How to get to the Sahara from Marrakech or Fes
From Marrakech you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and need two days to reach Merzouga with stops, so plan at least 3 days. From Fes the drive to Merzouga takes one day through Ifrane, Midelt and the Ziz Valley. You can return to the same city or cross the country one way: compare the routes on desert tours from Marrakech, desert tours from Fes and Merzouga desert tours.
A night in the Sahara: what to expect
You arrive at the edge of the dunes in the late afternoon and ride a dromedary for about 45 to 60 minutes to the camp for sunset. Dinner is served at the camp, often with Berber drums around the fire, and the sky is one of the darkest in Morocco for stargazing. Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes. Details in camel trekking in Merzouga and private vs group desert camps.
Merzouga or Zagora?
Zagora is closer but its dunes are small; Merzouga takes longer to reach but shows the real sand sea. We explain the choice in Merzouga vs Zagora and in our Erg Chebbi dunes guide.
Best time to visit the Sahara
October to April brings warm days and cool to cold nights; bring a warm layer from November to March. Summer days are very hot, so camel rides are planned at sunset and sunrise. See the best time to visit the Sahara Desert and what to pack for the Sahara.