Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Sahara Desert in Morocco
A Morocco tour is not complete without experiencing the iconic Sahara Desert. Whether you are riding camels, sandboarding, or spending the night in a desert camp under the stars, it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. However, you may still have questions, such as where exactly Morocco's portion of the Sahara is, how to get there, what things to do, and which dunes to visit. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know for exploring Morocco's breathtaking desert landscape.
Where Is the Sahara Desert of Morocco
Morocco's Sahara Desert is located in the southeastern part of the country, stretching along the border of Algeria. The part in Morocco includes vast sand dunes, rocky plateau, and oases, creating a diverse landscape.
Morocco's Sahara Desert Map
How to Get to the Desert Region
Generally, a Morocco desert tour starts in Fez and Marrakech. Take Merzouga as an example, it is 457km from Fez, and 565km from Marrakech. Private car transfers are most recommended since it is flexible in time and sightseeing on the way. The nearest airport to the desert area is in Ouarzazate, if you don't like long drives, you can consider taking flights to this town to start a desert adventure.
The two notable sand dunes in Morocco's Sahara Desert are the Erg Chebbi and the Erg Chigaga, and there are some famous oasis towns that provide access to the desert region for various experiences, from luxury camps to rugged explorations, each with its own cultural and geographical characteristics.
Morocco's Oasis Towns in Desert
Merzouga
Merzouga locates at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, and it is the starting point of all trips into the dunes. So, it is known as the most famous gateway to Erg Chebbi. Although it is mostly just a stopover destination, you can still find comfortable hotels, delicious cafés and restaurants.
Zagora
Known as the "gateway to the Sahara," Zagora is located in the Draa Valley and offers a more rugged, rocky desert experience, with smaller dunes and historical caravan routes.
Erfoud
Erfoud is a popular stop en-route to the Erg Chebbi dunes, known for its fossil sites and annual Date Festival. This town is an ideal base for Sahara excursions, generally you will change a 4x4 vehicle here to reach the desert area.
Ouarzazate
Often called the "Door of the Desert," Ouarzazate is the starting point for many desert adventures. It is also home to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic kasbah.
Ouarzazate
M'Hamid
A remote village near Morocco's south eastern border at the edge of the Sahara, M'Hamid is the gateway to the Erg Chigaga dunes, offering a more isolated and untamed desert experience. While staying in M'Hamid, you will find a vibrant region brimming with color and welcoming locals who are eager to share their land and culture with you.
Rissani
Located near Erfoud, Rissani is known for its traditional souk (market) and as a gateway to the Sahara, often visited before reaching Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Tamegroute
A small village south of Zagora, known for its green pottery and historic Quranic library, and serving as another access point to the Sahara via Zagora.
Foum Zguid
A lesser-known town on the edge of the desert, Foum Zguid is a starting point for off-road adventures to Lake Iriki and the remote Erg Chigaga dunes.
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7 DAYS When to Visit Morocco's Sahara Desert
If you are planning a trip to the Moroccan Sahara, the period from October to April offers the most pleasant daytime temperatures. However, be prepared for the chilly nights of December and January, when temperatures can drop below freezing - packing warm clothing is essential. For those seeking solitude among the magnificent sand dunes, the quieter months of November, January, and February provide an ideal escape from the crowds.
Avoid the Sahara during the peak summer months of June through August due to intense heat, which can be uncomfortable for the elderly and young children. Locals sometimes visit Erg Chebbi in summer to immerse themselves in the hot sands, a tradition believed to help with rheumatism.
No matter when you go, the dunes are always a sight to behold. But for a truly magical experience, catch them at sunrise or sunset when they light up in a dazzling array of colors.
What to Do in Morocco's Sahara Desert
Sleep in the Sahara
Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is one of the best things to do in Morocco. To fully immerse yourself in the Sahara Desert experience, spending a night in a Berber-inspired desert camp is highly recommended. Standard camps offer an authentic experience with a traditional setup, requiring an hour-long camel trek to reach, while luxury camps provide added comfort with amenities like fixed beds and running water, often situated closer to desert towns.
Camel Trekking
The gentle sway of the camel and the rhythmic desert silence create a serene journey, offering a deep connection to the landscape. This adventure also provides a glimpse into the historic trade routes once traveled by desert nomads, enhancing your appreciation of the region's rich cultural heritage.
Camel Trekking
Sandboarding
Sandboarding on the towering dunes of the Sahara offers a thrilling contrast to the otherwise tranquil desert experience. As you glide down the sandy slopes, you can enjoy an exhilarating rush while taking in the expansive views of the desert landscape.
4x4 Desert Tours
A 4x4 desert tour takes you beyond the typical tourist routes, allowing you to explore the more rugged and remote areas of the Sahara. These tours can reveal hidden oases, ancient ruins, and striking landscapes that are otherwise inaccessible, providing a comfortable way to experience the vastness and diversity of the desert.
Visit Local Villages
Visiting local villages in the Sahara Desert offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Berber and Tuareg communities who have lived in harmony with the desert for centuries. You can gain valuable insights into traditional lifestyles, crafts, and customs by participating in cultural activities, such as watching traditional music and dance performances or sampling authentic Moroccan cuisine.
Should I Go Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga
When selecting between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga for your Sahara Desert adventure, consider the following advantages of each to determine which best suits your preferences:
| Erg Chebbi | Erg Chigaga | |
| Advantages | Iconic Desert Landscape Features classic Sahara scenery with rose-gold dunes up to 150 meters high, offering stunning and changing colors at sunrise and sunset. | Remote and Rugged Home to Morocco's largest and wildest sand dunes, reaching up to 300 meters high, offering an untouched and authentic desert experience. |
| Accessibility Easily reachable from Merzouga village by paved roads, with a range of accommodations from traditional hotels to desert camps. | Fewer Tourists Its isolation ensures fewer visitors, allowing for pristine photographs and a tranquil environment. | |
| Well-Equipped Provides organized tours and a variety of lodging options, making it convenient for tourists. | Rustic Adventure There is a two-day & one-way camel trek from M'hamid to the tallest dunes, providing an immersive and traditional desert journey. | |
| Suitable For | Those Seeking Convenience Ideal for travelers who prefer easy access, modern amenities, and classic desert views. | Adventure Seekers Ideal for those looking for a more challenging and isolated desert experience. |
| Shorter Visits Perfect for those with limited time who want to experience the Sahara without extensive travel. | Photographers and Solitude Lovers Perfect for capturing untouched landscapes and enjoying a peaceful retreat away from crowds. |
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