How to Visit the Sahara Desert for an Experience You'll Never Forget
- Malika
- Jun 7, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: 13 minutes ago
One of the most transformative experiences I've had in Morocco was while spending a night under the star-studded sky of the Sahara Desert. Not only did I feel a connection to the country's nomadic cultural heritage at my desert camp but also the universe surrounding us. Dunes sculpted over eons stretched as far as the eye can see and the stargazing was truly phenomenal.
For centuries, the Ait Atta people have called this awe-inspiring region “home”, living a nomadic lifestyle in simple desert camps hidden in the dunes. Today, these camps welcome tourists from near and far wanting a taste of Saharan life and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the spellbinding scenery.
Visiting the Sahara Desert was one of my most memorable experiences in Morocco and it’s something I recommend everyone does during their time in the country. The silence, the stargazing, the social atmosphere around the campfire - it all combined to create a trip I’ll never forget.
If you’re not sure what to expect or how to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco, this article is for you. I’ll touch on some of the things you should consider when organising your adventure and provide links to help you make it happen.
Travelling solo to the Sahara Desert? Check out this detailed guide for independent travellers or this 4-day/3-night suggested itinerary.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga
Morocco’s swathe of the Sahara Desert is home to two distinct dune areas - Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga - each of which offers a unique desert experience for adventurous travellers. While both locations feature the iconic towering sand dunes that have come to define the Saharan landscape, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Erg Chebbi is the more accessible and well-trodden of the two, with a large number of camps catering to the steady flow of tourists who flock here. This accessibility, however, can come at the cost of a more crowded and commercialised atmosphere…but only in certain areas. There are still plenty of Erg Chebbi camps offering an exclusive desert experience, although you may have to pay a little more for it.
In contrast, the Erg Chigaga dunes provide a more rugged and isolated desert escape and are accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. For adventure seekers looking to get off the beaten path, Erg Chigaga has a sparser number of camps, creating a greater sense of solitude and connection to the natural world. Getting here is not as easy but the rewards (for some) are more than worth it.
Ultimately, the choice between these two Moroccan dune destinations comes down to personal preference.
Choose Erg Chebbi if you want:
A more social atmosphere
Easier accessibility
A wider choice of camps
To see the biggest dunes
Accessed via a short camel trek from Merzouga
Choose Erg Chigaga if you want:
A more remote wilderness experience
A greater sense of solitude
Incredible rocky desert scenery
Accessed via a thrilling 4x4 adventure
To learn more about the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, check out my detailed article here.
Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco
Tour groups vs self-driving
When visiting the Sahara Desert, there are two ways you can go about it - join an organised tour in Marrakech or Fes OR drive yourself to the gateway towns of Merzouga (for Erg Chebbi) or M’Hamid (for Erg Chigaga).
Once you reach these towns, you will still need to join a tour to get to the camps, whether by 4x4 or camel back. This is relatively easy to organise on the spot. You can either ask around at the hotels in Merzouga and M'Hamid or almost anyone on the street will point you in the direction of someone connected to the camps.
Even when I'm self-driving, I prefer to book my Sahara Desert camps in advance. Not only does this mean I can choose the one I want and read reviews from previous guests but also guarantee availability during the busy seasons.
As discussed in my article Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Morocco, it’s relatively easy to hire a car in Morocco and embark on a self-drive itinerary to the Sahara. It allows you to build your own adventure and stop in some incredible destinations along the way, some of which are equally as impressive as the Sahara Desert.
Whenever we drive to the Sahara from Marrakech, we usually spend a night in the oasis town of Skoura (around 45 minutes' drive from Ouarzazate) or amidst the spectacular rock formations of Dades and Todra gorges. It's also worth making a stop in Ait Benhaddou to visit its UNESCO-listed ksar and (if you're visiting in the springtime) don't miss the magnificent Valley of the Roses.
