Camel trek into the dunes
A 60–90 minute ride from the village to your camp, ideally timed for late afternoon when the dunes turn copper.
Casablanca, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Erg Chebbi · Southeast Morocco
Sahara & Merzouga, Morocco
Real Sahara: 150m dunes, camel caravans and luxury camps — the great onward journey from your Casablanca arrival.
Best time
October–April (avoid July–August)
Recommended
3 days minimum from Marrakech
Airport
Errachidia (ERH), then 2h drive
Region
Erg Chebbi · Southeast Morocco
Why Sahara & Merzouga
Most travellers' image of Morocco is Erg Chebbi — a 22km field of orange dunes near the village of Merzouga, rising up to 150m above the surrounding hammada. The desert is the furthest reach from a Casablanca arrival, not a quick add-on: we usually have guests train south from Casablanca to Marrakech first, then drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass through the Dadès and Todra gorges (about 9 hours, split over two days), or fly Casablanca to Errachidia and drive the final 2 hours. The reward is one of the most cinematic landscapes on the planet, and a night in a tented camp with Berber hosts.
What to see
Highlights of Sahara & Merzouga.
Luxury desert camp
Canvas suites with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, candlelit dinner and gnaoua musicians around the fire.
Sunrise climb to the high dune
Wake at 5:30, climb 150m of sand, watch the sun come up over Algeria.
Erg Chigaga (the wilder alternative)
Further south, accessed from M'Hamid by 4x4 — quieter, fewer camps, harder to reach. Our preferred option for repeat visitors.
Itineraries
Our Sahara & Merzouga tours.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Sahara & Merzouga. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: From Casablanca: train to Marrakech then 9h drive over 2 days, or fly Casablanca → Errachidia + 2h.
- What to pack: Layers (cold nights even in summer), scarf for blowing sand, headlamp, slip-on shoes.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal at the camp edge, no Wi-Fi at most camps — by design.
Concierge
Have your Sahara & Merzouga trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Sahara & Merzouga — common questions.
Can I reach the Sahara quickly from Casablanca?+
Not quickly — the real dunes (Erg Chebbi / Chigaga) are a long way from your Casablanca arrival, around two days of travel via Marrakech and the kasbah road. The fastest option is to fly Casablanca to Errachidia and drive 2 hours. For a short trip, the Agafay stone desert near Marrakech is a beautiful stand-in, though it is not the true Sahara.
Is it too hot in summer?+
July–August daytime temperatures regularly exceed 45°C and camps close or move. October–April is the season; March and November are ideal.
Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga?+
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) is more accessible and has more camp options. Erg Chigaga is wilder, quieter and requires 4x4 — better for travellers who've done the easier desert trips elsewhere.
Closest destinations
Pair Sahara & Merzouga with.
These destinations are closest to Sahara & Merzouga — easily combined on a private itinerary.
32 kmTafilalt oasis · Drâa-Tafilalet
Rissani
At the far south-eastern end of the road from Casablanca sits Rissani — ancient Tafilalt capital, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty and Morocco's most atmospheric Thursday market, gateway to Merzouga.
Explore
152 kmDrâa-Tafilalet · Todra Valley
Tinghir
Where Casablanca's gateway funnels travellers south, the road eventually reaches Tinghir — a green Todra-valley oasis below the Atlas, base camp for one of Morocco's most dramatic canyon hikes.
Explore
171 kmPre-Sahara · Kasbah road
Dadès & Todra Gorges
Towering red canyons, palm oases and the famous switchback road — the dramatic heart of the desert route.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Stories, guides and practical tips to help you plan your time in Sahara & Merzouga and beyond.