Best Desert Tours From Marrakech
Travel from the colorful, lively Marrakech to the vast desert landscapes spanning Morocco’s backyard. Whether you’re in Marrakech for only a short time or want to escape the bustling city for a few days, there are a variety of desert tours from Marrakech that will support all your exploration desires!
Some options include overnight camping below the never-ending desert skies. Whereas other options include visits to historic sites followed by luxurious hotel accommodations. You can explore the arid sands atop a camel while the sun melts into the desert floor or via an exhilarating quad ride. The options are endless!
Want to know more? Read on for more information about the best desert tours from Marrakech!
1. Marrakech Rock Desert and Palm Grove Camel Ride with Tea
This fascinating four-hour tour will take you through the immense Palm Grove and the rugged Rock Desert atop a Malian camel. You will get the chance to briefly immerse in the depths of Morrocan culture outside of the city lights.
Throughout the journey, you will meander through the palm trees dotting the rolling desert landscape. During your trek, you will stop for refreshing mint tea, brewed by local villagers. If you’re hungry, you can munch on authentic Morrocan crêpes.
Above all, this short excursion will open your eyes to the delights, way of life, and irresistible landscapes blossoming outside of Marrakech.
2. Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari
Explore Morocco’s stunning backyard, one that is steeped in history and illuminated by vast scenery, on this 3-day desert safari. At night, the stars and soft winds surrounding and lighting up the Bedouin Camp at the Erg Chebbi Dunes will lullaby and ease you to sleep. And the cotton candy sunrise will calmly ask you to arise come morning.
This journey will take you through the towering High Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aït Benhaddou, where ancient, earthly buildings have sat for centuries. In addition to immersing yourself in the deep end of Morrocco’s rich, vast sights, you will also intermingle with locals. At the campsite, locals will perform and provide you with unforgettable entertainment.
If you want to explore the remarkable landscapes spanning Morrocco, this 3-day journey will fulfill your desire.
3. Sunset Camel Ride in the Marrakech Palmeraie
Wondering if there are any desert tours from Marrakech that offer a short trip? Well, you’re in luck! This Marrakech camel ride trip is only a short drive from the city center. It’s an ideal activity for those of you who want a quick glimpse of Morrocan culture!
Hop atop a camel for one hour while the sun dips below the collection of palm trees blanketing the area. And meet some locals throughout your camel ride. A one-hour trek may seem short, but it’s one hour that will remain in your mind as one of the most memorable moments of your life.
The locals will serve traditional Morrocan tea and snacks. You can also learn about the lives of the locals outside of the city.
4. 2-Day Zagora Desert Trip
Do you have a weekend to spare and want to experience authentic Moroccan culture? This 2-day trip to Zagora desert allows you to get a glimpse of the beautiful country outside of the traditional sights of the city. You will spend the night camping in luxurious Berber-style tents under the collection of shining stars that fill the sky.
To make the experience even more authentic, camels will ferry you across the desert to the campsite as the sun goes down. When the golden sun greets you in the morning, you will mount your camel and return to Zagora. Amid sunsets, morning hues, starry skies, and camel rides, you’ll nibble on a delicious dinner and breakfast!
On the way to Zagora, you will have the chance to stop at the prehistoric kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. You can view the full itinerary and compare it to Merzouga desert tours by reading our guide: Desert Tours from Marrakech: 1, 2, 3 Day Itineraries.
5. Marrakech: Half-Day Desert Quad & Dromedary Tour
This four-hour trip seamlessly fuses relaxation with adventure. During the first hour, you will wander the desert dunes on top of the biggest camel of all, the dromedary. The quiet, calm desert scenery backed by the gentle swaying of palm tree leaves will induce you to a tranquil state. After, you will sit down for a cup of traditional Morrocan tea.
Once you finish consuming your tea, you will hop on a quad for an exciting, thrilling adventure. Travel through desert plains and rolling hills while the snow-capped mountains sit like a faded painting in the background.
6. Private 4×4 Sahara Desert from Marrakech with Camel Ride and Desert Camp
It would be absolutely heartbreaking to leave Morroco without exploring the vast, smooth hills of sand permeating the Sahara Desert. It’s the land where never-ending skies and brown dunes collide to create a mesmerizing view.
En route to the Sahara Desert (Zagora or Merzouga), you will travel through the scenic Atlas in your private 4×4. You will also pass the historical city Ouarzazate, dubbed as the Hollywood of Africa. Once you reach the desert, you will hop on a camel for a scenic two-hour journey to your campsite. Fall asleep under the countless stars dotting the night sky.
Ultimately, this jaunt will introduce you to a surplus of diverse Moroccan sights, while enjoying private transportation, a private guide, and accommodation.
7. Desert Sunset Camel Ride With Free Tea in The Desert Camp
Are you short on time but want to experience a glimmer of Morroco’s expansive scenic views? This half-day excursion will fulfill your wish! While the blood-red sun illuminates the sky with a blend of yellow, purple, and orange hues, you will find yourself in the Agafay Desert. Thankfully, this excursion is only a short distance from Marrakech.
You will travel across the dunes of the Agafay Desert via a camel for two-hours. Once you finish your trek, you will sip on a cup of replenishing Morrocan tea. This journey makes for the perfect evening activity for those who want to escape the city.
