Marrakech desert tours: private trips to the Sahara in 2 to 6 days

Eight private desert tours that start in Marrakech, from a two-day trip to the dunes near Zagora to a six-day route to Erg Chigaga. Choose by the days you have and the kind of night you want in the desert.

Every Sahara trip from Marrakech starts the same way: a drive over the High Atlas. That crossing and the long road south explain why the shortest desert tour we run takes two days. This page helps you choose between our eight Marrakech-start desert tours by the number of days you have and the kind of night you want in the dunes.

Can you visit the Sahara in a day from Marrakech?

Not in a way that is worth doing. The big dune fields lie on the far side of the High Atlas, and the road to them takes most of a day each way. The first day of our shortest tour, the 2 day Zagora tour, is spent almost entirely on the road, with a camel ride to camp at sunset and one night in a private tent.

Choose by the days you have

The eight tours at a glance

Tour Days / nights Dunes Nights in the desert Suits you if
2 day Zagora 2 / 1 Nkhila dunes near Zagora 1, private tent at our Morocco Desert Camp you have a weekend, not a week
3 day Erg Chigaga 3 / 2 Erg Chigaga 1, nomad tent you want quiet dunes in three days
3 day Erg Chebbi 3 / 2 Erg Chebbi, Merzouga 1, nomad tent you want gorges on the way
4 day Erg Chebbi 4 / 3 Erg Chebbi 1, nomad tent you want the return split in two
4 day Erg Chigaga trek 4 / 3 Erg Chigaga 1, nomad tent you want about three hours by camel
5 day Erg Chebbi loop 5 / 4 Erg Chebbi none: desert hotel with a pool you prefer hotels to tents
5 day nomad tour 5 / 4 Erg Chigaga 2, nomad tents you want a full day with nomads
6 day Dades, Draa and Chigaga 6 / 5 Erg Chigaga 2, nomad tents you want the scenic approach

Which dunes?

Zagora is the nearest: the Nkhila dunes belong to the first, shortest trip. Erg Chebbi sits next to the village of Merzouga, is reached by paved road and rises to about 150 m; see Merzouga and Erg Chebbi. Erg Chigaga lies further south beyond M’Hamid, is reached by 4×4 or camel and sees fewer visitors; see Erg Chigaga. If you cannot decide, start with our Chebbi or Chigaga guide.

What every route shares

  • The crossing of the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, then Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed earth-built village.
  • A camel ride into the dunes and a night in the desert (except the hotel-only loop).
  • Your own driver and vehicle from Marrakech, with the route set out day by day on each tour page.

Going one way: Marrakech to Fes

If you are heading north anyway, three tours cross the country through the Sahara and finish in Fes: the 3 day, 4 day and 5 day versions, each with a night in a tent at Erg Chebbi.

When to go, and how booking works

The desert changes a lot with the season, and the night can be cold in winter: read the season-by-season guide before you pick dates. Prices are quoted for your group, so tell us your dates and numbers through the quote form, or ask for something different on the Customized Trips page.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for a Sahara tour from Marrakech?

Two days is the shortest tour we run: one night in the dunes near Zagora. Three days reaches Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga with a night in a nomad tent, and four or more days spread the driving out so the trip feels less rushed.

Are the tours private?

Yes. Each tour is private, with your own driver and vehicle, plus a guide and camels where the itinerary has a dune ride.

Will I sleep in a tent?

On most tours, yes: a nomad, Berber or private tent at a desert camp. The 5 day Erg Chebbi loop is the exception: all four nights are in hotels, including a desert hotel with a pool beside the dunes.

What is the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga?

Erg Chebbi, at Merzouga, is reached by paved road and has more camps. Erg Chigaga lies beyond M'Hamid and is reached by 4×4 or camel, so it is quieter. Our comparison guide goes into detail.

How much does a desert tour cost?

We quote each trip for your dates, group size, route and where you sleep, so there is no fixed list price. Send us your details through the quote form and we reply with a route and a price.

Is it cold at night in the desert?

In winter, yes: nights can fall close to freezing, while summer days are very hot. Our season guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

Long-tail questions

People also ask about marrakech desert tours

How many days do you need for a desert tour from Marrakech?

Two days is the shortest, with one night near Zagora. Three days reach Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga with a night in a tent, and four or more days make the driving easier.

Can you do a desert tour from Marrakech in 2 days?

Yes. Our 2 day tour goes to Zagora with a sunset camel trek and a night in a private tent, but most of the time is spent on the road.

Is a desert tour from Marrakech worth it?

Many travellers find it the highlight of their trip, but the drives are long. Choose a length that suits you.

Which desert is best from Marrakech?

Zagora is closest, Erg Chebbi is the easiest dune field and Erg Chigaga is the quietest.

Sources and further reading

Plan your trip

Tell us your dates and group size. We reply with a route and a quote.

Every tour is private and every price is quoted for your group, so the quickest way to a number is to write to us. We answer during office hours (09:00–17:00, every day).

Questions first? Read the FAQ or see all the ways to contact us.

No payment is taken here. We reply with a route and a quote during office hours (09:00–17:00, every day).