How To Visit The Sahara Desert in Morocco
- Last Updated:
- By: Peter Orsel
Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco had been something I dreamed about for years. When I planned my trip to Morocco, spending time in the desert wasn’t optional, it was the whole point. After weighing my options, I chose a road trip over a packaged tour, and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions I’ve made.
This guide covers both routes, self-drive and tour, so you can pick whichever fits your trip.
In This Post
Where to fly in to Morocco?
If you’re considering a trip to the Sahara Desert, you might be wondering where to start. Most people start this trip from Fez or Marrakech. Both cities have international airports with frequent connections, especially from Europe. I picked Marrakech, mostly because I’d heard great things about the city itself.
From Marrakech it’s 565km to Merzouga. This will take you about 9 hours according to Google Maps, but be ready for at least two more hours as you’re driving through a variety of landscapes with many sights.
From Fez, it’s 457km to Merzouga. This will take you about 7 hours according to Google Maps, but closer to 10 hours in reality.
Which Desert Region: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga, or Zagora?
“The Sahara Desert” isn’t one single spot, and this confuses a lot of first-time visitors. It’s the largest hot desert in the world, so you can imagine how many entry points there must be. In Morocco, there are three main options for visiting the sand dunes, each with its own character.
Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, is what I visited and what most of this guide covers. It’s the most accessible option, with dunes up to 150 meters, and it connects naturally with a Fez-Marrakech loop.
Erg Chigaga is more remote, reached via M’Hamid, further south. Fewer visitors make it out here, so if Merzouga’s dune camps feel too built-up for your taste, this is the quieter alternative, at the cost of a longer drive.
Zagora is closer to Marrakech, around 6 hours away, making it the easiest one-night option. The trade-off: the dunes here are smaller and less dramatic than Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga.
One more thing worth knowing before you book anything: Agafay, just 40 minutes from Marrakech, gets marketed online as “the Sahara” for day-trippers. It’s a rocky, dry landscape, not the sand dune desert you’re picturing. Fine for a quick sunset camel ride if you’re genuinely short on time, but don’t expect Erg Chebbi’s dunes there.
When to Visit the Sahara Desert
Timing matters more here than in most parts of Morocco. Between June and September, daytime highs regularly cross 45-50°C, which turns a scenic drive into an endurance test. December and January bring the opposite problem: desert nights can drop below freezing, so pack layers if you’re visiting then, not just a light jacket.
I personally travelled in October and it was the perfect balance. A bit colder at night, and not too hot during day time. All in all October through May would be the sweet spot, with spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) as the most comfortable stretch for both driving and camping. If you’re visiting from January onward, sandstorms become more frequent, so check the forecast before you commit to a specific overnight camp date.
Visiting the Sahara Desert with a tour or independent?
Once you’ve picked your dates, decide whether you’re driving yourself or booking a tour.
Take a tour if:
- You’re on a tight schedule. Most operators run 3 or 4-day trips with pickup and drop-off in Marrakech or Fez.
- You’d rather not drive in a foreign country. Morocco drives on the right, and the route crosses mountain passes.
- You don’t want to arrange logistics yourself.
- You want other people around on the trip.
Go independent if:
- You want control over how long you spend in Merzouga and the desert itself.
- You want to make your own stops along the way, wherever looks interesting.
- You want to save money, especially splitting a car with 2-4 people.
- You’re comfortable arranging things as you go.
How to book a tour to the Sahara Desert?
If you’d rather book directly with a local operator, I can recommend To Morocco Travel. They run personalized tours to the Sahara from multiple Moroccan cities, private or group, with no pre-payment required and free cancellation if your plans shift. I’d book at least 3 days. Anything shorter and you’ll spend more time in the car than actually exploring.
You can also book through GetYourGuide, which gives you a wider range of operators to compare
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Book Any Tour
Tour quality varies a lot in Morocco, and a few honest warnings will save you a rough trip.
Some tours include stops at “cooperative” shops, carpets, argan oil, that sort of thing, where the actual purpose is a sales pitch rather than cultural interest. You’re not obligated to buy anything, and a firm “no thank you” works fine.
Solo women travelers should know this specifically: there have been reported cases of guides behaving inappropriately toward female travelers on overnight desert tours. This doesn’t mean avoid it, thousands of women do this trip safely every year, but do your research on the specific operator, read recent reviews, and trust your gut if something feels off once you’re there.
Basic travel insurance is worth having regardless of how you travel here. Long driving days and remote desert stretches are exactly the situation where you don’t want to be uninsured if something goes wrong.
