Where is the Sahara desert in Morocco
The Ultimate Guide to The Sahara Desert in Morocco: 2026 Experience
To many tourists, no part of Morocco will ever be more iconic than its great desert, the Sahara. Whether you seek out the impressive dunes at Erg Chebbi or the wild stretches of Erg Chigaga, you will experience a spiritual and beautiful peace unlike any other place on earth. The reason for asking where is the Sahara desert in Morocco?
At Over Morocco Tours, we are professionals who have assisted many people to make their experience in the desert easy. In this 2026 guide, we shall discuss the costs of Sahara desert tours, what one needs for packing, among other useful information.
Choosing Your Gateway: Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga?
When selecting the destination for an excursion to Morocco’s Sahara Desert, your first consideration would be which “Erg” you should explore.
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
This place is ideal for spending 3 days exploring the desert region from Marrakech. Here, the dunes go up to a height of 150 meters and are easily accessible.
Vibe: Suitable for a luxury camp in Merzouga with en suite facilities and delicious food.
Activities: Enjoy camel rides and sandboarding at dusk.
Erg Chigaga (M’hamid/Zagora)
If you want to know which is better between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, then Erg Chigaga will suit you as it is suitable for adventurous spirits and will require a journey in a 4×4 vehicle.
Vibe: Wild and remote.
Activity: Star gazing and 4×4 bashing through the dunes.
Planning Your Itinerary: 3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga luxury desert camp:
To see where is the Sahara desert in Morocco at your own leisure pace, a 3-day tour is a must.
Day 1: From Marrakech to Dades Valley. Drive across the High Atlas mountains through Tizi n’Tichka Pass to UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou.
Day 2: From Dades to Merzouga. Visit Todra Gorges and then go on your camel ride at sunset in the dunes.
Day 3: Return from Merzouga to Marrakech/Fes. A long but beautiful drive back through Ziz Valley.
Expert Advice: Do not book those “1-day desert trips”. You’ll end up sitting in the car for 12 hours straight, while not getting any closer to the sand dunes!
Weather & Timing: Best Time to Visit the Sahara
The Sahara desert is known for its harsh climatic conditions. Timing is the key element in visiting the Moroccan Sahara desert.
Peak Season: October – April. The daytime temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C.
Summer: June – August. Daytime temperatures may soar up to 45°C. Many luxury camps opt to close down during this period, and hiking can be done only at dawn.
Winter: December – February. The weather is clear and sunny throughout the day, but it may fall to 0°C at night.
Packing for the Dunes: Sahara Essentials
With our blog Where is the Sahara Desert in Morocco,Do not let poor planning spoil your Moroccan desert experience.
Cheche (Scarf): Purchase a 5-meter long blue scarf. This is the best way to protect yourself from sun and sand.
Ziploc Bags: A must-have to ensure the dust of the Sahara does not get into your camera or phone.
Sunscreen: SPF 50 is required, even during winter.
Pants: Shorts are not recommended for camel riding since the hair may irritate you.
FAQ: Where is the Sahara Desert in Morocco Located?
Where exactly does the Sahara begin in Morocco?
Sahara Desert is situated in southeastern Morocco, adjacent to the border with Algeria. Although a lot of Deep South area is covered by rocky desert called Reg, the famous sand dunes Ergs are located only at the end of asphalt roads in such villages as Merzouga and M’hamid.
What are the main entry points to the desert?
The three major gateways for The Sahara desert in Morocco are:
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): It is the most famous gateway, easily accessible to tourists. It takes about nine hours by road from Marrakech or seven hours from Fes.
M’hamid El Ghizlane (Erg Chigaga): This is the last village before the wild dunes of Erg Chigaga.
Zagora: It is often referred to as “Gateway to the Desert.” It is situated in the picturesque valley of Draa. It has smaller dunes named Tinfou.
Which desert is closest to Marrakech?
In case you are looking for the enormous gold dunes in the Sahara, you will find them closer in Zagora (approximately 6 hours). Nevertheless, should you have just one day, you may visit the Agafay Desert.
Important Fact: Agafay Desert is a “stony desert” without any sand dunes; in order to experience the genuine Sahara Desert, you have to head towards Merzouga and/or M’hamid.
What is the nearest airport to the Sahara?
However, if you would rather avoid the nine-hour drive, the closest airport to the region would be Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) in Errachidia, which will require an additional two-hour drive to reach the Merzouga dunes. The second option would be Ouarzazate (OZZ), where you can reduce the drive time from Marrakech by half.
Is it safe to visit the Sahara near the Algerian border?
Yes. Even though the Sahara Desert of Morocco borders the country, the tourist sites of Merzouga and Zagora are strictly monitored, safe, and patrolled by the local authorities. We only hire local drivers at Over Morocco Tours because they know how to traverse the desert sands safely.
