So many travelers visit Morocco precisely with the intention of venturing off into the Sahara desert and spending a night under the twinkling stars. But, quickly the questions start to pop up.
Planning a trip to the desert can be sometimes tough especially when it comes to which area of the Sahara is best Agafay, Zagora or Merzouga? or where it starts? and how many days to spend there?
In this article, I’m going to cover off on all what you need to know about Morocco desert trips. Hopefully, it’ll be helpful.
To begin with, The Erg Chebbi (Merzouga Desert) and Erg Chigaga (Zagora Desert) are the two main sand dunes travelers visit to explore the Sahara Desert and the most visited in Morocco. Usually, tourists commence their tour from either Marrakech or Fes.
Erg Chebbi / Merzouga:
Undoubtedly the most impressive,the farthest north dunes in Morocco; is the more popular Sahara of all the three. taller and richer in color than the dunes found near Zagora or Agafay making them a much more sought after destination.
Merzouga is located around 9 hours drive from Marrakech, It’s worth noting that you can not take a day trip from Marrakech to the Sahara, you can do an overnight trip (2 days and 1 night) but I wouldn’t recommend it. A 4 day, the 3-night trip is ideal.
Probably, the biggest advantage of Merzouga desert tours is that the village is right on the edge of the magnificent Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Besides, the village is packed with modern hotels and you can easily reach the sand dunes with a short 30-minute camel ride and those who prefer to bypass the camel ride can opt to enter the desert by foot or hire a 4×4 driver. This makes a Merzouga desert trip relatively easy and convenient and perfect for people short on time or not wanting to get too far off the beaten track.
Erg Chigaga / Chegaga:
To make it short, It is a more arid desert, without the great dunes of Merzouga, but with a special charm. Zagora is located in the southern part of Morocco and is located close to the Erg Chigaga sand dunes. These sand dunes are located some 60 km from the nearest road and so the trek to see them takes quite a lot longer than to see the sand dunes from Merzouga and for this reason (as well as taking a lot longer to reach) it does tend to be less popular compared to Merzouga and tends to be for the budget traveler or for those that prefer to get off the beaten track.
It’s also important to note that the drive from Marrakech is about 8 hours if driven straight, that is to be said the Zagora desert is most appropriate for 2-day excursions.
Agafay Desert:
Not so many people know about Agafay desert which is the closest to Marrakech, and it is best for those who don’t have much time to make it to the actual Sahara desert. While you won’t find the amazing golden, rolling sand dunes here (it’s a stone desert) you absolutely can have the secluded desert experience complete with a stunning view of the High Atlas Mountains.
The Agafay Desert is located 40km southwest of Marrakesh and it’s just 40minuts drive, also note that it has a rough dry moon-like landscape.
Regardless of which you choose, All the 3 destinations offer opportunities to ride a camel, climb dunes, run the cinnamon-and-sugar sand grains through your fingers, admire picturesque views and sleep under the stars.
