Magical Time in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

The title of this amazing post isn’t just a bluff – the Sahara Desert in Morocco truly is magic!

After seeing numerous images on Instagram portraying the fascinating red dunes in the largest desert and people enjoying camel rides during their desert trip, we couldn’t help but wonder, ”Are these photos edited too much to look so beautiful?”

Our excitement knew no bounds when we organised our trip to Morocco, particularly awaiting the moment we would finally experience the Sahara Desert ourselves!

“WOW!” That was the only word that escaped our lips the moment we arrived! We were left speechless and overwhelmed with goosebumps. Describing the beauty of the Sahara Desert is simply indescribable.

The High Atlas Mountains create a natural barrier, separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

When planning your Moroccan adventure, include the Sahara Desert in your itinerary. You must experience it for at least one night. 

In this blog post, we’re providing you with information to transform your trip into a magical experience. From guiding you on choosing the best Sahara Desert tour or a private tour to outlining the must-do activities and listing the essentials you’ll need, we’ve got you covered for an incredible desert adventure.

About The Sahara Desert

The world’s largest hot desert is the Sahara Desert, spanning 9.2 million km² across North Africa, including Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania, and Western Sahara. Morocco’s Sahara landscape boasts vast dunes, rocky plateaus, and barren plains. Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga in eastern Morocco, is well-known for its towering dunes, some reaching heights of 150 meters (500 feet).

The Sahara Desert, distinguished by a dry climate and extremely high temperatures during the day, is home to nomadic Berber communities in Morocco. Notably, the region has served as a unique location in several films and TV shows, such as the James Bond movie “Spectre,” featuring Daniel Craig. Western Sahara is among the countries sharing this arid expanse.

How To Get to The Sahara Desert From Marrakesh

If you’re wondering how to get from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert, here’s what you need to know. 

After some research, we realised that many travellers opt for a Sahara Desert tour. We’re not big fans of private tours and usually avoid them unless it’s the only feasible option, as with visiting certain countries like Syria.

To explore Morocco fully, we chose the flexibility of a rental car and drove ourselves to the Sahara Desert. The journey was an extensive 9-hour drive from Marrakesh, taking us through the stunning High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we spent a night at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the famous Ait Ben Haddou. We continued through the scenic Dades Valley and Todra Gorge until we reached the destination of the Merzouga desert.

Upon reaching Merzouga, the desert camp guide will pick you up and show you throughout your stay there if you go on a road trip through Morocco. We highly recommend renting your car from Rentalcars.com for a pleasant experience.

If you prefer to choose the most straightforward way and go for a tour company, put your mind at rest as the company provides transport and will be with you throughout your stay in the Sahara Desert. 

Choosing The Best Desert Tours

Choosing trusted tour operators is crucial when opting for Sahara Desert tours in Morocco. Amidst the multitude of Marrakech tours available, it’s vital not just go for the cheapest. 

Before committing, check reviews, considering the experiences shared by fellow travellers. We advise choosing a reputable tour company from the suggested tours to enhance your desert tour experience.

Two days Sahara Desert tour – Fez to Marrakech OR return to Fez

Three days tours – Best Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Dunes

Four days private Marakesh tours to the Sahara Desert

Five days Sahara Desert tour from Casablanca

Should One Consider Taking a Sahara Desert Tour?

Exploring the Merzouga desert through a Sahara Desert tour is a common choice. However, deciding between a private tour or independent travel relies on your preferred travel style. 

One should consider the pros and cons before choosing a desert tour.

Pros of Choosing a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco

It is The Easiest Choice

Morocco desert tours simplify your experience, especially when selecting a Sahara Desert tour. Your guide handles all arrangements, from transportation to accommodations. You don’t need to worry about getting lost; you can unwind and appreciate your relaxing time.

For a hassle-free journey, consider booking a Sahara Desert tour before your arrival.

You Make More Friends

In a tour group, you’ll share transportation with random tourists who, amusingly enough, often become your friends. They share with you more enjoyment of your adventure.

Even though we are not big fans of group tours, we had an incredible experience with a group in Syria. We consider this the art of travelling – meeting strangers who become friends, making it hard to say goodbye.

Everything is Ready and Organised

With all the details taken care of, you’re free from figuring out your next destination or when to take breaks, as the tour guide is there to assist you seamlessly every step of the way. 

