The Sahara desert is the largest of the African deserts and spans across 12 countries, including Morocco. If you ever get a chance to visit this magical country, a Sahara desert tour should be on the top of your list. When people think about the Sahara desert, the first thing that pops into their mind is an image of massive orange sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. While this is definitely among the most spectacular sights on a Sahara desert trip, there are many other amazing natural sceneries to admire during the journey to the desert. Getting to the Sahara from major Moroccan cities is not particularly easy, but it’s 100% worth it! The drive from both Fes and Marrakech to the village of Merzouga, which is the “gateway” to the desert dunes, is roughly 500 km (310 mi).
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the finest Morocco desert tours reviews that have not only captivated travelers but have also garnered esteemed recognition from Tripadvisor’s prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award. Our dedication to providing unforgettable trips through Morocco’s desert landscapes has earned us the prestigious Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award. In this guide, we give genuine evaluations and testimonials from travelers who have taken our award-winning Morocco desert trips. Our clients’ positive feedback regularly emphasizes the extraordinary quality and authenticity of our Morocco Desert Tours.
We try to provide unforgettable experiences that immerse guests in Morocco’s diverse culture and magnificent scenery. The glowing comments and favorable evaluations we’ve received confirm our dedication to excellence, making us the top choice for visitors looking for unforgettable excursions in Morocco’s desert landscapes.
Immerse yourself in the hypnotic vastness of Morocco’s desert landscapes, where golden dunes reach to the horizon and a kaleidoscope of civilizations emerges among the Sahara’s eternal appeal. Our trip offers include a wide range of experiences tailored to each traveler’s tastes. Choose from guided trips through historic kasbahs, lively marketplaces, and ancient desert oasis.
Choosing Your Perfect Desert Tour
When it comes to choosing a desert tour in Morocco, there’s an overwhelming amount of options out there. The tours differ in terms of price, length, comfort, size of the group, and starting and ending points. After careful consideration, we opted for a 3-day Sahara tour from Fes to Marrakech organized by Morocco Fabulous Travel.
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I recommend doing your research and booking a tour with many positive reviews and good reputation beforehand as this will give you peace of mind during your holiday and more certainty of what to expect on the tour. Choosing a private tour will of course be the most expensive option but it will give you the most flexibility and is probably the best option if you’re visiting Morocco with kids. We opted for a group tour since we wanted to meet other travelers. Our group ended up being a very small one - just us, our driver and a lovely Canadian couple. While it was very comfortable to travel with a group of this size, I missed having a bigger group during the night we spent in the desert. Even though our camp was able to accommodate probably around 30 guests, we were just 4 guests and had a very relaxed and cozy evening. I heard that in bigger groups, however, your night at the camp could turn into a big party with lots of dancing, singing and drinks around the campfire.
What distinguishes our Morocco Desert Tours is our persistent dedication to giving engaging experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. Accept sustainable travel methods as we focus eco-conscious measures throughout our excursions while maintaining the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem.
Tour Options and Pricing
The prices of Sahara desert tours range from 70 USD (63 EUR) to 700 USD (630 EUR) per person. However, there are a lot more differences between the tours than just group size and mode of transport. After reading tons of reviews and blog posts on different desert tour experiences, I found that the main complaint from the people who opted for cheaper options was not having any control over their schedule.
They were frequently taken to souvenir and carpet shops and expected to buy stuff they had no interest in. They had no say in where they would like to eat and when. Instead, they were taken to crappy but expensive restaurants with no alternative options in sight. The cheaper tours are designed to extract money from guests in every possible way. A more expensive tour, on the other hand, will allow you to skip all that and let you decide where you want to shop or eat, and which sights you want to see.
The quality of your desert camp and your tent also largely depends on the price of the tour. If you go for a cheaper one, you might be sharing your tent with other people (as opposed to having a private tent), you might only be allowed to bring a small backpack with you (and have to leave your luggage in Merzouga), there might not be any drinking water at the camp (so you have to bring it yourself), and you might not be served breakfast at the camp.
