Merzouga or Zagora, which desert should I choose?

Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) has the tall golden Sahara dunes most people picture, but it is about 9–10 hours' drive from Marrakech, so allow at least 3 days. Zagora is closer (about 7 hours) and works as a 2-day trip, with smaller dunes and a more rocky landscape.

How many days do I need for a Sahara tour?

2 days / 1 night for Zagora, 3 days / 2 nights for Merzouga, and 5–7 days if you want the Dades and Todra gorges, Fes or a slower pace with more stops.

What is the route from Marrakech?

Tours cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stop at Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then continue through the Draa valley to Zagora or via the Dades and Todra gorges to Merzouga.

What are the desert camps like?

Nights are spent in a Berber tented camp among the dunes, with dinner, music around the fire and a camel trek at sunset or sunrise. Upgraded camps with private bathrooms can be arranged on request.

When is the best time for the Sahara?

March to May and September to November are the most comfortable. Summer days are very hot, and winter nights in the desert can drop close to freezing, so bring warm layers.

Sahara tours

Sahara desert tours from Marrakech

Cross the Atlas, sleep among the dunes and ride camels into the sunset, 2 to 7-day journeys with local drivers.

A night in the Sahara is the highlight of many Morocco trips. From Marrakech the road climbs over the High Atlas, passes the kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, and ends at the edge of the dunes where your camel caravan and camp are waiting.

The two main destinations are Merzouga, home to the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, and Zagora, a shorter journey through the palm-lined Draa valley. Choose by how many days you have.

All tours include transport from your accommodation, the desert camp and camel trek, and are confirmed on WhatsApp, you pay on arrival.

Merzouga

Tall golden Erg Chebbi dunes. About 9–10 hours' drive, best as 3 days / 2 nights or longer.

Zagora

About 7 hours via the Draa valley. Works as 2 days / 1 night for short trips.

Desert camp

Berber tents, dinner, fire-side music and stars. Upgraded camps with private bathrooms on request.

What to pack

Warm layer for the night, scarf for wind and sand, closed shoes, sunscreen and a power bank.

Sahara tours you can book

Group and private desert journeys leaving from Marrakech.

Desert Tours

5-Day Sahara Adventure

Organised by our local team 5 days / 4 nights Marrakech

Five days from Marrakech through the Atlas and Ait Ben Haddou to the Sahara, including camel riding and desert camp nights.

Ouarzazate film studios
Dades and Todra gorges
Merzouga sunrise over the dunes

Pay on arrival

From€345≈ 3800 MADper person

-35%Desert Tours

7-Day Grand Morocco Tour

Organised by our local team 7 days / 6 nights Marrakech

A full week through Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara and imperial Fes.

Fes medina and tanneries
Night in a Sahara camp
Atlas panoramas and kasbah route

Pay on arrival

From€500≈ 5500 MADper person

-23%Desert Tours

Zagora Desert Tour (2 Days / 1 Night)

Organised by our local team 2 days / 1 night Zagora & Draa Valley

Experience the magic of the Moroccan Sahara on a two-day adventure. Cross the Atlas Mountains, visit Ait Ben Haddou, discover Ouarzazate, and travel through the Draa Valley before enjoying a camel ride and overnight stay in a desert camp under the stars.

Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Ait Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate

Pay on arrival

From€64≈ 700 MADper person

Merzouga Desert Tour (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Best sellerDesert Tours

−46%

Merzouga Desert Tour (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Organised by our local team 3 days / 2 nights Erg Chebbi, Merzouga

Discover the legendary Erg Chebbi dunes and experience Morocco's most iconic desert journey. Travel through the Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Erfoud, and Rissani before reaching Merzouga for unforgettable desert experiences.

Erg Chebbi dunes
Dades Gorges
Todra Gorge

Pay on arrival

From€68≈ 750 MAD€127per person

Private Excursions

Private Excursion: Zagora Desert

Organised by our local team 2 days / 1 night Zagora Desert

Travel to Zagora Desert privately, at your own pace, with an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional English- or French-speaking driver reserved for your group alone. Choose your departure time, stop wherever you like for photographs and tea, and be collected and returned directly at your hotel or riad.

Private vehicle for your group only
Professional driver
Flexible departure time and stops

Pay on arrival

From€327≈ 3600 MADper vehicle

Private Excursions

Private Excursion: Merzouga Desert

Organised by our local team 3 days / 2 nights Merzouga Desert

Travel to Merzouga Desert privately, at your own pace, with an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional English- or French-speaking driver reserved for your group alone. Choose your departure time, stop wherever you like for photographs and tea, and be collected and returned directly at your hotel or riad.

Private vehicle for your group only
Professional driver
Flexible departure time and stops

Pay on arrival

From€418≈ 4600 MADper vehicle

Sahara desert tours FAQ

Merzouga or Zagora, which desert should I choose?: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) has the tall golden Sahara dunes most people picture, but it is about 9–10 hours' drive from Marrakech, so allow at least 3 days. Zagora is closer (about 7 hours) and works as a 2-day trip, with smaller dunes and a more rocky landscape.
How many days do I need for a Sahara tour?: 2 days / 1 night for Zagora, 3 days / 2 nights for Merzouga, and 5–7 days if you want the Dades and Todra gorges, Fes or a slower pace with more stops.
What is the route from Marrakech?: Tours cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stop at Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then continue through the Draa valley to Zagora or via the Dades and Todra gorges to Merzouga.
What are the desert camps like?: Nights are spent in a Berber tented camp among the dunes, with dinner, music around the fire and a camel trek at sunset or sunrise. Upgraded camps with private bathrooms can be arranged on request.
When is the best time for the Sahara?: March to May and September to November are the most comfortable. Summer days are very hot, and winter nights in the desert can drop close to freezing, so bring warm layers.

More ways to explore

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