Where to discover the desert in Morocco?

When asked to describe a trip to the desert, what images come directly to mind? You might think of a caravan of camels crossing high dunes of golden sand. Or you might imagine walking across a lunar landscape with an oasis in your sights, or behind the wheel of a 4×4 on the tracks of the Dakar Rally.

In Morocco, all these desert dreams can come true!

The 4 must-see destinations in the Moroccan desert

Choose the right destination for your desert trip in Morocco

Located north-west of the Sahara, Morocco is an ideal destination for desert travel. From the great dunes of fine sand to the deserts of stone, the possibilities for travelling in this fascinating environment are countless and sometimes surprising. To make the most of your encounter, opt for a desert trip in Morocco that perfectly matches your aspirations.

Do you dream of great sand dunes worthy of the most beautiful Hollywood films? Just the thing, Morocco is where some of the most iconic desert films have been filmed. This is particularly true of the legendary Lawrence of Arabia, many scenes of which were filmed in the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.

Dreaming of experiencing the desert on a weekend in Marrakech? Don’t give in to the siren calls of unscrupulous agencies trying to sell you a 2-day desert tour in Merzouga. You’ll be spending most of your weekend in an uncomfortable minibus, while a fascinating experience awaits you just outside Marrakech. Set off to discover the reg Agafay, where you’ll plunge into an enchanting stony desert dominated by the peaks of the High Atlas.

Dreaming of slowly immersing yourself in the desert on a trek or camel trek? Prefer a tour along the Draa Valley or departing from Tazzarine or M’hamid. This will take you through erg and reg, oases and palm groves in an authentic natural environment away from mass tourism.

Dreaming of a desert adventure far from civilisation? Some 4×4 or buggy raids departing from Merzouga offer just such an experience, but civilisation is always close by. For a real desert adventure in Morocco, you should head for the provinces of the deep south. Apart from some populated coastal areas, the interior offers everything you would expect from a true desert.