This ensures a smoother, more enjoyable journey where you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about logistics.

You Enjoy The Scenery Along The Way

No need to worry about driving rules; you can simply sit back, relax, and appreciate the scenery. 

The benefit of experience that, when travelling on your own, often results in missing out on beautiful scenes due to the focus on driving and navigation.

Cons of Going on a Morocco Desert Tour

Limited Flexibility in Managing Your Schedule

Flexibility is limited when you’re on a Sahara Desert tour. You can forget about managing your schedule as the tour company takes care of where to stay, activities, dining options, and more from when you’re picked up at your Riad in Marrakesh until the end of your tour.

Travellers who prefer flexibility and making their schedules might be disappointed.

Communication challenges

People come from diverse countries worldwide in tour groups, and communication can sometimes be quite challenging in large and small group tours, including potential difficulties with fellow travellers and the driver. 

We recommend downloading Google Translate to facilitate communication in challenging situations.

Many Stops For Bathroom Breaks

Be ready for frequent bathroom breaks—when we say a lot, we mean a lot! 

Sometimes, you may have to make a bathroom stop even if you don’t need it. These frequent stops might feel like time wasted when you’re eager to reach your destination.

Excessive Hours of Driving

The drive from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert is very long, typically taking 10 to 11 hours on most desert tours. 

Despite the scenic drive, you will get tired and need a break. You must remain seated until your tour guide tells you to stop for a break. We suggest you bring wrapped food, as hunger may strike, and there might be a while before you can stop to buy food.

Choosing Your Ideal Campsite is Not Possible

Choosing your preferred campsite is not within your control when you’re on a Sahara Desert tour. You must stay at the one included in the tour package. 

Merzouga offers numerous stunning desert camps from which to choose. Although most campsites are beautiful and well-equipped, you lack the flexibility to stay where you want if you have a specific preference.

You End Up Paying More

Although opting for a Sahara Desert tour is ideal to avoid the stress of planning, you end up paying more. 

Even if you prefer not to go camel rides or quad biking, you might still be charged for these activities, as sometimes it’s part of the tour package without even noticing. Additionally, you might find that the camp included in your tour is more expensive than others you could have chosen. 

These aspects are typical and can’t be changed as tour groups provide a fixed package.

Top Must-Do’s in The Sahara Desert, Morocco

Explore lots of enjoyable desert activities in the Sahara. Discover our top must-do experiences during your Sahara Desert tour.

Go For a Camel Ride

Even if you’ve experienced camel riding in Egypt or other countries, you must go on a camel ride in the Sahara. It’s an experience like no other! 

Watching camel trekking is different from experiencing riding camels firsthand in this vast desert. Despite having ridden camels in Jordan, we hesitated in Morocco until we reached Merzouga. We were delighted to try it again, as it offers a unique and exhilarating experience, especially riding camels up and down the enormous dunes. 

For a magical moment, consider indulging in a sunset camel ride.

Go on a Fun Jeep Ride

The Sahara Desert offers a sense of liberation and a desire for pure enjoyment, whether influenced by the landscape or the people. Experience a desert adventure with a fun jeep ride through this vast desert. We tried evening and morning rides, and we couldn’t stop laughing.

In the evening, amid pitch-black darkness, sitting at the back of a jeep with a random buddy, racing through the desert at high speed was an absolute blast. Call us crazy, but the nighttime experience was even more exhilarating! The mystery of the unseen added an extra layer of excitement.

On the other hand, the morning ride revealed breathtaking scenes we couldn’t believe. The vast expanse unfolded before our eyes, with camels passing by as we drove through the desert, accompanied by the tunes of traditional Berber songs. It was an incredible spectacle that left us eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to relive it.

If you’re seeking a desert experience, take the chance to embark on a fun jeep ride in the Sahara. The unique blend of nighttime thrill and morning marvels makes it an unforgettable experience. Embrace the freedom and joy the Sahara Desert has to offer!

Quad Biking During Sunset

Elevate your adrenaline levels with a thrilling quad-biking adventure during sunset in the Sahara Desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes add extra excitement to all Sahara adventures. 

While exploring the Sahara Desert, don’t miss out on including quad biking in desert activities. Driving along these sand dunes on a quad bike is a unique experience everyone should try when visiting the Sahara Desert. Check our ride here.

