How to Choose Your Morocco Desert Tour — A Planning Guide

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Written by Hassan, host at Hotel Les Roches Merzouga — hosting Sahara travellers since 2004.

Almost every Morocco desert tour has the same destination — the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga — but the route you take depends on where you start and how much time you have. This guide walks through every option so you can pick the right one.

Marrakech to Merzouga desert tours

The most popular starting point. From Marrakech you cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit Aït Ben Haddou and the Ouarzazate film studios, then follow the Dades and Todra gorges to the dunes. Do it as a 3-day round trip (the classic) or a 4-day tour with a slower pace and a full day in the dunes. See all options on our Marrakech desert tours page.

Fes to Merzouga desert tours

The scenic northern route runs through Ifrane and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, past Midelt and down the Ziz Valley to Merzouga — a 3-day Fes tour. Many travellers combine the two cities on a one-way Marrakech-to-Fes (or Fes-to-Marrakech) desert tour to avoid backtracking. Browse the Fes desert tours page.

Casablanca desert tours

Starting in Casablanca usually means a longer loop taking in Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis and Fes before the Sahara — perfect if you are flying into Casablanca and want to see the imperial cities as well. See desert tours from Casablanca.

Longer Morocco itineraries

With a week or more you can combine the desert with the coast, the Atlas and the imperial cities. Our 7-day, 10-day, 12-day and 14-day itineraries are private and fully adjustable.

What to expect on a desert tour

A typical tour uses a private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver-guide, hotel or kasbah nights on the road, and one night in a desert camp with a sunset camel trek. Distances are real — from Marrakech it is around 9 hours to the dunes — which is exactly why the journey is spread over several days with worthwhile stops.

Tour inclusions & what's covered

Our tours include the private vehicle, fuel and driver-guide, accommodation on the road, one night in our own camp with a camel trek, and half board at the camp. Lunches, drinks, monument entry fees and tips are usually extra. Everything is confirmed in writing before you travel.

Group vs private tours

Private tours give you your own vehicle, your own pace and a flexible route — best for couples, families and small groups. Shared group departures keep costs down and are a sociable option for solo travellers and budget trips. We offer both.

Best desert tour for first-timers

If it is your first time and you are starting in Marrakech, the 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour is the classic choice — it hits the highlights (Aït Ben Haddou, the gorges, the dunes) without feeling rushed. From Fes, the 3-day Fes tour is the equivalent. Unsure? Read our Marrakech vs Fes route comparison.

How to book

Tell us your dates, group size and starting city and we will reply personally with availability and an all-in price. A small deposit holds your dates; you pay the balance on arrival. Start planning your tour.