Marrakech Desert
The Sahara Desert is almost the size of China, spanning more than 9 million square kilometers.
You may hear references to the Marrakech Desert, but it’s really only a myth. The Sahara, the world’s biggest scorching desert, is what we mean when we say this desert.
Mauritania, Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia are all nations that are included by the Sahara Desert.
There are millions of tourists who go to Marrakech every year to see the Sahara Desert in Morocco. At the moment, it ranks high among the most popular activities in the nation.
In this dry region, Zagora and Merzouga are the two most visited places.
ZAGORA DESERT
There are fewer dunes and a drier climate in the Zagora Desert compared to Merzouga. The proximity to Marrakech is Zagora’s biggest selling point; this makes it a great choice for shorter stays in the Sahara, say, a two-day, one-night excursion.
The drive from Marrakech to Zagora takes over seven hours due to the 223-kilometer (360-mile) distance. The trip goes fairly fast despite how lengthy it appears since the bus stops at many interesting places.
MERZOUGA DESERT
Featuring stunning reddish-yellow undulating dunes, the Merzouga Desert is the most spectacular section of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. It looks much like any other desert you would picture. South of Merzouga, at 492 feet (150 kilometers) in height, lie the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes, which are less well-known than those in Algeria and Libya.
The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga, which is 341 miles or 550 kilometers away, takes around 10 hours by automobile or bus. Typically, you will stay one night at a motel around midway through the travel due to the huge distance.
What Desert to visit?
We suggest arranging a 4- or 5 trip to the Merzouga Desert if you are free and have plenty of time. Despite the lengthier ride, the many pauses make it more relaxed and pleasurable, and the dunes are just stunning. Just as interesting as the desert itself is the ever-changing scenery you’ll see on your excursion. Todra Gorg, Aït Benhaddou, the Valley of Roses, Dadès Gorges, Drâa Valley, and Dadès are some of the excursion’s most notable features. All of these things are really unexpected and extraordinary, and people hardly come here.
However, if you’re looking to cut down on your time in the Sahara, Zagora is your best bet. It’s also the only spot near Marrakech where you can sleep under an Amazigh tent. The drive will be really engaging since you will get to see beautiful sites like Aït Benhaddou as you travel along the same route for both excursions (until you reach Ouarzazate).
What are the tours like?
Of course, seeing the desert is the ultimate goal of these trips, but as we said before, seeing a wide range of breathtaking landscapes and magnificent landmarks is a major perk of these guided adventures.
You will be transported to your campground by camel once you reach the desert. An Amazigh tent will serve as your home for the night at the resting area. Typically, the traditional feast is served around sunset, and musicians often add live music to the celebration. A highlight of the journey is rising with the sun to see it rise.
Except if you’ve scheduled a four or five day trip that includes time in the desert, you’ll have to go back as soon as breakfast is over and the sun comes up.
Getting around the desert?
It is not a good idea to go exploring in the desert by yourself. In addition to the need a professional driver with good vehicle for mobility, the vastness and desolation of this terrain make it easy to get disoriented. Arranging a guided excursion out of Marrakech or Ouarzazate is your best bet.
You may find more details and make reservations for desert trips from Marrakech below:
- 2-day Zagora desert excursion
- 3-day excursion to the Merzouga desert
- 4-day excursion to the Merzouga desert
