A lot of people who visit Morocco will take a few days out of their travels to merely wander around the Sahara Desert and enjoy everything that it has to offer.
However,
So many people try and fail to plan the perfect desert tour… not to be a downer, but it’s true.
This is why,
I have compiled the answers to 12 questions about Morocco desert tours I've received from travelers just like you who are checking out the Sahara Desert for the first time, in order to help you have the most successful desert experience in Morocco!
In this in-depth post, I will answer the following questions:
Let’s dive right into the answers to 12 Most-Asked desert tours Questions.
Yes. The closest desert areas from Marrakech are Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, and Erg Chiggaga near Mhamid El Ghizlane. On average, desert trips from Marrakech to the Sahara take around 2 days of travel and feature some of Morocco’s top-rated tourist attractions.
Kasbah Ait Benhadou
It is possible to visit the Sahara desert throughout the year. However, the ideal period is between October and June.
For the more adventurous, know that in December and January the nights are particularly cold. During these two months, night temperatures are around 5°C (The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 16.0°C).
Also note that from June the days start to get hot (The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 35.0°C (95°F)).
The Sahara desert is located about 525 km from Marrakech.
Erg Chigaga: Located at approximately 510 km (317 miles) via Agdz, this is the closest Sahara desert dunes from Marrakech.
Erg Chebbi: Marrakech is roughly 563 Km (350 miles) from Merzouga via Dades Valley.
Tizi N'tichka Pass
Erg Chebbi dunes: It takes around 9 to 10 hours to go from Marrakech to Merzouga. This is why the trip is usually split in 3 or 4 days. So that the visitors have time to visit the other sights along the way, such as the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Dadès Valley.
Erg Chigaga: Approximately 8 to 9 hours from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga dunes via Zagora and Mhamid El Ghizlane. Same here, the trip is usually split in 3 or 4 days. So that the visitors get to rest on the way to the desert.There are 3 day tours that leave from Marrakech to Zagora and take you to visit the dunes of Erg Chigaga and many places on the way there such as Draa valley and Agdz.
Marrakech is located a long way from the desert. You can’t get to the middle of nowhere in no time!
Therefore, I highly recommend that you spend more than one night (at least two or three!).
The longer that you’re in the Sahara desert, the more you can appreciate it.
Note that, it's totally possible to do only one night in the Sahara desert, but think again, you will arrive in the desert in the late afternoon and will have to depart early in the morning. Your time in the desert will be so short that it won't allow you to experience the desert to its fullest.
Most of the affordable 2 day Sahara desert tours you might find online only bring you to a rocky desert next to Zagora town. It’s not a real Sahara desert and has no dunes.
The real Sahara desert of Zagora region, namely Erg Chigaga, is located 98 km from the Zagora town, close to M’hamid El Ghizlane village “The end of the road”. You will have to take a 4×4 and drive off road for another 1,5 hours to reach these beautiful dunes. Only drivers who are born in this region can drive you through Erg Chigaga dune.
Keep in mind that in the South of Morocco, only M’hamid and Merzouga towns are places in Morocco where the Sahara desert begins.
Erg Chebbi: Dunes here can rise to 150 meters, and altogether it spans an area of 28 km from north to south. This is the most famous part of the Sahara desert in Morocco because the dunes are easy to access which makes a more affordable desert experience that attracts more tourists compared to Erg Chigaga.
Merzouga “The end of the road” is literally on the edge of the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes. You can step into the desert from the hotel or have a room with a desert view.
The desert camp prices vary from 40 euros night to the luxury glamping experiences for 400 euro/night for 2 people.
Erg Chigaga: Dunes here can reach over 100 m high with an area of approximately 35 km by 15 km; it is the largest and wildest erg of Morocco and still untouched of the major ergs in Morocco. This is my favorite desert destination in Morocco because it offers such a wild experience. At Erg Chigaga dunes, you can be alone in the desert, enjoying the sunset without seeing other travelers around.
If you are a solo traveler who likes being surrounded by other travelers, head to the Merzouga desert (Erg Chebbi dunes).
However, if you are like me, more of an adventurous traveler who enjoys the luxury of privacy and appreciates silence and wilderness, I’ll highly advise you to choose Erg Chigaga desert.
No, Agafay desert is located 30km southwest of Marrakesh and it’s less than 1 hour drive, It’s has a rough dry moon-like landscape, you won’t find the amazing golden, rolling sand dunes as the one you will find it the Sahara desert (Agafay is a stone desert).
If it’s not a real Sahara desert and has no sand dunes, is it worth spending a night in Agafay desert? Yes! However, this trip is for those who are really short on time in Morocco.
Agafay desert
The Sahara desert is one of the most spectacular locations in the whole world. In fact, it is the world’s largest hot desert, and covers an area roughly the size of the entire United States.
There are very few places on earth that compare to the incredible landscapes you’ll see visiting the Sahara desert.
Actually, many travelers visit Morocco specifically with the intention of venturing off into the desert and spending a night under the stars. And we can’t blame them!
If you ever have the chance to visit it, don’t give it a second thought. A desert adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on.
Depending on which tour you choose, the price of your desert tour will be higher or lower. How luxurious you would like your desert camp to be, how many days you would like to stay, if it’s all inclusive or not… what part of the desert you’ve chosen (the desert experience to Erg Chigaga is more expensive). The prices can also differ if you choose a private tour or a group tour.
You’re having doubts on how to book Marrakech desert tours? There are two possible options:
If you don’t know where to book your desert tour from? I can curate one of a kind desert experiences! Get in touch with me now.
If I have left off anything else that you’d like covered, write me a note here!