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In terms of the tent itself, cheaper tours might take you to tents that have no floor (so you just walk on sand), army-style beds or thin mattresses only, no electricity, no showers and no toilet (instead the camp has a shared toilet which might just be a hole in the ground). The price we paid for our 3-day Sahara desert tour from Fes to Marrakech was 250 EUR per person. Judging by the range of prices that I found online and mentioned earlier, the price of our tour was a bit below the average.
In a nutshell, I recommend that you avoid the cheapest tours.
The TRUTH about the 3 Day Tour from MARRAKECH to the SAHARA DESERT (Merzouga) - IS IT WORTH IT?
A Glimpse into a 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour
P.S. On the first day, our driver Ibrahim picked us up at 8am with his 4WD Toyota close to the medina of Fes. After a 1.5-hour drive, we reached the first stop of the day - a small town called Ifrane in the Middle Atlas Mountains. I found it fascinating how in just 70 km the landscape had changed from dry flat plains near Fes to snowy hills covered with thick forest.
What’s even stranger, is the fact that Ifrane looks like a European alpine village! With its chalet-style houses, ski slopes, crisp clean air, and calm atmosphere, this place couldn’t have been more different from Fes. Even though we didn’t have much time to explore Ifrane, it was nice to take a quick walk around the centre of the town to admire the architecture and grab some breakfast.
Just a short drive from Ifrane, near the town of Azrou, we made a quick stop to catch a glimpse of local wildlife and see barbary apes. These monkeys live in the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains. In the parking lot, there was a local man selling peanuts which tourists can use to feed the monkeys. In roughly two hours, we reached Midelt, the national capital of apples, where we stopped for lunch. Prices outside the main tourist centers in Morocco can be incredibly low, especially if you go to restaurants frequented by locals. For two meals and drinks, we paid just 100 MAD (9 EUR).
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After our lunch break, we drove to the Ziz Valley where we took a short break to stretch our legs and snap some pictures. This lush oasis with thousands of palm trees stretches as far as the eye can see and creates a beautiful contrast with the surrounding terracotta-colored terrain.
Arriving at the Sahara
Finally, after another 1.5 hours on the road, we arrived in Merzouga, the “gateway” to the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara desert. Our driver dropped us off right next to the sand dunes where our camels and guides were already waiting. It would be wise to bring a scarf to wear around your head when you enter the sand dunes since you might get caught in a sandstorm. As our turban-tying skills were quite minimal, the guides gave us a quick lesson on how to wrap the scarves around our heads and look like proper Berbers. We moved our luggage to another 4WD car which drove to our camp, and then we were ready to go!
The seemingly infinite dunes around us, the silhouettes of camels against the pink sunset sky and the silence of the desert created a setting that was nothing short of incredible. The trip took about an hour until we reached our camp. As the sun had already set, the camp was illuminated by lanterns. It looked magical!
Experiencing the Desert Camp
Next, we went to see our tent which completely exceeded my expectations. It was spacious, with a large bed and big soft duvets. The floors were covered with traditional carpets. There were even power outlets where we could charge our phones and cameras. We had our own shower, sink and a toilet, and I’m not talking about some hole-in-the-ground kind of toilet. There were proper bathroom facilities with a plumbing system and hot water. The one thing that would have made the tent even better would have been some heating because it can get really chilly at night. During our visit in October, the temperature dropped down to 6°C.
Our camp also had a restaurant tent where we were served dinner consisting of Moroccan soup, bread, couscous, salad, chicken, fruit and, of course, mint tea. They even prepared a vegetarian tagine on request. After dinner, our Berber guides gave us a traditional musical performance while we sat around a campfire.
Sunrise and Beyond
On the second day, we set our alarm for 6.30am to watch the sunrise and take some photos on the dunes surrounding our camp. It was freezing cold outside at such an early hour but it was totally worth it! As the sun rose above the horizon, we watched the color of the sand slowly change from dull grey to fiery orange.
