Spending a night under the star-studded sky of the Saharan desert is a truly transformative experience. Not only does it allow you to feel a profound connection to Morocco's rich cultural heritage but also the vast universe surrounding us.
For centuries, the Ait Atta people have called this awe-inspiring landscape “home”, living a nomadic lifestyle in simple desert camps hidden in the dunes. Today, these camps welcome tourists from near and far wanting a taste of Saharan life and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery.
Exploring the Sahara Desert was one of my favourite experiences in Morocco and it’s something I recommend everyone does during their time in the country. The silence, the stargazing, the social atmosphere around the campfire - it all combined to create a trip I’ll never forget.
If you’re not sure what to expect or how to plan a Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco, this article is for you. I’ll touch on some of the things you should consider when organising your adventure and provide links to help you make it happen.
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Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga
Morocco’s swathe of the Sahara Desert is home to two distinct dune areas - Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga - each of which offers a unique desert experience for adventurous travellers. While both locations feature the iconic towering sand dunes that have come to define the Saharan landscape, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Erg Chebbi is the more accessible and well-trodden of the two, with a large number of camps catering to the steady flow of tourists who flock here. This accessibility, however, can come at the cost of a more crowded and commercialised atmosphere…but only in certain areas. There are still plenty of Erg Chebbi camps offering an exclusive desert experience, although you may have to pay a little more for it.
In contrast, the Erg Chigaga dunes provide a more rugged and isolated desert escape and are accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. For adventure seekers looking to get off the beaten path, Erg Chigaga has a sparser number of camps, creating a greater sense of solitude and connection to the natural world. Getting here is not as easy but the rewards (for some) are more than worth it.
Ultimately, the choice between these two Moroccan dune destinations comes down to personal preference - one offers easier accessibility and a more social atmosphere while the other is more about being immersed in the untamed splendour of the Sahara Desert.
To learn more about the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, check out my detailed article here.
Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco
Tour Group vs Private Tour
When visiting the Moroccan Sahara, there are two ways you can go about it - join an organised tour in Marrakech or Fes OR drive yourself to the gateway towns of Merzouga (for Erg Chebbi) or M’Hamid (for Erg Chigaga). As discussed in my article Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Morocco, it’s relatively easy to hire a car in Morocco and embark on a self-drive itinerary.
That being said, navigating the roads that lead from Marrakech and Fes to the Sahara Desert can be daunting for some. Some of the roads are in poor condition, with potholes and unpaved sections to negotiate, and most are shared by not only other vehicles but also animals and pedestrians.
If this doesn’t sound like a task you want to take on, then I’d recommend taking an organised tour. Led by someone who is intimately familiar with the area, speaks the language and knows the road conditions, a guided tour to the Sahara means a stress-free experience. Most tour companies work with particular camps, so you can either take your pick based on reviews or contact the camp you prefer and have them organise transport for you.
Viator has heaps of Moroccan Sahara Desert tours to choose from, visiting both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. It’s a great starting point as you can read reviews from previous guests and get a taste of what the camps look like. Some of the tours that start in Marrakech also include visits to the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the gorges of Dades and Todra, so you’ll get to experience much more than just the Sahara.
If you’re planning a self-drive adventure in Morocco and want to visit the Sahara Desert, check out this one-week itinerary from Marrakech.
Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Duration
When choosing the best Morocco desert experience for you, decide how many nights you want to spend under the stars. If you just want a taste, then a 2-day/1-night trip will suffice. This will usually include a camel trek or 4x4 excursion in the late afternoon to get you to your camp, then the same in the morning to return you to Merzouga or M’Hamid. You’ll get to watch one sunset and one sunrise over the dunes and may even have time to try sandboarding.
If you have more time up your sleeve or if you’re coming from Marrakech or Fes, then I’d recommend planning at least a 3-day/2-night trip. This will allow you to enjoy a more well-rounded experience and really soak in the unique atmosphere and tranquility of the Moroccan Sahara. Some 3-day/2-night trips also allow you to start in Marrakech and finish in Fes (or vice versa), meaning it doubles as a transfer.
With one night spent en route somewhere else, a 4-day/3-night trip is a great option for those who want to spend two nights out in the desert and have one full day to experience its magical terrain. This extended timeline gives you ample opportunity to venture further into the dunes and away from Merzouga/M’Hamid while really disconnecting from the outside world. Ultimately, you’ll get to experience parts of the Sahara that few others witness.
The Sahara tour duration that's right for you will depend on your personal travel style, the overall pace of your itinerary and how immersed you wish to become in Morocco’s desert region. Keep in mind that many desert tours from Marrakech or Fes include nights spent elsewhere, so factor this into your decision-making process.
Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco
Level of luxury
If you’re worried about having to “rough it” in the Moroccan Sahara, then think again. Traditionally, nomads stayed in quite basic camps with just the essentials they needed. But today, there are luxury options with all the creature comforts you’d expect of a high-end hotel. When it comes to the level of comfort you desire during your camping experience, the options vary widely and it really comes down to how much you want to pay.
Ultimately, how comfortable you want to be during your camping trip is a highly personal decision and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people revel in the back-to-basics approach, embracing the simple pleasures of sleeping under the stars with only the bare essentials - just as nomadic peoples have done for centuries. Others prefer a more pampered “glamping” setup, with plush beds, gourmet meals and ensuite bathrooms (including hot, running water).
As there are so many camps available (particularly in Erg Chebbi), the key is finding the right balance of comfort and cost that aligns with your individual preferences and budget. It’s worth keeping in mind that many of the higher-end camps in Erg Chebbi also boast more exclusive settings. So if you’re seeking a remote experience, it might be worth paying a little more.
Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Activities and experiences
Staying at one of Morocco’s Sahara Desert camps is all about experiencing nomadic life, whether that’s through camel rides, traditional music or storytelling. Most of the activities at the camp are centred around showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region, with drumming and playing instruments around the campfire often integral to the nighttime experience.
Some camps set themselves apart by offering additional activities, such as 4x4 excursions, sandboarding and quad biking experiences. If you’re interested in any of these, it’s worth checking with the camp before booking. Some camps also include visits to remote communities, although this usually requires staying at least two nights.
Morocco’s desert camps also give you the opportunity to sample local cuisine, with the cooks preparing time-honoured recipes using ingredients that have traditionally been available to desert communities. Vegetarians and vegans are usually well-catered for but always let the camp know in advance so they can prepare.
Lastly, staying at a Sahara Desert camp in Morocco allows you to experience some incredible stargazing. Due to the absence of light pollution and the clarity of the atmosphere, there’s the opportunity to witness far-away constellations, planets and the Milky Way like never before.
Combined with the cultural offerings, it’s for this reason a Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco is so transformative. It’s a powerful reminder not only of our diversity here on Earth but how small we are amidst the vastness of the universe.
Staying at a desert camp in Morocco
Recommended Moroccan Sahara desert camps in Erg Chebbi
Luxury desert camp near Merzouga
Experience the epitome of desert opulence at this luxury Erg Chebbi camp, which features spacious sleeping tents adorned with Moroccan crafts. Each comes with a private bathroom and can be reached through pathways lit by twinkling lanterns. The gourmet meals served at breakfast and dinner are among the area's best.
Mid-range desert camp near Merzouga
If you're looking for an affordable luxury experience in the Moroccan Sahara, look no further than this top-rated camp near Merzouga. The elegant design of the luxury tents provides plenty of space and the bathrooms are well-appointed. In addition to the exceptional accommodations, the Merzouga Stars Luxury Camp also offers yoga classes amidst the breathtaking desert scenery.
Budget desert camp near Merzouga
The Sahara Wellness Camp has been a labour of love for a local family headed by Omar and his brothers, Hamid and Aziz. Their strong bond with the land and dedication to upholding the traditional lifestyle in the area shine through in every detail. This budget Sahara camp features just six black sleeping tents, plus a communal tent where meals are served.
Staying at a desert camp in Morocco
Recommended Moroccan Sahara desert camps in Erg Chigaga
Luxury desert camp near M’Hamid
This Erg Chigaga desert camp offers exquisitely designed tents that provide a truly luxurious glamping experience. Each features a spacious and comfortable bed adorned with high-quality linen, plus an en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilets. The Zaila Erg Luxury Camp takes culinary excellence to a whole new level, offering five-star dining options.
Mid-range desert camp near M’Hamid
Dune Blanche is perfect for those seeking adventure, with a variety of activities such as camel rides, quad bike tours and 4x4 expeditions on offer. The themed tents are individually decorated and come with electricity, as well as private showers with hot water. In the evening, guests can enjoy traditional Moroccan meals together under a majestic tree at the heart of the camp.
Budget desert camp near M’Hamid
Camp Chraika is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from M’Hamid and is a great value option for those looking to explore the Erg Chigaga dunes. Recently updated, this budget-friendly Sahara camp boasts a welcoming shared lounge area and each tent is equipped with cosy beds for a comfortable stay. Guests can kick off their mornings at Camp Chraika with a delicious buffet breakfast, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling sand dunes.
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