For an even more enjoyable adventure, we recommend going on an adrenaline Quad Bike Adventure. We drove from our desert camp to the highest dunes. We peacefully waited for sunset with our guides while listening to traditional Moroccan songs. 

We gazed at the sight of the camel trek and camels passing beneath us from our elevated vantage point. Quad biking not only adds a thrilling dimension to your Sahara adventure but also provides unforgettable moments against the backdrop of the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes.

Feel The Excitement of Sandboarding

Most tour companies will do their utmost to take you to the best parts of the desert. Something you’ll be immediately amazed about during your Moroccan desert tour as soon as you arrive in the Sahara Desert is the sand dunes. 

When you arrive, if you’re with a large group on the same tour, you probably won’t start with the activities immediately. Take this opportunity to leave all the luggage in your camp and go for the excitement of sandboarding. 

Even if you have no idea how to do sandboarding, try it; it’s fun! We won’t tell you how many times we fell while trying it ourselves!

You’ll find sandboards near every campsite, and you can use them for free at any time of the day. 

Watch The Sunrise

Waking up very early in the morning was a hard challenge for both of us this time, as it was extremely cold outside. We were snug inside the cosy tent and found it hard to get up.

However, we didn’t want to miss the sunrise, which the Berbers were telling us about. Determined to see this natural wonder, we took a warm shower and put on warm clothes and the Djellabas.

The predawn atmosphere in the campsite was tranquil, immersed in a deep silence that embraced the surroundings. 

Moving away from our tent, we awaited the sunrise peacefully, drinking Moroccan mint tea for warmth. Of all the sunrises we’ve ever seen, the sunrise in the Sahara Desert is the most incredible! We were not sure if we were awake or still dreaming.

Watching the sunrise in the Sahara is an experience not to be missed. It’s just you and the sun. For a perfect view, consider a short hike to the summit of the largest dune. From there, the sunrise unveils its beauty, ensuring an unforgettable moment. 

Trust us; this Sahara sunrise is worth the early wake-up call and chilly morning air.

Star Gazing Before You Sleep

Visiting the Sahara Desert offers an incredible opportunity for stargazing. Suppose you’ve ever dreamt of seeing a falling star to make a wish. In that case, the chances are incredibly high in the Sahara’s incredible night sky – you might even witness several meteors, not just one. 

Star gazing is another reason you should visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco, especially for night photography lovers, as it provides a unique experience from the observation points in the Sahara. 

Make it a point to spend a night star gazing before drifting off to sleep in this extraordinary desert.

Play The Bongos By The Fire Camp

At the desert camp, surrounded by the ambience of the Sahara, we were introduced to the art of playing the bongos by the talented Berbers. As they skillfully created beautiful traditional music around the campfire, we were amazed at the diversity of sound effects they produced. 

Fascinated by their talent and happiness, the Berbers generously offered us the chance to try playing the bongos ourselves.

We eagerly accepted the offer despite not knowing how to play or even hold the bongos. Learning to play this wonderful instrument was a night of pure fun. 

If you find yourself at a desert camp during your Sahara Desert trip, take the opportunity at least one night to try playing the bongos. You might be surprised to discover your inner pro!

Eat The Berber’s Traditional Food

A different type of traditional cuisine in Morocco is Berber food, which has a rich history and boasts flavours influenced by various regions across North Africa. You’ll try this food during your desert camp experience for sure.

Berbers traditionally cook food using a mud oven made with cow manure, warmed with local trees, and occasionally use charcoal for special occasions. 

The food is prepared with unique ingredients and spices, highlighting its cultural importance. Meals are served in tajine pots, adding to the cultural richness of the food experience.

Tasting Berber food feels like eating recipes from the past. Even if the contents of your tajine pot are a mystery, never say no to Berber food!

The flavours, especially the Berber omelette and the Kefta Tajine, will amaze you. Be sure to conclude your meal with Moroccan mint tea.

Discovering The Sahara Desert

Regardless of the Sahara Desert tours you opt for, the fact remains that you’ll have an incredible adventure in the desert for sure. There is so much to discover apart from the great dunes. 

During our Sahara trip in the Moroccan desert, we were incredibly fortunate to witness a new moon, making it one of the most memorable moments of our lives. Surrounded by the fire camp, we were amazed as a bright light emerged, revealing the new moon rising right before us.

