The Sahara Desert in Morocco
Where to see the Sahara in Morocco, how to get there from Marrakech or Fes, and what a night in the dunes is really like.
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world and covers most of North Africa. In Morocco, the classic golden sand dunes are Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, with dunes up to about 150 metres high, and Erg Chigaga beyond M'Hamid, more remote. Zagora is closer to Marrakech but has much smaller dunes.
Most travellers choose Merzouga: it is reachable on a private 3 day trip from Marrakech or Fes, the road passes Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge, and the night is spent in a desert camp after a camel ride at sunset.
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Sahara desert tours
3 Days3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga & Back
A private 3-day round trip from Marrakech to the Merzouga dunes: Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorges, a sunset camel ride and a night in a luxury desert camp.
3 Days3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
A private 3-day desert crossing from Marrakech to Fes: Ait Ben Haddou, Dades, the Todra Gorges, a sunset camel ride and luxury camp in Merzouga, then the Ziz Valley and Ifrane.
4 Days4 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
A private 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes with two nights in Merzouga: Ait Ben Haddou, Dades, the Todra Gorges, a camel ride, and a full day exploring Erg Chebbi by 4WD.
3 Days3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
A private 3-day desert crossing from Fes to Marrakech: Ifrane and the Ziz Valley, a camel ride and luxury camp in Merzouga, the Todra Gorges, Dades, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou.
Compare at a glance
| Desert area | Gateway | From Marrakech | Dunes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erg Chebbi | Merzouga | 2 days by road with stops | High golden dunes, up to about 150 m | The classic Sahara night |
| Erg Chigaga | M'Hamid | 2 days, last part off-road | Large, remote dunes | Adventure and isolation |
| Zagora | Zagora | 1 long day | Small dunes | Very short trips |
| Agafay | Marrakech | About 1 hour | Stony desert, no sand dunes | A desert-style evening near Marrakech |
How to get to the Sahara from Marrakech or Fes
From Marrakech you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and need two days to reach Merzouga with stops, so plan at least 3 days. From Fes the drive to Merzouga takes one day through Ifrane, Midelt and the Ziz Valley. You can return to the same city or cross the country one way: compare the routes on desert tours from Marrakech, desert tours from Fes and Merzouga desert tours.
A night in the Sahara: what to expect
You arrive at the edge of the dunes in the late afternoon and ride a dromedary for about 45 to 60 minutes to the camp for sunset. Dinner is served at the camp, often with Berber drums around the fire, and the sky is one of the darkest in Morocco for stargazing. Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes. Details in camel trekking in Merzouga and private vs group desert camps.
Merzouga or Zagora?
Zagora is closer but its dunes are small; Merzouga takes longer to reach but shows the real sand sea. We explain the choice in Merzouga vs Zagora and in our Erg Chebbi dunes guide.
Best time to visit the Sahara
October to April brings warm days and cool to cold nights; bring a warm layer from November to March. Summer days are very hot, so camel rides are planned at sunset and sunrise. See the best time to visit the Sahara Desert and what to pack for the Sahara.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel guides for this trip
- Merzouga vs Zagora: Which Sahara Desert Gateway Should You Choose?
- Sahara Desert Stargazing: Why Merzouga Is One of the World's Best Dark Sky Spots
- Is a Private Sahara Desert Camp Worth It Over a Shared Group Tour?
- What to Pack for a Sahara Desert Camel Trek and Overnight Camp
- Inside a Merzouga Desert Camp: Tents, Bathrooms, Food and What to Bring
- Camel Trekking in Merzouga: What Actually Happens on a Sahara Overnight