Getting to the Sahara Desert in Morocco on your mesmerizing trip to Marrakech is an essential part of the trip. You will be in the awe of golden dunes, the golden hour and the gentle warm breeze of the desert which rustles beautifully through the desert sand.
The Moroccan desert tour route is simple considering the number of people heading towards the experience every single week let alone every month. This is why the government of Morocco places a huge emphasis on making your Marrakech Sahara Desert tour as memorable and safe as possible. While the Morocco desert trips consist of a pre-planned route, a timeline (which typically ranges from 1 to 3 days), the right outfit and the essential safety guidelines, here we will discover all you need to keep in mind before heading for your excursion to the world’s largest desert.
What is the Marrakech to Sahara Desert Route?
To plan a Sahara Desert excursion from Marrakech, the typical route involves travelling to Merzouga, the nearest town to the Erg Chebbi dunes, by booking a multi-day guided tour. These tours usually include visits to key attractions such as the Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge, and the Draa Valley, offering a chance to experience a variety of landscapes before reaching the desert.
Once there, you’ll enjoy activities like camel riding, overnight camping under the stars, and witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Most tours depart from Marrakech and can be customized to suit your preferred duration and activities. The average timeline for your Marrakech Sahara tour is 3 days as it allows you to reach while soaking in the surrounding views, stay in the desert and witness the beauty of the golden hour and not to forget, take many pictures in your cool desert outfit.
Also read: 10 Fascinating Facts about the Sahara Desert
Marrakech to the Sahara Desert – A well-planned timeline
Knowing what to expect during your travel and post-trip, you will be well prepared and will not miss the things that can make your tour a journey to remember. The Marrakech Sahara trip takes 9 hours, but the fun part is there is no particular point to begin. The whole journey, the desert and the scenery surrounding are a travel experience in themselves. You will be guided with a detailed itinerary for your tour which will start with jeep rides leading you to your camp at the end of the day.
You can also stroll through the desert on the famous camels of the Sahara which are calm, relaxed and hospitable just like the Moroccan people.
Next, you can enjoy stargazing from your camp and sleep in the cold desert winds which is completely safe. Your departure for a memorable journey means leaving your hotel as early as 6 or 7 am. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the trip, rest and recharge for the next day of the camel ride.
What to expect on your Marrakech Sahara Trip?
Morocco is a perfect blend of rich culture and stunning landscapes, and one of the most immersive ways to experience its diverse beauty is through a 3-day road trip from Marrakech to Merzouga.
From the towering peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the peaceful, golden dunes of the Sahara, this journey will take you through some of Morocco’s most iconic destinations, including the ancient-fortified village of Aït Benhaddou and the winding, dramatic roads of Tizi n’ Tichka.
The weather during the trip varies, with warm, sunny days in Marrakech, where the temperature can soar to around 25-30°C and cooler evenings. As you drive into the desert, the temperatures gradually rise, often reaching the mid 30s°C in Merzouga. The sky is typically clear and bright, with endless stretches of blue during the day, offering perfect conditions for stunning desert views and stargazing at night. This means binoculars can be an essential accessory for your Marrakech trip if you are a fan of the night sky and good thoughts.
Also read: Evening life in Marrakech
The ambience is equally captivating – the hustle and bustle of Marrakech gives way to the tranquil silence of the desert, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the peace of the vast Sahara. Along the journey, you’ll indulge in Morocco’s delightful cuisine: aromatic tagines, savoury couscous, and freshly baked bread, with a strong emphasis on rich spices like saffron, cumin, and cinnamon, adding to the sensory experience of this incredible adventure.
Marrakech Sahara Tour Attractions and Things to Do in Morocco Sahara
The Sahara Desert excursion is incomplete without the beautiful spots and well-planned activities. You will find many locals eager to help you out during your Marrakech trip as well as a pre-planned trip saves you lots of regrets in the future. We recommend you visit every popular Sahara Desert destination keeping in mind that the Sahara Desert is a complete tourist spot with lots of places to witness and soak in.
Here is a list of Marrakech Sahara tour attractions and activities to make your experience wholesome:
Erg Chebbi Dunes
A stunning expanse of golden dunes near Merzouga, perfect for camel treks and watching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It’s one of the most iconic desert landscapes in Morocco.
Camel Trekking
Experience the traditional way to explore the desert on a camel ride, with overnight stays in desert camps, offering an authentic Sahara adventure under the stars.
Ait Benhaddou
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient kasbah is a stunning example of Moroccan earthen architecture and has been featured in many films, including Gladiator.
Draa Valley
Known for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs, this valley contrasts the desert with traditional villages lining the river.
Oasis of Fint
A peaceful and serene oasis, surrounded by desert and mountains, offering a glimpse into traditional Berber life with its palm trees and mud-brick houses.
Tinfou Dunes
Located near Zagora, these dunes are quieter than Erg Chebbi and offer a less crowded desert experience with activities like sandboarding and star gazing.
Merzouga Village
A small village on the edge of the Sahara, Merzouga is the starting point for camel treks and is known for its rich culture and desert hospitality.
Zagora
Often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara, Zagora is known for its ancient kasbahs, and the famous sign stating, “52 Days to Timbuktu.”
Ouarzazate
Dubbed the “Gateway to the Sahara,” Ouarzazate is home to the Atlas Film Studios and offers a variety of attractions, including the Taourirt Kasbah and nearby film-set tours.
Jebel Saghro
A rugged mountain range in the Sahara, known for its striking volcanic peaks, offering a great hiking adventure through a wild and remote landscape.
A Marrakech to Sahara Desert Trip to Remember
Morocco is a place filled with lots of opportunities, beautiful architecture and scenery that are enough to appeal to any eye. People from all over the world visit Morocco to be impressed by the vast culture, rich traditions and beautiful deserts likewise. The excellent weather all year round makes the trip, equally fun and comfortable no matter what part of the world you belong to. Hence when it comes to planning your next travel for the year 2025, the Marrakech Sahara Desert tour is something you should not miss!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the trip from Marrakech to the Sahara like?
It is a journey through mountain and desert landscapes that takes one to see big sand dunes, camel riding, starry nights, and sunrises and sunsets. It takes about three days.
Q2: What cool things will I see on the way to the Sahara from Marrakech?
It includes an impressive view of the huge Atlas Mountains, an old village- Ait Benhaddou, palm tree valleys, and large desert areas before reaching the gigantic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Q3: How long does it take to get from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert?
Usually around nine hours of driving, that’s about how long it takes to get to the Sahara. But most people do it over about three days to stop and see things and enjoy the drive.
Q4: What can I do in the Sahara Desert near Marrakech?
Ride a camel to cross the major sand dunes, spend the night in a desert camp, watch the fabulous sunrise and sunset, and observe the stars. Some quieter dune areas are nearby.
Q5: What’s the weather like on a Marrakech to Sahara trip?
Generally, Marrakech enjoys sunshine and warm weather. It gradually heats up as one moves toward the desert, yet it becomes cooler at night. The nights are mostly clear, favorable for viewing the desert and stars.
