Morocco's Sahara Desert - Best Morocco Private Tours

Morocco’s Sahara desert everything you need to know

1-How far is the Desert from Marrakech? And from Fez?

Morocco’s Sahara desert of Zagora desert is about 6 hours away from Marrakech (360km ),as opposed to Merzouga, which is about 10 hours (600km).. Fez is located 470km (290 mi) from Merzouga and 670km (415 mi) from Zagora.

2-Merzouga desert, Zagora Desert and Agafay Desert, What is the diffrence

You must be confused between all the names of Morocco’s sahara desert tours you find on the internet, there are two main Sahara spots where you can see the big desert dunes Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and Erg Chegaga in Zagora You can Read here more details about the two Erg Chebbi Vs Erg Chegaga, the Agafay Desert is 45 Minutes driving From Marrakech and it is not a real desert with sand dunes, it is more of a rocky desert where you can enjoy some one-day trips and activities(Camel ride, Quad bike ……)

Real Deset Dunes In Erg Chebi in Merzouga and Erg Chegaga in Zagora

Agafay Rocky Desert Near Marrakech

3-You cannot do a Real Sahara desert tour on a one day trip from Marrakech

The ideal to really enjoy your Sahara desert trip is 2 nights minimum and 3 nights if you have more time, driving from Marrakech you will pass by the Atlas Mountains and the famous difficult Tichka road to arrive at Ouarzazate and kasbah ait Benhaddou, first night you can spend it in a hotel in the Dades valley or rose valley. After more than four hours of driving, you will arrive to Merzouga or Zagora where you can experience a sunset camel trek over the dunes to spend the night under the stars in the desert camp.

Erg Chebbi Or Erg Chigaga Which Desert To Visit In Morocco

Spending a night in the Morocco’s Sahara Desert is a one lifetime experience, a lifelong dream for anyone traveling Morocco Any forum will tell you that there are two places in Morocco where you can actually spend a night in the desert: the dunes of Erg Chebbi and the dunes of Erg Chigaga, both of them require between 8-10-hour drive in the car. The simple answer for this question is it depends on what you like and your travel style.

Erg Chigaga is visited then Erg Chebbi, as it is not easy to access After arriving to the gateway town of M’hamid.the 60 km drive taking to chigaga dunes have to be by 4X4 and a skilled knowledgeable driver as the road is not sealed and less explored what makes it wilder.Chigaga dunes are for travelers looking for isolated,savage, private and unique experience, It has a wild landscapes driving from mhamid you will pass by the vast dried up Lake Iriki in the Iriki National Park giving a great view and landscape.

Erg Chebbi is more popular , easy to access and well developed, Hotels line the sting of the desert you can easily hire a 4X4 or take camel ride to climb the desert camp to spend the night. Unlike erg chigaga here you will see more people and camps are not far from each other.

Erg Chebbi	Erg Chigaga
higher dunes can reach 160m relatively easy to reach higher visitor numbers more developed provides more interaction with other tourists, with larger camps all set more closely together.	lower dunes in comparison,around 120m only accessible in a 4×4 with a competent driver fewer visitors wilder landscapes isolated and savage very private and exclusive experience

is the Sahara desert in Morocco safe?

the Sahara desert in Morocco is very safe for travelers, I personally have visited the desert as a female traveler with group tours and organized many tours and never had a safety issue.

What is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?

April, May, September, and October are great months for traveling to the desert, Definitely not a good idea to visit the desert during summer Many of the luxury camps close during July and August as the Weather is too hot, it gets to 50°C. During winter months daytime temperatures are comfortable, but nights can be cold (approximately 10°C).

what you need to know before visiting the Sahara desert In Morocco

Packing list for a trip to the Desert

What to pack for the Sahara Desert

A windbreaker or light jacket to survive the cooler nights;
Comfortable, wide pants adapted to the camel’s rough fur;
Appropriate closed sandals or sport shoes ;
A headscarf or hat to block the sun and dust;
Sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun;
A flashlight to use at night at the campsite;
An extra day or two of any medications you need. There are not too many pharmacies in the desert

6-Things To Do In Morocco’s Sahara Desert

Desert Camp Overnight, One of the most magical experiences is to sleep in the desert camp under the stars.
Camel Trekking in the desert dunes.
4X4 TOUR, For those who like adventure activities.
Meet Nomads Families, Learn more about their lifestyle
Hunt for fossils. This region is rich in fossils and there are several well-known areas to be sure to find a fossil to take home.
Listen to Gnawa Music, The desert is the real home of Gnawa Music.