scene that catches your eye, or a village that piques your interest, feel free to ask your driver-guide to make a stop.

This level of personalization ensures that your adventure is exactly as you want it to be, offering a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Morocco at your own pace.

“10/10 is highly recommended” – A Tripadvisor Reviewer ( Read more reviews )

4. 8-Days Private Tour Luxury to Fez via Desert from Marrakech

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 days | ✅ Book it!

Explore the vibrant city of Fes and its bustling souks, immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Morocco, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Sahara desert on this 8-day private luxury tour.

From Marrakech, you will journey through stunning landscapes and visit charming villages before reaching Fes, where you will discover the ancient medina and its hidden gems.

Along the way, you will have the chance to visit the Sahara desert, stay in luxurious accommodations and enjoy local delicacies.

With a private driver-guide at your disposal and a customizable itinerary, you can relax and fully enjoy your adventure in comfort and style.

“It has been one of the best experiences I have ever had” – A Tripadvisor Reviewer ( Read more reviews )

5. 7 Days Luxury Desert Tour From Casablanca to Marrakech via Fez  

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 days | ✅ Book it!

Get ready for an amazing week exploring Morocco with this private luxury tour!

Kick things off in Casablanca and wrap up in Marrakech, with tons of cool stops in between. You’ll get to experience the vibrant streets of Fes, trek through the Atlas Mountains, visit Berber villages, wander the Sahara desert, chill in Erg Chebbi, and loads more.

Experience the diversity of Morocco with this week-long private tour, tailored exclusively for you and your group.

Accommodation with breakfast is included throughout your tour, ensuring you start each day refreshed and ready to explore. To make your experience even more memorable, a few select dinners are also included, allowing you to savour the authentic flavours of Moroccan cuisine in stunning settings.

The highlight of your adventure is undoubtedly the luxury desert experience, where you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride camels through the serene dunes of the Sahara. Watch the sunset paint the desert in golden hues, an unforgettable sight that promises to be one of the highlights of your trip.

This unique blend of comfort, culinary delights, and exotic activities is crafted to make your Moroccan adventure truly spectacular.

“Fantastic trip of a lifetime!” – EdselMaurice_S ( Read more reviews )

🤩 Check Prices and Availability !

6. 3 days From Marrakech to Merzouga  

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!

This multi-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga stands out by including a nighttime camel trek into the Merzouga Desert.

Picture it: you’re mounted on a gentle camel, slowly traversing the cool, vast dunes under a sky glittering with stars. It’s not just a trip; it’s an immersive experience that connects you deeply with the natural beauty and tranquil silence of the desert at night.

Following your trek, you’ll spend an unforgettable night at a traditional Berber camp, sharing stories and enjoying the warmth of a fire under the desert sky. This unique experience promises to be one of the most memorable highlights of your Moroccan adventure, offering not just travel, but transformation.

Other highlights include stops at Tizi N’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou, and Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate.

“We highly recommend this trip! We saw wonderful landscapes along the way and stopped in many interesting places.” – A Tripadvisor Reviewer ( Read more reviews )

7. Marrakech: Private Desert Tour 3-Days to Fez  

⏳ TOUR LENGTH:   3 days | ✅ Book it!

Unleash the adventurer within without compromising on comfort with this Luxury Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes. This opulent 3-day expedition is designed for those who wish to explore Morocco’s ethereal landscapes while indulging in the luxury and comfort of premium accommodations.

Your journey begins in the bustling city of Marrakech, from where you’ll travel in a private air-conditioned 4×4 or Minivan, ensuring your comfort as you traverse the diverse Moroccan terrains.

Accommodations include the finest riads and luxury desert camps, where modern amenities meet traditional Moroccan hospitality. Imagine sipping mint tea while lounging on plush cushions under the twinkling Saharan sky — it’s an experience straight out of a dream.

But that’s not all – your adventure is peppered with thrilling activities. Take the reins during an exhilarating ATV ride across the desert dunes, and feel the gentle sway of a camel as you ride into the sunset, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Each day is concluded with sumptuous meals, allowing you to indulge in the rich flavours of Moroccan cuisine.

This tour doesn’t just offer sightseeing, but a comprehensive package of luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion, promising you a seamless and unforgettable travel experience.

8. 2-Day Luxury Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 days | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a 2-Day Luxury Desert Tour from Marrakech if you’re looking to uncover the majestic beauty of the Sahara in a concise but memorable way.