How to arrange your own trip to the Sahara Desert by yourself
Morocco is a great country for a road trip, so going independent is a real option, not just the adventurous one. I started mine in Marrakech. The first 30 minutes out of the city are a little overwhelming with the traffic, but it settles fast once you’re clear of it.
You’ll need a car, obviously. If you’re spending a few days in Marrakech before starting, don’t pick up your rental on arrival, you won’t need it in the city and can’t really use it there anyway. Grab it right when your road trip starts, drop it off the moment it ends.
For the rental itself, I’d recommend DiscoverCars. Morocco is one of the cheaper countries I’ve rented in, so go slightly bigger than the cheapest option for a more comfortable ride over those long stretches.
One thing I’d do differently: I rented through a smaller agency (AddCar) that had no proper desk, wouldn’t take my credit card, and was a hassle to meet up with. Stick to one of the bigger, established agencies instead.
Some notes for driving a car
Even though I think driving a car is perfectly doable for anyone with just some driving experience, there are some notes I would like to give.
- Morocco drives on the right, same as the US and most of Europe.
- The first stretch out of any airport zone is hectic. Stay in your lane, blend in, it calms down fast.
- Police do stop cars, sometimes tourist cars, for no obvious reason. Just show your papers. If they claim something’s wrong, ask them to call your rental agency directly.
- Keep an active data package running the whole time. Navigation and contacting your rental agency both get much easier. An eSIM for Morocco means you’re connected the moment you land.
- Speed cameras are common and strictly enforced. Don’t push it.
- You’ll pass hitchhikers. I picked one up once who asked to be dropped at a very specific, fairly random spot, and got out the second he realized where we actually were. Odd experience, use your judgment on whether to stop.
- Bring some cash! You’ll find street vendors along the way, portable coffee cars and more. Nothing better than a coffee with some mountain views!
Stops along the way
When you’re driving from Marrakech, you’ll be amazed by the beauty this country has to offer. Crossing the Atlas mountains is an amazing experience and there are several interesting stops along the way. Here are some of my favourites.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is the biggest town you will cross on your way to Merzouga. You can stay the night in one out of many hotel and guest house options, or just do a quick day visit.
A typical tourist sight is Atlas Studios, the film studios know for many desert style movies. You can see the set of Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, Gladiator, The Mummy, many Christian movies and more. It’s also a perfect location to visit Aït Benhaddou, the next place I recommend.
Aït Benhaddou
A stop in Aït Benhaddou is something you shouldn’t skip. It’s only 30 minutes outside Ouarzazate, and worth the detour. Game of Thrones fans will recognise it instantly. It gets busy with day-trippers, so arrive early if you want to avoid the tour buses.
Dades Gorges
Dades Gorges is the place where most of the tours stop for the night, and I’d recommend you to do the same. There are several guest houses and the rock formations are simply amazing. Alongside the Sahara itself, this was my favorite photo stop on the entire trip, and I wasn’t on a schedule here the way tour groups are.
I could stop at any corner and make the most of my time. During sunset, I ran into a group local boys playing football on a gravel pitch. They waved at me and asked me to join. Hands down one of my favourite memories of my Morocco trip. This area is famous for hiking as well, so if you have a lot of time, stay another day to make the most out of your Dades Gorges time.
You might not expect it, but the photo below has been taken from my balcony. I stayed at the Hiking Nomads Guest House. A cheap and great option for one or two nights with the best recommendations on how to get around.
If you drive the Dades Gorges road for about 45km, you arrive at the famous snake road as shown in this article before. You can take cool photos at the top! After that, drive on for a little more, to capture the canyon with high walls just next to the road.
The photo below was taken around 11am. The sun already hit the rocks and in post production I increased the temperature on the rocks to give it that warm glow that I was aiming for. The Mercedes car could have been a paid actor, as it gives the perfect vibe to the shot, but it was just me being lucky that morning.
Arriving in Merzouga
Merzouga is the gateway to the Sahara. It’s small, touristy, and packed with accommodation and tour operators, but it still has a genuine, unique feel simply from being right on the desert’s edge.
Book somewhere with a pool if you can. It gets hot here. There’s a huge range of options: I stayed in a basic hostel for around €5 a night and had a great time, but there are plenty of higher-end hotels with desert views if you’d rather spend more.
Booking.com is my usual go-to for sorting accommodation here.
Arranging your desert tour
Once you’re ready, it’s time to book your actual desert trip. The easiest way: ask your hotel owner, or honestly, just anyone on the street. Everyone seems to know someone with camels. My German travel companions and I just asked around and arranged a private tour that way.
