If you are wondering how to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco then you come to the right place. We are going to answer this question in this short blog post and see what you can do there and so on.
The best way to visit the Sahara desert in Morocco is through a tour operator or by renting a car and booking all your accommodation and activities yourself. You can also travel to the desert by bus, but that takes a lot of time.
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The Sahara desert is known for being one of the largest hot and largest deserts by area and the aridest deserts in the world. It’s so sure, that it covers almost 31% of the entire African continent. There are many different types of deserts throughout the world, but few can compete with the beauty and mystique of the Sahara. There are few places as remote and untouched as this massive expanse of sand dunes and high peaks. For those that have yet to visit this iconic location, here are some tips on how you can visit this magnificent place in Morocco!
How to Get to the Sahara Desert
Morocco is a country in Africa and it is one of the countries with deserts. If you are planning to visit the desert, you may be wondering how to get there. In this section, I will tell you how to get to the desert in Morocco.
There are several options for getting from Marrakech to the Sahara and these are the most popular options: by bus or car. Most travelers choose to do this trip by car for 3 or 4 days with a private driver. The Sahara is 561 km far from Marrakech via the N12 and 552 km via the N10. It takes about 9 hours to drive, but many people don’t do it in one day.
To reach the desert in Morocco, you have to take a plane to Marrakech and then drive to the desert by car. There are many flights available to Marrakech airport. The best time to travel to the desert is in November or December when temperatures are cooler and less crowded with tourists.
The desert in Morocco is unique. We are one of the companies in Morocco that offers this kind of tour and we can proudly say that we have been doing this for over 15 years now!
Our desert tours start in Marrakech, which is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. It has lots of magical sites and beautiful buildings which were built centuries ago.
Then we head into the desert where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sights that exist on earth! You will see spectacular rock formations, amazing caves, and even some nomadic villages!
Our Moroccan desert tours are suitable for everyone from young children to experienced travelers. We understand that there may be people who don’t want to take this kind of trip, but we want them to know that they are welcome to come with us if they want to!
Plan Your Trip to the Desert in Morocco
As this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it is advisable to plan your trip well in advance, from accommodation to transportation. It might be a good idea to book as early as possible to get the best deal, as this will give you the best chance of getting more options. Also keep an eye on the weather conditions in the region you plan to visit, as well as any travel advisories that may or may not be in effect.
Since we select the Moroccan Sahara, we will only have it here only about the safest desert that any tourist can visit. When planning to venture into the desert to explore the most beautiful Sahara desert in Morocco, there are a few important things to keep in mind to keep you safe. It’s important to stay well hydrated throughout the day and make sure you drink water regularly. Do not quench your thirst with tap water. Don’t listen to the locals assure you it’s not a problem and it’s drinkable. It is true that the population drinks it without any problems, but that is because their organism can withstand it. Stay away from alcohol as it will dehydrate you even faster. It is also useful to bring a hat or scarf because it protects you from the sun and also regulates your body temperature.
The most popular Moroccan Sahara are Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. Erg Chebbi is located near Merzouga. Merzouga, a city in the south of Morocco, is the starting point to visit the Sahara desert. The city has been a destination for those seeking a desert experience for years. Today it is a popular destination for travelers looking to camp under the stars in the Sahara and witness the sunset on the dunes
To get to Merzouga from Fez (or anywhere else), maybe it is better to take an early morning bus. Check the website of CTM and Supratours for information about departure times. Normally, all buses stop for lunch along the way. We chose CTM and Supratours because they are the best and most well-organized bus transport organizations and they offer quite free stress rides. You also can hire a vehicle in Marrakech and drive yourself there. If you are struggling or don’t have time to plan everything, we also have a 4 or 3 days desert tour from Marrakech and Fes which are available all year round.
The second desert area is Erg Chegaga, but it is recommended to do it with a local guide. The Erg Chegaga is a Moroccan desert, known for its wild desert landscape, near M’hamed town. It is one of Morocco’s most visited deserts and is often visited as part of a 3-day desert excursion departing from Marrakech. On our tours page, we have this tour available. The 3-day desert tour from Marrakech starts on the first day with a visit to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. After lunch, you visit the city of Ouarzazate and explore the film studios. On the second day, the journey usually starts towards the dunes of Erg Chegaga, which are among the highest in North Africa. From there you have beautiful views of the sands and you can see different wild animal species. You are going to spend the night in a fancy desert camp under the stars if you wish or in a nomadic tent. The camp is equipped with all amenities such as tents, bathrooms, and a restaurant so that you can enjoy your stay comfortably.
Stay in a nomadic tent camp in the desert
If you’re looking for an authentic desert experience, nothing beats staying in a desert camp in the Sahara. Many of these desert camps are located in the middle of the desert. The traditional way of living in the desert has slightly changed over the years. In the desert regions of Morocco, you are likely to find several camps, each camp with its own style and infrastructure. Camps are usually fancy, with a central campfire pit and restaurant tent. Bedouin camps are usually continuous tents with beds, electricity, and bathrooms. The simple camps have the bathrooms separated.
Activities in the Desert in Morocco
There are many different activities that you can do while exploring the Sahara desert. Some of the most popular activities include:
- – Camel Riding – The most authentic way to explore and experience the Sahara desert. Camel riding is safe and an amazing way to see the desert, while also getting a chance to bond with the locals that guide the camels.
- – Sand Boarding – Definitely not for the faint of heart, sand boarding (or sand surfing) is a great way to see the desert from an entirely new perspective.
- – Visiting a local village is a great way to learn more about the local way of life. It is also a great way to experience the distinct culture of the people that call the Sahara desert their home.
- – Stargazing – There’s no better place to stargaze than the vast, open desert. With little to no light pollution, the desert is the perfect place to see a spectacular view of the stars.
- – Visiting a Desert Oasis – Many deserts have nearby oases, serving as small respites from the arid landscape. Visiting a nearby oasis is a great way to experience the lush, green landscape of an oasis, while still exploring the desert.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has inspired you to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco. It is an incredible place and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has the chance to go. There are so many things that can be done in the Sahara desert as well as in other towns along the way, so don’t be afraid of being overwhelmed with choices! If you’re lucky enough to travel to the Sahara desert, you’ll be able to say that you’ve seen one of the world’s most untouched and beautiful landscapes.
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