Essential Things to Know Before Booking a Morocco Desert Tour

Introduction to Morocco's Desert Wonders:

Morocco's desert is unlike any other. With its sprawling dunes, rugged terrain, and vast open spaces, it's a place of serenity and beauty. There's a certain tranquility to the desert—it's a place to connect with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, stretching across 10 countries including Morocco. Morocco's portion of the Sahara is known as the Moroccan Sahara, and it covers a vast area of the country. Here, you'll find towering dunes, barren landscapes, and a variety of wildlife. Whether you're seeking adventure, looking for an escape from the everyday, or just wanting to explore a new place, Morocco's desert is the perfect place to do it. There's something for everyone, whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer.

The Best Time to Visit the Sahara:

When planning a desert trip, it's important to take into account the weather. Morocco's desert can be hot and dry during the summer months, with temperatures reaching over 100°F (37.7°C). The winter months are much milder, with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F (10-21°C).

The best time to visit the desert is between October and April, when temperatures are more moderate. During this time, you can explore the desert without worrying about the heat. You'll also have the opportunity to see the desert during the cooler months.

No matter when you visit, make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The desert can be a harsh environment, so it's important to be prepared for any eventuality.

Marrakech & Fez: Ideal Starting points of your Desert Adventure

Morocco is a country that offers diverse and fascinating travel experiences, from exploring historic cities and immersing oneself in rich cultural heritage to trekking in the mountains and venturing into the vast Sahara Desert. For those interested in experiencing the latter, the cities of Fez and Marrakech are ideal starting points for desert tours.

Morocco Desert Tours from Fez:

Fez, the former capital of Morocco and one of the country's oldest and most historically significant cities, is located in the northern part of the country. It is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina (old city), which is one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world. The medina is a maze-like labyrinth of narrow alleys, traditional shops, and artisan workshops, where visitors can witness skilled artisans creating handcrafted goods like pottery, textiles, and leatherwork. From Fez, visitors can easily arrange for guided desert tours that will take them through the Middle Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara, where they can experience the vast expanse of the desert, visit traditional Berber settlements, and camp under the stars.

Morocco Desert Tours from Marrakech:

Marrakech, another ancient city and cultural hub located in the south of the country, is also an ideal starting point for desert tours. Marrakech is known for its bustling markets, lively street performers, and impressive architectural landmarks, such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. Visitors can also explore the medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant hub of Moroccan culture. From Marrakech, visitors can embark on guided desert tours that will take them through the High Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara, where they can experience camel rides, sandboarding, and camping in traditional Berber tents.

Both Fez and Marrakech offer a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure, making them ideal starting points for exploring the desert. Visitors can choose from a range of guided tours that cater to their interests, budget, and travel style, whether they prefer a short excursion or an extended expedition. The tours typically include transport, meals, and accommodation, as well as knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the local culture and history.

Morocco Desert Destinations:

Morocco has several stunning desert destinations, each with its unique landscape and cultural experiences. Here are some of the top desert destinations in Morocco:

The Erg Chebbi Dunes:

Erg Chebbi Desert Dunes are located near the town of Merzouga, in southeastern Morocco. These sand dunes are known for their golden-orange color, towering heights of up to 150 meters, and their stunning beauty that has captivated visitors for generations. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a popular tourist destination and offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Sahara desert. Visitors can embark on camel treks or 4x4 tours to explore the dunes, go sandboarding, and even camp overnight in traditional nomadic tents to experience the serenity and peacefulness of the desert under a blanket of stars. The sunrises and sunsets in Erg Chebbi are particularly breathtaking, and the changing colors of the sand dunes throughout the day are a photographer's dream. 

The Erg Chegaga Dunes: 

Erg Chegaga Desert dunes are some of the most magnificent sand dunes in Morocco, located in the vast Sahara desert. These rolling dunes, which can reach heights of up to 100 meters, stretch for over 40 kilometers and offer an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. The isolated location of Erg Chegaga makes it a perfect spot for those seeking peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The dunes are also home to several nomadic tribes who have lived in the area for centuries and have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including camel treks, 4x4 excursions, and quad bike rides across the dunes. A night spent under the starry desert sky is an experience not to be missed. 

