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Best Ways to Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco

If you’re looking for the best ways to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’m sharing my 5-day road trip from Marrakesh to Fez with Desert Majesty Tours, which was a convenient way to get to the Sahara and see many important cultural and natural sites along the way. This private tour took us across the High Atlas Mountains, through historic kasbahs, and into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. I’ll also cover alternative Sahara tour options, from quick overnight camel treks to multi-day group trips, so you can choose the right experience for your time and budget.

Three people ride camels led on foot, crossing an orange Sahara Desert dune under a clear blue sky in Morocco.
Camel riding to our Sahara camp.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh Before Your Sahara Road Trip

Before heading east toward the Sahara, we based ourselves in Marrakesh for a few nights at Dar Rocmarra, a traditional riad with excellent hospitality. If you’re just beginning your Morocco adventure, I recommend my 2-Day Marrakesh Itinerary for sightseeing highlights and recommended hotels.

5-Day Marrakesh to Sahara Desert Itinerary

We booked a private guided tour with Desert Majesty, which cost 645 euros per person (~750 USD). A deposit was required to secure the trip, with the balance paid in cash upon arrival in Ouarzazate. The price included:

  • Accommodation in riads, guesthouses, and desert camp for 4 nights
  • Transportation in a private 4×4 with driver and guide for 5 days
  • All meals during the journey

This setup made the journey stress-free, since we didn’t need to worry about finding places to stay or restaurants in rural areas, or renting a car and navigating the roads in Morocco (which were quite good). The best part of traveling like this (and I usually resist organized tours or being guided) was to get to ask our guide all our burning questions about life in Morocco, and get the extra context about the country and the sites we were seeing. Plus, we visited a number of locals throughout this trip, which was much. more easily navigated with our guide who could speak the local language.

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

Day 1: Tichka Pass and Ait Ben Haddou

On the first day, we headed out from Marrakesh and crossed the High Atlas Mountains at Tichka Pass (2,260 m). The winding road offers sweeping views and passes through small Berber villages. Along the way, we stopped for photos at various ruined kasbahs, until we were in Ait Ben Haddou for lunch. This kasbah is one of the more famous in Morocco, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We had lunch and hiked to the top of the Kasbah to take in the views.

A village with clay buildings nestles against a rocky hillside in Morocco, evoking the landscapes of the Sahara Desert under a clear blue sky.
Villages in the Atlas Valley.
A view of a historic fortified village in Morocco, with earth-toned buildings and palm trees set against a rocky hill under a clear blue sky.
Ait Ben Haddou.

Where we slept: Auberge Chez Talout, a hotel just outside Skoura with panoramic views of the palm groves and Atlas Mountains, which was arranged by the tour but costs ~$100 USD a night. The hotel provided both dinner and breakfast the next morning.

A woman enjoys tea on a rooftop wall in Morocco, with a tray and teapot as she admires the sweeping Sahara Desert in the background.
Enjoying tea on the roof of Auberge Chez Talout.

Day 2: Kasbah Amridil & Dades Gorge

On the second day, we visited Kasbah Amridil on the way out of Skoura, before heading towards Dades Gorge by way of the valley of roses (Kalaat M’Gouna). We went offroading for part of the day, stopping to visit a Berber family living in a cave in the mountains and hiking around.

Traditional Moroccan kasbah made of adobe with decorative patterns, tall towers, and palm trees—visit Morocco near the Sahara Desert.
Kasbah Amridil.
Winding mountain road in Morocco curves sharply along steep rocky cliffs, with a few vehicles traveling—an adventurous route to visit.
Dades Gorge
A small stone shelter with clothing draped over the entrance, set in Morocco’s dry, rocky landscape under the clear blue sky.
Berber cave.
Arid, rocky mountains with reddish cliffs under a clear blue sky in Morocco, sparse green vegetation at the base—visit for Sahara Desert views.
Gorgeous roads on the way to Dades Gorge.

Where we slept: Dar Blues, a family run hotel in a magnificently kept kasbah. Dinner and breakfast were included. This hotel costs about $150 USD a night.

A rustic bedroom with a large wooden bed, carved headboard, lantern lighting, and Morocco-inspired patterned bedding.
The magnificant rooms at Dar Blues.

Day 3: Todra Gorge, Tafilalet Oasis, and into the Erg Chebbi dunes (the Sahara!)

On the third day, we went on an hour walk through the Todra Gorge trail along the river, where towering limestone cliffs make it one of Morocco’s top rock climbing areas. We then contiuned east to drive through the Tafilalet Oasis, where we had lunch, and then visited some cisterns on the edge of the desert.

A narrow road and stream wind between tall, rugged rock cliffs in Morocco, with several vehicles and people gathered in the canyon.
Todhra Gorge.
A narrow, winding tunnel carved in rock, illuminated by small lights along the uneven dirt path—visit this hidden gem in Morocco.
Underground cisterns.
A dense palm grove stretches before Morocco’s rocky, reddish mountains beneath a clear blue sky, with a hillside village evoking the Sahara Desert.
Date files near Todra Gorge.

We then met up with our camel riders on the edge of the desert, where the roads end and the sand dunes takeover. We rode the camels to camp and enjoyed the sunset light over the dunes. If you don’t want to ride the camels, you can take a 4×4, but its still a bumpy ride!

Four people ride camels in single file across Morocco’s Sahara Desert dunes under a blue sky, one of the best ways to visit this stunning landscape.
On board our camels to camp.

Where we slept: Sahara Stars Camp, where all meals were provided.

A beige canvas tent with a shaded porch awaits at sunset—visit Morocco’s Sahara Desert for this magical, lantern-lit escape.
Our tent on the edge of the desert.