This expedited adventure crosses the formidable Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable photo opportunities. You’ll then explore the enchanting city of Ouarzazate, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture and film studios that have hosted numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

The tour continues through the lush Draa Valley, lined with ancient kasbahs and palmeries, leading you to Zagora—a desert town with a rich history and culture, inviting you to step back in time.

Despite the shorter duration, this tour proudly offers the same level of luxury and comfort as longer tours.

Deluxe accommodations ensure you rest in the lap of luxury, preparing you for each day’s adventures.

From camel treks that offer a unique perspective of the vast, tranquil desert to star-gazing in the clear Saharan night, your immersion into the magical Moroccan landscape will be complete and utterly unforgettable.

“The entire experience was great! Our drivers and guides took great care of us and were informative and friendly.” – Jose ( Read more reviews )

9. Marrakech: 3-Day Trip to Fez with Sandboarding & Camel Ride

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 days | ✅ Book it!

Discover the magic of Morocco on an adventurous 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga.

This immersive trip is designed to give you a taste of Morocco’s vast landscapes, rich culture, and timeless traditions.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive, taking you through the heart of Morocco’s dramatic landscapes towards the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, you’ll experience the thrill of sandboarding down the slopes of Erg Chebbi, an experience that promises both adrenaline and awe.

As the sun sets, prepare for a magical night under the stars at a traditional desert camp. Relax around the campfire, share stories, and enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine in an unforgettable setting.

The highlight for many is the camel ride at dusk or dawn, offering a serene yet profound way to explore the seemingly endless seas of sand.

The tour includes comfortable accommodations, ensuring that you’re well-rested to soak in the unique experiences each day brings.

“The experience in the desert was magical” – A GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

10. From Marrakesh: 4-Day Private Atlas Mountains & Desert Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 days| ✅ Book it!

This trip isn’t just a tour; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of Moroccan landscapes, from lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs to the sprawling dunes of the Sahara.

Your adventure begins with a drive through the High Atlas Mountains, witnessing the breathtaking views and traditional Berber villages along the way.

The tour’s first major stop is Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert, followed by a visit to the iconic Aït ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its historical kasbahs and striking architecture.

As the landscape transforms, find yourself in the captivating valleys and palm groves, each offering a unique glimpse into the local way of life.

The pinnacle of your journey is the exploration of the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset camel trek across the dunes and spend an enchanting night under the stars in a traditional desert camp, complete with local cuisine and Berber music.

This meticulously crafted tour includes comfortable accommodations to ensure a restful retreat after each day’s adventures, as well as delicious meals showcasing the rich flavours of Moroccan cuisine. It’s more than a trip; it’s a heartwarming experience that promises memories to cherish forever.

“The tour with our guide and driver Hassan was really great! Over the four days we were able to see beautiful landscapes in the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara.” – A GetYourGuide traveler  ( Read more reviews )

11. From Marrakech: Overnight Luxury Camping Trip to Zagora  

Embark on an authentic desert adventure that promises not only the thrill of riding camels across the desert but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture.

As night falls, the adventure continues with a stay in a luxury desert camp. Here, under a canopy of stars, you’ll indulge in the tranquillity of the Sahara, enjoying the comfort of deluxe accommodations while being serenaded by the melodies of Berber music.

This unique blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and luxury provides an unparalleled experience that will stay with you long after the adventure has ended.

“Perfect trip” – A GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

12. 2 Days Private Tour to Zagora Desert with sunset Camel Treks

Explore the majestic Moroccan desert on a breathtaking adventure that takes you through some of Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes.

Your journey will lead you through the enchanting Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its traditional mud-brick architecture and its role as a backdrop in numerous films. This leg of your adventure not only promises stunning views but also immerses you in the rich history and culture of Morocco.

The adventure doesn’t stop there! Continue your voyage to the serene Tinfou Dunes, where an unforgettable overnight stay awaits you under a traditional Berber tent. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Berber people, indulge in local cuisine, and fall asleep under the starlit Sahara sky.

This unique blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Morocco.

“We had a wonderful stay in the desert and the camp was awesome! I would definitely recommend booking this trip!” – A GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

Free 3 Day Marrakech Itinerary

Choosing a luxury sahara tour.

