Quick answer
- Tours cost about €100–250 per person
- 3–4 days to Merzouga, 8–10 hours by road
- Pick-ups usually between 07:00 and 08:00
- Pack for cold nights of 5–15 °C
- Choose a tour with fewer stops for comfort
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Most multi-day trips head to Merzouga, where you can expect vast dunes, camel treks and nights under clear skies.
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world and the third-largest desert overall, covering about 9,200,000 km². Agafay gives you a taste of desert scenery, but the Sahara proper begins much further south-east, on the far side of the Atlas Mountains.
About the Sahara Desert
- Area
- 9,200,000 km²
- Type
- Largest hot desert in the world
- Rank
- Third-largest desert overall
Getting there from Marrakech
Merzouga is an 8–10 hour drive from Marrakech, so most Sahara Desert tours from Marrakech are multi-day trips. The Agafay Desert, by contrast, is just 30–60 minutes from Marrakech Menara Airport, which makes it ideal for day excursions.
Tour options and what is included
Typical Sahara Desert tours from Marrakech last 3–4 days and usually include transport, accommodation, meals and a camel trek. Alcoholic drinks, tips and optional activities are often not included. Prices are usually about €100–250 per person.
| Tour type | Duration | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day Sahara excursion | 1 day | Not practical from Marrakech |
| Multi-day Sahara tour | 3–4 days | About €100–250 |
| Private Sahara tour | 3–4 days | Higher than group tours |
If you have only a few days, a 3-day desert trip is the shortest realistic option; you can also compare formats on our tour comparison page.
Sahara Desert tours from MarrakechBooking and payment are handled on the partner platform.
When to go
In season, Merzouga is mostly dry and clear, with daytime temperatures of 20–30 °C and night-time lows of 5–15 °C. Whenever you travel, pack warm layers for the chilly desert nights.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
The drive from Marrakech to Merzouga typically takes 8–10 hours by road.
What does a Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech usually include?
Most tours include transport, accommodation, meals and a camel trek. Alcoholic drinks and tips are usually not included.
Can I book a private Sahara tour from Marrakech?
Yes, private Sahara tours are available, but they cost more than shared group tours.
What time do Sahara tours from Marrakech start?
Pick-ups usually take place between 07:00 and 08:00.
How far in advance should I book a Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech?
Most tours are booked 2–14 days in advance. Free cancellation is often available up to 7–14 days before departure, but check the terms of your offer.
