Tour style

Sahara Desert Tours in Morocco

Camel treks at sunset, nights under the stars and the kasbahs and gorges on the way, from Marrakech or Fes.

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Best forFirst-time visitors, couples, families, friends
Duration3 to 10 days
Best seasonOctober to April (all year with adapted timing)
GroupPrivate or small group
PaceEasy, some long driving days

A night in the Sahara is the highlight of a trip to Morocco. Riding a camel into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset, eating dinner around the fire and waking up to a silent sunrise over the sand is something travelers never forget.

Our Sahara desert tours start in Marrakech or Fes and follow the most beautiful roads of the south: over the High Atlas, through Aït Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra gorges and the palm groves of Tinghir, to the dunes of Merzouga. We also run trips to Zagora and to Erg Chigaga, the wildest desert in Morocco.

Every desert tour can be private, just for you, or shared with a small group, and adapted to your budget, from comfortable standard camps to luxury tents with private bathrooms.

Why travel with us

Why Choose Touareg Trails

Desert experts

Local drivers and camel guides who know every track, camp and viewpoint of the south.
The best route

Kasbahs, gorges and oases on the way, so the journey is as beautiful as the destination.
Camps for every budget

From comfortable Berber camps to luxury tents with private bathrooms and gourmet dinners.
Time in the dunes

We recommend two nights in the desert so you enjoy sunset, sunrise and the villages without rushing.
Private or small group

Travel only with your partner, family or friends, or join a small group on set dates.
Safe and supported

Comfortable vehicles, experienced drivers and a local team available on WhatsApp.

Highlights

Experiences You Will Love

Camel trek at sunset

A gentle 1 to 1.5 hour ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi to your camp.
Night under the stars

Dinner, drums around the fire and one of the clearest skies on Earth.
4×4 and quad

Explore the dunes, black hamada and nomad areas around Merzouga.
Gnawa music in Khamlia

Meet the musicians of Khamlia village and their spiritual music.
Nomad family visit

Share tea with a nomad family and learn about life in the desert.
Aït Ben Haddou

The UNESCO-listed ksar on the road to the desert.

Sample itineraries

Ideas for Your Trip

Every itinerary can be changed: length, route, accommodation and activities.

3 days
Marrakech to Merzouga express

Marrakech · Aït Ben Haddou · Dades · Merzouga

The shortest way to see the big dunes of Erg Chebbi, with one night in the desert. Long but spectacular driving days.
Ask about this route
5 days
Marrakech to the Sahara

Marrakech · Dades · Todra · Merzouga · Draa Valley

Our favourite desert trip, with two nights in the dunes and a return through the Draa Valley.
See the full itinerary
4 days
Marrakech to Fes via the desert

Marrakech · Dades · Merzouga · Ifrane · Fes

Cross Morocco from south to north with a night in the Sahara on the way.
Ask about this route
8 days
Kasbahs and gorges

Marrakech · Telouet · Skoura · Todra · Merzouga

A slower journey through the valley of a thousand kasbahs to the dunes.
See the full itinerary

Best Time to Go

The best time for a Sahara desert tour is from October to April, when days are warm and nights fresh. In winter, nights can drop close to zero, so camps provide thick blankets. In summer, the desert is very hot in the middle of the day: we plan camel rides at sunset and sunrise and rest in the shade in between.

What Is Usually Included

Private or shared transport with an experienced driver
Hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech or Fes
Camel trek to and from the camp
Night(s) in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
Guesthouse or kasbah hotel on the way
Upgrade to a luxury desert camp on request

Good to Know

Bring a small backpack for the camp: your luggage stays in the vehicle
Pack a scarf against sun and sand, and a warm layer for the night
Choose two nights in the desert if you can
Bring a power bank: electricity in camps can be limited
Cash is useful for drinks, tips and the Khamlia musicians

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for a Sahara desert tour from Marrakech?

Three days is the minimum to reach the big dunes of Merzouga, with one night in the desert. We recommend 4 or 5 days to enjoy the journey and spend two nights in the dunes.

Merzouga or Zagora: which desert is better?

Merzouga has the high golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and is the classic Sahara experience. Zagora is closer and can be done in 2 days, but the dunes are much smaller. Erg Chigaga is the wildest option, reached by 4×4.

What is the desert camp like?

You sleep in Berber tents with real beds and blankets, with shared or private bathrooms depending on the camp. Luxury camps add private bathrooms, more space and gourmet dinners.

Can I do the desert tour without riding a camel?

Yes. You can reach the camp by 4×4 instead. Many families and travelers with back problems choose this option.

Is a Sahara tour suitable for children and seniors?

Yes. We adapt the pace, add stops and choose comfortable camps. The camel ride is gentle and can be replaced by a 4×4 transfer.

Can the desert tour start in Fes and end in Marrakech?

Yes. Many travelers start in Fes, spend a night in Merzouga and finish in Marrakech, or the other way round.

How much does a desert tour cost?

The price depends on the number of days, private or shared transport and the type of camp. Send us your dates for a free quote.

Plan your trip