8. Marrakech to Fez: 3-Day Desert Tour
Visit the Marrakech desert and end your tour in Fez. It is an interesting option if you plan to travel to northern Morocco and visit other cities. The same tour is offered in the other direction: from Fez to the Merzouga desert to finish in Marrakech.
Throughout your journey, you will find yourself surrounded by ever-changing scenery and terrain. You will travel on the winding roads of the High Atlas, followed by a stop in the remarkable and historic kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. And you will walk in the imposing canyons of Todgha.
On the second night, you’ll ride a camel back to your campsite as the sun melts into the dunes.
When you get to Fez, after your night under the starry sky, you will drive along the azure-blue Ziz River. Eventually, austere mountainous terrain will replace rolling sand dunes. Shortly after, you will arrive in Fez, where colorful souks and unique architecture will envelop you.
9. Marrakech Palm Grove Quad Bike Tour
Escape to the outskirts of Marrakech for a brief but undeniably exciting 2-hour Marrakech quad bike adventure. This exploration may be short, but your body will cover various terrains while your eyes (and camera) capture a collection of unique sights.
You will travel by villages, and in and out of palm groves and rocky desert, while the High Atlas Mountains provide the perfect backdrop. Midway through your exhilarating expedition, you’ll sit down for a traditional cup of tea and a selection of mouth-watering snacks.
Ultimately, this trek will appeal to anyone who loves to explore, yearns for a glimpse of Morocco’s backyard, and wants a thrilling, fast-paced adventure.
10. Shared 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Only in Morocco for a short time, but want to make sure you do your best to see every corner of the country? It can be very difficult to see absolutely everything. Yet this three-day Sahara Desert tour gives you the chance to catch flashes of some of Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes and marvelous archaic architecture.
During this escapade, you will travel through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, marvel at the assemblage of ancient buildings in the Aït Benhaddou, and discover Berber villages.
Towards the end of the second day, you will ride a camel to Erg Chebbi as the sunlight fades into dusk. At the campsite, the inhabitants will welcome you with traditional entertainment. And you will enjoy a hearty Morocco dinner.
11. 3-Day Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga by Way of Dadès Valley plus Erg Chebbi Camel Trek
This 3-day tour will take you from the bustling and bustling city of Marrakech through the winding roads of the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, where the landscapes blossom into the eerie beauty that spans the Sahara Desert.
Along the way, you will see a plethora of beautiful sights! Once you’ve finished zigzagging through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll stop at the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. After that, you will stop in Skoura, a picturesque and historic town full of stories related to caravans! You will spend the night in a nice and comfortable hotel.
The 2 day will take you to the Sahara desert. Upon arrival, a camel will take you to your evening destination: a luxury campsite in Erg Chebbi. Let the stars, the sound of locals singing and playing, and the balmy desert air beckon you into a calm state.
12. Zagora: 2-Day Private Desert Trip from Marrakech
This 3-day tour will take you from the bustling and bustling city of Marrakech through the winding roads of the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, where the landscapes blossom into the eerie beauty that spans the Sahara Desert.
Along the way, you will see a plethora of beautiful sights! Once you’ve finished zigzagging through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll stop at the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. After that, you will stop in Skoura, a picturesque and historic town full of stories related to caravans! You will spend the night in a nice and comfortable hotel.
Day 2 will take you to the Sahara desert. Upon arrival, a camel will take you to your evening destination: a luxury campsite in Erg Chebbi. Let the stars, the sound of locals singing and playing, and the balmy desert air beckon you into a calm state.
13. 4-Day Merzouga Desert Private Trip
Got some time to kill and want to make sure you see Morocco’s backyard before heading home? If so, you might want to consider taking this private 4-day desert tour that takes you through mountain ranges, desert sands, Berber villages, towering gorges, and ancient fortresses.
You will spend two nights in a standard luxury or standard hotel and one night among the stars and the refreshing desert air in a well-equipped campsite. During this trip, you will explore Ouarzazate, otherwise known as the Hollywood of Africa. You’ll also visit the fortresses that dot the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aït Benhaddou.
This four-day trip includes a camel ride, some walks, and a private 4×4 transfer. In addition to exploring, you will have breakfast, dinner, and accommodation!
14. From Marrakech: Quad Biking Tour in Agafay Desert
Looking for an exciting way to spend an afternoon? This brief quad bike tour is sure to give you lots of thrills and excitement. From the snow-capped mountains towering in the background to the rolling dunes, this trip may be short, but you’ll spend the afternoon in different landscapes.
When you board your quad at Lake Lalla Takerkoust, you’ll travel through the area, discovering Berber villages along the way. Be sure to stop for a cup of traditional Moroccan tea afterward.
15. Fez through Merzouga Desert 4-Day Private Tour from Marrakech
Do you want to spend more time enjoying the sights of Morocco? Perhaps the three-day trip to Fes from Marrakech mentioned above may seem too short for you!
However, this private four-day trip will leave you plenty of time to bask in Morocco’s landscapes. From fresh air surrounding the High Atlas Mountains to a guided tour of the Atlas Film Studio to a camel ride in the Merzouga Desert (and more), there are plenty of sights to discover.
In other words, this trip allows you to immerse yourself in the vast and diverse landscapes of Morocco. Your trip from Marrakech to Fes will not be boring, that’s for sure!
To help you plan your desert tour, we have prepared a map showing the two main desert routes – Merzouga and Zagora. The Agafay desert, on the other hand, is located just outside of Marrakech.
