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The Sahara Desert Tours of Morocco

Joining a Morocco desert tour that includes a camel ride across the sand dunes should be on everyone’s bucket list while visiting Morocco. All of our desert trips include riding camels and spending at least one-night camping in the desert, enjoying the Sahara’s sunset, sunrise, and many other extra activities, such as Sandboarding, ATV, and Dune Buggy excursions.

You can join one of our treks for several days into the desert, discovering the hidden parts of the Sahara, staying in standard camps, with a nomad family, exploring their way of life, or even in luxurious glamping. To see the real Sahara with undulating golden sand dunes you must visit Erg Chebbi or Erg Chegaga or book one of our Morocco desert tours that includes both of the ergs. These two places seem just like what you’d expect to see when visiting the Sahara.

The Sahara Desert

To someone who has never seen The Sahara desert, it’s difficult to express the sensation of approaching one. What you witness is a drying landscape, browning soil, and the gradual disappearance of trees and plants. Suddenly golden dunes appear like a mirage out of nowhere quite quickly.

A huge horizon of golden waves that appears to have neither beginning nor end. It’s simple to display photographs and type text, but expressing emotion is more challenging. Perhaps it’s one of those things you simply have to see for yourself, like the first time you see the ocean.

The Sahara Desert covers a big part of Morocco, but it doesn’t always look like what you might expect from a Moroccan desert. Instead, you’ll find a large, flat area with lots of dusty orange sand in many places.

Merzouga Desert 4

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Sahara Desert Tour FAQs

How to get to Moroccan Sahara desert?
You can reach Zagora, Chegaga, and Erg Chebbi (Merzouga Desert) in several ways: public buses, national flights, renting a car, or joining a Moroccan desert tour.

Public Buses:
There are daily buses to Zagora, and three Supratour buses go to Merzouga from Marrakech, Meknes, and Fes. The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga takes about 12 hours, leaving at 8:00 a.m. and arriving at 8:00 p.m. The Fes to Merzouga bus departs at 7:00 p.m. and arrives around 6:00 a.m.

National Flights:
Zagora's airport is connected to various Moroccan cities. Merzouga doesn't have an airport; instead, Errachidia's airport is the closest, accessible a few times a week from Casablanca and Fes.

Renting a Car:
You can use a regular car to reach both Merzouga and Zagora. If you prefer avoiding the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, consider hiring a car with a driver or joining a Morocco desert tour from Marrakech, Fes, or Casablanca, which includes transportation, accommodation, and activities.
How is the weather in the Moroccan desert?
Merzouga and Zagora deserts are among Morocco's driest and hottest places. In summer (mid-June to mid-September), temperatures can reach 50 °C, while in winter (mid-November to mid-February), it can get as cold as 0 °C in the early morning.
What is the best time to visit the Moroccan Sahara desert?
The best time to go on a Moroccan Sahara desert tour is from September to May. It's not recommended during the summer months because it gets extremely hot. Be aware that in December and January, mornings can be as cold as 0 degrees, but temperatures usually rise to 22 degrees during the day.
What part of Morocco is the Sahara desert?
The Sahara Desert is in the southeastern part of Morocco. You can find it in places like Merzouga and Erg Chebbi in the east, and Zagora and Chegaga in the south. These areas have vast sand dunes and offer experiences like camel treks. If you want to explore the desert, Merzouga with its tall dunes and Zagora in the Draa Valley are good places to start. They let you enjoy the unique beauty and culture of the Moroccan Sahara.
What is the price of a Moroccan desert tour?
The cost of a Moroccan desert tour depends on a few things, like how long the tour is, where you stay, how you get around, and what activities are included. Here's a simple breakdown:

Shared Morocco Desert Tour Groups (3-4 days):
These are more affordable, usually ranging from 100 to 300 EUROS per person. You share the experience with other travelers.

Private Morocco Desert Tours:
For a more personal trip with better places to stay, it might cost between EUR 500 and EUR 1,500 or more per person.

Morocco Luxury Desert Tours:
If you want a really fancy experience with top-notch everything, it could be over EUR 2,000.

Remember to check what's included, like transportation, places to stay, meals, and activities. Prices can be different between companies, so it's good to compare before you decide.
What to choose, Shared or private Moroccan desert tour?
If you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider joining a 3- or 4-day group trip to the desert from Marrakech or Fes. But, if you prefer enjoying the quiet of the Sahara, being in a group may not be the best choice.
We highly recommend a 4 to 6-day private desert tour for those with enough time in Morocco. This way, you can explore the southern region and the Sahara at your own pace, discover hidden secrets and oases, and learn about Berber culture and nomadic life.
What to pack for a Moroccan desert tour?
When packing for a Moroccan desert tour, consider the desert weather and your planned activities. Here's a simple list:
1. Clothes:
- Light, long-sleeved shirts and pants to shield from the sun.
- Scarf or shawl for sun protection.
- Hat with a wide brim.
- Comfortable shoes or boots.
- Sandals or flip-flops for camp.


2. Warm Layers:
- Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
- Light jacket for wind.


3. Essentials:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Small first aid kit.


4. Things to Carry:
- Small backpack.
- Water bottle.
- Camera or phone.


5. Personal Items:
- Toiletries (small shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.).
- Wet wipes or sanitizer.
- Medications.


6. Extras:
- Headlamp or flashlight.
- Power bank for charging.
- Travel adapter for outlets.


7. Important Papers:
- Passport and any visas.
- Copy of your plans.
- Emergency contacts.


8. Optional:
- Guidebook or language book.
- Binoculars.
- Journal or notebook.


Adjust the list based on your tour details and the time you're visiting. Be ready for hot days and cold nights.

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