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how to get to sahara desert

HOW TO GET TO SAHARA DESERT

Planning a trip to the Moroccan Sahara? Discover the best routes from Marrakech & Fez to Merzouga, travel options, and top-rated guided desert tours.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE: HOW TO GET TO THE SAHARA DESERT IN MOROCCO

Planning a trip to Morocco without visiting the Sahara Desert is like visiting Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower. Seeing the sunrise over towering golden sand dunes, spending a night under a blanket of endless stars, and taking a camel trek into the deep quiet of the desert is a bucket-list experience for every traveler.

However, because the Sahara is nestled in Morocco’s southeastern corner, getting there requires some planning. Depending on your departure point, travel style, and budget, the journey can range from a scenic road trip across the High Atlas Mountains to a quick domestic flight.

In this ultimate travel guide, we break down how to get to the Sahara Desert in Morocco, which desert region is right for you, and the best ways to make the trip stress-free.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION: MERZOUGA VS. ZAGORA VS. ERG CHIGAGA

Before packing your bags, it is crucial to understand that “the Sahara Desert” in Morocco refers to a few distinct regions, each offering a completely different travel experience depending on your time and expectations.

Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): The Classic Sand Dunes

If you are dreaming of the classic, giant orange sand dunes featured on postcards, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) is where you want to go. Located roughly 560 km (a 9- to 10-hour drive) from Marrakech, Erg Chebbi boasts towering dunes that reach up to 150 meters in height. It is the premier choice for first-time visitors, offering high-end luxury glamping camps, classic sunset camel treks, and stunning desert sunrises. 👉 Ready to explore Erg Chebbi? Check out our Morocco Merzouga desert tours for curated private and group itineraries!

Zagora: The Quick Express Trip

For travelers operating on a very tight schedule, Zagora serves as a convenient alternative. Positioned about 360 km (a 6- to 7-hour drive) from Marrakech, it allows for a shorter two-day round trip. However, keep in mind that Zagora features a flatter, rockier desert landscape (hamada) with much smaller dunes rather than the vast sea of rolling sand found in Merzouga.

Erg Chigaga (M’Hamid): The Remote Off-Grid Adventure

If you are seeking a wilder, off-the-beaten-path experience, Erg Chigaga offers vast, undulating dunes deep in the backcountry near M’Hamid. Located over 500 km from Marrakech plus an additional two hours of pure off-road driving through dry riverbeds and scrubland, it requires a sturdy 4×4 vehicle and an experienced local driver. It is perfect for intrepid travelers wanting a truly remote, off-grid adventure away from crowds.

  • Traveler Tip: If you have at least 3 days to spare, we always recommend Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) for the quintessential Sahara experience.

MAIN GATEWAYS: WHERE DO YOU START?

Most travelers start their journey from Marrakech or Fez (Fès), both of which host major international airports.

Route A: From Marrakech to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

  • Distance: ~560 km
  • Driving Time: 9 to 10 hours (without long stops)
  • Recommended Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights minimum

 

The Scenic Route: Departing Marrakech, you cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). You then descend into the Valley of the Kasbahs, passing the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Gorge, and Todra Gorge before reaching the desert dunes of Merzouga.

 

Route B: From Fez to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

  • Distance: ~460 km
  • Driving Time: 7 to 8 hours
  • Recommended Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night (or a 3-Day Fez to Marrakech Desert Loop)

 

The Scenic Route: Leaving Fez, you drive south through the “Switzerland of Morocco” (Ifrane), pass through the Cedar Forests of Azrou (where wild Barbary macaques live), cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, and follow the lush Ziz Valley straight down to Erfoud and Merzouga.

BEST WAYS TO TRAVEL TO THE SAHARA DESERT

There are three primary ways to travel to the Moroccan desert:

Option 1: Book a Guided Private or Shared Desert Tour (Best & Most Popular)

Taking a guided tour is by far the most comfortable, safe, and enriching way to experience the Sahara.

  • Why choose a tour? You don’t have to worry about mountain driving, navigation, hotel bookings, camel trekking logistics, or desert camp selection. An experienced English-speaking driver handles everything while sharing local insights and culture along the way.

 

Best itineraries:

 

Option 2: Self-Drive (Car Rental)

  • Pros: Complete freedom over your schedule.
  • Cons: Mountain switchbacks, long fatigue-inducing hours behind the wheel, navigating traffic, and unexpected police checkpoints.
  • Note: You can drive a normal sedan all the way to Merzouga since the main roads are paved. However, if you plan to venture off-road into Erg Chigaga, a 4×4 with an experienced local driver is mandatory.

 

Option 3: Public Bus or Domestic Flight

  • By Bus (Supratours / CTM): Overnight or all-day buses run from Marrakech or Fez to Rissani/Merzouga. While inexpensive, it takes 10 to 12+ hours, arrives late at night, and skips all scenic sights (like Aït Benhaddou or Todra Gorge) along the route.
  • By Air (Domestic Flights): You can fly with Royal Air Maroc from Casablanca to Errachidia (ERH). From Errachidia Airport, Merzouga is roughly a 2-hour drive away via taxi or private transfer.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS TO SEE EN ROUTE

The journey to the Sahara desert is just as magical as the destination. Make sure your itinerary includes stops at:

  • Aït Benhaddou: The ancient ksar featured in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
  • Ouarzazate: Known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and home to Atlas Film Studios.
  • Dades Gorge & Valley of Roses: Famous for dramatic rock formations and rose oil production.
  • Todra Gorge: A spectacular 300-meter-deep canyon wall carved by river waters, popular with climbers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

How many days do I need for a Morocco desert trip?

We strongly recommend at least 3 days and 2 nights for a trip starting in Marrakech or Fez. A 2-day trip to Merzouga requires over 18 hours of driving in 48 hours, leaving almost no time to enjoy the dunes.

When is the best time of year to visit the Sahara Desert?

The ideal months are October through April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant (18°C to 25°C / 65°F to 77°F). Summer months (June–August) can reach brutal heat above 45°C (113°F).

What should I pack for a Sahara desert camp stay?

  • Warm layers for the evening (desert nights drop significantly in temperature).
  • Sun protection: sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and a headscarf/shemagh for sand.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
  • A power bank for charging devices in tented camps.

Ready to Turn Your Sahara Dream Into Reality?

Why spend your vacation stressing over navigation, long driving shifts, or unreliable public transport?

Let our expert local guides handle every detail. From air-conditioned 4×4 transport and hand-picked boutique kasbah stays to sunset camel rides and luxury desert glamping under the stars!

Explore Our Top-Rated Desert Tours:

View All Morocco Sahara Desert Tours

Customize Your Private Desert Itinerary