No trip to Morocco is complete without a journey into its breathtaking deserts. Sprawling golden dunes, ancient kasbahs, and camel treks under the stars make the Moroccan desert an unforgettable escape. Whether you crave an action-packed Sahara adventure or a quick but scenic escape, there’s a desert tour for you.
Trekking Morocco’s deserts is as much about culture as about stunning landscapes. You will pass through welcoming Berber villages, sample traditional Moroccan cuisine, and witness mystical sunrises and sunsets over seemingly endless dunes of sand.
The best part?
There’s a tour for all types of travelers. If you’ve just a few days, shorter trips from Marrakech will give you a taste of the desert’s beauty.
But if you’d rather have a more extended, more immersive experience, multi-day tours will take you deeper into Morocco’s mysteries.
Here are five of Morocco’s best desert tours that promise to deliver thrills, stunning scenery, and a taste of the country’s rich culture.
1.Marrakech and Merzouga
The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga is traditional and cuts through the heart of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. From the noisy city of Marrakech, the journey takes three or four days, with ample time to explore and absorb the changing landscapes.
Escaping the noise of the city, the journey passes through the High Atlas Mountains via a twisting road that offers breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into the life of Berber villages. Besides, you’ll witness breathtaking canyons carved out by ancient rivers, which are great for photography and for taking short walks as you descend into the Dades and Todra Gorges.
The tour’s highlight is the arrival at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, renowned for its tall golden dunes. Moreover, a camel trek at sunset here takes you to a traditional Berber camp where you can enjoy local music beneath a star-filled sky, providing a real Saharan experience.
That said, for those who want to witness Morocco’s amazing desert landscapes, there are several Morocco travel packages that one can choose from, providing well-planned itineraries that take in the best sights along the way.
2.Marrakech with Zagora
For those with less time, there is the Marrakech to Zagora trip, which gives a shorter but satisfying desert experience, typically for two days and one night. The trip passes over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with panoramic vistas and the potential to stop off at ancient kasbahs, such as Ait Benhaddou—a UNESCO World Heritage site and well-known for its traditional architecture and as the backdrop for numerous films.
When you reach Zagora, also referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” you’ll embark on a camel ride into the desert’s edge. Although Zagora’s dunes are less sprawling than Merzouga’s, the journey remains enchanting.
Similarly, overnighting in a Berber tent allows for stargazing and traditional Moroccan cuisine, offering a taste of desert life on a tighter timeline.
3.Casablanca and Marrakech
Combining the sophistication of Casablanca, the cultural intensity of Marrakech, and the mystery of the desert, this tour offers a total Moroccan experience. The trip starts in Casablanca, where visitors can see the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with beautiful Moroccan artisan work.
The tour then proceeds to Marrakech, where the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, vibrant souks, and historic palaces await exploration. From Marrakech, the tour continues to the Sahara, passing through the High Atlas Mountains and ancient kasbahs.
In the desert, camel trekking, sandboarding, and overnighting in desert camps can be experienced, mixing city exploration with desert adventure.
4.Royal and North Tour of Morocco
This tour takes in Morocco’s imperial cities and the north and is an in-depth immersion into the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Starting in towns like Rabat, Fes, and Meknes, travelers can explore ancient medinas, royal palaces, and historic sites that recount Morocco’s rich history.
Likewise, the tour usually includes a stop at Chefchaouen, the picturesque “Blue City” of the Rif Mountains, renowned for its blue-painted narrow streets and relaxed atmosphere.
Although this tour focuses more on cultural and historical sites, it is possible to combine it with a journey south to the Sahara Desert, providing a general experience of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and heritage.
5.Ait Benhaddou Day Trip
For Marrakech-based visitors with limited time, a day trip to Ait Benhaddou gives a glimpse of Morocco’s natural beauty and architectural heritage. An early start, the trip crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
This fortified village, characterized by its clay earthen buildings, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 and the backdrop for numerous films and television programs. Its steep streets and the climb to the granary atop the hill provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
While this trip does not venture far into the desert, it provides an insight into Morocco’s rich history and stunning landscapes within a day.
Wrapping Up
A desert tour of Morocco is more than just a journey through breathtaking landscapes. It’s a journey filled with culture, history, and memories that will stay with you forever. Whether you visit the towering dunes of Merzouga, the desert town of Zagora, with its mesmerizing charm, or take a day trip to the picturesque Ait Benhaddou, there’s magic in each location.
So, no matter your travel style or itinerary, there’s a desert tour to suit you. So, if you’re up for adventure, stunning landscapes, and a deeper connection to Moroccan culture, a desert tour is the perfect getaway.
Pack your bags, sit back, relax, and get ready to take in the beauty and enchantment of Morocco’s desert landscapes. No matter which tours you choose, it’s sure to be the experience of a lifetime.
