Underneath the sizzling sun and among the sifting sands of the Sahara Desert, you can embark upon the adventure of a lifetime! Read on to learn more about my adventures in the Sahara Desert in Morocco and some travel tips to help you have your own magical Moroccan adventure.
Ever dream of setting foot in a serene place where rolling sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, reaching up to touch the sun? Where the sky is a brilliant blue during the day and a starlit midnight blanket at night?
Then the Sahara Desert in Morocco is calling your name, and I encourage you to answer.
This was truly a dream destination for me. I had the pleasure of traveling here with a group of fellow female food bloggers through Soul Sisters Travel. It was the adventure of a lifetime! And our two nights and three days in the Sahara Desert was one of my favorite parts.
This vast, otherworldly landscape offers a truly unique adventure. It is unlike any other destination in the world.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a spiritual retreat, or a thrilling group expedition, I highly recommend booking a trip to the Sahara Desert.
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About the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert holds a deeply rooted significance in Moroccan culture and history.
Spanning across multiple countries in Northern Africa, the Moroccan part of the Sahara is particularly known for its dramatic dunes, vast open spaces, and the unique Berber culture.
The desert has served as a crossroads for traders, explorers, and travelers for centuries, shaping Morocco’s rich history. The ancient caravan routes that once connected sub-Saharan Africa with the Mediterranean and Europe passed through this region, making it a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions.
While cities like Marrakesh or Fes are vibrant with bustling markets and intricate architecture, the Sahara offers an experience of solitude and connection with nature. It's a chance to escape the noise and chaos of daily life and truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the earth.
It's a magical experience, and I hope you, too, get to visit here one day!
How to get to the Sahara Desert
The most common way to reach the Sahara Desert is by car or private tour. We took a private tour bus from Marrakech to our Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga. In fact, everyone else I know who has made the journey has traveled in very similar fashion. It's the safest, most reliable way to get to the Sahara.
The journey from Marrakech was about 10 hours; nearly 12 hours with stops along the way. While this may seem like a very long drive, it's a gorgeous scenic route that takes you through the Atlas Mountains to the desert. There are plenty of picture perfect, interesting stops on this drive, making it absolutely worth the journey.
Top 5 things to do in the Sahara Desert
Regardless of where you are staying or what type of travel you embark upon, the activities in the Sahara Desert are all very similar. Here are the top five things to do in this stunning locale.
- Camel Trekking at Sunrise or Sunset – We did a sunset camel trek and it was amazing! Sunrise and sunset are the most magical times to trek across the sandy dunes. The light creates a mesmerizing glow across the sand, and you truly feel like you're part of a movie.
You can organize camel treks through most of the Sahara desert camps.
2. Stargazing – One of my favorite moments of our entire 10 days in Morocco was after dark, sitting on top of a sand dune staring up at the starlit night sky. It is such a peaceful, calming experience.
Without the interference of city lights, the Sahara Desert offers one of the best stargazing experiences in the world. Pure magic.
3. Sandboarding – For the adventurous, sandboarding is an exciting way to experience the dunes. It’s like snowboarding, but on sand! All camps in the Sahara Desert have sandboards you can use. You don't have to know how to snowboard or even be athletic in order to sandboard. It's a fun, leisure activity for all ages.
4. Enjoy live Berber music – Many Sahara Desert camps offer live Berber music at night. After dinner, simply settle under the night sky and enjoy the rhythmic drum beats and soulful singing.
5. 4x4 Desert Tours – For those looking to explore the dunes on wheels, 4x4 desert tours offer a thrilling ride through the rocky landscapes, remote areas, and hidden valleys of the Sahara. You can find these through most desert camps, but there are also independent tour operators who offer this activity.
Where to stay in the Sahara Desert
For those seeking a blend of adventure and comfort, there are so many options to meet your specific needs. We stayed at one of the most popular desert accommodations that offers amenities similar to other, nearby luxury camps. A stay at any Luxury Desert Camp is an experience you won't forget.
Most camps offer the perfect blend of traditional Moroccan hospitality and luxury desert camping. The tents are spacious and well done, with plush bedding, Moroccan rugs, and many throughout the desert have private baths.
After a day spent exploring the dunes or riding camels, we were able to unwind in our camp’s cozy shaded lounge area. There's also a restaurant onsite at most camps where you can enjoy delicious Moroccan meals while watching the sunset over the Sahara’s endless sand.
💡TRAVEL TIP: Because of the remote desert location, WiFi can be spotty. Also, regardless of where you are staying, electricity and running water may often be turned off at certain times during the day. Be sure to contact your camp ahead of time for hours so that you are prepared.
What to eat in the Sahara Desert
When you’re in the Sahara, you'll want to try the rich and flavorful traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Tagine (a traditional slow-cooked stew) is a must-try, especially with lamb, chicken, or vegetables. It's often served with couscous and fresh mint tea for the full experience.
At most luxury desert camps, you'll enjoy a delicious mix of Moroccan dishes, including fresh salads, grilled meats, and warm breads. Breakfast may include coffee, tea, pastries, and fruit, along with a small selection of hot dishes.
What to pack for a trip to the Sahara Desert
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for the day. I packed lots of linen clothing. You'll also want to pack a warm jacket for the chilly desert nights.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- A scarf or head wrap to protect your face from blowing sands and the sun.
- A camera to capture the stunning views.
- Sandals for general lounging. I highly recommend close-toed sneakers for camel treks.
Sahara Desert FAQs
Yes, the Sahara Desert is generally safe for tourists. It’s always best to travel with a guided tour, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain.
Arabic and French are both spoken in the Sahara Desert. Since it is a tourist destination, many of the camp staff and tour guides also speak English.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March, when temperatures are more comfortable. We visited in early April and the weather was perfect!
I found that 2-3 days in the desert was just right. This gives you enough time to explore, trek, and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
It’s always a good idea to bring your own water, though most camps provide plenty of bottled water for guests.
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
✈️ Planning a trip?
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