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Know before you go: Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco

If you’re looking to experience the Sahara Desert in Morocco, then in this post I’m going to share the most important things to know before you go. From how many nights to spend, to what to pack, to the reality of camel rides, these are lessons I learned on my own Sahara Desert tour from Marrakesh to Fez. For the full itinerary we followed, see my Marrakesh to Sahara Desert post.

A person wearing sunglasses and a scarf stands on sandy dunes in the Sahara Desert under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

1. Stay at Least Two Nights in the Sahara

Most tour groups only include one night in the Sahara Desert: you ride camels into camp at sunset, stay the night, and leave the next morning. While this is the standard package, it feels rushed. I recommend staying at least two nights. With an extra day, you can hike into the dunes, enjoy the silence of the desert, and watch the shifting light from sunrise to sunset without feeling hurried.

I traveled with Desert Majesty, but there are many tour operators that you can work with to define your ideal timeline in the Sahara. If you can’t spend 2 full nights in the desert, at least make sure to see some of the sites in the Atlas mountains along the way!

A person in white sits on a sand dune, gazing over Morocco’s Sahara Desert under a clear blue sky—an invitation to visit this stunning landscape.
Resting on top of a sand dune.

2. Splurge on a Comfortable Desert Camp

The desert camps range from very basic to luxury-style glamping setups. It’s worth splurging a little here for nicer tents with beds, carpets, and proper meals. While they aren’t heated (open flames in tents are too dangerous), the higher-end camps provide extra blankets and more comfort, which makes a huge difference when nights get cold.

A red carpet walkway with white lanterns leads to tented seating in a sandy, tree-filled setting—perfect for a Sahara Desert visit.
Entrance to the camp.

3. Pack Warm Clothes for Freezing Nights

Even if you’re visiting in spring or fall, desert nights can drop to 0°C (32°F). It’s essential to bring:

  • A warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • Layers for sleeping
  • Wool socks

Don’t underestimate the cold—many travelers arrive unprepared.

A beige canvas tent with a shaded porch awaits at sunset—visit Morocco’s Sahara Desert for this magical, lantern-lit escape.
Room at a luxury desert camp.

4. Go Beyond the Camp and Explore the Dunes

Most camps are located on the edge of Erg Chebbi. To really experience the Sahara, take time to hike or do a guided walk deeper into the dunes. The further you go, the quieter and more surreal the landscape becomes.

Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco to see large sand dunes under a clear blue sky, with two scattered trees on the sandy surface.
We hiked up this dune!

5. Camel Rides Are Fun… in Moderation

Camel rides are the classic Sahara experience, but here’s the truth:

  • They’re fun for an hour or two, especially at sunset
  • After that, they become uncomfortable—you’ll feel stiff and sore
  • Camels can be smelly and stubborn animals
  • You won’t get hurt, but don’t expect them to be friendly

Consider splitting your journey by riding camels into camp, then use a 4×4 for longer excursions.

Three people ride camels led on foot, crossing an orange Sahara Desert dune under a clear blue sky in Morocco.
Riding into camp.

6. Bring Plenty of Cash

You’ll need cash for:

  • Tipping camp staff, who work incredibly hard
  • Buying souvenirs from local vendors
  • Paying any balance owed on your tour (many companies require cash in Ouarzazate)

ATMs are limited outside of major towns, so withdraw what you’ll need in Marrakesh, Fes or Ouarzazate before heading into the desert.

7. Pack Medication and Essentials

The Sahara is remote. If you get sick, it’s not easy to leave camp for a pharmacy. Bring:

  • Any prescription meds you might need
  • Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets
  • Painkillers and anti-nausea medicine
  • Sunscreen and lip balm

I learned this the hard way when I got sick on my trip, having what I needed with me made a bad situation manageable.

8. Stay Hydrated and Bring Electrolytes

While some tours provide bottled water, it’s a good idea to bring your own supply for the journey. You’ll be exposed to the sun all day without shade, and dehydration happens quickly. Electrolyte drinks or powders help replace minerals lost from sweating.

9. Know What the Sahara Really Looks Like

When most people picture the Sahara, they imagine endless golden dunes. In reality, Erg Chebbi near Merzouga is one of the few areas with those dramatic dunes. Much of the Sahara is rocky desert, scrubland, or flat plains. Erg Chebbi is stunning, but remember it’s just a small part of a vast desert.

Vast sand dunes in the Sahara Desert under a clear blue sky, with sparse vegetation—visit Morocco to experience this breathtaking scene.

Sahara Desert Packing Checklist

Here’s what I recommend bringing with you for a comfortable and safe desert experience:

  • Warm jacket, hat, gloves, and socks (for freezing nights)
  • Light, breathable clothing for hot days
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Lip balm and moisturizer
  • Refillable water bottle and electrolyte packets
  • Prescription medications and a small first-aid kit
  • Cash for tips and small purchases
  • Camera or phone with extra battery pack (charging is limited at camps)

Related Morocco Guides

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Sahara Desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s best enjoyed when you’re prepared. Stay two nights instead of one, pack warm clothes, bring plenty of cash, and don’t underestimate the realities of camel riding and desert conditions.

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

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