Although zipping out to the Sahara for a day from Marrakech may sound sexy and exciting, the fact is the iconic dunes you’re imagining (like the ones in Merzouga) are a minimum of 8-10 hours each way. That’s not just unrealistic — it’s exhausting.
Short on time but longing for a taste of the desert, head to the Agafay Desert. It’s rocky, not sandy, but only about an hour from Marrakech. You can ride camels, watch the sunset, and even spend the night in a desert camp.
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For the true Sahara dunes, plan on a 3-day trip to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech. Trust us, the stars over the Erg Chebbi dunes are worth it.
Is it worth going to the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Yes — a visit to the Sahara Desert in Morocco is definitely worth it if you have the time.
Here’s why people love it:
Iconic sand dunes: The enormous golden dunes found in locations like Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) can be taken from a movie — they shouldn’t be missed at either sunrise or sunset.
Camel treks & desert camps: You can take a camel ride into the dunes and sleep under the stars in a Berber-style tent. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
Camel treks & desert camps: You can ride camels into the dunes and sleep under the stars in a Berber-style tent. It’s the kind of a once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully) only thing you would ever do.
Stargazing: With absolutely no light pollution, the Sahara has some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see.
Cultural connection: The majority of tours are run by local Berbers and guests are welcomed into their food, music, and culture.
That said, it’s a commitment. The drive to Merzouga from Marrakech takes 9–10 hours each way, and is generally undertaken as a 3-day tour. If time is short, the Agafay Desert outside Marrakech offers a “desert feel” without the long haul — but it’s rocky, not sandy.
Summary: One Day Trip to Sahara Desert from Marrakech
Though the real Sahara Desert isn’t a feasible day trip from Marrakech, albeit an easy and quick one, it doesn’t mean you need to completely miss out on a desert adventure. If you’re pressed for time, Agafay provides an easy, gorgeous escape — complete with camel rides and campfires and sunset views. But if you’re in it for the real thing — infinite golden dunes, star-studded skies, Berber hospitality — we say give yourself a few days and head to Merzouga. It’s a trek, yes, but one that rewards you with memories that’ll last a lifetime.
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