Visiting the Desert from Marrakech: The Best Excursions to Take

A tea in the desert lost beneath the starry night can be a life-changing experience; the boundless horizons softened by the gentle lines of the sandy dunes echo with the inner space that we carry within ourselves and for a moment grant the illusion of being able to fill it.

To achieve this, few places in the world offer better inspirations and opportunities than the Sahara Desert in Morocco, particularly the parts not far from the city of Marrakech.

This area, which hosts both arid and stony landscapes, is dotted with large dunes, oases, villages, and wild, untouched nature, making it ideal for exploration through numerous hiking options and guided tours that capture the heart of those who undertake them.

The options to choose from vary based on a series of factors such as the duration of the stay, the distance one wants to cover, and the season; some options include camping under the endless desert skies, while others involve visits to historical sites followed by luxurious hotel accommodations.

You can traverse the arid sands of the Sahara on horseback, comfortably seated in an SUV, or having fun on an ATV.

The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world, spanning across eleven countries, but Morocco is one of the few countries where it is still possible to visit without issues.

Choosing beautiful Marrakech as a base, one can chart routes and plan expeditions that are highly captivating and vary in accessibility.

The Ourika Valley, the Atlas Mountains dotted with authentic Berber villages, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, the Ksar of Aït Ben-Haddou-a group of clay dwellings declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the enormous dunes of the Erg Chebbi Merzouga or Erg Chigaga, the coastal villages of Essaouira, and Agadir are just a few of the incredible destinations to reach through memorable excursions.

First, one must consider that despite being close to Marrakech, any excursion chosen will inevitably involve traveling many kilometers; the multi-day tours typically dedicate the first and last day almost exclusively to the round trip from Marrakech.

This is a magnificent destination relatively far from Marrakech; a beautiful expedition into the desert leads to the small town of Merzouga for one of the most popular tours in the desert.

The journey takes you through the imposing High Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aït Benhaddou, with its ancient buildings and streets so picturesque that they have been chosen on numerous occasions as settings for biblical films such as Jesus of Nazareth, The Last Temptation of Christ, and One Night with the King.

From Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, you arrive at Quzazate, known locally as the Gateway to the Desert, to admire the tall towers and high walls of the Kasbah of Taourirt, a fortified palace larger than most castles, and then continue through the Rose Valley to Tinghir with one of the best desert oases.

Not far away are also the spectacular Todra Gorges, a series of river canyons with steep and imposing limestone cliffs on each side.

From the village of Rissani, caravans once set off for Timbuktu, but today it is a stop to visit its famous desert date market. This tour usually takes three days and allows for true immersion into the heart of Morocco's rich attractions amidst stunning landscapes and ancient architecture, along with authentic contact with the local people and their proverbial hospitality, such as that found in the Bedouin camp among the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where one can ride a camel to explore its sandy dunes, over 150 meters high.

READ ALSO: WHAT NOT TO DO IN MARRAKECH

A two-day expedition in the Zagora desert provides an authentic and romantic glimpse of life in the Sahara Desert.

The itinerary heads toward the oasis town of Agdez on the banks of the Draa River, once a crucial stop for caravans crossing the Sahara on their way to Marrakech.

The journey continues through the Draa Valley, where you can admire numerous castle-like homes (kasbah) and ancient walled villages (ksar) that line the ancient trade route, then proceed through the Draa Valley to arrive at Zagora among its sandy dunes of a thousand colors.

The Agafay Desert is one of the most scenic areas to explore near Marrakech for an excellent day trip. Even without the characteristic sand dunes of M'hamid and Merzouga, Agafay retains great charm due to its villages where you can stop for tea with the locals.

Here there is also an artificial lake on the edge of the desert built to provide electricity to the city of Marrakech, where you can also practice water sports or head out to numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

One of the highlights of the expedition will be the hike to the beautiful Imlil Waterfall.

Photo: © Ilias Kouroudis/Shutterstock

The journey from Marrakech to Fez is another fantastic trip through the desert among ever-changing landscapes.

After crossing the most beautiful part of the Merzouga desert, the route follows the course of the Ziz River, where mountainous terrain, green oases, and some castles replace the rolling sandy dunes, such as in the small mountain village of Midelt.

The final destination is the city of Fez, with its colorful souks, unique architecture, and the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), the monumental entrance to the Medina.

In general, it is preferable to travel in the Sahara during the winter. Between November and February, the weather is milder, while at other times of the year, temperatures can easily reach 55°C.

For those who prefer to travel in the summer, it is advisable to organize night expeditions to avoid the scorching heat.

The desert is an extreme place, and only the most experienced travelers can explore it alone. Daytime temperatures are hot but drop at night, and if you don't have the right gear, it can get very cold.

Additionally, if an accident occurs with the transport vehicle, communicating the exact location would be very complicated. Traveling in the desert is no joke, and it is highly recommended to rely on the experience of locals.

First of all, you must pack bottled water in your backpack; in Morocco, it's better to avoid tap water as it may be contaminated and cause stomach issues.

To combat the hot daytime temperatures, it's best to wear light-colored clothing, while for excursions with overnight stops, it's useful to bring a heavy jacket.

Regarding footwear, it's better to choose comfortable, closed shoes that provide good ankle protection.

Another staple in your backpack should be snacks: gummies, dried fruits (nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds), and slow-absorbing bars.