what you need to know before visiting the sahara desert In Morocco
1-How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakech? And from Fez?
the sahara 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 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 Atlas Mountains and the famous difficult tichka road to arrive to ouarzazate and kasbah ait Benhaddou, first night you can spend it in a hotel in the Dades valley or rose valley. After more four hours 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.
4-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
5-Packing list for a trip to the Sahara 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 The 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.
