Morocco Desert Tours
What to expect, example itineraries and answers from our local team Updated October 2026
Morocco desert tours take you from the cities to the great sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, near the village of Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. The road is part of the experience: the High Atlas passes, the kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou, the Dades and Todra gorges and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. Then come the camels, the camp and a night sky you will not forget.
This page helps you choose the right desert tour – where to start, how many days and how many nights in the dunes. For the rides themselves, see our camel trekking page; for the camps, see Sahara desert camping. Below are the routes we run most often, privately or as a small group with set dates.
Morocco desert tours usually go to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, reached in 3 to 8 days from Marrakech or Fes, with a camel ride and a night in a desert camp. For a short taste, the stony Agafay desert is about an hour from Marrakech.
Why choose Morocco desert tours
- The real sand sea Erg Chebbi is Morocco’s best-known field of high orange dunes. It is the classic Sahara picture, and our tours go straight to it.
- Start in Marrakech or Fes You can begin in either city and end in the same one or the other. One-way routes from Marrakech to Fes save a day of driving back.
- A journey, not just a transfer The road crosses the High Atlas and passes kasbahs, gorges and oases. We break it into stages with walks and stops, so the drive becomes part of the trip.
- More than one night if you like Many tours rush in and out. We offer routes with two desert nights, so you have a full day in the dunes for sandboarding, a 4x4 loop or simply rest.
- A short option close to Marrakech No time for Merzouga? The Agafay desert near Marrakech gives you camels, quads and a camp for one night without long drives.
Morocco Desert Tours: experiences we love
Click any experience to see the details.
Morocco Desert Tours: 4 example itineraries
Each one is private and can change – click to see the route and the highlights.
4-day Morocco desert tour from MarrakechMarrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Dades → Todra → Merzouga → Ouarzazate → MarrakechThe shortest comfortable round trip from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes and back. One night in a desert camp, with the gorges on the way.- Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Sunset camel ride
- Sunrise over the dunes
5-day desert tour from Marrakech to FesMarrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Dades → Todra → Merzouga → Ifrane → FesA one-way route that ends in Fes, so there is no long drive back. You spend a full day in the Sahara before crossing the Middle Atlas.- Camel ride and desert camp
- Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Guided Fes medina
6-day desert tour with two nights in the dunesMarrakech → Dades → Todra → Merzouga → Skoura → Aït Benhaddou → Telouet → MarrakechTwo nights in a desert camp give you a whole day in Erg Chebbi. The return goes by a different road, with kasbahs and oases.- Two nights in a desert camp
- Buggy or quad and sandboarding
- Horse ride at Aït Benhaddou
8-day desert tour with a camel trekMarrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Dades → Merzouga → Erg Chebbi trek → Skoura → MarrakechFor travellers who want to live the desert, not just visit it: a three-day camel trek across Erg Chebbi with quiet camps.- Three-day camel trek
- Visits to nomad families
- Kasbah night in Skoura
How to plan Morocco desert tours
Count the driving time
Merzouga is a long day’s drive from Marrakech and a little less from Fes. We split the road over two days with stops, so plan at least 3 days for a round trip and 4–5 for comfort.
One night or two in the desert
One night gives you sunset and sunrise. Two nights add a full day for sandboarding, a 4x4 loop or a nomad visit, and make the trip less rushed.
Pick the right season
October to April is the most comfortable time in the Sahara. Summer days are very hot and winter nights can be close to freezing, so pack accordingly.
Private or small group
A private tour runs on your dates with your own driver-guide. Our small group tours have set departures. Prices are on request, and we confirm the camp type with you before booking.
Morocco Desert Tours: your questions
How long are Morocco desert tours from Marrakech?
Most last 3 to 8 days. Three days is possible but means long drives; four to six days is more comfortable and lets you stop in the gorges.
Are Morocco desert tours from Fes shorter?
Fes is a little closer to Merzouga than Marrakech, so a round trip from Fes can be slightly shorter. Many travellers do a one-way route between Fes and Marrakech instead.
Which desert is best for a Morocco desert tour?
For real high sand dunes, go to Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. If you only have a day or two, the Agafay desert near Marrakech is a good, closer alternative, but it has no big dunes.
Is a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech worth it?
It can be, if you have little time, but most of it is spent on the road. We usually recommend at least four days so the drive feels easier.
What is included in a Morocco desert tour?
Usually transport with a driver-guide, hotels or riads, a camel ride, a night in a desert camp and some meals. Each of our tour pages lists exactly what is included.
What is the best time for a Sahara tour in Morocco?
October to April. Spring and autumn have warm days and mild nights; winter is sunny but cold after dark.
Can I do a desert tour from Marrakech to Fes?
Yes. Our one-way routes cross the High Atlas, spend a night or two near Merzouga and end in Fes, which saves the drive back.
Are Morocco desert tours suitable for children?
Yes, with the right pace. We plan shorter driving days and short camel rides for families, and choose camps with private tents.
Plan your desert tours in Morocco
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you love – our local team plans the route, the hotels and the activities.
Send us your trip details
Your request comes straight to our team’s inbox and we reply by email or WhatsApp, as you prefer – usually the same day.
- No payment to send a request
- Private trips on your dates
- Your programme in writing before you pay