Africa, Morocco, Travel Experiences
How to Visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakech and What a Sahara Desert Tour Is Like
Visiting the Sahara Desert is one of the best things to do in Morocco.
While it’s possible to visit the Sahara desert independently by hitchhiking or renting a car, my research showed that an organized tour is much easier and more efficient for exploring this remote area.
In this article, I’ll explain the easiest way to visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, including the tour company I used and what my experience was like!
For more travel tips, check out my detailed article: Important Things To Know Before Traveling To Morocco.
Why Marrakech Is the Best Starting Point for Visiting the Sahara Desert
Marrakech is not only one of Morocco’s most vibrant and historic cities it’s also the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Almost every traveler to Morocco passes through Marrakech at some point, thanks to its international airport (Marrakech Menara Airport), excellent road connections, and abundance of travel services. This makes it the ideal starting point for planning a desert adventure.
Best Sahara Desert Tour Company
If you’re searching for the best Sahara Desert tour company from Marrakech, look no further than Sahara Trip Morocco.
We specialize in creating unforgettable desert adventures from short 2-day getaways to extended multi-day journeys across Morocco. Our tours include comfortable transport, experienced local guides, and authentic desert camps near the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes.
What makes us different is our personal touch: small groups, flexible itineraries, and a focus on genuine Moroccan hospitality. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends, we make sure every moment in the Sahara is memorable.
Book your Sahara Desert experience today with Sahara Trip Morocco and let the adventure begin!
Prices vary by tour size, so contact Ibrahim directly for details. He’s very friendly and accommodating.
The Long Drive: Marrakech to the Sahara Desert
Many travelers are surprised to learn that the Sahara Desert is quite far from Marrakech. Most tours labeled “3 days, 2 nights” actually include only one full day and two nights in or near the desert, because the first and last days are spent traveling.
Distance and Route
The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) the most famous part of the Moroccan Sahara is roughly 560 kilometers (350 miles). Driving straight would take around 10 hours, but in practice, tours make several scenic and cultural stops along the way, turning the drive into a memorable part of the experience rather than just transport.
What You’ll See Along the Way
The road from Marrakech to the Sahara is one of the most spectacular in Morocco. It winds through the High Atlas Mountains, crosses the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (at 2,260 meters), and continues through ancient kasbahs, palm-filled oases, and cinematic landscapes. Here’s a rough outline of what you can expect:
- Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains (1–2 hours): The drive begins with views of Marrakech’s outskirts before ascending into the dramatic High Atlas range full of switchbacks, Berber villages, and jaw-dropping scenery.
- Aït Benhaddou (around 4 hours in): A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Most tours stop here for lunch and exploration.
- Ouarzazate: Known as “The Gateway to the Desert,” this cinematic town is home to Morocco’s largest film studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
- The Dades or Todra Gorges: Depending on your route, you’ll drive through one of these breathtaking canyon areas, known for towering cliffs and dramatic sunsets.
- Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes: By late evening, you’ll reach the edge of the Sahara, where the sand dunes rise like golden waves against the horizon.
How Tours Break Up the Drive
Most 3-day tours spread the journey as follows:
- Day 1: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Aït Benhaddou → Dades (overnight stay)
- Day 2: Todra Gorges → Merzouga Desert (camel trek and overnight in a desert camp)
- Day 3: Merzouga → Return to Marrakech (a long day, but with scenic stops)
The Stunning Atlas Mountains
The route passes through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains rugged red clay peaks, hillside villages, and winding dusty roads carved into the mountainsides.
If you want to explore the Atlas Mountains more, check out my Budget Travel Guide to Imlil, Morocco.
Stop at Aït Benhaddou
Halfway through the journey, we stopped at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location. Only a few families still live in its clay homes.
We enjoyed a traditional Moroccan lunch here, about $12 for soup, tagine or couscous, and fresh fruit.
Sahara Desert Accommodation Near Erg Chebbi Dunes
By the time you reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, you truly feel like you’ve arrived in another world. These majestic dunes some rising up to 150 meters (500 feet) glow with shades of orange and red as the sun sets, creating one of the most breathtaking views in Morocco.
Upon arrival, travelers usually transfer from the main road into the desert by 4×4 vehicles or camel caravan. The short ride across the dunes is an adventure in itself bouncing over soft sand, watching the sunset reflect off the dunes, and feeling the calm of the desert settle around you.
A Night at the Desert Camp
At Sahara Trip Morocco, we partner with charming, locally owned desert camps and kasbahs located right beside the Erg Chebbi dunes. Guests can choose between standard nomadic tents, deluxe desert suites, or luxury camps with private bathrooms and hot showers.
Each camp is designed in traditional Berber style earth-toned fabrics, lanterns, carpets, and handmade furniture combining rustic authenticity with modern comfort.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a glass of fresh mint tea and warm Moroccan hospitality. Dinner usually features classic dishes such as tagine, couscous, or grilled meats, served under a canopy of stars. Afterward, guests often gather around the fire for live Berber music and drumming, sharing stories beneath one of the clearest night skies in the world.