Our private tour cost around €25-30 per person, and included:
- A personal camel to make our way into the desert.
- A guide joining us
- Delicious Berber Pizza for lunch (prepared by our guide’s mom)
- Sand boarding at lunch
- A magnificent sunset in the dunes
- Delicious dinner, made by the staff of our private camp
- One night in a tent in the desert
- A stunning sunrise in the desert
- Delicious breakfast
- And of course… Unlimited Moroccan tea.
Standard tour-operator packages look similar, but usually start the camel ride about an hour before sunset, which cuts down on time to actually settle into the desert atmosphere. Most camps are located pretty close to civilization for practical reasons as food supply, and an easy drop off in town in the morning.
If you have the option, go private. You control the schedule and can add extra hours, and for what we paid, it wasn’t a difficult decision.
If you’re wondering what happens to your luggage during the overnight, most hotels in Merzouga will store your main bags for free while you’re in the desert, you just take a small bag with essentials on the camel. Confirm this with your hotel before you leave for the dunes.
Other activities in the Sahara Desert
Beyond the camel trek, Merzouga has horse riding, buggy tours, desert safaris, and hikes up some of Morocco’s tallest dunes. Just walk around town and ask, options are everywhere and as soon as a local sees you wandering around, he’ll give you plenty of options to choose from.
Returning to Fez or Marrakech
As soon as you finished your trip, it’s time to head back to Fez or Marrakech. Stop at the same towns on the way back, or drive straight through, your call. I’d always recommend slowing down and stopping again. You’ll probably notice things you missed the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sahara Desert in Morocco
How many days do I need for a Sahara Desert trip?
For a self-drive, budget at least 6-7 days round trip from Marrakech: a day or two getting there with stops, 1-2 nights around Merzouga and the desert, and a similar return. Tours typically last 3-4 days if you’re short on time.
Is it safe to drive yourself to the Sahara Desert?
Yes, for anyone with reasonable driving experience. The roads are paved and well-maintained, though mountain passes require attention. Speed cameras are common, and police checks happen but are usually routine. Be prepared, have a proper license and follow the rules, you’ll be fine.
Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, which should I pick?
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) if it’s your first time, if you want higher dunes, or if you’re combining the trip with Fez. Erg Chigaga if you want a quieter, less touristy dune camp and don’t mind the extra driving distance.
Is Agafay the same as the Sahara Desert?
No. Agafay, 40 minutes from Marrakech, is a rocky desert landscape often marketed as “the Sahara” for short day trips. It’s a stunning option if you’re extremely short on time, but it isn’t the sand dune desert most people picture.
Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Generally yes, and plenty of women do this trip on their own every year. Choose operators with strong, recent reviews, and trust your instincts once you’re on the ground.
Share this Morocco plan on Pinterest
Other recommendations in Africa
About Me
Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.
25 Responses
hello
I am a solo female traveller from HK.
I plan to take a 4days three nights Sahara desert tour from Fes to Marrakech on 10/8.
how much does it cost?
thanks
Hi Stephanie, exciting times! I can recommend a tour through GetYourGuide like this: https://tinyurl.com/2bqssthd. It’s a 4 day trip for about 300 euros or 2500 HKD. If you don’t want to book beforehand, ask around in Fez and you’ll probably find people doing the same trip!
Hello, very informative article. do you recall the name of the cheap hostel you stayed at? and also did you have to negotiate the cost of the desert tour? do you have a contact that you can share for the tour?
My mom and I are thinking of renting a car and doing it on our own in Oct/Nov
Hi Giselle, yes sure! This is the hostel I stayed at. The owner can arrange your tour, or you can walk through the streets and find someone yourself. I don’t have the contact details of my tour guide, as the couple I met arranged everything with him. Have fun planning the trip! October/November are great months for Morocco!
thank you so much! it’s funny, I lost the article and as our trip is approaching I have been looking for your article again, really needed a refresher on how to do the trip on our own. thanks for responding 🙂
Hey! Ahh love to hear that. I’m currently planning a trip back to Morocco again as well, gotta reread myself too ;). Have fun!!
Hi, Peter
I am planning a trip with my 14-year old daughter to Morocco and I am inspired to sleep in the desert feel the emptiness.
The local culture is also something very special.
Is December or January a good time to do it?
Hi! Thanks for your message and great plans ahead! It’s a bit colder in December, especially at night. But Morocco is a year round destination and they will provide you with thick blankets. If you have the choice, March/April might be better, but if not December/January is surely fine. Have fun planning your trip!
