Camel trek into the dunes
A 60–90 minute ride from the village to your camp, ideally timed for late afternoon when the dunes turn copper.
Rabat, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Erg Chebbi · Southeast Morocco
Sahara & Merzouga, Morocco
Real Sahara: 150m dunes, camel caravans, and luxury camps under more stars than you've ever seen.
Best time
October–April (avoid July–August)
Recommended
3 days minimum from Marrakech
Airport
Errachidia (ERH), then 2h drive
Region
Erg Chebbi · Southeast Morocco
Why Sahara & Merzouga
The Sahara is the deep-south climax of any Morocco trip and the farthest thing from the cool Atlantic light of the capital — Erg Chebbi, a 22km field of orange dunes near the village of Merzouga, rises up to 150m above the surrounding hammada. We are honest that it is a long way from Rabat: most guests fly down from the capital to Errachidia and continue 2h by road, rather than committing to the multi-day overland through the Tizi n'Tichka pass and the Dadès and Todra gorges. The reward is one of the most cinematic landscapes on the planet, and a night in a tented camp with Berber hosts.
What to see
Highlights of Sahara & Merzouga.
Luxury desert camp
Canvas suites with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, candlelit dinner and gnaoua musicians around the fire.
Sunrise climb to the high dune
Wake at 5:30, climb 150m of sand, watch the sun come up over Algeria.
Erg Chigaga (the wilder alternative)
Further south, accessed from M'Hamid by 4x4 — quieter, fewer camps, harder to reach. Our preferred option for repeat visitors.
Itineraries
Our Sahara & Merzouga tours.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Sahara & Merzouga. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: 9h drive Marrakech → Merzouga (we split it over 2 days). Or fly to Errachidia.
- What to pack: Layers (cold nights even in summer), scarf for blowing sand, headlamp, slip-on shoes.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal at the camp edge, no Wi-Fi at most camps — by design.
Concierge
Have your Sahara & Merzouga trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Sahara & Merzouga — common questions.
Can I reach the Sahara from Rabat?+
Not quickly — the real dunes (Erg Chebbi or Chigaga) are far to the south-east of the capital. The practical approach from Rabat is to fly down to Errachidia and continue by road, or to build the desert into a longer overland loop. The Sahara is a 3-day-minimum commitment, not a day out from the Atlantic coast.
Is it too hot in summer?+
July–August daytime temperatures regularly exceed 45°C and camps close or move. October–April is the season; March and November are ideal. The capital stays far milder year-round if you want to base most of the trip on the coast.
Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga?+
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) is more accessible and has more camp options. Erg Chigaga is wilder, quieter and requires 4x4 — better for travellers who've done the easier desert trips elsewhere.
Closest destinations
Pair Sahara & Merzouga with.
These destinations are closest to Sahara & Merzouga — easily combined on a private itinerary.
32 kmTafilalt oasis · Drâa-Tafilalet
Rissani
At the deep-south end of a grand loop from the capital, Rissani is the Tafilalt's ancient heart — Alaouite cradle, Merzouga gateway and a great Thursday souk.
Explore152 kmDrâa-Tafilalet · Todra Valley
Tinghir
On a southern loop far from the capital's coast, Tinghir is the Todra valley gateway — a green oasis below the Atlas and base for a dramatic canyon hike.
Explore171 kmPre-Sahara · Kasbah road
Dadès & Todra Gorges
Towering red canyons, palm oases and the famous switchback road — the dramatic heart of the desert route.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Travel notes and practical guides to plan your time around Sahara & Merzouga.