Explore The Sand Dunes

The most popular and easily accessible route to embark on a Sahara Desert journey is through Morocco, with Merzouga as the prime destination for witnessing authentic Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

The Sahara Desert, stretching from one end of Northern Africa to the other, boasts incredible landscapes extending from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. 

Among the nations bordering this famous desert, Morocco provides some of the best Sahara Desert tours, offering numerous opportunities to explore its breathtaking beauty.

Many Sahara Desert tours guide you through the villages of Merzouga and Erfoud, following the traditional path along the historical Sahara trade routes. The journey often includes the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes. 

Entering the desert involves trekking along well-known routes and riding camels led by seasoned guides. The trip typically occurs before or after the sun reaches its midday peak, ensuring a comfortable experience.

While exploring Merzouga and Erfoud, observe the Bedouin tribes you may encounter, preserving the rich traditions of their culture. Numerous Arabs and Berbers within these tribes continue to live as their ancestors did for centuries.

If you ever feel like you’re not well treated because you’re not Moroccan, cast those concerns aside! The hospitality in Morocco is truly remarkable. Berber people extend the utmost warmth and kindness to everyone, embracing the philosophy of ‘live and let live.’ Their genuine desire is for everyone to feel at home in their midst.

Enhancing the beauty of this place is its stunning view of both sunrise and sunset, best experienced by embarking on a camel ride and reaching a strategic vantage point atop the dune.

Experience The Berber’s Life

The Berber communities, rich in diverse cultures and traditions, share a common thread: a nomadic way of life. 

These resilient people, known for their warmth and hospitality, often extend invitations for Moroccan mint tea or serve traditional Moroccan dishes.

A clear memory from our immersive Morocco Sahara Desert tour involves traversing a Berber village. During a brief stop, a gracious man opened his home to us, generously offering Moroccan mint tea and a delicious meal shared with his family.

Embarking on your Sahara Desert trip in Morocco provides a unique window into the traditional Berber way of life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle.

As part of this experience, you’ll have the opportunity to spend nights in a desert camp, providing an authentic taste of Berber living.

We recommend considering a dedicated cultural tour for a more in-depth cultural exploration. 

Visiting a nomadic family outside Merzouga offers profound insight into their daily lives and traditions during your Sahara Desert Morocco trip.

Choose The Best Campsite

If you’re on a Sahara Desert tour, the tour company takes care of your accommodation. Opting for a private tour might provide some flexibility, though it’s still not guaranteed.

There are several campsites, but make sure you book the best camp. Consider this three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Erg Chebbi for the opportunity to select among the best campsites.

Essentials for The Sahara Desert

You’ve decided to go on a Morocco trip in the Sahara Desert. With everything prepared, there’s just one final question: What essentials are necessary for this desert trip?

We highly recommend avoiding large luggage for your Sahara Desert Morocco trip. Maneuvering with bulky luggage on the sandy terrain can be challenging and stressful. Opting for a well-sized backpack is the ideal choice for a more manageable and enjoyable experience.

In addition to making a thoughtful choice regarding your luggage, we have compiled a list of essential items you will find immensely useful during your Morocco desert tour. 

Ensuring these items are on hand will make your experience a more comfortable and enjoyable adventure in the desert.

Sunscreen

The Sahara Desert stands out as the world’s largest hot desert, and even if you love the sun and the heat, the Sahara presents an unparalleled intensity. 

The scorching heat experienced here surpasses any other place on Earth.

Carrying sunscreen is essential even if you visit Morocco during the colder seasons. Avoid the risk of unintended sunburn during your Sahara trip. 

The desert’s expansive landscape can deceive, and one may not immediately realise the extent of sun exposure.

Sunglasses

In addition to covering your eyes from excessive sunlight, sunglasses are another essential item for your Sahara trip.

These are particularly useful during camel rides and jeep adventures.

When perched atop a camel, the elevated position and the wind make it easier for sand particles to enter your eyes. Similarly, the high-speed drive on a jeep amplifies the risk, making sunglasses indispensable for protection.

Sunglasses are highly advisable for the desert environment, whether you’re used to it or not. The shifting sands and unique experiences in the Sahara make sunglasses not just a practical accessory but a necessary safeguard against the elements. 

