Usually, when people think about Morocco, they think about the Sahara. They imagine a vast land of dunes under a blue sky or a starry night. Maybe a caravan of camels traveling in line to a remote destination, or a group of nomads hanging out around campfires. But, is that really what the Moroccan Sahara is? The answer is absolutely yes.
However, technology has changed some few things. Instead of camels, some nomads in the Moroccan Sahara use 4x4 vehicles. Paved roads are now connecting distant villages, and instead of traditional tents, there are hotels, camps, and restaurants. Despite all this, the Sahara is still there and it remains wild.
While some nomads embraced technology, others are still living the traditional way. Those are found in the deep Sahara, where surviving requires adaptation and precious skills. For them, camels are the best way to travel and make living. Their presence preserves the essence of the Sahara experience.
So, even with technology, the Sahara remains a magical yet dangerous place, much like it was centuries ago. It's definitely worth visiting, but you should be wise and do it the safe way. That would be through a planned tour, either with a travel agency or a local guide. Do not take a solo trip to the deep Moroccan sahara.
There are many travel agencies that offer tours to some fabulous areas of the Moroccan Sahara. You'll get the chance to visit different locations and experience the traditional ways of living in such environment, including camels rides, and camping under the sky.
Usually, all touristy areas in the Moroccan Sahara will give you similar experiences, but let us tell you in details about each area so you can tailor your own trip.
Zagora to Moroccan Sahara
Zagora could be a good starting point for your tour into the Moroccan Sahara. It's famous for its palms and kasbahs, which are old buildings that were used in the past as fortresses and observation posts. Zagora is also home to some small restaurants if you want to try camel meat.
The city is located in the Draa River valley in southeastern Morocco. It's a valley filled with lush palm groves and scattered small villages that look like medieval Saharan villages. What makes Zagora special, however, is its history. This small city was once an important stop for traders traveling through a famous ancient trading route used to connect the northern Mediterranean with sub-Saharan Africa.
Tours in Zagora involves different activities. Usually your trip would start by visiting historical sites like the kasbahs and the famous Timbuktu sign. The thrill, however, begins when you start discovering the surroundings of the city. There are a lot of great towns and areas around Zagora where you can have some actual fun like trekking and 4x4 adventures.
Trekking trips in Zagora are usually short and they go through draa valley and nearby villages to meet the locals. Some agencies offer long trips that take days and include camping in the middle of the desert.
4x4 adventures in Zagora will take you deeper into the desert. It will involve some harsh driving on dunes and open vast desert lands. I personally recommend trying 4x4 trips, they're funny and exciting.
So, zagora is a good start for your Saharan adventure in Morocco. To make it a successful trip, take your time to check what each agency offer before booking a trip.
By the way, you can reach Zagora by buses or through your travel agency transportation from the famous Marrakech or Ouarzazazat. If you're already planning a visit to Marrakech then you might want to add Zagora to your plan.
Ouarzazate (warzazate) to The Desert
If you love movies, you'll love Ouarzazate. This city is often called the 'Hollywood of Africa' by locals due to its historical and ongoing significance in the movie industry. Many movies have been shot here, including Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and James Bond. To this day, Ouarzazate remains an attractive location for both film producers and tourists.
Like Zagora, Ouarzazate would also be a good starting point for your Sahara trip. You can visit famous filming sites and discover some interesting structures left by film producers. There's also a museum for items used in movies and more. In a nutshell, Ouarzazate will give you a glimpse of the Moroccan desert with a sprinkle of Hollywood.
While in the city, you can visit Kasbah Taourirt. This kasbah was once home to Moroccan nobility known as the Glaoui family, who were powerful rulers of the region. The kasbah features beautiful furniture and interesting passages that will make you feel like you're stuck in a maze. Visit it to get a glimpse on how Moroccan nobility used to live. Or to get some decor inspiration for your own house.
30 kilometers from Ouarzazate, there's Ait Benhaddou: a small fortified village with significant UNESCO World Heritage status. It's essentially a well-preserved kasbah, or ancient Moroccan fortress. Ait Benhaddou is a movie star. Its unique earthen architecture makes it a perfect filming site, especially for medieval-type movies.
Not into movies and ancient fortresses?
No worries. Ouarzazate still has some interesting spots for you.
Few hours from the city, there's a collection of natural canyons known as Dades and Todra Gorges. This location is great for some hiking and rock climbing. If you're not interested in sports, then it's also worth to just chill, enjoy the scenery and meeting the locals in nearby Berber villages.
