Morocco Sahara Desert

The basics

Popular Morocco Sahara Desert tours include camel trekking along ancient trade routes, sleeping out under the desert stars, and rising at the break of dawn to watch the sunrise over a sea of orange dunes. Most Morocco Sahara desert trips visit one of the two most accessible areas: the dunes of Erg Chebbi, close to the town of Merzouga, or Erg Chigaga, near the town of Zagora.

Although day tours are possible from Merzouga, most travelers opt for an overnight camping excursion, trekking out into the desert by camel or 4x4, then spending a night at a traditional Bedouin encampment. From Marrakech or Fez, a 3-day tour often includes a visit to the desert town of Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley, Todra Gorge (Todgha Gorge), or the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously used as a filming location for Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Star Wars.

Things to know before you go

• It takes a full day to reach the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, so a multi-day Sahara tour is essential.

• Wear light, long-sleeved clothing to protect against the desert sun and bring a scarf to wrap around your face (the sand can get in your eyes and mouth if there’s a breeze). Pack something warm for the evening—the desert can be cold at night even in summer.

• For camel riding, comfortable trousers and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

• Expect very basic facilities at the desert campsites and no electricity, so bring a flashlight and an extra battery pack for your camera.

• A 4x4 is required for driving in the desert, mountains, and surrounding towns.

• You don’t need to buy Morocco Sahara Desert tickets, as entry is free.

How to get there

The easiest way to experience the Morocco Sahara Desert is on a guided tour from Marrakech, Fez, or Merzouga, with round-trip transportation included. Merzouga and Zagora are the gateway towns to the desert dunes. Both routes travel mountain and desert roads and take at least a full day. Buses run to Zagora and Merzouga from Marrakech, but you will still need to take a tour to explore the desert on arrival.

When to get there

The most popular time for a trip into Morocco's Sahara Desert is May through October, but the summer months of June to August can get extremely hot during the day. Visiting in winter (December to February) means that daytime temperatures will be much more pleasant, but it can drop below freezing at night and sandstorms are more frequent.

Camping out in the Sahara

Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is a cultural experience in itself. As well as watching the stunning desert sunset and sunrise, visitors stay at a traditional Bedouin camp and learn about Berber culture. Most campsites are accessible only by camel or on foot. Upon arrival, guests are treated to traditional Moroccan specialties such as tagine and sweet mint tea, with entertainment including traditional Berber music and dance. Additional activities may include sandboarding and quad-biking excursions.