Note: I recently learned that there have been some cases where tourists have been stung by scorpions while staying in the desert. Even though the chances of encountering a scorpion in your camp are very low, I’d recommend that you wear closed shoes when walking in the sand and shake your clothes before putting them on to be on the safe side. I wasn’t aware of this and that’s the reason you see photos of me running in the sand barefoot. Oops!
About a thousand sunrise photos later, we were ready for breakfast. I wasn’t expecting much since we were in the middle of the desert but I was wrong! We were served various types of bread, yogurt, pancakes, omelette, sponge cake, fruits, tea, coffee, juice and about 10 different kinds of toppings for the bread. After that, it was time to find our camels and trek back to Merzouga, where we met our driver.
Exploring Local Culture
The first destination of the day was a small town named Rissani where we visited a local market. There were hundreds of stalls with different products ranging from vegetables, spices, nuts and meat to clothes, household items and beauty products. We also saw a livestock market packed with sheep and goats ready to be sold to new owners. Right next to the market there was something I’d never seen before - a donkey parking lot.
Next, after stopping for lunch at a roadside restaurant and driving for a few hours west, we made a short stop at a viewpoint over Tinghir Oasis on the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. This is yet another lush green valley surrounded by dry rocky landscape. Then, we visited the nearby Todra Gorge. As we were walking through the river canyon and admiring the cliffs towering above us, we encountered some Berber nomads and their donkeys. If you want to photograph them, be aware that they will most likely ask you for money for it afterwards.
The last stop of the day before heading to our hotel was at the Monkey Fingers cliffs in the Dades Gorge. We spent the night at a small traditional hotel called Dar Essyaha in the heart of Dades Valley. As soon as I stepped into the hotel I was charmed by its Berber-style decorations and furniture. Our bedroom was rather modest, and some things in the bathroom were falling apart but it was fine for one night. The best part though was the hotel’s terrace with panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Hollywood in the Desert: Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou
The first stop of the day was Ouarzazate, roughly 2 hours’ drive from Dades Valley. We had the option to either visit a kasbah (an old citadel), a cinema museum, or both if we were quick. I had mixed feelings about this place. As it used to be a film studio, the buildings, halls and courtyards had all been used as sets for many famous Hollywood movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy and Aladdin. It was fun to wander around these ancient-looking sets and I could easily imagine how the movies were produced here back in the days. Also, there were almost no other tourists around so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. The major downside, however, was the fact that there was almost no information about the background of each of the sets. It would have been fun to know which movies were shot in each room and how it all came about.
We then headed to Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified mud-walled village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and yet another set for many world-famous movies like the aforementioned Gladiator, The Mummy and the series Game of Thrones. Once an important stop on the Trans-Saharan trade route, the village with its narrow alleyways and crumbling stairs can easily make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. Despite the fact that only a handful of families actually still live in Ait Ben Haddou, the place is very lively and the streets are filled with tourists, guides, and vendors.
After a few more hours of driving, our 3-day Sahara tour had come to an end. These three days just flew by! I can highly recommend Morocco Fabulous Travel to anyone that is looking to take a trip to the Sahara desert in a comfortable car, with a friendly driver, an amazing desert camp, informative guides, some flexibility in your schedule, and no mandatory visits to carpet shops and expensive restaurants.
Real Reviews and Testimonials
Explore a tapestry of reviews that form a colorful mosaic of Morocco Desert Tours. Read TripAdvisor reviews to find out what makes our Morocco Desert Tours stand out. Indulge in the abundance of experiences offered by other travelers to get insights and inspiration for your next voyage.
Here are some testimonials from travelers who have experienced our Morocco Desert Tours:
- "My tour with Morocco Best Sahara Tours across Morocco’s desert was a dream come true! Every moment was amazing, from camel rides over enormous dunes to evenings spent stargazing at a Berber camp. The guides’ knowledge provided authenticity."
