Sahara Excursion — Erg Chebbi & Zagora
The Sahara is accessible from Marrakech — but not as a day trip. The nearest sand dunes are 8–10 hours away. For a true desert experience, you need at least 2 nights (better 3).
The Options
- Erg Chebbi (Merzouga): The most famous sand dunes in Morocco — up to 150 meters high, golden-orange, and photogenic like a picture book. 550 km from Marrakech (8–10 hours). Most tours are 3 days/2 nights: over the Tizi n'Tichka, Aït Ben Haddou, Dadès Gorge, then camel trek into the dunes and overnight in the desert camp under the starry sky.
- Erg Chigaga (Zagora): Less touristy, more remote, and wilder. 450 km from Marrakech (7–8 hours). The dunes are smaller than Erg Chebbi, but the experience is more authentic and less crowded.
- Agafay Desert: For those who don't have time for the Sahara: a stone desert 40 km south of Marrakech. No sand dunes, but camel riding, quad biking, and glamping camps with views of the Atlas. Half-day trip or overnight stay possible.
