A desert trip in Morocco packs the High Atlas, the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades and Draa valleys, the Todra Gorge and, as the grand finale, a night in the dunes into just a few days. Here are all our routes, shared and private, from Marrakech, Fez and Ouarzazate.
Merzouga or Zagora: which desert?
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) has the highest and most famous dunes in Morocco. It is about 560 km from Marrakech, so plan 3 days or more. From Fez it is closer and can be done in 2 days.
Zagora is about 360 km from Marrakech, at the end of the Draa Valley and its huge palm grove. The dunes are smaller, but it is the perfect choice if you only have 2 days.
Shared desert tours
Private desert tours
When to go to the desert
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with warm days and cool nights. Winter days are pleasant but desert nights are cold, and in July and August it is very hot at midday, so activities happen at sunrise and sunset.