The Sahara Desert is a popular site for people exploring Morocco. Visitors frequently travel to Merzouga to see the famed Erg Chebbi Dunes or to M’Hamid to enjoy the secluded beauty of the Erg Chigaga Dunes.
The most rewarding approach to exploring the Sahara Desert is with the assistance of a qualified local expert who can convey the interesting history and culture of the nomadic Berber people.
Consider our 5-day vacation, which includes a memorable night at the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Alternatively, for those with more time, the Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour provides a thorough exploration of Morocco’s lively cities and spectacular desert scenery.
How to Travel to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech
Duration: 4.5–12.5 hours
If you’re wondering how to go to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, there are three options: bus, helicopter, and vehicle. Most vacationers prefer a private car with a driver for convenience and flexibility.
Automobile travel takes about 9 hours and covers approximately 249 miles (561 kilometers). Starting in Marrakech on the N9 Highway, the route takes you through the magnificent High Atlas Mountains. Along the trip, take in the panoramic vistas of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, a highlight of the route.
The route also includes stops at important landmarks. Before arriving at Ouarzazate, also known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” you will travel by the ancient hilltop settlement of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For those with extra time, a visit to the Ouzoud Waterfalls provides panoramic splendor and the opportunity to encounter Barbary macaques. Ouarzazate is also an excellent place to relax and enjoy a dinner at a riverfront restaurant before continuing your trek deeper into the Sahara desert.
From Ouarzazate, take the N10 Highway to the R113 turnoff. Along this journey, you may come across villagers selling fresh dates harvested from adjacent palm trees, providing a fascinating peek into the region’s agricultural practices. Shortly after, turn onto the N12, which will take you directly to Merzouga, the gateway to the breathtaking Sahara dunes.
Chartering a private helicopter or lightweight aircraft can provide a faster and more exclusive experience. A helicopter voyage lasts around 5 hours, while a lightweight plane
trip takes around 4 hours, providing a breathtaking overhead view of the Moroccan environment.
Although bus services exist to sites such as Zagora and Merzouga, they are much slower. While the advertised trip time is roughly 12.5 hours, delays might cause the voyage to take 15 hours or longer, making this alternative less desirable and often considered a last resort.
From Fes.
Duration: 3–12 hours.
Wondering how to get to the Sahara Desert from Fes? The 289-mile (468-kilometer) trek includes a variety of alternatives and gorgeous landscapes. The majority of travelers chose to drive along the N13 Highway. Along the route, you’ll pass through the gorgeous ski resort town of Ifrane, sometimes known as “Morocco’s Switzerland.” Continuing on the same road, you’ll pass through the Azrou Forest, known for its cedar trees and amusing Barbary macaques, before arriving at the spectacular Ziz Valley. The overall driving time is around 7 hours, excluding any stops for exploration.
There is an overnight bus service from Fes for individuals looking for other means to reach the Sahara Desert. It takes over twelve hours to go from its evening departure to Merzouga the next morning.
Flying is an additional alternative if you’re pressed for time. Every week, Fes provides some nonstop flights to Errachidia, cutting the trip duration to just one hour. Merzouga is two hours’ journey from Errachidia on the R702. Although there are flights to Zagora, they are less practical because they involve stopovers and take longer than driving.
From Casablanca.
Duration: 3-13 hours.
Traveling from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert combines ease and adventure, with numerous options to meet your needs. The drive takes about 9 hours, traversing 417 miles (662 kilometers) over the N13 Highway toward Morocco’s eastern border. The route provides breathtaking views of various landscapes, ranging from rolling plains to steep mountains. A recommended midway stop is Midelt, a lovely Berber village hidden at the base of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you may have a leisurely lunch before continuing your drive to Merzouga. A direct flight from Casablanca to Errachidia is the quickest way to reach the Sahara Desert. Merzouga, the entry point to the Erg Chebbi dunes, is reached after a short one-hour flight and a picturesque two-hour drive along the R702 Highway. With this choice, you may have a comfortable trip and make the most of your time in the desert.
Although there is no direct bus service between Casablanca and Merzouga, travelers can take a bus to Errachidia, with some routes requiring a transfer at Rissani. The bus ride takes about 13 hours, making it the most time-consuming and inconvenient way to reach the Sahara Desert. Click here to learn More About The Merzouga Desert
If you want to explore the desert, Merzouga is the ideal starting place for camel treks, dune camping, and watching the stunning sunsets over the famed sand dunes.
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