Marrakech to the Sahara Desert: Things to Know Before You Go

Rolling sand dunes, picturesque sunsets, and dazzling night skies are just some of the unforgettable things you can see on your Sahara desert tour. While the Sahara stretches across most of the North African continent, the infamous sand dune camelback trips are located in Merzouga and should be added to your itinerary when you visit Morocco.

Reaching the Sahara desert from Marrakech is an adventure in and of itself due to the beautiful scenery and cultural stops you will make along the way. The geography of Morocco includes huge, curvy mountains that greatly increase travel time. As a result, the best Sahara desert tours Morocco will take a minimum of three or four days to ensure you gain the true desert experience.

Tour Must-Haves

When choosing your tour, consider the other stops you’d like included in your itinerary. You must pass through the Atlas Mountains, as this is where the Sahara actually begins. The Dades River begins in the mountains and flows into Dades Gorge, your likely first night’s stop on your journey. Ensure your tour includes time to visit the beautiful gorges, as well as stops in Rose Valley and the Berber village of Ait Ben Haddou. This village is quite famous as it has been filmed for a number of movies and television series’ such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

The true Sahara experience begins when you reach the village of Merzouga. From here, you will set out on your camel and tour the unforgettable sand dunes. Ideally, you will reach this area in time to see the sunset over the dunes as you travel. Your tour will likely include time with the local Berber people for traditional food and music and great company.

The desert experience would not be complete without at least one night spent camping under the seemingly unending stars. The Milky Way is clearly visible here due to low light pollution, as well as several other planets in our solar system depending on their alignment at the time of your visit. Wake up in the morning to the gorgeous sunrise as it reflects off the rippling sand that formed from the night’s winds.

Last Minute Advice

Remember that the desert will be hot during the day, even in winter, so ensure you dress accordingly. When camping at night, however, the temperature can drop as much as 40° Fahrenheit. In the winter, this can mean freezing temperatures, so ensure you are prepared ahead of time. You will also want to have cash handy for souvenirs, food, and water.