The Sahara Desert is the top destination for travelers visiting Morocco. Most will arrive in Merzouga to see the Erg Chebbi dunes or M’Hamid for the Erg Chegga dunes. The Sahara Desert is the best way to explore the Sahara Desert is with a knowledgeable local guide who will share Berber history with you on your long trek into the desert. This trip usually takes 5 days including an overnight in the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. For those who have more time, the Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour is an ideal option and to find out “How to get to sahara desert from marrakech” follow us.
How to get to sahara desert from marrakech?
From Marrakesh
Duration: 4.5 – 12.5 hours.There are many options from Marrakech to the Sahara desert, which are by bus, helicopter or car. Most travelers choose to go by car with a private driver. The car will cover a distance of 561 km in approximately 9 hours. Leaving Marrakech on the N9 highway, you’ll soon be in the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, plan some time to take in the views of the Tizi Ntishka Pass.
Shortly thereafter, you will be near the ancient hilltop city of Ait Ben Haddou. From there, you’ll continue to the riverside city of Ouarzazate. During this time travelers can take a short hike to the Ouzoud waterfalls and see the Barbary macaques. Ouarzazate is a good place to have a meal in a waterfront restaurant.
Then take the N10 until the turning point for the R113. Along the way, you might see people selling fresh dates from the local palm groves. Soon you will be on the N12 which leads you to Merzouga.
Instead of all that, you can take to the skies in a private helicopter or charter plane. Helicopter access takes approximately 5 hours, and a lightweight aircraft can make the trip in about 4 hours.
While there are bus services that take you to Zagora and Merzouga, they are painfully slow journeys. The travel time taken is 12.5 hours, but it can sometimes take up to 15 hours.
3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
From Fez
Duration: 3 – 12 hours. The 287-mile (463 km) drive from Fez to the Sahara Desert is full of ever-changing landscapes, and unique stops. After leaving Fez, take the N13 motorway to the city of Ifrane, described as “Moroccan Switzerland”. Continuing on the same road, you will reach the Azrou Forest before approaching the Ziz Valley. Total driving time is about 7 hours, not including stops you might want to make.
There is a night bus service that leaves Fez in the evening and arrives in Merzouga in the morning, the total journey time is 12 hours.
Fez has several non-stop flights to Errachidia each week, with a flight time of just an hour. From Errachidia, it’s just two hours on the R702 to Merzouga. Although there are flights from Fez to Zagora, they are not direct, and the total travel time makes the journey longer than going by car, so it is not recommended.
Great 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour
Read also: Your Guide Surfing in Morocco: surf camps, surf schools
From Casablanca
Duration: 3 – 13 hours. From Casablanca, it’s a 9-hour drive over 411 miles (662 km) to reach Merzouga. You will take the N13 motorway across the country towards the eastern border. A good halfway stop for lunch is the Berber village, Midelt. From there, head back to the N13 for the rest of the journey.
The quickest way to get there is to take a direct flight from Casablanca to Errachidia, which only takes one hour. From there, it takes only two hours to reach Merzouga by car on the R702 motorway.
While there is no direct bus service from Casablanca to Merzouga, you can take a bus to Errachidia. Some buses make one extra transfer at Rissani. The total travel time for the bus trip is around 13 hours so it is not the best way to reach.
10 Days Tour From Casablanca: Marrakech & Desert tour
From Agadir
Welcome to the Moroccan city of Agadir! After meeting your tour guide at the airport. Start your 9-day trip from Agadir, all the way through the Atlas Coast and admire the panoramic landscapes, stopping at argan shops to explore how authentic argan oil is made. On the way, you might see goats climbing the argan trees. When you arrive in Essaouira join the small group tour to discover the city, and delve into the UNESCO protected city. Visit tourist attractions such as Skala Kasbah, treat yourself to seafood, watch the blue boats, and end the day watching a colorful sunset with seagulls.
6-Day Desert Tour from Agadir to Fes
From Tangier
For 4 days from Tangier to Marrakech Explore Chefchaouen the blue city, spend the night in the imperial city of Fez, travel to the south of Morocco to Merzouga, enjoy camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend the wonderful night in the desert camp, starts before continuing to the final destination, Marrakech where The 4-day trip ends, and with that you know “How to get to sahara desert from marrakech”.
4 Days of Desert Tour From Tangier
Read also: Hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains – Toubkal, Berber villages, M’goun
Ways to get to sahara
By Public transport
You can go by bus. The Sahara Desert in Morocco is more accessible than anywhere else. If you’re strapped for time and money, the Supratour bus leaves Marrakech at 8:30am every day.
It’s a long 12 hour trip but it will get you there in one day. Although travel slowly with the local buses they are part of your experience. It’s one you won’t forget in a hurry!
For bus schedules and the latest ticket prices, check the Supratours website or the local bus CTM website.
By self drive to the desert
You can travel with your own car or rent a car for a start. OK, so you need to hire a reputable company and you will imagine that driving in Morocco is only for kamikaze tourists. But it’s not as bad as you might imagine.
Always use a reputable company because you need to ensure that the car is well maintained and that your insurance is valid. Simply choose the company that offers the best value – and that means using a comparison website. For us, Auto Europe is the best, and first choice, every time. They even rent camper vans!
When you get to the Sahara Desert in Morocco, you will see how many people drive there. You’ll see huge luxury Concorde homes, camper vans, and even the occasional Fiat Punto.
You are sure to also see some four-wheel drive vehicles. In Merzouga, you can park your car and walk a few meters to the sand dunes from your accommodation.
By tour agency
Most travelers to Morocco will take an organized and guided Moroccan Desert Tour from Marrakech. Average prices start at around £60 per person for a 2-day, 1-night trip.
Sure, if you don’t have much time, money and are desperate to see the sand dunes, this is a surefire way to take you to the Sahara desert.
But I suggest you don’t trek Zagora. The dunes are nowhere as impressive as those in Merzouga.
Thus, we have provided you with an answer to the question “How to get to sahara desert from marrakech” that occupies your mind. You only have to choose the appropriate method for you.
