Camel Ride TripsComplete guide
Sahara Desert Tours in Morocco: The Complete 2026 Guide
Where to go, how many days from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca or Tangier, real prices, desert camps and how to book safely.
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Morocco Travel Blog
Practical advice for planning your trip, written by our team in Rissani, at the edge of the Sahara, where we have guided travelers since 2014. Short, honest answers to the questions our guests ask us most.
By Mohamed El Amraoui, founder of Camel Ride Trips · local team in Rissani since 2014 · Updated
Quick answer
What should I know before planning a trip to Morocco?
The best seasons to visit Morocco are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Plan at least 7 days to see the imperial cities and the Sahara, or 12 to 14 days for a relaxed tour of the whole country. Pack modest, layered clothing and warm layers for desert nights. Morocco is generally safe for tourists, the currency is the dirham, and tipping is common for guides and drivers.
Best seasons
Spring and fall for comfortable weather.
Packing
Layers, modest clothes, warm desert nights.
Distances
Merzouga is about 550 km from Marrakech.
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Real answers from a local team on WhatsApp.
In this guide
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons, with warm days and cool nights. Summer (June to August) is very hot in the desert and inland cities, so desert activities happen at sunrise and sunset. Winter (December to February) is mild and sunny in Marrakech, but nights in the Sahara are cold, and snow can close the High Atlas passes for short periods.
How many days do you need in Morocco?
With 2 or 3 days, focus on one city and a desert trip, such as Marrakech to Merzouga. One week covers the classic route: imperial cities, the Sahara and Marrakech. For a relaxed trip through the north, the desert, the kasbahs and the coast, plan 12 to 14 days.
Our most complete itineraries are the 12-day luxury desert tour and the 14-day Morocco at Leisure.
How far is the Sahara from Marrakech and Fes?
Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are about 550 km from Marrakech (9 to 10 hours of driving without stops) and about 470 km from Fes (around 7 to 8 hours with stops). That is why we recommend at least 3 days for a desert trip, and 5 days for a comfortable one.
What to pack for the Sahara
- Light, loose clothes for the day and a warm layer for the evening, as desert nights get cool even in warm months.
- A scarf or headscarf for sun and sand.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
- Comfortable closed shoes or sandals for the dunes.
- A small bag for the night in camp, so you leave your big luggage in the car.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists and welcomes millions of visitors each year. The most common annoyances are persistent sellers and unofficial guides in the medinas. Traveling with a licensed guide and a private driver makes things much easier. Women traveling alone may receive unwanted attention; see our guide to solo female travel in Morocco.
Money and tipping in Morocco
The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). ATMs are common in cities, and cards work in most hotels, but carry cash for souks, cafés, taxis and tips. Tipping is expected for guides, drivers, camp staff and in restaurants. We share simple tipping guidelines with every guest before the trip.
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Quick Answers
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April, May, October and November are often the most pleasant, with warm days and comfortable desert nights.
How many days do you need for the Sahara?
At least 3 days from Marrakech or Fes, and 5 days for a relaxed trip with two nights in the desert.
Is it cold in the Sahara at night?
Yes, especially from November to February, when nights can get close to freezing. Camps provide thick blankets.
Do I need cash in Morocco?
Yes. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but you need dirhams for souks, small cafés and tips.
What should I wear in Morocco?
Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, plus warm layers for the desert and the mountains.
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