Hey, thanks for the info. Where did you leave the rental car before going to the desert? How is parking there? is secure on the way driving?
Hey! Merzouga is a safe and nice town where you can easily leave your car for a couple of days, without a charge! It’s safe driving a car in Morocco. Just be aware of the speed limits, as there’s police using radar everywhere! Overall it’s a great country for a road trip!
Hi Peter,
Thank you for the detailed itinerary.
I had a clarifying question about “Arriving in Merzouga”. Once you got to Merzouga, did you already book a hotel for that night beforehand and then arranged a tour that takes you into the Sahara (Erg Chebbi dunes) once you got there? Or did you book an overnight stay at a camp in Erg Chebbi before hand and arranged a full day tour from there?
Hi Bob, sorry for my late reply. I had my hotel booked beforehand, but not the tour. It’s easier to book your tour in town, as anyone knows ‘someone’ who can help you. They all have a cousin or uncle with camels, and are all happy to help you out. Good luck with your preparations!
Hey Peter, thanks for providing all the info! Would you recommend spending 2 nights in a desert camp or just one (and one in Merzouga)?
I’m intrigued by the private tour you did as opposed to the standard tour. May I ask how much you ended up spending on the private tour and what it entailed?
Thanks!
Hi Peter,
apologies – I just re-read your blog (it’s late at night), you obviously already stated how much you paid for the private tour and what it entailed. So just ignore my message 🙂
Hey! No problem at all. Thanks for taking the time to write. I think it’s totally worth it to do it private. 😀 Have the best time on your trip!
Hey Peter, thanks for providing all the info! Would you recommend spending 2 nights in a desert camp or just one (and one in Merzouga)?
I cant really think of anything you can do if you are in a Camp for One Full Day. Every tour you described will probably start from Merzouga.
Hi Dennis,
Sorry for my late reply. I would indeed recommend one night in a desert camp. The desert camps are pretty close to town (just a 30 minute walk on the back of a camel). The other night in Merzouga is fine! You can do other activities, like hiking up a high dune, a buggy ride, a quad tour or just enjoy one of the nice hotels in this area. Have the best trip!
Peter
Hi Peter – this is an awesome summary, thanks for sharing. We are currently thinking we will self drive a lot of our two week tour through Morocco but having a bit of trouble finding answers as to whether it’s possible to keep driving from Merzouga towards Fes for example. Any knowledge or experience that could help us? Thanks in anticipation
Hi! Sorry for my late reply, but thanks for reaching out. It’s easy to drive from Merzouga to Fez! Just keep in mind that there’s usually an extra charge if you return your rental car to another location. One of my friends did a round trip from Fez to Merzouga to Marrakech and back to Fez, so that’s surely an option as well! And two weeks must be a great period of time for a trip like that.
Hi, Peter
I am planning a 2 weeks trip with my family starting from second half of next august. Do you think it’ll be easy to find cheap accomodations to book on the way, the same day ?
Thank you
Marco – Italy
Hi Marco,
Yes I think that would be possible. That’s how I usually travel as well. There’s always availability nowadays! The best way to try something like that is actually to search for this week. So check rooms like you want to book something for tomorrow. The availability you see today, will probably be similar to what you see then. I traveled in October and could easily book for the days ahead!
You picked up a hitchhiker and they left? Lol
He just asked me to get off on a very random abandoned spot, which was odd to me given the destination he gave me hahaha. But yeah, just followed his order!
Hi Peter,
I am planning a 8 days trip with my wife and 3 children and landing in Marrakech. my children willing to spend a night in Sahara Desert near Merzouga. Is it possible to guide us how many days we need to go Merzouga and back to Marrakech or Fes enjoying with breaks you mentioned in your above. with your help I am able to plan my trip.
your response will highly be appreciated.
thanks
Khalidi
Hi Khalidi, thanks for your email and your request! If you do a self drive and you want to take time to explore everything along the way, I would recommend to take at least 3 days (2 nights) to the desert, 1 or 2 nights at Merzouga/in the desert, and 2 days 1 night back to Fes or Marrakech. For the full road trip 7 days and 6 nights should work. I’m sure everyone’s gonna love it! Enjoy the preparation and the trip itself! Here a clear overview that I’d reccommend:
Day 1: Leave Marrakech
Day 2: Ait ben haddou / Ouarzazate
Day 3: Dades George
Day 4: Arrival Marrakech, start desert tour
Day 5: Extra day in Merzouga for other activites
Day 6: Early departure back, overnight stay along the way
Day 7: Arrival in Merzouga / Fes