Morocco's Sahara experience centres on two areas. Erg Chebbi, next to the village of Merzouga, has the tallest dunes, rising around 150 m, and is reached from Marrakech in roughly 9-10 hours of driving over two days. The Zagora area, closer to Marrakech, has smaller dunes but a shorter trip through the Draa Valley.
Our 3-day Merzouga desert tour from Marrakech crosses the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 m), stops at Ait Benhaddou and the Dades Gorges, then continues by camel to a desert camp. For a shorter break, the 2-day Zagora trip includes a camel ride and a night in camp.
Best time to go: March-May and September-November. Summer days are extremely hot, and winter nights in the desert can drop close to 0°C, so bring warm layers.
2 activities found
Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka, visit Ait Benhaddou and the Todra Gorge, then ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night in a desert camp.
A short desert escape: cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Benhaddou and the Draa Valley palm groves, then ride a camel to a desert camp near Zagora.