While we usually plan a self-driving itinerary to the Sahara, navigating the roads that lead from Marrakech and Fes to the desert can be daunting for some. Some of the roads are in poor condition, with potholes and unpaved sections to negotiate, and most are shared by not only other vehicles but also animals and pedestrians.
If this doesn’t sound like a task you want to take on, then I’d recommend taking an organised tour. Led by someone who is intimately familiar with the area, speaks the language and knows the road conditions, a guided tour to the Sahara means a stress-free experience.
Most tour companies work with particular camps, so you can either pick a tour based on reviews or contact the camp you prefer and have them organise transport for you.
Joining a tour takes all the hard work out of planning and is perfect if you don't have a lot of time to research and book transport/accommodation/activities prior to your Morocco trip. The knowledge of local guides also really adds to the experience - you'll gain a lot of cultural insights you might not otherwise if you travel independently.
Sahara Desert tours are also perfect if you like the camaraderie of group adventures or you're travelling solo in Morocco. Chances are, you'll end up with like-minded people and may even make lifelong friends during the experience.
Take a guided tour to the Sahara Desert if you:
Don't feel comfortable driving in Morocco
Are on a tight schedule
Don't want to organise everything yourself
Like the camaraderie of group experiences
Self-drive to the Sahara Desert if:
Love a road-trip adventure and the challenges it brings
Feel comfortable driving in a foreign country
Want to stop wherever you want along the way
Prefer planning everything yourself
Viator and GetYourGuide both have heaps of Moroccan Sahara Desert tours to choose from, visiting both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. It’s a great starting point as you can read reviews from previous guests and get a taste of what the camps look like.
Some of the tours that start in Marrakech also include visits to the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the gorges of Dades and Todra, so you’ll get to experience much more than just the Sahara.
If you’re planning a self-drive adventure in Morocco and want to visit the Sahara Desert, check out this one-week itinerary from Marrakech.
How to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Duration of Sahara Desert tours
When choosing the best Morocco desert experience for you, decide how many nights you want to spend under the stars. If you just want a taste, then a 2-day/1-night trip is ideal.
This will usually include a camel trek or 4x4 excursion in the late afternoon to get you to your camp, then the same in the morning to return you to Merzouga or M’Hamid. You’ll get to watch one sunset and one sunrise over the dunes and may even have time to try sandboarding.
If you have more time up your sleeve or if you’re coming from Marrakech or Fes, then I’d recommend planning at least a 3-day/2-night trip. This will allow you to enjoy a more well-rounded experience and really soak in the unique atmosphere and tranquility of the Sahara Desert.
Top tip: Some 3-day/2-night trips also allow you to start in Marrakech and finish in Fes (or vice versa), meaning it doubles as a transfer.
With one night spent en route somewhere else, a 4-day/3-night trip is a great option for those who want to spend two nights out in the desert and have one full day to experience its magical terrain.
This extended timeline gives you ample opportunity to venture further into the dunes and away from Merzouga/M’Hamid while really disconnecting from the outside world. Ultimately, you’ll get to experience parts of the Sahara that few others witness.
The Sahara Desert tour duration that's right for you will depend on your personal travel style, the overall pace of your itinerary and how immersed you wish to become in Morocco’s desert region. Keep in mind that many desert tours from Marrakech or Fes include nights spent elsewhere, so factor this into your decision-making process.
Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco
Level of luxury
If you’re worried about having to “rough it” in the Sahara Desert, then think again. Traditionally, nomads stayed in quite basic camps with just the essentials they needed. But today, there are luxury options with all the creature comforts you’d expect of a high-end hotel.
When it comes to the level of comfort you desire during your camping experience, the options vary widely and it really comes down to how much you want to pay. Ultimately, how comfortable you want to be during your camping trip is a highly personal decision and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Some people revel in the back-to-basics approach, embracing the simple pleasures of sleeping under the stars with only the bare essentials - just as nomadic peoples have done for centuries. Others prefer a more pampered “glamping” setup, with plush beds, gourmet meals and ensuite bathrooms (including hot, running water).
