Morocco desert tours: the best routes, how many days you need, desert camps, camel treks and tips for choosing your trip.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
The best Morocco desert tour for most travellers is a 3-day private tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, with a camel ride at sunset and a night in a desert camp beside the Erg Chebbi dunes. You need at least 2 days from Marrakech, and 3 or 4 days are more comfortable, because the drive is long. Zagora is closer and has smaller dunes, and tours from Fes or Ouarzazate reach Merzouga from the north and the west. Highlights Morocco Tours plans private desert tours with a driver and a local guide, from 249 euros per person.
There are many ways to see the Moroccan Sahara, and the right one depends on where you start, how many days you have and what you want to see on the way. This guide compares the main routes, explains the camps and the camel treks and tells you what to check before you book. When you want help, message us on WhatsApp and we plan it for you.
The best Morocco desert tours compared
| Route | Days | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech to Merzouga | 2 to 4 | The classic trip: High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades, Todra and the big dunes |
| Marrakech to Zagora | 2 to 3 | A shorter drive, palm groves and the Draa Valley |
| Marrakech to Fes via the desert | 3 | The Sahara on the way between two great cities |
| Fes to Merzouga | 3 | The Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the dunes |
| Ouarzazate to Merzouga | 3 | Start near the Atlas kasbahs, with the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges |
| Casablanca or Tangier to the desert | 5 or more | The imperial cities, the Sahara and the south in one trip |
For the full list of private routes, see our Morocco tour packages. Not sure between Merzouga and Zagora? Read Merzouga or Zagora.
Want help choosing your desert tour?
Tell us your dates and where you start. We reply with a free quote and a simple recommendation.
How many days do you need?
| Days | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days | Long drives, one night in the desert | Short on time |
| 3 days | Time for Ait Ben Haddou, Dades or Todra, a camel ride and a night in the camp | Most travellers |
| 4 days | A slower pace and an extra stop or night | A relaxed trip |
| 5 days or more | The desert plus Fes, the north or the Atlantic coast | A full Morocco trip |
For more detail, read excursions from Marrakech to the Sahara and our Morocco itineraries.
Desert camps and camel treks
A desert camp is a group of tents beside the dunes, where you have dinner, music around the fire and a night under the stars. A camel trek takes you into the dunes at sunset and back at sunrise, depending on the season and your arrival time. Camps vary from simple to more comfortable, so ask what type of camp is included before you book. See our camel trekking in Merzouga and overnight desert camp pages.
Where to start your desert tour
- Marrakech: the most popular start, with the High Atlas on the way. See things to do in Marrakech.
- Fes: a good start if you are in the north. See things to do in Fes.
- Ouarzazate: closer to the Sahara, with kasbahs and palm groves. See our Ouarzazate guide.
- Agafay: a short evening near Marrakech instead of the dunes. See Agafay vs Sahara.
What to check before you book
- What is included: driver, guide, accommodation, camel ride, camp, meals and taxes.
- The type of camp and how far it is from the dunes.
- How many hours you drive each day.
- The season: summer is very hot and winter nights are cold. See the best time to visit Morocco.
- Reviews and communication of the company. See what to check before booking a Sahara tour.
Our Morocco desert tours
- 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour: the classic Sahara trip.
- 2-day Marrakech to Zagora desert tour: a short escape with a shorter drive.
- 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour: from 249 euros per person, with a night in the Sahara.
- Morocco group tours: shared and small-group options.
- Morocco tour cost guide: what changes the price.
Ready for the desert?
Send your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
Morocco desert tours: frequently asked questions
What is the best Morocco desert tour?
For most travellers it is a 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: you cross the High Atlas, see Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades and Todra areas, ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a desert camp beside the Erg Chebbi dunes. A 2-day tour is faster, and a 4-day tour is more relaxed.
How many days do I need for a desert tour in Morocco?
Plan at least 2 days from Marrakech, but 3 days is much more comfortable because the drive to Merzouga is long. From Marrakech to Zagora the drive is shorter, so a 2 or 3-day tour works well. If you also want Fes or the Atlas valleys, choose 4 days or more.
Where do Morocco desert tours start?
The most common starting points are Marrakech, Fes and Ouarzazate. We also offer routes from Casablanca and Tangier. Each route crosses different landscapes before reaching the dunes, so choose the one that fits where you are staying.
Which desert is best: Merzouga or Zagora?
Merzouga has the tall golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and it is the classic desert image. Zagora is closer to Marrakech, with palm groves and a more varied landscape, but smaller dunes. Read our guide to Merzouga or Zagora to compare them.
Can I do a desert tour from Marrakech to Fes?
Yes. Our 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour goes through the Sahara at Merzouga and ends in Fes, so you do not repeat the road. The same route also works in the other direction, from Fes to Marrakech.
What is a desert camp in Morocco like?
A desert camp is a group of tents set up beside the dunes, with beds, blankets, dinner and breakfast, and music around the fire. Standard camps are simple, and some camps offer more comfort. Ask us what type of camp is included in your quote.
Is a camel ride included in a desert tour?
Most Merzouga tours include a camel ride at sunset into the dunes and back at sunrise, depending on the season and your arrival time. Check the tour page for the details of each route.
Can I go camping in the Sahara in Morocco?
Yes. Staying in a desert camp is the usual way. Winter nights are cold and summer days are very hot, so choose your season carefully. See the best time to visit Morocco guide.
What should I pack for a Morocco desert tour?
Pack light layers, a warm jacket for the night, a scarf for sand and sun, sunglasses, sun cream, closed shoes and a small bag for the camel ride. Keep your main luggage in the vehicle. See our Moroccan clothing guide.
How much does a Morocco desert tour cost?
The price depends on the route, the number of days, the group size and the season. Our private Morocco tours start from 249 euros per person. Send us your dates and we send a free quote.
How do I book with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your desert trip with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
