How to plan a Morocco Sahara Desert Camp Tour

I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing visiting the Sahara was. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I believe everyone should have on their travel bucket list. The Morocco Sahara Desert is a place of breathtaking beauty, where the golden dunes stretch endlessly into the horizon, and the silence is so profound it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Whether you’re watching the sunset paint the sand in brilliant hues of orange and red or gazing up at the stars in the clear desert night, the Sahara offers some of the most fantastic views in one of the most unique places on Earth.

Planning a trip to the Sahara is an absolute must for anyone visiting Morocco. However, with so many tour options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This guide is here to take you through the best steps to booking a Sahara Desert tour, ensuring that you select the experience that’s perfect for you. From camel treks to overnight stays in traditional Berber tents, this guide will help you navigate the various options and make the most of your journey into the heart of the desert.

Happy travels to Morocco!

Just a quick note: This page might include affiliate links. If you click and purchase anything from the links I receive a tiny commission to support this website. The good news? I only recommend products I actually use and believe in. So you're getting the best products at a super good price.

Need to use your phone while traveling? My favorite way to make sure I’m connected is Airalo. Get an e-sim to cheaply stay connected (almost) anywhere in the world!

How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakech?

The drive from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert takes about 10 hours with stops along the way. The journey leads you up and down the stunning Atlas Mountains through winding 2-lane roads, offering breathtaking views that make the lengthy drive more enjoyable.

While the drive is scenic, it can be long and tiring. Most tours split the journey into two days to ensure you make the most of the experience. Along the way, you’ll stop at some of Morocco’s most iconic attractions, which not only break up the drive but also enrich your journey with cultural and historical insights.

One of the most notable stops is Aït Benhaddou (usually discussed as Ait Ben), an ancient fortified village that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ksar is famous for its striking clay architecture. It’s served as the backdrop for numerous films, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Another key stop is the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River. The towering cliffs create a breathtaking natural wonder that’s perfect for a walk. This is where our group trip stayed for the overnight at a guest house and took a hike to the gorge the following morning. I loved the experience.

By the time you reach the Sahara, you will have already seen a diverse array of landscapes and historic sites. And, for me, this makes the drive itself a bit easier and more entertaining (consider it a road trip).

After your time in the Erg Chebbi Dunes, most tours will take you back to Marrakech in a single day, covering the 10-hour journey in one stretch.

How long should I spend in the Sahara?

Most tours to the Sahara are two to three nights in length, with only one night spent in the desert itself. While there are niche tours that venture further into the dunes for a more immersive experience, these are less common. And they often cater to those seeking a deeper adventure with more money to do so.

But a single night in the desert is a great experience and still worth the long drive to get there.

Typically, your tour group will arrive in the African Sahara by mid-afternoon, giving you time to enjoy planned activities. These include things like camel or ATV rides in the sand dunes. After a traditional dinner, the evening is perfect for stargazing under the desert sky—a highlight for many in my group. The following morning, you’ll depart early, leaving the desert behind but carrying memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking for the best camel trekking experiences in Morocco? Check out this helpful guide!

Sahara Desert Tour Price: What’s the cost?

Tour prices range widely depending on the type of accommodation, the number of people in your group, and the length of your stay. Tours can be as little as $70 USD per day to more than $500 USD per day. Here, quality is largely determined by the price you’re willing to pay.

I’d recommend opting for a small-group tour that includes accommodations with bathroom facilities. You’ll get to experience more along the route and have a better time in the Sahara as well. These tours usually start at about $250 USD for three nights. Anything less is often tailored for backpackers willing to rough it. Or, those who don’t mind being taken to unnecessary stops at rug and pottery shops due to pushy sales agreements.

It’s also important to consider what’s included in the price. Higher-end tours typically offer more comfortable accommodations, such as luxury tents with private bathrooms, and a more personalized experience a smaller group.

These tours may also include additional activities, like guided desert hikes or private dinners under the stars. On the other hand, budget tours may cut corners on amenities and often include larger groups, which can detract from the overall experience. When choosing a tour, it’s worth considering not just the cost, but the value and quality of the experience.

Best way to visit the Sahara in Morocco

Though you can rent a car and arrange accommodation in the Sahara on your own, the best way to experience this vast desert is with a guide. Police checkpoints are common across Morocco. While they are a routine part of travel, foreigners may find themselves subject to delays or even bribes.

Navigating the roads through the Atlas Mountains and into the desert can also be challenging, with winding paths and less-than-ideal road conditions. A local guide, who is familiar with the terrain and customs, can help you avoid these pitfalls.

I’m usually the type to DIY any experience that I can, but this is one trip where hiring a guided tour is highly recommended. A guided tour not only eliminates the stress of navigating unfamiliar territory but also adds depth to your experience.

Moreover, going with a guide allows you to stop along the way at unique attractions. Many of them you’d miss if traveling independently. You’ll stay at charming guest houses in the small town mountains and dine at unique restaurants that serve authentic Moroccan cuisine.

Guides often have relationships with local vendors and can introduce you to experiences that are off the typical tourist trail. They are also there to help you negotiate better prices for souvenirs along the way.

In short, while it’s possible to visit the Sahara on your own, going with a guided tour ensures that you get the most out of your adventure. From navigating the challenging roads to uncovering hidden gems along the way, a guided tour offers a richer, more hassle-free experience. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Morocco.