About 10 kilometers away, there's a beautiful oasis called Fint Oasis. It simply a spot with lush greenery where you can relax and enjoy nature with a glass of tea or coffee. It's much better in the morning when it's calm and the temperature is low.
Go further, about 40 kilometers away from Ouarzazate, and you'll reach another oasis called Skoura Oasis. This location is ideal to meet the locals and learn about their agricultural methods. You don't need to hike to reach the village.
So, this is Ouarzazat and nearby towns and locations that are worth visiting. Notice that the whole region is famous for vast desert lands, canyons, and oasis. If you're interesting in dunes, then it would probably be better to check other regions.
Merzouga to Erg Chebbi
Dunes, Dunes, Dunes!
Now we're getting deeper into the Moroccan sahara. Merzouga is just a small village located in the southeast of Morocco, but it's also the gateway to the giant dunes in erg chebbi. The word 'Erg' means large sea of dunes. So you can imagine how the view would be.
Merzouga itself offers a great Sahara experience. Tourists can ride camels and enjoy 4x4 driving on small and medium dunes. Camping is also available in Merzouga, with modern tents equipped with comfortable amenities. Overall, Merzouga offers a much safer experience than deeper areas like Erg Chebbi. However, for more sand and activities, you should definitely visit Erg Chebbi.
There are two major Sahara Ergs in Morocco, Erg Chebbi is one of them. The dunes here are giants. They can reach up to 150 meters (490 feet) and stretch over an area of 28 kilometers (17 miles) from north to south and 5 to 7 kilometers (3 to 4 miles) from east to west. So obviously, Erg Chebbi is definitely worth seeing.
Now what can you do in erg Chebbi?
Well, maybe act like a child. Try climbing a giant dune then roll over it. I personally prefer sand surfing, although I'm not good at it. You can also watch amazing sunsets and see how the colors on the sky reflect on the sands. Take pictures. Your travel agency might have some great activities for you as well.
Even in this sea of sand, you can still find some Berber villages. Discover their traditions and join them for a cup of tea. The Berbers are very hospitable and have great music called Gnawa music.
M'hamid El Ghizlane
M'hamid El Ghizlane, or M'hamid as Moroccans call it for short, is a beautiful small village located in southeastern Morocco, about 98 kilometers south of Zagora. There's nothing beyond M'hamid El Ghizlane except a vast expanse of dunes and desert, so it’s literally on the edge of the Sahara.
M'hamid El Ghizlane offers a more secluded experience than all other locations. Trips start from the main village to a nearby erg called Erg Chigaga, another large sea of sand and dunes. Compared to Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga is much less visited by tourists. So if you're looking for a more isolated and remote experience, you should head to M'hamid El Ghizlane, then to Erg Chigaga. In terms of safety, Erg Chigaga is as safe as Erg Chebbi and other destinations.
M'hamid and Erg Chigaga offer similar activities to Erg Chebbi. 4x4 driving on dunes and camel trekking are, of course, the main activities you should try. Camping and stargazing are also a must. Additionally, you can visit the local souk in M'hamid for some shopping and exploration. Your tour might also include visits to the oases around M'hamid, where you can meet the locals and enjoy their music and lifestyle.
Check out this Youtube videoclip by Oum. It'll give you a glimspe into M'hamid El Ghizlane.
Here you go! These are the best locations to live the Moroccan Sahara and desert experience. If you're into dunes, especially big ones, you'll want to head to Merzouga and then to Erg Chebbi. If the vast desert is what excites you, then Ouarzazate would be a good choice to start from. But remember, always follow your guide's instructions to stay safe. The Sahara is a fun place indeed, but it can also be dangerous. Good luck!
Which is better, Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi?
Both Erg Chegaga and Erg Chebbi are stunning destinations worth visiting in Morocco. Both areas offer similar experiences, but there are some differences. Erg Chegaga is more isolated and much less visited by tourists, while Erg Chebbi is more accessible and frequently visited by groups of tourists. Erg Chegaga offers a more remote and authentic desert experience, while Erg Chebbi offers a more luxurious experience with good accommodations and more night activities.
In terms of natural scenery, both Erg Chegaga and Erg Chebbi are beautiful locations. The difference lies in the shape and spacing of the dunes. In Erg Chegaga, the dunes are more stretched out and expansive, offering a vast and uninterrupted desert landscape. In contrast, in Erg Chebbi, the dunes are generally taller and more clustered together. You'll be able to reach more dunes' peaks in Erg Chebbi.
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