Sahara Desert Trekking in Morocco
The Great Desert
The Moroccan Sahara is the northern edge of the world's greatest desert, where the Atlas Mountains finally dissolve into golden dunes and stony hammada. Sahara trekking is a completely different experience from mountain walking: the terrain is flat or rolling sand, the distances are vast, the silence is profound, and the night skies are among the darkest on earth. For many travellers it is the most memorable part of a Morocco trip.
Two dune systems define Sahara trekking in Morocco. Erg Chebbi near Merzouga is the famous "Sahara" of postcards — a 28 km field of golden dunes rising to 150 m, reached by a long overland journey from Marrakech. Erg Chigaga, further west near M'Hamid, is the deeper, wilder, less-visited alternative for trekkers who want genuine desert solitude.
Marrakech Outdoor Hikes runs both a Merzouga desert luxury trek (Erg Chebbi) and an Erg Chigaga expedition as part of its core programme. This hub maps Sahara trekking comprehensively for planning.
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
Erg Chebbi is the classic Sahara image: a vast field of orange-gold dunes rising up to 150 m near the town of Merzouga, 560 km from Marrakech. The standard trek rides a camel caravan into the dunes for sunset, spends a night in a desert camp (basic or luxury), and watches the sunrise before returning. Longer 2–3 day walks cross deeper into the erg with a camel team carrying supplies.
The journey to Erg Chebbi is part of the experience: a two-day overland drive crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass, Aït Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra gorges, and the pre-Saharan oases.
Erg Chigaga (M'Hamid)
Erg Chigaga is the wilder alternative — a 40 km dune field near M'Hamid at the end of the road, reached by a 3-day camel-and-foot expedition across stony hammada and scrub. The dunes rise to 60 m and see a fraction of the visitors of Erg Chebbi. This is genuine deep-desert trekking for those who want solitude.
Chigaga is best for trekkers; Chebbi is best for a first desert experience or families. Both are run as supported expeditions with camel teams and camp staff.
Agafay — the Desert Near Marrakech
For travellers who want a desert flavour without the long drive, the Agafay rocky desert is 45 km from Marrakech — a stony, sun-baked plateau (not sand dunes) with luxury camps and sunset walks. It is a half-day or overnight experience, not a true Sahara trek, but the most accessible "desert" from Marrakech.
Best Seasons for the Sahara
October to April is the desert season: warm sunny days (20–28 °C), cold nights (often near freezing) and comfortable walking. Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer (June–September) is dangerously hot (45–50 °C) and we do not run desert trekking then. Nights are cold year-round — pack warm layers.
What Sahara Trekking Is Really Like
Desert trekking is mostly flat walking on sand or stony ground, with some dune climbing. The pace is slow and the distances feel long because of the soft terrain and heat. Camels carry the camp and supplies; you walk with a light daypack. Water is carried in — there is none in the dunes. The reward is silence, space, and night skies that have to be seen to be believed.
Be honest about heat tolerance. Even in season, midday is hot; we walk early and late and rest through the middle of the day. Sun protection and 3–4 litres of water per person per day are essential.
Related tours
Related guides
- Photographing the Atlas & Sahara: A Field Guide
- Mount Toubkal Complete Guide: North Africa's Highest Peak
- Atlas Mountains Hiking & Trekking Guide: Complete Guide to Morocco's Premier Mountain Range
Related hubs
- Morocco Trekking Tours
- Desert Hiking
- Hiking from Marrakech
- Atlas Mountains Hiking
- Morocco Hiking Tours
- Morocco Trekking Tours
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best Sahara trekking in Morocco?
Erg Chebbi near Merzouga for the classic dune experience, and Erg Chigaga near M'Hamid for deeper, wilder solitude. Both are reached by a long overland journey from Marrakech.
When is the best time for Sahara trekking?
October to April — warm days, cold nights and comfortable walking. Summer (June–September) is dangerously hot (45–50 °C) and we do not run desert trekking then.
How far is the Sahara from Marrakech?
Erg Chebbi at Merzouga is about 560 km — a two-day overland journey via the Tizi n'Tichka, Aït Ben Haddou and the gorges. Erg Chigaga is similar. Agafay, a rocky desert, is just 45 km from Marrakech.
Do I ride a camel or walk in the Sahara?
Both. Camel caravans carry the camp and supplies and you can ride for stretches, but most trekking is on foot with a light daypack. The camel ride into an Erg Chebbi camp lasts about an hour.
Is Sahara trekking difficult?
Not technically, but the heat, soft sand and long distances make it tiring. It is easy-to-moderate fitness. We walk early and late and rest through midday. Sun protection and 3–4 litres of water per day are essential.
What is the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) has the bigger, more famous dunes and is more accessible. Erg Chigaga (M'Hamid) is wilder, deeper and far less visited — the choice for genuine desert solitude.
Are the desert camps comfortable?
Marrakech Outdoor Hikes uses a luxury camp at Erg Chebbi with private en-suite tents and real beds, and full-service expedition camps at Chigaga. Nights are cold year-round — pack warm layers.
Can children trek in the Sahara?
Yes — the Erg Chebbi camel-and-camp experience is suitable for families with children aged 5+. The longer Chigaga expedition is better for older teenagers and adults.
Is Agafay the Sahara?
No. Agafay is a rocky stony desert 45 km from Marrakech — not sand dunes. It is the most accessible "desert" experience from Marrakech for those without time for the long drive to the true Sahara.
What should I pack for Sahara trekking?
Lightweight long-sleeved clothing, a warm layer for cold nights, a sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, a scarf for wind and sand, sturdy shoes (not sandals), a headtorch and a reusable water bottle. Protect cameras from fine sand.