Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco
My three-day adventure on a Sahara Desert tour in Morocco.
Morocco’s Sahara Desert offers some of the world’s most spectacular desert experiences. Morocco desert tours offer unforgettable adventures. You can trek across golden dunes or sleep under a blanket of stars. Each year, these experiences attract over 2 million visitors. This guide has all you need for planning the perfect desert tour in Morocco.
Imagine watching the sunset over 400-meter dunes. Or picture sleeping under a sky full of stars in the desert. You don’t have to be a dreamer to make this a reality—come to Morocco. The Sahara Desert is an experience you can’t miss. The journey may be long, but the breathtaking dunes will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Shared tour or private tour?
There are many ways to experience the magic of the Sahara Desert. You can rent a car and arrange everything yourself. You can hire a private driver or book a private desert tour. The first option suits adventurous travelers. It’s for those who know how to drive on winding mountain roads. The private driver or Sahara tour is pricey. It’s better for those who enjoy luxury experiences. I recommend the shared Sahara trip option for budget or solo travelers.
Why choose a shared tour?
Why choose the shared group tour? First of all, someone takes care of everything. Work swamped me, and I didn’t find the time to plan a private desert trip. Second, none of us wanted to drive such a long distance. The shared group tour to the desert costs 130 euros. It covers almost everything, excluding lunch and some tips.
A shared group tour is great for making new friends. You’ll also share unforgettable experiences. Looking to book a reliable 3-day shared Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech? Check out this: Sahara Desert Tour Morocco – 3 Days.
Merzouga or Zagora?
If you are planning a trip to the Sahara Desert, it can be confusing which desert to choose. Morocco’s most popular desert tours are 3 days/2 nights trips to the Merzouga Desert and Erg Chebbi dunes. A shorter option is the 2 days/1 night trip to the Zagora Desert. Yet, the latter is a bit confusing. Tours take travelers to the rocky desert near Zagora town. Yet, the true Zagora Desert is by M’hamid city. So, how do you choose the location for your visit to the Sahara Desert? Please read my full article called “Merzouga vs. Zagora for the Sahara Desert trip.”
Planning a trip to Morocco? Be sure to reach out to me first!
Book my all-inclusive itinerary services:
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My first day’s experience.
I’ve taken shared group tours to the Sahara Desert. I went first three years ago and most recently in November. An old friend, Cindy, surprised me with a short visit from Canada. Since experiencing the Sahara was her dream, I offered her a three-day shared group tour.
Wondering what to pack for a night in the Sahara Desert? Check out my post, “What to Pack for an Overnight Stay in the Sahara Desert in Morocco.”
The shared Sahara tour from Marrakech began at 7:20 a.m. Our driver, Salah Eddine, picked us up in a comfy minibus. He also explained the day’s plan. Even with an early start, sleep wasn’t an option. Who could ignore the breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains? I come from Lithuania, a flat country with its highest point at only 294 m. The view amazed me as we drove through the High Atlas Mountains. We crossed Tizi n’Tichka, the highest mountain road in Morocco, which reaches 2,260 m.
Because of my motion sickness, I didn’t have any breakfast. The twisty Tizi n’Tichka mountain road can be tough for those with weak stomachs. Mustafa drove with caution. He didn’t make wild turns and stopped at pretty spots now and then.
At noon, we arrived at the fortified village of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. It dates back to the 12th century. A UNESCO heritage site, the village is one of the most iconic Moroccan monuments. All builders made the houses in the Kasbah from earthen clay. The rain is causing them to melt at a gradual pace. Ait Ben Haddou is home to three families. The other villagers have moved across the river.
Ait Ben Haddou is a well-known spot for filming. It attracts both Hollywood and international productions. The Kasbah shows up in films like Gladiator, Babel, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and Prince of Persia. It’s also seen in shows such as Game of Thrones, Prison Break: Sequel, and Homeland. Despite visiting Ait Ben Haddou five times, its stunning beauty has amazed me every time. It’s incredible to imagine how Moroccan ancestors once lived there.
Salah Eddine, our guide, took us through the Kasbah. He shared fascinating stories about Africa’s little Hollywood. He warned us not to expect surprises. In Ait Ben Haddou and nearby Ouarzazate, you’ll notice many men with long black beards. “They’re training actors to act as Middle Eastern terrorists in new films,” he said, pointing to the village.
After visiting a Berber house and enjoying lunch, we continued northeast. The landscape transformed as we journeyed through expansive valleys and quaint villages. Along the way, we saw some unusual methods of transporting people and animals. We passed through the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose water. We took a short break to rest and watch the distillation process.
By sunset, we reached our hotel in Tinghir. Many travelers were happy to find it clean and nice. Some even said it was like Marrakech. We ended the day with a massive dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, which also served alcohol.
Second day
On our second day, we drove to Todgha Gorges. There, we met our local guide. He took us through the stunning canyons and the Palmeraie. He explained the process of how locals harvest plants. Next, we visited the famous Todgha Gorges. These limestone river canyons have walls that soar up to 400 meters high.
The final 600 meters of the gorge are breathtaking, attracting many visitors. The canyon narrows to a flat, rocky path 10 meters wide. Towering rock walls rise 160 meters on each side. Although I didn’t see it myself, people say these massive walls change color throughout the day.