Small Flashlight

Throughout your Sahara Desert trip, you may join fellow travellers from your tour group around a campfire after enjoying your dinner at the camp. If you decide to leave before the others, you may have to navigate your way back alone without a guide.

In such situations, having a flashlight becomes vital to prevent the risk of getting lost by accidentally taking the wrong path back in the expansive desert. The absence of ambient light in the darkness makes it crucial for personal safety.

Additionally, the desert terrain poses another challenge. It’s very easy to drop belongings in the sand, and without a flashlight, locating lost items becomes impossible in pitch-dark surroundings.

Therefore, packing a flashlight is essential during your Sahara Desert adventure – not only as a navigational tool to ensure a safe return to your camp but also as a practical aid for retrieving items misplaced in the sands of the desert at night.

Powerbank 

A power bank is significant during your trip to the Sahara. 

While the desert camps are well-equipped with essential amenities, one thing you will need to find readily available is electrical plugs in your camp. As a result, you may face a weakening charge on your mobile phone or laptop.

Although there is the option to recharge your devices in the morning, the real challenge arises when you need to use your phone in the camp and the charge has drained. 

In such instances, the ability to make an important call to your family or send an urgent email becomes compromised. 

A power bank is vital in ensuring you have a good power source and stay connected in the Sahara’s vast desert.

Scarf

A scarf is essential for your Sahara Desert adventure, serving multiple purposes to enhance your experience. 

Whether shielding your head and shoulders from the intense heat during the day or covering your face to prevent sand from irritating your skin, a scarf is helpful, especially in windy conditions. 

As the sun sets and temperatures drop dramatically, a scarf becomes reliable, providing warmth even on summer nights when the desert air can turn surprisingly chilly.

Beyond its practical functions, a scarf also takes on cultural significance in the form of a keffiyeh, a traditional cotton scarf. This keffiyeh serves as a protective layer against dust, sand, and sunburn.

Wearing a scarf on your Sahara journey adds a touch of authenticity to your overall experience. You’ll find yourself taking pictures of yourself wearing it while creating memories of this memorable trip in the Sahara Desert.

Long pants

In addition to a scarf and sunglasses, opting for long pants during your trip to the Sahara Desert in Morocco is crucial for several reasons. 

While the scorching heat in the summer might make it tempting to wear shorts, it’s essential to wear long pants to prevent sunburn. 

Moreover, wearing shorts or a dress can lead to discomfort and even pain when it comes to camel rides. Packaging long pants is highly advisable to avoid discomfort and ensure a more enjoyable camel riding experience. 

So, be prepared and choose comfort during your desert adventure by including long pants in your packing list.

Warm Jacket

During your journey through the landscapes of northern Africa, a warm jacket is essential, especially during cold nights in the desert. 

While the days may be warm under the desert sun, the temperature can significantly drop after sunset, creating extreme conditions. 

A warm jacket ensures you stay comfortable and cosy during the cooler evenings, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the Sahara under the vast night sky. 

Whether you’re stargazing, sitting around a campfire, or simply drinking Moroccan mint tea in the tranquillity of the desert at night, a warm jacket becomes valuable throughout your Sahara adventure.

Our Experience at The Sahara Desert

After contemplating whether to explore the Sahara Desert in Morocco independently or opt for a Sahara Desert tour, we are so glad we decided to go on our own. 

From the desert camp to the exhilarating experiences of camel riding, fire camps, star gazing, jeep rides, quad biking, and sandboarding our Sahara Desert adventure was nothing short of an amazing experience. 

Choosing to explore the Sahara Desert independently allowed us the freedom to shape our journey, making every moment a unique and unforgettable part of our desert experience.

When planning your visit to the Sahara Desert through one of the many Morocco desert tours, researching is vital to ensure you choose the best group tour suited to your preferences. 

Go into detail, but don’t worry too much, as most tours promise a unique and incredible experience. We are sure that, like us, the Sahara will undoubtedly claim its place at the top of your list of unforgettable destinations. 

Our last suggestion is don’t just stay for one night. If possible, stay for at least two nights to have enough time to explore the Sahara.

Have you ever been to the Sahara Desert in Morocco before?

Share your experiences with us, and if there’s anything we might have missed during our adventure, feel free to let us know in the comments. 

We don’t mind revisiting the Sahara Desert!

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