Day 4: Full Day in the Sahara Desert

We spent the day wandering around the gorgeous sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. We rode a camel deep into the dunes, hiked up one of the mountains as far as we could stand, and had a picnic in the dunes. Each night there was music and a bonfire to enjoy with the other guest in the camp, as well as stargazing.

Golden sand dunes in the Sahara Desert under a blue sky with scattered clouds, inviting you to visit Morocco’s stunning landscapes.
Sand dunes at sunset.
Low table set with food and drinks on a rug in Moroccos Sahara Desert near a white 4x4 vehicle with Sahara Stars Dades branding.
picnic in the desert.
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!
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.

Day 5: Sahara to Fez via Ziz Valley, Midelt & Ifrane

A white hotel with steep orange roofs in Morocco, lined with autumn trees and cars, stands by an intersection—visit for a taste beyond the Sahara Desert.
Ifrane.

After we packed up and had breakfast, we headed out early from the Sahara, this time by way of a 4×4 jeep. We drove through the gorgeous Ziz Valley filled with date palms. We had lunch with a family in their home in Midelt in the Middle Atlas, followed by a stop at Azrou to see Barbary macaques and Ifrane to admire the swiss inspired ski resort town that Moroccans go to get away from the heat and experience “winter”. It was a long day in the car, but about 8 hours later we were in Fes.

A Barbary macaque walks on rocky ground in sunlight, a unique sight when you visit Morocco near the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Barbary Apes

Where we slept: the gorgeous Riad Rcif & Spa – perhaps the most gorgeous hotel I’ve ever visited! See my 3-Day Fez Itinerary for details on what to do.

Ornate Moroccan interior with intricate tilework and archways—perfect inspiration for your 3 day Fes itinerary.
The impressive Riad Rcif.

Food & Drink Along the Way

A clay dish of meat stew topped with prunes and sesame seeds, inviting you to visit Morocco—set on a table with a fork and a diner in the background.
Goat tagine at an Tafilalet Oasis.

Meals on the tour were included, often in family-run guesthouses or desert camps. Expect hearty tagines, couscous, lentils, and Moroccan bread served with mint tea. In Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll find mostly tourist-oriented restaurants.

Practical Tips for the Marrakesh to Sahara Road Trip

  1. Bring plenty of cash: Ouarzazate is the last reliable ATM stop. Many tours require cash payment there, and it’s good to have cash for tips while in the Sahara, or to buy water or snacks along the way.
  2. Pack essential medication: Pharmacies are scarce in the desert. I was glad I had what I needed when I was feeling under the weather during our trip.
  3. Layer clothing : Days can be hot, but winter nights in the desert approach 0°C (32°F).
  4. Limit camel rides: Magical at sunset, but uncomfortable beyond 1–2 hours at a time.
  5. Know the landscape: Erg Chebbi dunes are iconic, but most of the Sahara is rocky desert and scrubland.
A person in a white shirt and headscarf sits on a sand dune in Moroccos Sahara Desert under a clear blue sky.
Hiking up a sand dune.

Other Ways to Visit the Sahara

If you don’t have time for a five-day road trip, there are other ways to visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh, but you will need at least 2 days minimum:

  • 2–3 Day Group Tours: The most popular option, with a one-night desert stay. Check out this 2 day or this 3 day tour. You can usually do the tour from either Fes or Marrakesh.
  • Private Tours: Desert Majesty and other providers offer customized trips. We worked with Desert Majesty to customize our journey in advance, and we also were able to make decisions more on the fly with our guide, skipping the things that weren’t important to us.
Sunset over sand dunes in the Sahara Desert, with silhouetted hills—an unforgettable scene on your visit to Morocco.
Sunset in the desert.

Related Morocco Guides

FAQ: Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco

How do you get to the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh?
The most common way to reach the Sahara from Marrakesh is by guided tour, though you could technically rent a car (not recommended). The journey takes at least two days, passing through the Atlas Mountains and towns like Ouarzazate and Merzouga.

How many days do you need in the Sahara Desert?
At least two nights is ideal. Most tours include just one night, which can feel rushed. With two nights, you have a full day to hike the dunes, ride camels, and enjoy the silence of the desert.

What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara Desert?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter nights can drop close to 0°C. We went in December, which was a bit cold at night but otherwise perfect weather, and because we went after the peak of November and before the Christmas holiday, it was dead quiet.

Is it safe to ride camels in the Sahara Desert?
Yes, camel rides are safe but often uncomfortable if you’re on them longer than 1–2 hours. Many tours allow you to split the journey by taking a 4×4 for part of the way.

Do I need to bring cash for a Sahara Desert tour?
Yes. ATMs are limited after Ouarzazate, and many tours require final payment in cash. You’ll also need cash for tips, souvenirs, and small local purchases.

Where do Sahara Desert tours from Marrakesh usually go?
Most Marrakesh tours take you to the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, the most famous and accessible dune area in Morocco.

Can you visit the Sahara Desert on a day trip from Marrakesh?
I wouldn’t recommend it, as the drive to the desert is 9 hours from Marrakesh and 7 from Fes, each way. Do yourself a favor and at least spend one night there to enjoy it, plus sunset and sunrise are the best times for photos.

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

Final Thoughts

The Sahara Desert is a bucket-list experience, and there are many ways to visit depending on your time and budget. For me, the 5-day Marrakesh to FeS road trip was the best way to see Morocco’s kasbahs, villages, mountains, and desert landscapes all in one journey, getting us seamlessly to the desert and not having to take a train or other connection to get between Fes and Marrakesh. My top tips and takeaways are:

  • Book a tour that gives you at least two nights in the dunes
  • Bring cash, layers and medication so you’re prepared
  • Consider a private tour if you want more flexibility and comfort

Have a great time in this gorgeous desert landscape!

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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