Plan your Sahara trip: How to book a tour

When planning your Sahara Desert adventure, it’s important to keep in mind that most tours are two to three-night excursions. The main difference between these tours often lies in where they start and end. While many tours start and finish in Marrakech, you can also find tours that begin in Fes and conclude in Marrakech or vice versa. This flexibility allows you to tailor your desert experience to fit the broader travel itinerary you’re developing.

Consider how the desert tour fits into the overall structure of your trip. If you’re planning to explore northern Morocco first, starting your desert tour in Fes and ending in Marrakech might make the most sense. Alternatively, if Marrakech is your primary base, starting and ending there could be more convenient. Either way, the route you choose can influence the sights and experiences you’ll encounter along the journey, so it’s worth thinking about which direction aligns best with your travel goals.

Once you’ve decided where to start your guided tour, the next step is to choose a tour company. The options are plentiful, with many quality tours available to book online before your trip.

When selecting a tour operator, consider the type of experience you’re looking for—whether you prefer a more luxurious, small-group setting or are comfortable with a budget-friendly option that may include larger groups.

Reviews and testimonials from other travelers can be incredibly helpful in making your decision. Look for tours that offer comprehensive packages, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities like camel rides or visits to local Berber villages.

Booking in advance not only secures your spot but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your desert adventure is well-organized and tailored to your preferences.

Best Sahara Tours on a Budget

Unless you are really tight on your budget in Morocco I would skip the budget experience and opt for the mid-range prices. You’ll have a much more comfortable experience with less stops to get you to buy things and more to enjoy the culture and history of the High Atlas Mountains.

1-Night Trip Without Transfer to Merzouga
3-Night Under $100

Best Mid-Range Sahara Desert Tours

Ranging in price but around $200-250 per person these are the best trips for the best experience for the price point, in my opinion.

Morocco Destinations 3-Day Tour – my top choice!
Morocco Trip 3-day Tour from Marrakech

Best Luxury Sahara Tours

If you’re looking to splurge on private dinners in the desert and the best of glamping desert camp then splurging on these $1000+ private tour experiences can be worth it. But for a fraction of the price you can still have a great experience, so only do this if you want something truly unique.

Luxury Camp Experience with Private Dinner
Moroccan Journeys Luxury Camp

Should you book your Sahara tour in advance?

Though you can buy spots on overnight trips once you’re in Morocco the Sahara experience is a part of your larger itinerary. This makes it hard to not plan in advance. Most tours operate from Fes or Marrakech but can also end in Fes or Marrakech, meaning you could easily make the Sahara a part of your itinerary and transfer between Fes and Marrakech.

Booking in advance also gives you the time to do your research to find reputable companies with positive reviews to choose from. While you might find a slightly cheaper price from your hotel receptionist who can “call their friend” you know nothing about this tour company.

With all that being said, I think it’s always best to book your Sahara tour in advance to have a positive experience.

Staying in the Sahara Desert Camp: What’s it like?

Depending on the type of tour you book into the Sahara you’ll find your experience might be vastly different when you arrive at camp. While budget travelers might be “roughing it” with little amenities, mid-tier travelers will likely have shared facilities with showers and flushing toilets. Those seeking luxury experiences likely will have private bathrooms, luxury sheets, and all the amenities you could ever imagine.

All to say your trip to the Sahara desert camp is based on the type of tour you book.

Personally, I went on a mid-tier experience, with a shared bunkhouse (4 single beds) and shared washroom facilities. The bunkhouse had basic amenities, like sheets and blankets, but little in terms of extras. I was also unsure how often the bedding was washed and happened to have my travel blanket, using that instead of the blankets offered. (And was glad I did.)

Going in May the Sahara, even after the sun set, was super hot. Many of the group opted to sleep outside instead of in the tent to stay cool. I’m sure if you visit between fall to spring you’ll have a different experience when it comes to the evening heat.

Though I can’t speak to all the facilities, ours were clean with flushing toilets and a few showers. For a quick overnight I was fine with the shared facilities but depending on how you like to travel if you spend more time in the Sahara this might not be convenient for you.

Your tour will likely be an all-inclusive experience, which means your meals are also included. This is typically a traditional Moroccan dinner (usually Berber food) and again a light breakfast. Throughout the evening and morning you’ll have coffee and mint tea available, too.

What to Wear in the Sahara

Depending on when you travel to the Sahara you’ll find temperatures can fluctuate from very warm to very cold. Winter sees more temperature extremes than the summer months, where the evenings do cool down but not to sweater conditions the winter months can bring. 

It’s best to pack lightweight linen and cotton clothes with longer sleeves for the desert conditions. This will help protect your skin and keep the sand off your body, too. If you’re interested, locals will help you wrap a scarf around your face and head in the traditional keffiyeh style.

Some tour companies will ask you to only bring the essentials for the 1-3 day trip while leaving the rest of your belongings at your hotel. This isn’t every tour company but certainly something to note.

Mini-Sahara Packing List

• Lightweight linen pants to keep you cool and covered while in the desert
• Long sleeve linen shirt you can easily take on and off during your trip (like this one)
• Large hat or scarf to cover your head and face
• Sandals or shoes for the dunes
• Slip on sandals for public shower
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle (I like a LifeStraw so I never have to worry about drinking water abroad)

Morocco Sahara Desert camp FAQs

More Morocco Tips + Inspiration

• Don’t miss my complete travel guide to visiting Morocco for more helpful tips
• Get all the details on how to book a small-group trip to the Sahara
• Visiting the famous Blue City can be worth it – find out all the amazing things to do
• My favorite little beach town is just a short bus ride from Marrakech