A Trip to Morocco’s Desert: A Magical Experience

A Trip to Morocco’s Desert: A Magical Experience

Exploring the deserts of Morocco is an unforgettable experience. From sandboarding in the dunes to camel riding into the night, this exotic land is teeming with adventure. With its unique culture, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes, Morocco is a destination unlike any other.

Erg Chebbi of Merzouga, Morocco

What to Expect

The Climate

In the desert of Morocco, the climate will vary greatly based on when you are traveling. The most popular time to travel is in the winter months from October to February. During these months the climate is mild and comfortable around 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) during the day, making it a great time to explore the desert. But it is important to know that at night the temperatures can drop significantly to nearly 8 Celsius (46 Fahrenheit). If you are planning on visiting the desert in Morocco at this time of year you should be prepared with clothing that you can layer in order to stay comfortable throughout the day and night.

The shoulder seasons (fall and spring) are a great option for trips to the Sahara in Morocco as the temperatures are still comfortable and there may be less travelers. You also may see prices for excursions become slightly less expensive. It is still important to be prepared for both very hot temperatures in the day and cold temperatures at night. Thoughtful packing for an excursion to the desert is key, if you want more information about things you may want to pack check out our blog about What to pack for your trip to Morocco.

In the summer months you can expect to experience a hot and dry climate day and night. During the day, temperatures often reach 40°C (104°F), while at night it gets as cold as 10°C (50°F). It can be difficult to explore the desert in these months due to the heat, so if you are planning a trip in summer it is important to include activities that can provide some relief from the heat. Often we modify our excursions during these months. For instance our 4 Day Excursion to Merzouga usually includes two nights in the desert, but in the summer we suggest spending one of those nights in a hotel or Riad at the edge of the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Most of the accommodations here have air conditioning and a pool which can help to keep you cool at the height of the heat. Another option is booking luxury accommodations for the excursion - in the summer we partner with a desert camp in Merzouga that offers air conditioning in the tents themselves.

No matter what time of year you choose to travel to the desert of Morocco, you are sure to have a magical experience. From sand-boarding in the dunes, camel riding, or star gazing at night, Morocco is the perfect place for an adventure like no other. At Discover Sahara Tours we are passionate about curating amazing desert experiences tailored to your needs. We offer customizable tours and excursions that you can book with us directly. To learn more about our 4 Day Excursion to Merzouga or any of our other experiences contact us today!

We look forward to helping you explore the magical deserts of Morocco.

Unique Landscapes

When people describe their experiences in the desert region of Morocco, they often say they feel like they are in another world. The landscape is vast and varied, from large sand dunes to rocky deserts and canyons. There is nothing like sitting atop the massive red sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and watching the sun sinking over the vast open space of the desert. It is truly a magical and memorable experience.

Camels in Erg Chebbi of Merzouga, Morocco

Exploring the Desert

Exploring the Sand Dunes

The beauty of visiting the Sahara Desert on a multi-day excursion is having time to yourself to explore the vast sand dunes. Because our accommodations are nestled in the dunes you have direct access to the equivalent of a giant adult sandbox! Hiking through the dunes is a peaceful experience and the silence of the desert can be extremely moving, however it is important to remember the dangers of wandering too far into the desert on your own. The sun is very strong and can be dangerous if you are not properly hydrated or covered up, so it is best to explore in the early mornings or late evenings when the temperatures are milder.

Night Skies at Luxury Camp in Erg Chebbi of Merzouga, Morocco

Admiring the Night Sky

One of the most memorable parts of exploring the deserts in Morocco is looking up at night and being able to see an unfiltered view of stars in the night sky. The view is truly breathtaking and it can be difficult to find such a clear view in any other place on earth. If you are lucky enough to be in the desert during a new moon, you can also see the beautiful Milky Way stretching across the sky.

The People

The people who live and work in the deserts of Morocco are warm and welcoming with rich cultural heritage. From the Tuaregs who travel in caravans across the desert to the local Berber people who have deep ties to their homeland, Morocco is full of stories and fascinating people who are more than happy to share their culture with visitors.

A trip to the deserts of Morocco is an amazing opportunity to explore the unique culture of this country. It is a chance to experience something that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Accommodations

There are a number of options for accommodations in the desert of Morocco. Our excursions come in three levels of accommodations: Standard, Luxury or Royal. No matter which option you choose you will have a private tent ranging from double to quadruple occupancy as well as a standalone tent for dining and a communal outdoor area. Standard camps in the desert offer a separate tent with shared showers and toilets. Luxury camps include a private shower and toilet directly in your tent. The Royal accommodations take comfort to another level. In some instances, your group may even be able to have an entire camp to yourselves for the ultimate experience for your friends or family.

No matter what your budget and preferences, there is an accommodation to fit your needs in the desert of Morocco.

Camel Ride in Erg Chebbi of Merzouga, Morocco

Activities

All of our excursions offer a wide of activities and add-ons. Our excursions to Merzouga, Zagora, Erg Lihoudi and Erg Chegaga include a camel ride where you will be taken into the desert to watch a magical sunset over the dunes.

One of the most popular activities in the desert region is sand-boarding. This is an activity where you can ride down large dunes on a board and it is an incredible experience that you won’t forget.

We also offer quad biking as an add on activity for 1 or 2 hours. This is an exciting way to explore the desert and get a unique perspective of the terrain. You will be given your own quad bike and then led through the dunes by a knowledgable guide. Each ride route is catered to your experience and comfortability on the quad.

To make your experience even more incredible, on our Private 4 Day Excursion to Merzouga we offer other options such as visiting ancient kasbahs (forts) or attending traditional music and dance performances. In Merzouga we can visit the small village of Khemliya where you can visit a local organization that works to preserve and share the traditional music and dance of Northern Africa: Gnouna. In the nearby village of Rissani, you can visit the local souk (market) and explore this traditional hub of culture and commerce.

With a wide selection of activities, stunning landscapes and beautiful people, the deserts of Morocco are a destination like no other. No matter how you decide to explore the deserts of Morocco, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With our knowledgeable and experienced guides, you can be sure that your adventure will be tailored to your needs and be full of interesting activities. Let Discover Sahara Tours help you plan your dream excursion to the magical Morocco desert.

The deserts of Morocco are calling – will you answer?

We look forward to helping you explore the magical deserts of Morocco. At Discover Sahara Tours, we will work with you to customize your experience and make sure it is a journey of a lifetime. For more information on our excursions and any of our other experiences, please feel free to contact us anytime. We look forward to welcoming you to the land of adventure!

Contact us today to start planning your unique Moroccan experience!

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