When I tell you visiting the Sahara Desert was one of the best experiences of my life, I am not exaggerating.
I can’t fully explain what it’s like to be surrounded by giant dunes of sand, under the darkest, most star-filled skies you’ve ever seen, riding a camel to the coziest camp in existence, or drinking bottles of wine with people you jUST MET in the desert…
But I can tell you, it’s a memory you’ll never forget. I certainly won’t.
If you’re thinking about booking a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco, definitely do it. Just do it. I swear, you won’t regret it.
There are a few options you have, which I’ll do my best to explain so you can pick the best one for you…
Me, overcome with joy
The Best Sahara Desert Tours in Morocco
The first thing you’ve got to figure out is how much time you have. The Sahara Desert is pretty far from Morocco’s cities, so tours usually run for two or more days.
If you’re starting from Marrakech, which you probably are, desert tours will most likely be taking you to Merzouga, which is the outskirts of the Sahara Desert on Morocco’s border. This is where I went.
You can cut your time down by traveling out of the city on your own, but this takes some navigation abilities.
I was short on time and didn’t want to navigate on my own, so I went with a 3-day, 2-night tour from Marrakech. I loved it and can’t recommend it enough.
This is the tour I did: Marrakech to Merzouga 3 days 2 nights Sahara Desert Tour Adventure
It has 5 stars and 2,000 plus reviews, labeled Excellent Quality by Viator.
You spend the first day driving halfway between Marrakech and Merzouga, where you stop at some of the coolest tourist destinations along the way: the Atlas Mountains, UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Atlas studios (where they filmed some of Indiana Jones), and Valley of the Roses (where you stay at a nice hotel for the night).
For those worried about bathroom breaks and food, you stop plenty and have lots of chances to buy snacks. Otherwise, breakfast and dinner are included.
The next day, you visit the grove of Todgha and Erfoud, before you reach the Sahara desert in time for a camel desert trek at sunset (literally so beautiful).
You’ll also get to ride some sandboards down the giant dunes! (scarier than you think)
Camping is a bit more like “glamping” with a nice multi-course meal and a dance party around a bonfire.
My new friends and I bought a bottle of wine and went to lie amongst the dunes where I saw more stars than I had ever seen in my life.
We watched as the moon crested from beyond the horizon and lit up the sky. It is one of my favorite memories. I played Tamino’s Indigo Night and the vibes were immaculate. Some of the Moroccan guides joined us and we had a lot of fun.
The next day, you can either choose to go back to Marrakech or continue on to Fez, depending on your schedule. Make sure you get in the right minivan!
Overall, I found the trip to be very pleasant. Though the drive is long, you are constantly stopping to see stuff. But just driving through the desert is cool in itself.
I really loved my guide and damn, that chicken tangine was good. No complaints on my end. This is one of the best tours I ever booked.
Everyone on my cute little tour!
One Night Camel Trek and Camping in Merzouga
If you want to skip the 3-day tour and simply book a camel trek and camping night in the Sahara, your best bet is this tour here:
1 night Camel Trekking in Merzouga Desert Camps
It starts in Merzouga, so you’ll have to navigate there yourself, but there are plenty of public transportation options. You can also simply rent a car.
It’s about $60 USD per person, but it includes dinner and breakfast. You’ll also get to experience traditional Berber drumming at your campsite.
My cappuccino came in a Spongebob dixie cup (which made my day). Some younger girls then asked to take photos with me (hehe I love this)
Sahara Desert Tours in Morocco: Starting From Fez
If you’re starting in Fez, you can book a Sahara Desert tour that will take you to Merzouga and then to Marrakech.
Best Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Dunes, 3 Days Tour
It’s similar to the one I booked, except the opposite way around. It stops at a few different places, too.
The main difference is it’s a bit pricier ($220 USD).
Cheapest Sahara Desert Camel Tour in Merzouga
For all my budget travelers, this is the cheapest and highest-rated tour I could find:
Sunset in Merzouga Sahara Desert & Camel Ride Erg Chebbi Dunes
It’s about $20 USD and is essentially just the camel ride around the Merzouga dunes. It lasts about two hours, but you’ll get the Sahara Desert experience.
If you need more options check this link out to see a full list of all the top Sahara Desert tours in Morocco!
Happy traveling <3
Leave A Comment