Stargazing in Morocco: Under the Sahara Night Sky
Stargazing Morocco: see the Milky Way from the Sahara dunes of Merzouga or the Agafay desert near Marrakech. Best near new moon; telescope on request.
Stargazing Morocco
Stargazing Morocco style starts when the fire burns low and your eyes adjust to the dark. Far from city lights, the desert sky fills with stars, and on clear, moonless nights the Milky Way stretches from one side of the horizon to the other. The two best places on our trips are the Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and the Agafay desert, about an hour from Marrakech.
For the darkest skies we suggest stargazing in the Sahara desert at Merzouga, where camps sit among the dunes with almost no light around. Agafay is perfect if you only have one night: you can watch the sky after dinner and be back in Marrakech the next morning. Our guides point out the brightest stars and constellations, and a telescope session with a local guide can be arranged on request. See our desert camping page for nights at camp.
Best seasonOctober to May
Why choose stargazing in the sahara in Morocco
Very dark desert skies
The Sahara around Merzouga has very little light pollution. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars with your own eyes.
The Milky Way
On moonless nights the Milky Way shows as a bright band across the sky, and in summer its brightest part is easy to see.
Close to Marrakech too
The Agafay desert is about an hour from the city, so even a short stay can include a night under the stars.
Silence and fresh air
Desert nights are quiet and the air is dry. Lying on a blanket on a dune is one of the most peaceful moments of a Morocco trip.
Great for photos
With a tripod and a little patience, you can take pictures of the stars above the dunes and tents. Our guides share simple tips.
Who is stargazing in Morocco for?
Couples
A night under the Sahara sky is one of the most romantic moments of a trip to Morocco. Private camps and tents can be requested.
Families
Children love finding shapes in the stars and spotting shooting stars. Bring warm clothes, as nights cool down fast.
Photographers
Dark skies and dune shapes make strong night photos. You need a camera that allows long exposures and a tripod.
Curious minds
You do not need to know anything about astronomy. Stargazing depends on the weather, so it is not a guaranteed show – clouds, dust or a full moon can hide many stars.
“For the darkest skies we suggest stargazing in the Sahara desert at Merzouga, where camps sit among the dunes with almost no light around.”
— Our team in MoroccoHow it works
- Tell us your dates
Send us your dates, where you are staying and how many you are – on WhatsApp or by email.
- We plan it with you
We suggest the best time and option for stargazing in the sahara and send you a clear price.
- Meet our team
On the day, our team meets you and explains everything before you start.
- Enjoy every moment
Live the experience – and add more adventures to your trip if you like.
Ways to do it with us
Book it on its own, or as part of one of our itineraries.
One night in the Agafay desert
Leave Marrakech in the afternoon, enjoy sunset and dinner at camp, then watch the stars before bed.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Marrakech 4-day itinerary
An active short break with biking, a balloon flight, quad riding and a night under the stars in Agafay.
See the itinerary →4 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Cross the Atlas and spend a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes, far from any city light.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Morocco Tour 5 Days with 2 Sahara Nights
Two nights in the desert give you two chances for clear skies and the Milky Way.
See the itinerary →A typical day
Times are approximate and change with the season; stargazing is best on clear nights around the new moon.
- Arrive at the desert camp
Settle into your tent in Merzouga or Agafay and enjoy the sunset.
- Dinner by the fire
Share a Moroccan dinner and mint tea while the sky gets darker.
- Walk away from the lights
Your guide leads you to a dark spot nearby and lays out blankets on the sand.
- Stars and constellations
Let your eyes adjust, find the main stars and look for the Milky Way and shooting stars.
- Night photos or bed
Try a few long-exposure photos, or head back to your tent for a quiet desert night.
Where it happens
Stargazing in the Sahara with us takes place in these parts of Morocco – tell us where you are staying and we suggest the closest option.
- 1Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
- 2Marrakech
- 3Agafay desert
Useful information for stargazing in Morocco
What a stargazing night looks like
After dinner at camp, the guide takes you a short walk away from the lights, often to the top of a dune or a quiet spot nearby. You lie on blankets, let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes and learn to find the main stars and constellations.
