Travel advice for Morocco
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Morocco
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Fatima Vieira
Our experience was amazing. Very well organized. During our stay there was a problem with a Riad , Insight guides solved the problem in a very professional...
Inspired?When it comes to breathtaking, soul-stirring travel experiences, few places on Earth can match the sheer wonder of Morocco's vast deserts. From the ethereal golden dunes of Merzouga to the rugged beauty of Erg Chigaga, this North African gem beckons explorers far and wide. In this guide, we’ll cover how to plan the perfect Morocco desert tour.
Created by local experts
Planning a perfect Morocco desert tour requires careful consideration and attention to detail.
Decide if you want to stay in hotels, traditional riads, or desert camps. Make reservations in advance to secure your accommodations, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Determine the mode of transportation for your tour. Many desert tours include travel by 4x4 vehicles or camel treks. Ensure that your transportation is comfortable and safe.
You can skip the hassle of planning and booking and instead let our Morocco local travel experts handle the details.
Morocco boasts an array of enchanting desert destinations, each with its own distinct allure. Let's take a closer look at the top four picks:
Merzouga, home to the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, is the quintessential Sahara adventure. Here, you can ride camels through the undulating desert, witness awe-inspiring sunsets and sunrises, and experience traditional Berber hospitality in cosy desert camps.
For those seeking a more remote and wild adventure, Erg Chigaga is a hidden gem. Its expansive dunes are perfect for sandboarding and thrilling 4x4 escapades, all in the serenity of a less-travelled desert.
Zagora, closer to Marrakech, offers a more accessible desert experience. Enjoy shorter camel rides, visit ancient kasbahs, and soak up the local culture in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Agafay, near Marrakech, boasts a rocky desert terrain that contrasts dramatically with the sandy dunes. Explore this lunar-like landscape on quad bikes or unwind in luxury desert lodges for a unique desert adventure.
Make going to the desert easy with our completely customisable Morocco itineraries.
A journey through Morocco's deserts is not just about the destination; it's about the extraordinary experiences along the way. Here are some things to do during your Morocco desert tour.
Morocco's desert nights unveil a celestial spectacle like no other. Gaze up at the crystal-clear skies and be mesmerized by constellations, planets, and shooting stars. This is one of the best things to do in Morocco.
Immerse yourself in Morocco's cultural tapestry by attending a lively Berber music and dance performance in a desert camp. It's an authentic and spirited way to connect with local traditions.
Looking for more ideas? You might be interested in 5 days in Morocco.
Get your adrenaline pumping by embarking on a thrilling 4x4 off-road adventure. Navigate the rugged desert terrain, conquer sand dunes, and uncover hidden oases in a heart-pounding expedition.
For an authentic desert experience, spend a night in a desert camp. Rest in traditional Berber tents beneath a blanket of stars, relish delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the tranquil desert night.
Embark on a camel trek, the time-honored mode of desert exploration. Traverse the dunes and experience the serene beauty of the desert, just as the Berbers have done for centuries.
Engage with local Bedouin communities to gain insights into their way of life. Share stories, discover their customs, and appreciate the resilience of these desert-dwelling communities.
Find even more ideas for your Moroccan adventure with our 7-day itineraries in Morocco.
As you venture through Morocco's deserts, make sure to explore these captivating places:
Wander through the ancient kasbahs, such as Ait Benhaddou, to witness the rich history and architectural marvels of the desert. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a glimpse into Morocco's fascinating past.
The towering Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga create an epic backdrop for your desert adventure. The golden sands will leave you in awe.
Discover the lush Draa Valley, renowned for its palm groves, ancient ksars (fortified villages), and meandering river. It's a striking contrast to the desert landscapes, brimming with natural beauty.
Known as the "Hollywood of Morocco," Ouarzazate is a captivating desert city. Explore the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah, delving into its cinematic history and unique architecture.
Situated in the High Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge is a mesmerising canyon with towering cliffs. Hike through this natural wonder and be enchanted by its breathtaking beauty.
Looking for more ideas? Try our 10-day Morocco itineraries.
Discover the essence of Morocco with this 5-day desert & Marrakech tour designed for travel enthusiasts. In Marrakech, enjoy a variety of culinary delights and participate in a cooking class at a non-profit organization. Then, embark on an unforgettable journey to the desert, where you'll spend a night at a desert camp.
Planning a trip to Marrakech? Start preparing for your trip with our guide to the best accommodation options in Marrakech.
This 5-day trip to Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains includes exploring Marrakech's old city, sampling local cuisine, and visiting the Majorelle Gardens. You’ll also go on a scenic journey to the Atlas Mountains with activities like camel riding, all culminating in a departure from Marrakech.
Here is our suggested 5-day Morocco desert tour:
Editor’s tip: Looking to immerse yourself fully in Marrakech? Discover how to make the most of a 3- or 4-day stay.
f you're pressed for time, this 10-day tour of Moroccan cities and Sahara takes a spin on the classic Morocco itinerary. Embark on a desert journey that retraces the path of Humphrey Bogart, starting in Casablanca, exploring the enchanting blue and white streets of Chefchaouen, and progressing to Fez. Experience an opulent night in a desert camp before venturing onward to Marrakech.
A comprehensive Moroccan journey spanning from Casablanca to Marrakech, including visits to iconic cities and sites like Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, Meknes, Volubilis, Merzouga, and Marrakech.
The itinerary covers cultural and historical explorations and desert adventures. It concludes with sightseeing in Marrakech before departing from either Marrakech or Casablanca.
Here is our suggested 10-day Morocco desert tour:
If you're pressed for time, this 8-day offers a compact yet captivating way to experience the best of Morocco in just over a week. From the cultural wonders of Fez to the scenic beauty of Chefchaouen, a night in a luxurious desert tent, and the exploration of Marrakech, it's your opportunity to embark on a desert adventure through Morocco!
This itinerary is a multi-day journey through Morocco, starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech. On this trip, you’ll explore Fez, visit the blue city of Chefchaouen, and experience the Sahara Desert with a luxury desert camp stay. The trip concludes with a guided tour of Marrakech before departing from Casablanca.
Here is our suggested 8-day Morocco desert tour:
Embark on an exhilarating 6-day High Atlas and Ahafay desert adventure from the captivating city of Marrakech, traversing valleys and venturing into the vast desert. This tour is tailored for those seeking a quick but immersive Morocco experience, eliminating long drives for a more compact exploration.
This 6-day Moroccan adventure begins in Marrakech and concludes in either Marrakech or Casablanca. It covers diverse experiences such as a guided city exploration, a small group food tour, a journey to the High Atlas Mountains and the Agafay desert, camel treks, and visits to unique sites like Erg Chigaga and a carpet cooperative in Taznakht.
Here is our suggested 6-day Morocco desert tour:
When planning your Morocco desert tour, timing is crucial.
The best time to visit the desert is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild. Summers can be scorching, while winters can get quite chilly, so consider these seasons when planning your trip.
Visiting a desert can be an extraordinary experience, but it's essential to stay safe. Here are some key safety tips:
Get even more useful information for your trip with our Morocco travel tips.
Getting to and around the Moroccan desert can be an adventure in itself. Here are some options:
Discover the beauty of Morocco with the guidance of Morocco local travel experts. They will handle every detail of the planning and booking for your adventure.
For more travel inspiration get yourself The Rough Guide to Morocco and check our list of the best things to do in Morocco.
Whenever you're ready to set off on your journey, explore our Morocco itineraries for inspiration, knowing that each one can be adjusted to meet your specific preferences.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Morocco
Discover Morocco's most captivating stories
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 20.05.2024
Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.
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