When considering a luxury Sahara desert tour, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• Duration: Luxury tours can range from 2-12 days depending on the itinerary and activities included. Consider how much time you have available and what experiences you don’t want to miss.
• Accommodations: Most luxury tours offer accommodations in luxurious desert camps or traditional riads. Make sure to research the accommodations included to ensure they meet your expectations.
• Activities: Luxury tours often offer a variety of activities, such as camel rides, quad biking, and stargazing. Consider which activities you are most interested in and choose a tour that includes them.
• Group size: Luxury tours typically have smaller group sizes for a more intimate experience. If you prefer a more personalized trip, consider choosing a tour with a smaller group size.
• Price: Luxury tours can be more expensive than standard tours, but they often include premium accommodations and experiences not available in other tours. Make sure to budget accordingly and choose a tour that fits your budget.

What To Expect On Your Luxury Sahara Desert Experience

Once you’ve chosen your luxury Sahara tour, here is what you can expect during your journey:

• Comfort: Luxury tours cater to comfort and relaxation. Expect comfortable transportation, high-quality accommodations, and delicious meals.
• Personalized service: With smaller group sizes, expect more personalized attention from your tour guides and staff. They are there to make sure you have the best experience possible.
• Unique experiences: Luxury tours often include exclusive activities, such as private desert dinners and traditional Moroccan music performances. These experiences will make your trip even more unforgettable.
• Cultural immersion: In addition to the luxurious aspects, luxury Sahara tours also provide opportunities for cultural immersion. You’ll have the chance to interact with locals, learn about their traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the Sahara’s history and culture.
• Stunning landscapes: The Sahara desert is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and luxury tours allow you to fully immerse yourself in them. From watching the sunrise over endless sand dunes to stargazing under a clear night sky, your tour will provide unforgettable views.

What to Pack For The Sahara Desert Luxury Tour

When preparing for your luxury Sahara experience, here are some essential items to include in your packing list:

• Comfortable and lightweight clothing: The desert can be hot during the day and cool at night. Pack breathable fabrics that will keep you comfortable throughout the journey.
• Sun protection: With long hours of sun exposure, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the harsh rays.
• Proper footwear: Whether you’re trekking through sand dunes or exploring ancient cities, be sure to bring sturdy shoes that can handle different terrains.
• Camera: You’ll want to capture every moment of your luxury Sahara tour, so don’t forget to pack a camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

FAQs: Luxury Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech

Can you visit the sahara desert from marrakech.

Yes, there are various luxury tour options that depart from Marrakech and take you to the Sahara desert.

Which country is best for Sahara Desert tour?

Morocco is known to offer some of the best luxury desert tours in the Sahara. With its diverse landscapes and rich culture, it’s a popular destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. Other countries that offer Sahara desert tours include Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. However, Morocco stands out for its top-notch accommodations and experienced tour operators.

How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to the Sahara desert?

The drive from Marrakech to the Sahara desert can take anywhere from 8-10 hours, depending on the route and stops along the way. However, most luxury tours include stops at other destinations, making the journey more enjoyable and manageable. It’s recommended to plan for at least a 2-3 day stay in the desert to fully experience all it has to offer.

Is it worth going to the Sahara desert in Morocco?

Absolutely! The Sahara desert in Morocco offers a unique and luxurious experience that is worth every penny. From the breathtaking landscapes to the rich cultural experiences, a luxury tour in the Sahara is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

How do I choose a desert tour in Morocco?

When choosing a desert tour in Morocco, it’s important to consider the level of luxury you are looking for, the length of the tour, and any specific activities or destinations you want to include. It’s also recommended to research and read reviews of different tour operators to ensure a reputable and high-quality experience.

Is it safe to stay in the desert in Morocco?

Yes, it is generally safe to stay in the Sahara desert in Morocco . Luxury tours typically include experienced guides and high-quality accommodations, providing a safe and comfortable experience. However, it’s always important to follow safety precautions and listen to your tour guide while exploring the desert.

How to see the desert from Marrakech?

There are various ways to see the desert from Marrakech, with a luxury tour being the most popular and comfortable option. These tours typically include transportation from Marrakech to the desert, as well as stops at other destinations along the way. Another option is to rent a car and drive yourself, but this can be more challenging and time-consuming.

Do tourists visit the Sahara desert?

Yes, the Sahara desert in Morocco is a popular tourist destination. Thousands of tourists visit each year to experience the unique and luxurious offerings of the desert, such as camel rides, stargazing, and staying in traditional nomadic camps. However, due to its vast size, it never feels overcrowded and offers a peaceful and serene escape from bustling cities.

What is the most beautiful desert in Morocco?

The Sahara desert is often considered the most beautiful and iconic desert in Morocco. Its expansive sand dunes, stunning sunsets, and unique cultural experiences make it a must-visit destination for many travellers. However, there are also other breathtaking deserts in Morocco such as the Agafay Desert .