Zagora Rocky Desert:

Zagora Desert is a beautiful destination in southern Morocco, known for its vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and clear starry nights. The desert offers a unique and authentic experience with its traditional Berber villages, palm groves, and black desert. Visitors can enjoy camel treks, guided walks, and 4x4 tours to explore the natural wonders of the desert. The town of Zagora itself is also worth a visit, with its bustling markets, ancient kasbahs, and historic landmarks. For those seeking adventure and tranquility, Zagora Desert is a must-visit destination in Morocco. It's important to keep in mind that the desert in Zagora is quite different from Merzouga and Chegaga Deserts, as it doesn't have the same kind of extensive sand dunes that Erg Chebbi and Chegaga are known for. Instead, it is more of a rocky desert. Although it is still a true desert, it may not meet your expectations of large, picturesque sand dunes with a striking coral-orange hue. 

Erg Lihoudi Dunes in Mhamid:

Erg Lihoudi dunes is a smaller but no less impressive collection of sand dunes located in the Mhamid desert, a few hours south of Zagora. While not as famous as the dunes in Merzouga, Erg Lihoudi offers a quieter and more secluded desert experience, with the added bonus of being able to explore the nearby oasis of M'Hamid and its traditional kasbahs. The dunes themselves are still impressive, with their rolling curves and shifting patterns in the changing light of day. A visit to Erg Lihoudi offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity of the Sahara desert.

No matter which tour you choose, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable day in the desert.

Camping Under the Stars: Morocco Desert Tours from Marrakech:

For a truly unique experience, consider taking a desert tour from Marrakech. Morocco Desert Tours offer the chance to explore the desert and camp under the stars. You'll stay in luxury camps, these camps feature spacious and beautifully decorated tents equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and modern amenities such as electricity, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy delicious traditional meals, cultural entertainment, and a range of activities such as camel treks, sandboarding, and stargazing. The campsites are strategically located to provide stunning views of the surrounding sand dunes, and the experience of sleeping under the stars in complete tranquility is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, luxury camps in Merzouga offer a luxurious and immersive desert experience.

During your stay, you'll have the opportunity to explore the desert and take part in a variety of activities. These may include sandboarding, camel rides, and visits to local villages. You'll also have the chance to watch the sunset over the dunes, and admire the stars in the night sky.

An overnight tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the desert culture and experience the true beauty of the Sahara.

Popular Activities to Enjoy While on a Morocco Desert Tour

When it comes to Morocco desert tours, there are many activities to enjoy. From camel rides to sandboarding, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular activities to enjoy while on a Morocco desert tour:

• Camel riding: Camel riding is a popular activity on a Morocco desert tour. On a camel ride, you’ll explore the desert on the back of a camel. This is a great way to explore the desert up close and experience the unique beauty of the Sahara.
• Sandboarding: Sandboarding is another popular activity on a Morocco desert tour. On a sandboarding trip, you’ll ride boards down the sand dunes. This is a great way to experience the thrill of the desert and take in the stunning views.
• Quad biking: Quad biking is a great way to explore the desert in an adventurous way. On a quad biking trip, you’ll explore the desert on quad bikes. This is a great way to experience the desert in an exciting way.
• Hiking: Hiking is a great way to explore the desert up close. On a hiking tour, you’ll explore the desert on foot. This is a great way to experience the unique beauty of the desert and explore the hidden oases.

Safety Tips for Exploring the Sahara :

Exploring the desert can be an incredible experience, but it's important to take safety precautions. It's important to wear appropriate clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, and a hat to protect from the sun. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and stay hydrated throughout the day.  Check our recommended packing list.

Finding the Right Tour Company :

When it comes to exploring the desert, it's important to find the right tour company. Make sure to do your research and read customer reviews to find the best tour company for your needs. The right tour company will provide a safe and enjoyable experience, so you can make the most of your time in the desert.

Conclusion

Exploring Morocco's desert is an unforgettable experience. From day tours to multi-day tours, there's something for everyone. The best time to visit the desert is between October and March, when temperatures are more moderate.

No matter which tour you choose, make sure to take safety precautions and find the right tour company. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in the desert and have an incredible experience.

With its vast sand dunes and rugged terrain, Morocco's desert is the perfect place to explore. Whether you're looking for a day trip or an overnight adventure, there's something for everyone. So why not plan your desert tour from Marrakech and discover the wonders of Morocco's desert today?

This blog post was written to help you discover Morocco's desert wonders on a Morocco Desert Tour. We discussed the best time to visit the Sahara, the different desert destinations in Morocco, different types of tours available, and tips for staying safe in the desert. We also discussed the importance of finding the right tour company.

If you are searching for an unforgettable adventure, please do not hesitate to contact us or browse our selection of Morocco Desert tours.