How to Visit the Sahara Desert, Morocco

Covering more than 9 million square kilometers across North Africa, the Sahara Desert is an expansive wonder. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Berber people, savor authentic Moroccan cuisine, and spend a night in a desert camp, where the sky comes alive with countless stars. Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour road journey through mountain ranges, historic villages, canyons, and quaint towns to reach Merzouga. Serving as the gateway to the famous golden Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga offers visitors a taste of traditional Berber hospitality amidst the backdrop of surreal desert landscapes.

Recommended Tour Company

IGoMorocco - 3 DAYS Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

What To Bring

• Water

• Sunscreen

• Power Bank

• Toiletries

• Warm clothing for night - lightweight puffer/socks/hat/gloves

• Light layers for the day

Day 1: Marrakech-Atlas Mountains-Kasbah-Ouarzazate-Dades Valley

7-8 AM - Driver pick-up at the riad.

Atlas Mountains

This extensive mountain village spans over 2,500 km with sporadic Berber villages nestled in between. Stop at a cafe for mint tea with rooftop seating overlooking the range.

Kasbah Ait ben Haddou UNESCO World Heritage Site

The next stop is the Kasbah at Air Ben Haddou, where The Gladiator was filmed. Walk around the maze-like alleyways slowly inclining to the top of the village until you’re confronted with a view over the entire village. Learn how desert nomads traded and lived.

Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Kasbah

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is home to the movie museum where The Mummy was filmed. Drive through and depending on the timing, stop and walk around.

Dades Valley

The Dades Valley is the accommodation for the night. The tour operator will spread out groups of people into different accommodations, at an authentic Moroccan hotel. Once there, they'll prepare a tagine dinner for you before settling down for the night.

Day 2: Ouarzazate- Berber Village-Todra Gorge- Merzouga

8 AM - Traditional Breakfast in the hotel.

Berber Village

Follow the guide into the town where a few of the inhabitants will show you how they trade and make a living. You’ll be given a glass of mint tea as they teach you how they craft carpets.

Todra Gorge

Situated in the East side of the Atlas Mountains, this is a gorgeous series of limestone river canyons. You'll have the change to get out and walk around the area before continuing onto the Sahara.

The Sahara

The guide will drop you off at the entrance of the desert with people of the Berber tribe and at this point, you'll leave the initial guide behind. You'll be given a camel to ride a 1-hour trek to the overnight tents while viewing the sunset over the desert.

At the Berber Desert Camp, dinner is prepared upon arrival. You'll be welcomed into a large tent with a long table with travelers from the different tour groups, creating a sense of community. Large portions of tagine are served, followed by a night of traditional songs and dancing around the fire and stargazing. At the end of the night, you'll head back to your designated tent that includes a platform with heavy blankets for sleeping.

Day 3: Merzouga-Marrakech

Early in the morning, roughly 6:30 AM, you'll wake up and ride the camels out of the desert. This is the time when it's still incredibly cold and you'll want warm clothing - including a hat, gloves, and a warm jacket since you're no longer embraced by the thick, heavy blankets provided in the tent.

After the 1-hour trek out of the desert, you'll be greeted by your initial tour guide and you'll be given breakfast with the Berber locals before taking the 11-hour trip back to Marrakech. To break up the trip on the way back, you'll be stopping every two hours for a lunch break, coffee break, and to stretch your legs.