What is the best time to visit Sahara Desert?

The best time to visit the Sahara desert is during the cooler months of October to April. The temperatures are milder, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and exploration.

Are Morocco desert tours safe?

Yes, Morocco desert tours are generally safe as they are operated by experienced and licensed tour companies. However, it is always important to be cautious and follow the instructions of your tour guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It is also recommended to purchase travel insurance before embarking on any adventure in the Sahara desert.

🚁 I recommend this tour for the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime luxury Sahara desert experience! Flying into the desert via helicopter is an unforgettable way to see the vastness and beauty of the Sahara.

Final Thoughts: Luxury Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech

A luxury Sahara tour from Marrakech is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion. With expert guides and luxurious accommodations, you can fully enjoy the beauty of the desert while creating unforgettable memories.

These 12 luxury sahara desert tours are waiting for you to book. Whether you’re looking for a short excursion or a longer journey, there’s an option that will fit your preferences and budget.

So pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the magical Sahara desert!

My Favourite Travel Resources

Travel Itineraries: I offer a range of pre-planned travel itineraries for many popular destinations. Use them to make planning your next trip a breeze!

Accommodation: I always use booking.com for hotels and Hostelworld for hostels. I’ve found some great bargains by using these sites!

Flights: My favourite tools to find the cheapest flights are WayAway , Expedia and Skyscanner

Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets I use Ferry Scanner

Activities: I use Viator and GetYourGuide to find the best tours and activities in every destination I visit. I’ve had some fantastic experiences using these sites!

Cashback: With the WayAway Plus membership plan, users get access to premium travel support, travel content prepared by locals, and cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services. I love using Wayaway to get cashback on my travel expenses. In fact, it is one of my fave budget travel hacks 😉 Click here to get 10% off of a WayAway Plus membership

Foreign Currency: I highly recommend getting an international card to save you loads of money in expensive bank fees. The Wise Card allows you to spend in 150+ currencies and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in the world without paying any bank fees!

Travel Insurance: Never travel without proper travel insurance! I always use EKTA

Luggage Storage: Radical Storage is a Luggage storage network that operates in over 70 countries and 350 cities with more than 3500 storage points. I love using Radical storage to store my bags before or after checking in/out of my hotel as it gives me an extra day to explore without having to worry about dragging my luggage around with me.

Travel Planning services: Did you know that I offer travel planning services and custom itineraries? Let me plan your next trip for you!

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Moroccans know how to celebrate. There’s always a festival happening somewhere and it’s a great way to experience the culture. Year-round, different regions across the country honor their ethnic heritage with traditional dance, music, and local cuisine.

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WHAT’S HOT

From Marrakech to Fes

4-days tour departing from Marrakech and arrival in Fes. Intermediate stages Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Rissani, the dunes of Erg Chebbi, Ziz Valley, Ifrane

From Marrakech to Marrakech up to Erg Chebbi

4-days tour departing from Marrakech and back with intermediate stops at AitBen Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades valley, the Rissani market, the dunes of Erg Chebbi, Skoura.

From Marrakech to Essaouira

Two-days tour departing Marrakech and Essaouira destiny between its sand dunes and its medina Unesco heritage

WINTER SPECIALS

Tour of the blue cities of Marocco

5-days tour from Marrakech to discover the BLUE cities of Morocco: Essaouira, Rabat, Chefchaouen and Assilah

Tour of North Morocco

The tour leaves from the cities of Fes and Meknes, then crosses the Rif to Chefchouen, the blue pearl of Morocco and then the coast with the visit of Tangier and Assilah, city of artists

From Marrakech to Marrakech

5-days tour departing from Marrakech and back with intermediate stops at Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the oasis of Skoura, the Dades Valley, the Rissani market, the dunes of Erg Chebbi and the Atlas mountains

Discover all the daily excursions you can do from the main cities of Morocco.

Discover all the excursions with 3 overnights stay, dinner and breakfast included.

Discover all the excursions with an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast included.

Discover all the excursions with 4 overnights stay, dinner and breakfast included.

Discover all the excursions with 2 overnights stay, dinner and breakfast included.

Customise your trip for excursions of more than five days. Dinners and breakfasts included.

Discover all the excursions with 2 overnight stay, dinner and breakfast included.

Discover all the excursions with 3 overnight stay, dinner and breakfast included.

Discover all the excursions with 4 overnight stay, dinner and breakfast included.

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