The dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga are Morocco's classic Sahara experience: camel treks at sunset, nights in a desert camp and exceptional stargazing.
- Best time to visit
- October to April. Summer is extremely hot; winter nights can be close to freezing.
- How long to stay
- At least two nights including the journey. The drive from Marrakech or Fez takes most of a day, so many travellers break it with a night in the Dades Valley.
- Getting there from the UK
- There are no direct UK flights. Most travellers drive from Marrakech (via Aït Benhaddou) or from Fez, often continuing to the other city afterwards.
- Where to stay
- Desert camps in the dunes, from simple shared camps to luxury tents with private bathrooms, or kasbah hotels on the edge of the erg.
Highlights
- Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
- Sunrise from the top of a dune
- Aït Benhaddou on the drive south
- Gnawa music in Khamlia
What a day costs
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£51
per person / day
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£110
per person / day
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£285
per person / day
Per person per day for two people sharing, including stay, meals, experiences and local transport. Indicative estimates from our planner — not live prices, excluding flights.
Local tips
- Pack warm layers from November to February.
- Camel rides are usually included with camp stays — confirm when you book.
- A through-route (Marrakech → desert → Fez) avoids driving the same road twice.
Frequently asked questions
How many nights do you need in the Sahara?
Plan at least two nights including the journey, and ideally one night in the Dades Valley on the way.
Can you do the Sahara as a day trip from Marrakech?
Not to Merzouga — it is too far. For a short trip, the stony Agafay Desert is about 40 minutes from Marrakech.
When is the best time to visit the Sahara in Morocco?
October to April. Summer temperatures are extreme, and winter nights are cold.