As there are so many camps available (particularly in Erg Chebbi), the key is finding the right balance of comfort and cost that aligns with your individual preferences and budget.
It’s worth keeping in mind that many of the higher-end camps in Erg Chebbi also boast more exclusive settings. So if you’re seeking a remote experience, it might be worth paying a little more.
Opt for a budget-friendly Sahara Desert camp if you:
Want an authentic Sahara Desert experience
A closer representation of nomadic dwellings
Are travelling on a tight budget
Don't mind shared bathroom facilities
Oft for a luxury Sahara Desert camp if you:
Want more of a "glamping" experience
Prefer to stay away from other camps
Want ensuite bathroom facilities
Have a bigger budget to work with
Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Activities and experiences
Staying at one of Morocco’s Sahara Desert camps is all about experiencing nomadic life, whether that’s through camel rides, traditional music or storytelling. Many of the activities at the camp are centred around showcasing the cultural heritage of the region, with drumming and playing instruments around the campfire often integral to the nighttime experience.
Some camps set themselves apart by offering additional activities, such as 4x4 excursions, sandboarding and quad biking experiences. We went sandboarding and it was a LOT of fun, although more difficult than it looks.
If you’re interested in any of these, it’s worth checking with the camp before booking. Some camps also include visits to remote communities, although this usually requires staying at least two nights.
When you visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco, you'll also have the opportunity to sample local cuisine, with the cooks preparing traditional recipes using ingredients available to desert communities. I distinctly remember that camel was on the menu at our camp!
Vegetarians and vegans are usually well-catered for but always let the camp know in advance so they can prepare.
Lastly, staying at a Sahara Desert camp in Morocco allows you to experience some incredible stargazing - it really was the best I've ever experienced! Due to the absence of light pollution and the clarity of the atmosphere, there’s the opportunity to witness far-away constellations, planets and the Milky Way like never before.
Combined with the cultural offerings, it’s for this reason a Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco is so transformative. For me, it was a powerful reminder not only of our diversity here on Earth but how small we are amidst the vastness of the universe.
Popular activities at Sahara Desert camps include:
Camel treks
Quad-bike adventures
4x4 expeditions
Sandboarding down the dunes
Music around the campfire
Exceptional stargazing
Staying at a desert camp in Morocco
Recommended Moroccan Sahara desert camps in Erg Chebbi
Luxury desert camp near Merzouga
Experience the epitome of desert opulence at this luxury Erg Chebbi camp, which features spacious sleeping tents adorned with Moroccan crafts. Each comes with a private bathroom and can be reached through pathways lit by twinkling lanterns. The gourmet meals served at breakfast and dinner are among the area's best.
Mid-range desert camp near Merzouga
If you're looking for an affordable luxury experience in the Moroccan Sahara, look no further than this top-rated camp near Merzouga. The elegant design of the luxury tents provides plenty of space and the bathrooms are well-appointed. In addition to the exceptional accommodations, the Merzouga Stars Luxury Camp also offers yoga classes amidst the breathtaking desert scenery.
Budget desert camp near Merzouga
The Sahara Wellness Camp has been a labour of love for a local family headed by Omar and his brothers, Hamid and Aziz. Their strong bond with the land and dedication to upholding the traditional lifestyle in the area shine through in every detail. This budget Sahara camp features just six black sleeping tents, plus a communal tent where meals are served.
Staying at a desert camp in Morocco
Recommended Moroccan Sahara desert camps in Erg Chigaga
Luxury desert camp near M’Hamid
This Erg Chigaga desert camp offers exquisitely designed tents that provide a truly luxurious glamping experience. Each features a spacious and comfortable bed adorned with high-quality linen, plus an en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilets. The Zaila Erg Luxury Camp takes culinary excellence to a whole new level, offering five-star dining options.
