The Sahara Desert in Morocco is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in the world. Endless golden dunes, camel trekking at sunset, and nights under star-filled skies make the Moroccan Sahara a highlight for many travellers visiting North Africa.
Most visitors reach the desert through multi-day journeys from cities like Marrakech or Fes, crossing mountains, valleys, and ancient kasbahs along the way. Whether you are planning a private tour, a shared trip, or a customized itinerary, understanding how the Sahara works helps you choose the right experience.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover where the desert is located, the best areas to visit, how to get there, what to expect from a tour, and essential travel tips before you go.
The Moroccan Sahara is located in the southeastern part of the country, near the border with Algeria. While the Sahara spans multiple countries across North Africa, Morocco’s most famous dune areas are concentrated around the region of Merzouga.
This area is home to the Erg Chebbi dunes — towering golden sand formations that can reach over 150 meters high. It’s here that most desert tours operate, offering camel trekking, 4×4 excursions, and overnight stays in traditional and luxury desert camps.
Reaching the Sahara is part of the adventure itself. Travellers typically journey through:
Because of the distance, visiting the desert requires at least a 2- or 3-day trip, making guided tours the most practical and popular option.
One of the most popular activities is riding a camel across the dunes at sunset and sunrise, a traditional way to experience the desert landscape.
Travellers can stay in:
With almost no light pollution, the Sahara offers incredible night skies and perfect conditions for stargazing.
Adventure seekers can explore dunes by 4×4 or try sandboarding on steep slopes.
The desert can be visited year-round, but some seasons are more comfortable:
Best months
Summer
Winter
Cold nights (warm clothing recommended)
The journey from Marrakech to the desert usually takes 2–3 days and crosses some of Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes.
Typical route highlights include:
Travel time:
Around 9–10 hours of driving spread across multiple days.
This route is ideal for travellers who want a complete experience combining mountains, culture, and desert scenery.
Travelling from Fes offers a completely different landscape, moving from the Middle Atlas into the Sahara region.
Key stops along the route:
Travel time:
Approximately 7–9 hours total, usually split into a full-day journey or overnight tour.
This route is popular for travellers wanting to connect Fes and Marrakech through the desert.
The journey to the desert includes some of Morocco’s most famous landscapes:
These stops transform the trip into a full Moroccan cultural journey.
Most travellers visit the desert through organised multi-day tours that include transport, accommodation, guides and activities.
The most popular itineraries include:
These tours typically include transport, accommodation, camel trekking, and overnight stays in desert camps, making them the easiest and most immersive way to visit the Sahara.
The experience suits:
It’s one of the most memorable journeys in Morocco.
Yes. Desert tours are organised with experienced local guides and safe routes.
It’s possible, but long distances and navigation make guided tours the best option.
Minimum 2–3 days from Marrakech or Fes for a full experience.
No. 4×4 transfers to the camp are available.
Yes, many tours offer upgraded camps with private tents and premium services.
Ready to experience Morocco’s dunes?
Explore our private Sahara desert tours departing from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier, and other cities, fully customizable and designed for comfort and authentic travel.
Our Morocco tours depart from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Rabat, and Errachidia, offering private and small-group desert tours to Merzouga, Zagora and imperial cities. Designed by local experts, our itineraries combine culture, adventure, and comfort.
