Neither Marrakech nor Casablanca: activities to discover the Moroccan Sahara Desert

Morocco has become one of the most attractive destinations for Spanish tourists. Its proximity and countless attractions have made traveling to another continent increasingly feasible and affordable. Marrakech and Tangier seem to be the most popular destinations, but the North African country has a gem worth exploring.

This is the Sahara Desert . Its size means it stretches across nine African countries, including Morocco, making it a must-see when traveling to the continent . Therefore, many activities are organized from the main tourist cities to explore it and cross the Atlas Mountains, the incredible mountain range.

The favorite, the Merzouga desert

One of the most popular ways to explore the desert is by booking a multi-day excursion . From Marrakech, for example, we can enjoy a three-day excursion to the Merzouga Desert , starting at €119, with transportation included. During the tour, you can visit interesting areas such as the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (the setting for Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven ), the Todra Gorges, the Tafilalet Palm Grove, and the impressive Erg Chebbi Desert.

This offer includes two nights of accommodation, one in a hotel in Dades and the other in a Berber tent in the desert, plus dinner, breakfast, and a camel ride.

A similar option, also departing from Marrakech, is the 3-day excursion to the Merzouga desert ending in Fez . This tour covers virtually the same attractions as the previous one, but ends in this Moroccan city. Therefore, it's perfect for those who want to visit several destinations on a single trip. However, if your starting point is Fez, you can also visit the desert.

Agafay, the most accessible

Just 40 kilometers from Marrakech, we find the Agafay Desert, making it the most accessible of all and perfect for a day trip . Because of its proximity, it is chosen by many who want to discover these dunes without spending the night there.

If you're staying in Marrakech, day trips to this desert are available in several options, from those that allow you to explore it independently to those that include a camel ride and a quad bike tour through the dunes (which you can also book individually ). All include food, transportation, and entry to the resort's pool.

If you don't want to spend a whole day, Civitatis offers a very interesting afternoon option: a camel ride in this area with dinner and a show . Traditional recipes will be included at the dinner, accompanied by live music.

Finally, although its proximity means many visitors don't spend the night, the Agafay Desert is well worth a visit when the sun sets. For just 79 euros, you can book a night in the desert to sleep in a private tent under the stars. Includes transportation, accommodation, breakfast, dinner, a show, and a guide.