The Intense Heat of the Sahara
The Sahara’s weather changes throughout the year. Summers are scorching hot, with daytime temperatures soaring above 115°F (45°C). In contrast, winters are much cooler, especially at night when temperatures can drop close to freezing.
Spring and autumn offer more moderate temperatures, making these seasons ideal for visiting. No matter the season, the desert’s dry air and wide temperature swings mean it’s important to dress in layers and stay hydrated.
Hiking the Sand Dunes
Hiking the sand dunes is a must-do in the Sahara. The climb can be a bit challenging since the sand shifts beneath your feet, but the views from the top are incredible endless waves of golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to hike, when the temperatures are cooler and the light is perfect for photos. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes!
Camel Trekking Into the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
One of the most iconic Sahara experiences is a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Riding these gentle giants feels like stepping back in time as you glide over the soft sand, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes.
At Sahara Trip Morocco, our treks are done in small groups for a relaxed and personal experience. Most rides take place in the cooler hours of the evening or early morning, making the journey comfortable and magical.
Hold tight, enjoy the rhythm, and get ready for unforgettable sunset views!
Incredible Desert Views and Camping
After your camel trek, settle in for a night under the stars at a traditional desert camp. The endless dunes around you create a stunning backdrop as the sun sets, painting the sky with warm colors.
Our camps combine authentic Berber style with comfortable beds and facilities, giving you a true desert experience without sacrificing comfort. Evenings often include live music, local stories, and a chance to connect with fellow travelers.
Sleeping in the Sahara, surrounded by silence and stars, is a magical way to end your day.
Sunrise and Return to Marrakech
Watching the sunrise in the desert was magical. After breakfast, we rode back by camel and began the long drive to Marrakech.
Returning to the city felt jarring after the serene desert — but the memories and cooler temperatures made it all worth it.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Sahara Desert from Marrakech is an unforgettable adventure I highly recommend for all travelers to Morocco.
Planning a trip to Morocco?
Check visa requirements at iVisa.com and get reliable travel insurance from Squaremouth Insurance.
Best Activities to Do in the Sahara Desert
1. Sandboarding
Looking for a fun and exciting way to enjoy the Sahara? Sandboarding is the perfect activity! Similar to snowboarding, it involves sliding down the dunes on a specially designed board but instead of snow, you’re gliding over soft, golden sand.
At Sahara Trip Morocco, our guides provide all the equipment and teach you the safest, easiest way to start. You can sit, kneel, or stand on the board depending on your comfort level. It’s great for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are perfect for sandboarding because of their smooth surfaces and gentle slopes. Start small to practice, then move to higher dunes for longer, faster runs.
It’s a lighthearted and energizing experience that brings out everyone’s playful side perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves great photos. After a few slides, rest on top of a dune, enjoy the view, and watch the sunset paint the Sahara in gold and red.
2. Quad Biking Adventure
If you want excitement, quad biking across the Sahara Desert is unforgettable. Imagine racing over golden dunes, feeling the warm breeze on your face, and exploring hidden corners of the desert that few travelers ever see.
At Sahara Trip Morocco, we offer guided quad bike tours for all experience levels from beginners to expert riders. Our professional guides show you how to safely handle the bikes before leading you through the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga.
You’ll ride across open desert, winding sand trails, and rocky paths, with plenty of stops for photos and panoramic views. As you drive, you’ll see the true scale of the Sahara endless dunes stretching to the horizon and pure silence all around.
Quad biking is best at sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and the temperatures are cooler. Whether you want adrenaline or a unique way to explore the desert, this is one of the most thrilling things to do in Morocco.
3. 4×4 Desert Excursion
Explore the vast beauty of the Sahara Desert in comfort and style with our 4×4 Desert Excursion. This off-road journey takes you deep into areas unreachable by regular vehicles, offering a true taste of Morocco’s wild desert landscapes.
Our Sahara Trip Morocco drivers know every dune and hidden trail around Erg Chebbi. You’ll cross golden dunes, rocky plains, and dry riverbeds while learning about the region’s history, culture, and geology.
Along the way, we visit Berber villages, nomadic families, palm oases, and ancient fossil sites places where you can see traces of life that existed millions of years ago. Each stop gives you a glimpse into authentic desert life and stunning photo opportunities.
Whether you prefer a calm scenic drive or an adventurous off-road route, our 4×4 tours are flexible and tailored to your style. Sit back, relax, and let the Sahara’s dramatic beauty unfold around you.
We hope this guide has given you a clear idea of how to visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakech. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or breathtaking landscapes, Sahara Trip Morocco is here to make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Our experienced local team handles every detail from transportation and accommodation to desert activities so you can simply relax and enjoy the magic of Morocco.
Book your Sahara Desert adventure today with Sahara Trip Morocco and let us turn your travel dreams into lasting memories.
