Your Complete Sahara Desert Guide

The Moroccan Sahara

Morocco’s stretch of the Sahara Desert is one of the most accessible and spectacular desert destinations in the world. The country’s two main ergs (sand dune seas) — Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M’hamid — draw visitors from around the globe.

Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga

Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)

The most visited desert region in Morocco. The dunes rise dramatically from a flat plain to heights of up to 150 metres. Merzouga village is well-developed for tourism, with hotels ranging from basic to luxury.

Best for: First-time desert visitors, families, shorter itineraries

Erg Chigaga (M’hamid)

More remote and less visited than Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga requires a 4x4 journey of 2–3 hours from M’hamid. The extra effort is rewarded with a more authentic, less crowded desert experience.

Best for: Adventurous travellers, multi-day camel treks, authentic desert camping

What to Do in the Sahara

Camel Trekking

The classic desert experience. Sunset camel rides from the edge of Merzouga into the dunes take 1–2 hours. Multi-day camel treks (3–7 days) from M’hamid follow ancient caravan routes through vast, empty landscapes.

Desert Camping

Sleeping under the Saharan night sky is one of life’s great experiences. Camp options range from basic bivouacs to extraordinary luxury camps with proper beds, private bathrooms, and gourmet dinners. The stargazing from a clear desert sky is extraordinary.

Sunrise/Sunset

The quality of light in the Sahara at golden hour is unlike anywhere else on earth. The dunes glow with extraordinary colours, shifting from pink to orange to deep red as the sun moves.

Sandboarding

Many camps offer sandboards for sliding down the dunes — huge fun and much easier than snowboarding.

When to Visit

• October to April — The ideal period. Days are warm (20–30°C), nights cool to cold
• November to February — The coolest months; nights can drop below 0°C in winter
• May to September — Very hot (40–50°C). The desert is best avoided in midsummer unless you are specifically seeking heat

What to Pack

• Sunscreen (high factor)
• Head covering (hat, scarf, or shech — the Tuareg-style desert turban)
• Warm layer for nights
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (sand gets into sandals)
• Camera
• Cash (ATMs are scarce beyond major towns)

Getting There

The most common route to Erg Chebbi is via the Dades Valley and the Draa Valley from Marrakech. The journey (450km) takes 7–8 hours but passes through some of Morocco’s most spectacular scenery, including the Dadès Gorge, Todra Gorge, and the Valley of the Roses.

Siroco Tours offers private transfers and guided Sahara desert tours , with flexible itineraries designed around your preferences. Browse all Morocco tours or contact us to design your desert adventure.