Morocco Sahara Desert Tour FAQs
If you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider joining a 3- or 4-day group trip to the desert from Marrakech or Fes. But, if you prefer enjoying the quiet of the Sahara, being in a group may not be the best choice.
We highly recommend a 4 to 6-day private desert tour for those with enough time in Morocco. This way, you can explore the southern region and the Sahara at your own pace, discover hidden secrets and oases, and learn about Berber culture and nomadic life.
You can reach Zagora, Chegaga, and Erg Chebbi (Merzouga Desert) in several ways: public buses, national flights, renting a car, or joining a Moroccan desert tour.
Public Buses:
There are daily buses to Zagora, and three Supratour buses go to Merzouga from Marrakech, Meknes, and Fes. The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga takes about 12 hours, leaving at 8:00 a.m. and arriving at 8:00 p.m. The Fes to Merzouga bus departs at 7:00 p.m. and arrives around 6:00 a.m.
National Flights:
Zagora's airport is connected to various Moroccan cities. Merzouga doesn't have an airport; instead, Errachidia's airport is the closest, accessible a few times a week from Casablanca and Fes.
Renting a Car:
You can use a regular car to reach both Merzouga and Zagora. If you prefer avoiding the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, consider hiring a car with a driver or joining a Morocco desert tour from Marrakech, Fes, or Casablanca, which includes transportation, accommodation, and activities.
Merzouga and Zagora deserts are among Morocco's driest and hottest places. In summer (mid-June to mid-September), temperatures can reach 50 °C, while in winter (mid-November to mid-February), it can get as cold as 0 °C in the early morning.
The best time to go on a Moroccan Sahara desert tour is from September to May. It's not recommended during the summer months because it gets extremely hot. Be aware that in December and January, mornings can be as cold as 0 degrees, but temperatures usually rise to 22 degrees during the day.
The Sahara Desert is in the southeastern part of Morocco. You can find it in places like Merzouga and Erg Chebbi in the east, and Zagora and Chegaga in the south. These areas have vast sand dunes and offer experiences like
camel treks. If you want to explore the desert, Merzouga with its tall dunes and Zagora in the Draa Valley are good places to start. They let you enjoy the unique beauty and culture of the Moroccan Sahara.
The cost of a Moroccan desert tour depends on a few things, like how long the tour is, where you stay, how you get around, and what activities are included. Here's a simple breakdown:
Shared Morocco Desert Tour Groups (3-4 days):
These are more affordable, usually ranging from 100 to 300 EUROS per person. You share the experience with other travelers.
Private Morocco Desert Tours:
For a more personal trip with better places to stay, it might cost between EUR 500 and EUR 1,500 or more per person.
Morocco Luxury Desert Tours:
If you want a really fancy experience with top-notch everything, it could be over EUR 2,000.
Remember to check what's included, like transportation, places to stay, meals, and activities. Prices can be different between companies, so it's good to compare before you decide.
When packing for a Moroccan desert tour, consider the desert weather and your planned activities. Here's a simple list:
1. Clothes:
- Light, long-sleeved shirts and pants to shield from the sun.
- Scarf or shawl for sun protection.
- Hat with a wide brim.
- Comfortable shoes or boots.
- Sandals or flip-flops for camp.
2. Warm Layers:
- Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
- Light jacket for wind.
3. Essentials:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Small first aid kit.
4. Things to Carry:
- Small backpack.
- Water bottle.
- Camera or phone.
5. Personal Items:
- Toiletries (small shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.).
- Wet wipes or sanitizer.
- Medications.
6. Extras:
- Headlamp or flashlight.
- Power bank for charging.
- Travel adapter for outlets.
7. Important Papers:
- Passport and any visas.
- Copy of your plans.
- Emergency contacts.
8. Optional:
- Guidebook or language book.
- Binoculars.
- Journal or notebook.
Adjust the list based on your tour details and the time you're visiting. Be ready for hot days and cold nights.