Mid-range desert camp near M’Hamid
Dune Blanche is perfect for those seeking adventure, with a variety of activities such as camel rides, quad bike tours and 4x4 expeditions on offer. The themed tents are individually decorated and come with electricity, as well as private showers with hot water. In the evening, guests can enjoy traditional Moroccan meals together under a majestic tree at the heart of the camp.
Budget desert camp near M’Hamid
Camp Chraika is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from M’Hamid and is a great value option for those looking to explore the Erg Chigaga dunes. Recently updated, this budget-friendly Sahara camp boasts a welcoming shared lounge area and each tent is equipped with cosy beds for a comfortable stay. Guests can kick off their mornings at Camp Chraika with a delicious buffet breakfast, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling sand dunes.
FAQs: How to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Is the Sahara Desert worth visiting?
Yes, the Sahara Desert is an incredible destination and one of the best places to visit in Morocco. As the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara stretches across much of North Africa, encompassing a huge expanse of towering sand dunes, rocky outcroppings and hidden oases.
Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco provides the opportunity to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets that paint the dunes gorgeous colours. It also offers exceptional stargazing due to the lack of light pollution. A highlight of spending a night in the Sahara Desert is experiencing a taste of nomadic culture, whether riding a camel across the dunes or listening to music beside the campfire.
When is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is outside the summer months when temperatures can get incredibly hot. From June to September, it’s not uncommon for desert temperatures to exceed 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities a little unbearable, to say the least.
The cooler winter months from November to February are generally pleasant during the day (temperatures average around 14°C (57°F), although it can get very chilly at night (close to freezing). Be sure to bring lots of warm layers!
The shoulder seasons of March to May and October/November offer a compromise, with moderately warm days and less chilly nights. For me, these are the best times to visit the Sahara for comfortable conditions that are perfect for adventure.
Which country is best to visit the Sahara Desert?
The Sahara spans a vast area of Northern Africa, extending into 11 different countries. Morocco is generally considered the best destination for visiting this iconic desert region due to its accessibility and tourist infrastructure.
Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, serves as the main gateway for desert expeditions, although M’Hamid El Ghizlane (near Erg Chigaga) is increasing in popularity. From both towns, travellers can ride camels or 4x4 vehicles into the Sahara, spend nights at nomadic camps and participate in a range of desert activities.
Can you visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakech?
Yes, Marrakech is a popular gateway for visiting the Sahara Desert, along with Fes in Morocco’s north. Many local tour companies offer excursions ranging from day trips to multi-day expeditions, departing from both Marrakech and Fes. In fact, it is possible to start in one city and end in the other.
Reaching the Sahara from Marrakech does require a lengthy drive or bus ride (more than 9 hours), which is why many choose to break up the journey in Dades or Todra Gorges.
Is it safe to go to Sahara?
While there have been border disputes with Algeria in the past that have affected the region, the Sahara is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Today, it’s the extreme heat in summertime and limited access to medical care in the area that are of more concern. It’s really important to stay well hydrated while visiting the Sahara Desert and take cover if sand storms occur.
Joining a reputable Sahara tour company that uses knowledgeable local guides and has safety protocols in place will significantly reduce the risk of encountering any issues during your trip. If you’re travelling independently, check the current conditions and security situation before travelling and always carry a first-aid kit with you.
Is Agafay or the Sahara Desert better?
Agafay and the Sahara Desert offer two completely different desert experiences and one is not “better” than the other. While the Sahara features sand dunes as far as the eye can see (what most people imagine a desert to be), Agafay is more of a rocky desert landscape.
Agafay can be reached in less than an hour’s drive from Marrakech while the Sahara is more than 9 hours drive from the “Red City”. This makes Agafay a better destination if you are short on time. Sahara is an ideal choice if you want to explore a lot more of Morocco (Ait Benhaddou, Dades and Todra Gorges) and have a classic desert experience.
In both destinations, you can participate in a range of desert activities, including camel riding, quad biking and sandboarding. While the stargazing is good in Agafay, it is exceptional in the Sahara due to the absence of light pollution.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
