A trip to the Sahara Desert is often the highlight of any Moroccan itinerary. The sheer scale and silence of the dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga are unlike anything else on Earth. But what does a desert trek actually look like?
Reaching the Sahara from Marrakech or Fes is a journey in itself, usually taking a full day or two of driving. However, the drive is spectacular. You will cross the towering High Atlas Mountains, pass through lush palm groves, and explore ancient kasbahs (fortresses) like the famous Ait Ben Haddou.
Once you arrive at the edge of the desert in towns like Merzouga, the real adventure begins. You will mount a dromedary camel (they only have one hump!) and trek into the dunes just as the sun begins to set. The shifting colors of the sand—from yellow to deep orange and red—are breathtaking.
You will sleep in a desert camp. Modern luxury camps offer fully equipped tents with real beds and en-suite bathrooms, so you don't have to completely rough it. The evening will consist of a traditional Berber tagine dinner, followed by live Gnawa music and drumming around the campfire. Above you, free from light pollution, the Milky Way will be more visible than you've ever seen it.
Pack a warm jacket (it gets very cold at night!), a scarf to protect against sand, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.