Moon and weather
The moon makes a big difference. Around the new moon the sky is darkest; near the full moon you see far fewer stars. Clouds, wind and dust can also hide the sky, so we check the dates with you when you book.
Telescope sessions
A telescope session with a local guide can be arranged on request, depending on the camp and the date. Tell us when you book and we confirm what is possible.
Astrophotography tips
Use a tripod, a wide lens, manual focus set to infinity and exposures of about 15 to 25 seconds. Turn off flash and ask others to avoid torches while you shoot. Phone night modes can work surprisingly well.
Merzouga or Agafay?
Merzouga has darker skies and real sand dunes but is a long drive from Marrakech. Agafay is closer and easy for one night, but a little city glow can show near the horizon.
Before you book
- Moon phase
- Tell us your flexible dates – we suggest nights close to the new moon for the darkest sky.
- Weather
- Clouds, wind or dust can hide the stars, so stargazing is never guaranteed; two desert nights give you a better chance.
- Telescope
- If you want a telescope session, ask when you book – it depends on the camp and the date, and we confirm with you.
- Cold nights
- Desert nights can be very cold in winter; bring warm layers and tell us if you need extra blankets.
Best time for stargazing in Morocco
You can see stars all year, but October to May brings the clearest and most comfortable nights, though winter nights are cold. Summer nights are warm and the core of the Milky Way is high, but heat haze and dust can reduce clarity. Whatever the month, plan your desert night close to the new moon.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGood
- JulPossible
- AugPossible
- SepGood
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGood
BestGoodPossibleAvoid
Request your stargazing in the sahara
Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the details and a clear price.
- No payment to send a request
- We adapt the option to you
- Or write to us: +212 600 643 098
Stargazing in Morocco: 10 questions
Where is the best stargazing in Morocco?
The best stargazing in Morocco on our trips is in the Sahara at Merzouga, among the Erg Chebbi dunes, where there is almost no light pollution. The Agafay desert near Marrakech is a good, closer option for one night.
Is stargazing in the Sahara desert worth it?
On a clear, moonless night, yes – many guests say it is the highlight of their trip. If you travel near the full moon you will still see stars, but far fewer.
Can you go stargazing from Marrakech?
Yes. The Agafay desert is about an hour from Marrakech, and a night at a camp there lets you see many more stars than in the city. For the darkest skies, travel to Merzouga.
Is stargazing in the Agafay desert good?
It is good, especially on moonless nights, and very easy to reach. Because Agafay is close to Marrakech, a little glow can show near the horizon, so the sky is not as dark as in Merzouga.
When is the best time for stargazing in Morocco?
Plan your desert night close to the new moon. October to May usually brings clear, dry nights, though winter nights are cold. In summer the Milky Way core is high in the sky.
Can you see the Milky Way in Merzouga?
Yes, on clear nights without moon the Milky Way is easy to see from the Merzouga dunes. Give your eyes about 20 minutes away from any lights.
Is there a stargazing tour in Morocco with a telescope?
A telescope session with a local guide can be arranged on request, depending on the camp and the date. Ask us when you book so we can confirm.
How cold is it at night when stargazing in the Sahara?
Desert nights can be cold, especially from November to February, when it can get close to freezing. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and layers to lie on the sand.
How do I photograph the stars in the Sahara?
Use a tripod, a wide lens, manual focus at infinity and exposures of around 15 to 25 seconds. Avoid flash and torches, and try your phone’s night mode if you have no camera.
Do I need to stay overnight for stargazing in Morocco?
It is best to stay the night at a desert camp, because the darkest sky comes late. You can see our camps on the desert camping page and choose Merzouga or Agafay.
Combine it with
Two experiences in one trip – our favourite pairings.
+Stargazing in the Sahara + Desert camping & stargazingSpend the night in a Merzouga or Agafay desert camp and watch the stars after dinner.See desert camping & stargazing →+
Stargazing in the Sahara + Camel & horseback treksRide a camel to camp at sunset in Erg Chebbi, then lie on the dunes under the Milky Way.See camel & horseback treks →
Add stargazing in the sahara to your trip
Tell us your dates and where you are staying – we organise everything with you.