The Moroccan Sahara desert invokes a certain quietude and serenity that very few places in the world can compete with.
Picture yourself on top of the sandy dunes, hundreds of feet up high, a bright sea of orange at your feet, the sun bleeding into the deep blue horizon, a picturesque setting that inspires meditation and contemplation.
At night, a thousand stars illuminate the night sky in a purple haze, a fully immersive nature experience, truly one of a kind.
You’re hanging out with friends and family around a campfire, sizzling clay pots emanating enticing aromas, and a titillating bouquet of spicy fragrances.
A trip to the Sahara desert can be detoxifying to the soul, a truly enriching experience that you do not want to miss. With that said, planning your trip can prove to be a challenging task.
In this guide, we take you step by step through the trip preparations to help you plan the best Morocco Sahara desert tour!
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Why Plan a Trip to the Sahara Desert?
Morocco, and the Moroccan Sahara desert, in particular, is a destination that many travelers have on their bucket list.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or if you simply want to enjoy natural surroundings, monumental dunes, and a diverse landscape, then planning a trip to the Sahara desert is one of the most enchanting adventures you can experience.
On your way there, you will get to take in the breathtaking scenery, witness the grandiosity of the Atlas mountains up close, and as they disappear to make way for the golden sand and dunes of the desert, you will watch the wind shape and reshape new peaks and rippling valleys.
You will also get to mix and mingle with the locals, ride off into the sunset on the back of a camel, stargaze, sand surf, ride a quad bike, and more!
Sahara Desert Trips – Where to Go?
When planning your Sahara desert trip, one of the first decisions you need to make is which part of the Sahara you want to go to.
Choosing a specific area to visit will help you better understand your options in terms of transportation, lodgings, activities, etc.
There are two main desert areas that tourists visit during their stay in Morocco: the Merzouga desert and the Zagora desert.
Merzouga
Merzouga desert tours are the most popular because Merzouga is located near the popular sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
These dunes are much taller than those found in Zagora, they’re also much more impressive and make for a magical setting.
Moreover, the Merzouga region also has the advantage of being close to the town.
This means there are all sorts of amenities you may need: modern hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc, and you can easily get to the sand dunes as they’re a short camel ride away.
This makes for a much more convenient trip, especially if you’re strapped on time or if you’re not too keen on getting far off the beaten track.
With that said, being the more popular destination also means your desert trip will be more expensive and the area will be busier, particularly during peak season.
Keep in mind that Merzouga is a 9-hour drive away from Marrakech, so you need to account for an overnight stop
Zagora
Zagora is located in the southern part of Morocco, and while it is a desert, unlike the sandy Merzouga, this is a stone desert, so less magnificent dunes and more of a moon surface.
With that said, it is 60 km away from the Erg Chigaga sand dunes, so you can still make that part of your itinerary, but it will take a long time to get there.
This is why Zagora is not as popular as the tourist magnet that is Merzouga, and also why it’s more destined for budget travelers who have no issue with getting off the beaten track.
Camps in Zagora are also not as extravagant so expect to share toilet facilities and such.
Zagora is a 6-hour drive away from Marrakech, so if you don’t have much time to make it to Merzouga, you can opt for Zagora instead.
Though either way, you want to make sure that you get to spend ample time in the desert, as most of your trip will consist of driving.
If you book a 2 or 3-day tour, double-check that at least 2 nights of the tour will be spent in the desert. This will allow you to explore the desert at a slower pace so you can take part in all the activities that interest you.
Desert Excursion on Your Own vs. a Guided Sahara Desert Trip?
You can definitely organize your own customized trip to the Sahara desert, as there are many options for transportation and lodgings.
You can rent your own car or take the bus and upon your arrival, you can then arrange where to stay and what to do.
With that said, a DIY excursion is not highly recommended because you will be more focused on arrangements rather than enjoying your time there.
You also can’t account for plans falling through and the last thing you want is being left stranded alone (although that is a worst-case scenario).
When you book a desert tour, camping in the Sahara can be an amazing experience. You don’t have to worry about finding accommodations nor keeping your belongings safe.
You also get to enjoy the perks of a trip planned by a professional.
Moreover, you have everything scheduled so you get to make the most of every activity you engage in. The options are endless and there are many packages destined for all budget ranges.
You can even book a private tour if you want to relish in the tranquility and quietude of the desert.
A guided tour is all-inclusive, which means it will cover your transportation from Marrakech, activities, lodgings, and generally meals as well.
There are also fewer chances for you to get lost as you will be with a local guide who is familiar with the surroundings.
Moreover, they will also know the best places for capturing amazing photographs. Not only that, but there will also be no issue with language barriers and you can be certain of your safety the entire time.
Which Guided Desert Trips To Book?
Budget
If you’re looking for a more rustic experience and you’re not too taken aback by subpar amenities, then a budget trip might be for you.
While you can expect to get transportation and lodgings, you should also keep in mind that not all the meals will be included.
You will probably not find any showers either, and the few bathrooms available you will have to share with plenty of other tourists.
The bedding can be uncomfortable and camel trekking will most likely be the only activity you get to participate in.
Mid-range
A mid-range trip will include some of the amenities found in luxury camps (showers for instance or a private ride instead of a shared one).
You may also get better meals and a more comfortable place to sleep. Though keep in mind that you won’t get the same level of splendor as if you were to book a luxury camp.
Luxury
The Sahara desert luxury camp tours will provide you with everything you need as well as some extra perks.
You will benefit from an individual tent WITH running water, a private bathroom, a heating system installed inside the tent for those chilly nights, a large comfortable bed, your own sitting area, in addition to scrumptious traditional Moroccan meals.
There are also way more fun activities to participate in.
So if you want a truly relaxing experience in the Sahara desert, starting with coziness and comfort, make sure to book your trip in advance (before even arriving in Morocco).
This allows you ample time to do extensive research on each camp so you know exactly what to expect on your tour.
FAQ: Zagora or Merzouga: Making the Right Choice!
Q: What are the differences between Zagora and Merzouga?
A: The main difference is the duration of your stay. Zagora is ideal for a 2-day short trip, while a trip to Merzouga requires at least 3 days and 2 nights. Merzouga is famous for its sand dunes, while Zagora is known for its arid and rocky terrain.
Q: Where are Zagora and Merzouga located in relation to Marrakech?
A: Zagora is located approximately 355 kilometers from Marrakech, while Merzouga is located approximately 562 kilometers from Marrakech. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach Zagora and 9 to 10 hours to reach Merzouga by road.
Q: What activities can you do in Zagora and Merzouga?
A: In Zagora, you can take a sunset camel ride, go quad biking, and spend a night in a desert tent. In Merzouga, you can enjoy the large sand dunes, watch the sunset on a camel ride, and stargaze from your tent.