Best Morocco Desert Tours

1. Erg Chebbi Desert (Merzouga) Tour

Best for: Camel trekking, overnight in desert camps, and stunning landscapes.

• Highlights:
  • The iconic dunes of Erg Chebbi, which are some of the highest in Morocco (up to 150 meters).
  • Camel trekking through the golden sand dunes.
  • Stargazing and sleeping under the stars in luxury desert camps.
  • Visiting the village of Merzouga and experiencing local Berber culture.
  • Sunset and sunrise views over the dunes.
• Recommended tours:
  • 2-3 Day Tour from Marrakesh or Fes: Departing from either of these cities, you’ll journey through the Atlas Mountains, visit the Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, and the town of Rissani, before reaching the sand dunes for a camel ride and overnight stay in a desert camp.
  • 4-Day Marrakesh to Merzouga Desert Tour: A longer tour that includes more time exploring the surrounding landscapes, such as the Draa Valley, Ait Benhaddou, and the Atlas Mountains.

2. Erg Chigaga Desert (M’hamid) Tour

Best for: More remote and rugged desert landscapes with fewer tourists.

• Highlights:
  • The wild and remote dunes of Erg Chigaga, less touristy compared to Erg Chebbi.
  • Camel rides and 4×4 adventures in the desert.
  • Visit to the Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Spend a night at desert camps under the stars.
  • Explore M’hamid, the gateway to the desert.
• Recommended tours:
  • 3-Day Tour from Marrakesh: Explore the dramatic landscape of the High Atlas Mountains, visit Ait Benhaddou, and travel through the desert to reach Erg Chigaga.
  • 4-Day Sahara Desert Tour: This extended version also includes visits to Zagora and other desert oases, offering a comprehensive desert experience.

3. Draa Valley & Zagora Desert Tour

Best for: A shorter desert experience with cultural insights.

• Highlights:
  • The lush Draa Valley with its palm groves and kasbahs.
  • The small desert town of Zagora, known as the “gateway to the Sahara.”
  • Camel trekking and desert camp stays.
  • Cultural experiences with Berber communities.
• Recommended tours:
  • 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour: From Marrakesh, this tour takes you to Zagora for a camel ride and desert camping, offering a more accessible desert adventure compared to Merzouga or Chigaga.
  • Private Day Trip to Zagora: For a shorter desert excursion from Marrakesh, with camel rides and a taste of the Sahara.

4. Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour

Best for: A longer adventure through Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

• Highlights:
  • Depart from Fes, crossing the Middle Atlas and exploring towns like Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
  • The Ziz Valley and its palm groves.
  • Camel rides through the Erg Chebbi dunes and overnight camping under the stars.
  • Visit the ruins of ancient ksars and Berber villages.
• Recommended tours:
  • 3-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour: A more scenic route compared to the Marrakesh desert tours, this trip also includes cultural visits to villages like Erfoud and Rissani.

5. Marrakesh to Erg Chebbi via Dades and Todra Gorges

Best for: Nature lovers and those wanting to experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

• Highlights:
  • The dramatic Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge, famous for their towering cliffs and stunning views.
  • Camel trekking and overnight stay in a desert camp.
  • The chance to explore the Kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains.
  • Visiting local villages and interacting with Berber families.