- "Our Morocco Desert Tour with Morocco Best Sahara Tours exceeded all expectations! It was amazing to explore historic kasbahs and meet native nomads. The guides’ skill made the experience unforgettable. We’re already planning our next excursion!"
- "Captivated by the Morocco Desert Tour, we explored the stunning Sahara scenery and rich Moroccan culture."
Essential Tips for Your Sahara Adventure
To cope with the desert heat, wear loose, comfortable clothing made of breathable fibers, such as cotton. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and leggings can shield you from the sun and sand. Closed-toe shoes or boots are best for walking on sandy terrain, and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses offer additional sun protection.
Camel trekking over the dunes, seeing old kasbahs, exploring desert oasis, and learning about local Berber culture are among the activities available on Sahara Desert trips. Sahara Desert trips may be fun for both young and old tourists; nevertheless, it is essential to consider individual requirements and preferences. Some trips may include camel rides or walks across sandy terrain, which may not be appropriate for everyone.
Accommodation Options in the Sahara
The Sahara Desert offers a variety of lodging alternatives, including traditional Berber camps and luxurious desert hotels. Berber campgrounds provide a more genuine experience by enabling visitors to stay in traditional tents among the dunes. These camps provide basic amenities such as comfortable lodging, food, and cultural entertainment.
Is a Sahara Desert Tour Worth It?
Absolutely! Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco is a very rewarding experience. The expanse of the desert, the breathtaking vistas, and the one-of-a-kind cultural experiences combine for an unforgettable journey. The Sahara offers amazing excursions, from camel treks across awe-inspiring dunes to evenings spent beneath the stars in traditional camps.
Our Sahara Desert experience was everything that I dreamed about as a child and more. Although I would have loved to spend at least two days in the desert, since we were on a time constraint, we had to settle for a night of sleeping in beautiful tents under a star-lit sky.
Additional Tour Experiences
During this trip, we drove through the Tizi Ntalghamt pass along the Ziz gorge. To be perfectly honest, it took me by surprise to see how vast and barren the lands were. I knew we were driving to reach the desert but the scale of its “emptiness” was something that genuinely surprised me.
As soon as we arrived in the Merzouga Desert, our excitement started bubbling. We had been sitting in the car for quite some time and although the scenes were amazing, we were eager to see the desert landscape. Tom and I immediately got on our camels, ready to head to the desert camp for the night. The camel ride was super fun and while it wasn’t the most comfortable, it was definitely a worthwhile experience. After a few minutes of riding, we started seeing the landscape around us change. Impressive sand dunes soon came to view and before we knew it, we were headed straight to the middle of the desert.
The car ride itself was shorter than the day before which was a nice break! When we got to the Gorges, there were a lot of locals having picnics by the small water stream. We went down from our car and walked along the gorge and took a few minutes to sit by the river which was nice. Shortly after, we were on our way to the Dades Valley.
After a few more hours of vast landscapes and towns in the middle of nowhere, we arrived at our hotel which again, took us by surprise! Our hotel had a lovely pool overlooking the city alongside with a beautifully decorated room which had one of the most comfortable beds during our entire trip.
During our trip, we also stopped by Ouarzazate which is known as the Holywood of Africa. We personally didn’t spend a lot of time here because we found the entire place quite touristy.
This popular village has been the setting of so many Holywood movies and series like Babel, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones. Our guide led us through the back of the kasbah as we started ascending towards the viewpoint at the top. There was some construction going on so some streets were closed during our time there.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, I couldn’t have been happier with our Morocco desert tour experience. Our guide/driver was knowledgeable and shared loads of interesting facts about the country along the way. The desert camp itself blew us away and was more than what we had imagined.
Inspired? Start planning your unforgettable Sahara adventure today!
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | 6 |
| February | 21 | 8 |
| March | 25 | 11 |
| April | 29 | 14 |
| May | 34 | 18 |
| June | 38 | 22 |
| July | 41 | 25 |
| August | 40 | 24 |
| September | 35 | 21 |
| October | 30 | 16 |
| November | 23 | 10 |
| December | 19 | 7 |
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