Sahara Desert Travel Guide
The Moroccan Sahara is not one place but several: towering sand seas, stony plains, palm oases and the old caravan towns that once traded salt and gold across Africa. This guide explains the main desert areas, how to choose a camp, when to go and what to bring, so that your night in the dunes is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
Merzouga, Zagora or Agafay?
- Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): the highest and most beautiful dunes in Morocco, rising to around 150 metres, about 9 to 10 hours' drive from Marrakech or 7 to 8 hours from Fes. This is the classic Sahara experience; allow at least 3 days from Marrakech.
- Zagora: smaller dunes but a beautiful route through the Draa Valley palm groves, reachable in one day from Marrakech. Ideal for a 2-day trip.
- Erg Chigaga: wild, remote dunes beyond M'Hamid, reached by 4x4 across the desert. For travellers who want solitude.
- Agafay: a stony desert of golden hills 40 minutes from Marrakech, perfect for an evening or a night in a luxury camp, without sand dunes.
Choosing a Desert Camp
Standard camps have traditional Berber tents with proper beds, blankets and shared bathrooms. Luxury camps offer larger tents with private bathrooms, hot showers, electricity and refined dinners. Most camps are reached by camel at sunset, with a 4x4 option for anyone who prefers not to ride.
The Camel Trek
Camel rides to camp usually last 1 to 2 hours. Dromedaries are calm animals, and a guide leads each caravan on foot. Wear long trousers for comfort, and lean back when the camel stands up and kneels down.
Best Time to Visit
October to April offers comfortable days. Winter nights can drop close to freezing, but camps provide thick blankets. From June to August, afternoons are extremely hot; treks are scheduled at sunset and sunrise. Spring can bring sandy winds.
What to Pack
- A small overnight bag (large luggage stays in the vehicle)
- Warm layers for the evening, even in summer
- Scarf or cheche to protect from sun and sand
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Headlamp or phone torch
- Closed shoes or sandals that can handle sand
How Many Days Do You Need?
From Marrakech, 3 days is the minimum for Merzouga and 2 days for Zagora. From Fes, 2 or 3 days. Four days or more let you add the gorges and kasbahs at a relaxed pace. See all our Sahara desert tours.
