The Sahara Desert in Morocco

Day by another we recieve a huge numerous inquiries about planning a trip to the desert. Our most frequently asked questions and recommendations for first-time visitors to the Sahara are included below. Our topic is about where the Sahara desert in Morocco is located?

How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh? And Fesn in Morocco?

Marrakesh is located around 600km (370 km) from Merzouga, a village near the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes, and 360km (225 mi) from Zagora, near the Erg Chigaga dunes.Fez is located 470 kilometers (290 miles) from Merzouga and 670 kilometers (415 miles) from Zagora. Don’t let the mileage fool you. Much of the drive is over mountain passes and along basic, but well-maintained, highways and rural roads. Driving from Marrakesh or Fez to the Sahara will take at least one full day (eight to twelve hours), one way. Plan your time accordingly. Remember that there is a lot to see, see, and experience on your route to the Sahara. Allow a few days for your Sahara vacation to slow down the pace.

Can I do a day trip to the Sahara in Morocco?

Yes, but not in the way you believe you can. If you were planning a day journey to the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh or Fez, think again. If you haven’t figured it out yet, both cities are far from the desert. You cannot get to the center of someplace in a hurry! It takes at least a full day to travel to the Sahara from either city.

However, if you’re short on time or simply don’t like the thought of camping out under the stars, you can still explore the Sahara Desert during the day without spending the night there. To accomplish that, you will need to choose an accommodation as your base within striking distance of the sand dunes. To explore Erg Chebbi, choose somewhere in Erfoud or Merzouga. To explore Erg Chigaga, you’ll want to stay around Zagora or Foum Zguid.

Should I spend one or two nights in the Sahara?

Spending the night under the stars in the Sahara Desert in Morocco is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t find anyplace else in the world. That is why, if you have the time, we recommend staying longer than one night in the desert.Spending two nights in the desert allows for a more leisurely exploration and immersion in native tribal traditions. Spend the day sandboarding and camel trekking, and the night singing, dancing, and stargazing! It’s recommended to spend one night in the tents out in the sand dunes and the next at a neighboring desert town. Our blog offers customized journeys to the Sahara desert in Morocco, including options from Marrakech, Fes desert tours, and Casablanca group and single trips to make your trip unforgettable.

I can’t choose! Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga sand dunes?

the Erg Chebbi and Chigaga sand dunes. Each provides a distinct experience. As the most popular site. Howevre, The Chebbi sand dunes are more accessible, with modern hotels placed right at the dunes’ base in the tourist town of Merzouga. This implies that you may literally leave your lodgings and cross the sand dunes into the huge Sahara in about 30 minutes by camel.
The Chigaga dunes offer an exciting and off-the-beaten-path trip. Located approximately 60 kilometers from the nearest settlement, M’hamid, the journey into the desert is a longer, bumpier hike lasting about 2 hours. This latter, provide an adventurous and off-the-beaten path adventure. Located 60km from M’hamid, the travel into the desert is a longer, bumpier walk of roughly 2 hours by Four-wheel-drive and a 1/2 day camel ride across the rock-strewn desert until you reach the big erg. It is undeniably more difficult to reach, but this means that much of the allure of being so isolated is not lost in the throng.
Both dunes, however, provide possibilities to ride a camel, climb dunes, run cinnamon-and-sugar sand grains through your fingers, appreciate stunning landscapes, sleep beneath the stars, and wake up to breathtaking sunrises.

What do I need to pack for visiting The Sahara desert In Morocco?

There are some essentials you can’t forget to pack for a desert adventure. These include:

A windbreaker or light jacket to survive the cooler nights;
Comfortable jeans or other pants to make sure your legs are protected from the camel’s rough fur;
Appropriate shoes (sneakers, hiking boots, or sports sandals);
A headscarf or hat to block the sun and dust;
Chapstick and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun;
A camera to bring home your wonderful desert memories;
A lens, camera brush, and dustproof/waterproof bag to protect your camera from the sand;
A flashlight to use at night at the campsite;
An extra day or two of any medications you need. There are not too many pharmacies in the desert.

Visit the Sahara desert in Morocco with your kids:

Traveling as a family should not prevent you from going on a desert adventure! Traveling with children to the Sahara requires additional considerations to ensure a comfortable vacation.

Before you go out, make sure to stock up on SPF 80+ sunscreen. You should apply vigorously to the entire family every 2 hours.
Pack loose-fitting, colorful long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, chapstick, and hydration solution.
Remember that you’ll be driving for an extended period of time. If your kids aren’t used to long car rides, consider scheduling a private tour or renting your own car to allow for frequent breaks.
Check that the car’s air conditioning is working properly. To prevent heatstroke in children under 12, it’s recommended that they sit in the shaded area of the car whenever possible. You should also carry a long scarf or loose blouse to use as sunscreen on the window.
A long car ride may appear uninteresting to your children, even if the scenery varies dramatically. Remember to include some technology-free entertainment and nutritious snacks to keep kids pleased.
The camels may frighten younger children, especially. They’re taller than horses! If your child is too terrified to ride the camel, make sure you have a backup plan for getting to your campground.
Once at the campsite, you will most likely be served a classic Moroccan dinner of tagine chicken and veggies. If your children’s tastes aren’t as experimental, make sure you have one of their favorite easy dinners. Pack dry pasta and olive oil for your desert camping trip, as it can be dark at night. A nightlight may come in helpful.
Remember your swimwear! Many of the hotels right outside the dunes include swimming pools.

How can you help the poor families in the Nomadic area:

The semi-nomadic tribes of the desert suffer some of the worst lives. Access to clean water, education, and healthcare remains a challenge. If you find yourself visiting a nomadic household and are invited in for tea, it is customary to donate 100Dh-200Dh (approximately $10-$20). In fact, every little amount helps. You can also provide little toys, pencils, and paper for the kids. Non-profit groups working in this region include the Morocco Library Project and Association Aicha. If you’re with a reputable guide, they can also be quite helpful in determining the best approach to do good.

Should you book a Group tour or a private trip to the Sahara desert in Morocco?

The decision to travel solo or on an organized tour is frequently based on personal preference and travel style. It is possible to travel freely in Morocco. Travel books can teach you the essentials, and public transportation can get you to almost any place in the country.

On a private tour, you’ll be able to delve deeper into Moroccan culture, interact with people daily, and learn about some of the country’s best-kept secrets from professional guides.

Does journey beyond travel organize trips to the Desert?

Indeed, we do! We have two circuits that can be customized. Each of these brings you to the Sahara desert. Our 10-day Eclectic Morocco Tour explores Morocco’s Imperial Cities, including a one-hour camel ride into the desert, a sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes, and a night in a traditional Bedouin-style tent in the Sahara. Our 10-day Erg Chigaga Tour begins in Marrakesh and includes a two-night stay among the lesser-known dunes. Our trips are customized, and you can contact us to organize your private tour.

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