Best Authentic Desert Tours from Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting Marrakech is a dream but don’t just visit and not explore the rest of Morocco. From the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen to the stunning deserts like the Sahara desert, there’s so much to see in this amazing country.
So during your trip planning, you may be looking for a desert tour from Marrakech. There’s a ton to choose from and it can be overwhelming.
In this post, I’ve compiled my top picks for an authentic experience. So many out there seem like tourist traps but this is what you need to look out for to find the best authentic desert tours from Marrakech, Morocco!
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Top Pick
If you have little time to read this, my top pick for the best Morocco desert tours from Marrakech would be the 3 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour.
Before you go
- Just be aware, Sahara desert is a lengthy way from Marrakech so you need to expect long drives.
- Pack comfortably and expect warm days and chilly nights.
- Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle.
- Dress modestly to respect the culture when visiting villages or kasbahs.
- Choose a reputable tour company
- Carry a portable charger as access to electricity in desert camps can be limited.
- The cell phone service can sometimes be limited in remote areas
- Tour packages with groups are a good way to save money when planning an excursion to the deserts.
Packing Tips for a Desert tour in Morocco
- Good walking shoes
- insulated water bottle
- sunscreen
- linen/cotton clothing
- sunglasses
- Loose pants
- a scarf for riding the camels in the windy dunes
- a hat
- Portable Charger
- toilet paper as many toilets won’t have it
- At least 1500 MAD per person (to cover meals, drinks, and snacks).
Best Desert Tours from Marrakech, Morocco
When visiting Morocco, the two non-negotiables is staying in a beautiful riad (a hotel in a courtyard with a pool) and going on a desert tour! The Sahara Desert is quite far from Marrakech so you’ll need longer than 5 days in Marrakech to visit it.
I’d recommend going to Agafay Desert near Marrakech if you’re short on time. Otherwise, doing a multi-day tour from Marrakech is ideal if you want to visit the Sahara desert.
Marrakech Tours to Sahara Desert
A Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour trip is about 560 kilometers (350 miles) away and takes 8–10 hours of driving. The drive is often broken up with stops at scenic landmarks along the way.
Merzouga, is a gateway to the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes and is famous for its golden sands. This desert town is the starting point for camel treks and overnight stays in traditional Berber camps under star-filled skies.
Along the journey, you can explore historic kasbahs and the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, making the way there just as rewarding as the destination. You will also get the chance to visit the Berber Villages getting a real feel for Berber culture.
Desert Luxury Camp Morocco
If you want more of a authentic experience, then I’d definetly recommend just booking this Desert Luxury Camp on your own. If you hate group tours, this option might be best for you. The hotel will help you organize transport from Marrakech or wherever you are coming from! There’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner served at the camp.
Company review score is a 9.7 and there are nearly 50 reviews.
Pros:
- The luxury camps include large king size or twin/single beds and beautiful moroccan furniture/decor.
- The hotel staff can arrange Sand boarding, camel riding, and guided walks.
- Located deep in the sand dunes!
- A/C included
- Only camp with a pool onsite!
Cons:
- no huge cons
3 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
This group tour is highly rated with a 4.9 star rating and over 6,000 reviews. It is definetly one of the best desert tours from Marrakech.
Pros:
- Excellent & knowledgeable tour guides
- Very well organized
- Interesting things to see and do
- Great value for money
- Luxury camp option with a/c
Cons:
- Lots of driving
- Bring cash as card is not usually accepted for different stops along the way
- Days can be long
Desert Luxury Camp Tour
From Marrakech: 3-Day Merzouga Desert Trip with Camp Stay
This tour is well rated with a 4.6 star rating and nearly 400 reviews. Included is a unique camp stay over 3 days.
Pros:
- Includes camp stay
- Camel rides are part of the experience
- Friendly tour guides
- safe drivers
- hassle free experience
- Sunrise 4×4 safari
- Good breakfast and lunch included
Cons:
- Long drives
Agafay Desert Tours Marrakech
One of the best things to do in Marrakech is to take a day trip to the Agafay Desert. While the Agafay Desert is not a real sand desert, it’s still worth a visit if you are short on time. This man-made desert is made of stones instead of sand, however.
Marrakech: Agafay Desert Dinner Show with Sunset Camel Ride
Over 2,000 reviews and with a 4.8 rating, this is the perfect day trip if you don’t have a lot of time and still want to experience a desert tour from Marrakech.
Pros:
- 5 hours day trip from Marrakech so no need to stay overnight if limited in time
- all transport is taken care of
- Camel ride included
- Delicous meal included
- Argan oil visit
Cons:
- Limited time to enjoy the desert.
If you have a favorite desert tour in Morocco, leave a comment below!
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