Bucket list experience:
Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Over 9.2 million sq km (larger than either the US or China) of nothing but vast, shifting sand dunes, the world’s largest hot desert covers most of Northern Africa. Average daily temperatures can reach 47°C – only Death Valley can rival it.
Mute and empty, beneath flawless blue skies, the Sahara Desert is like nowhere else in Morocco (or indeed the world).
But don’t let that put you off. Joining a safari into the desert is an evocative, unearthly and sometimes surreal experience, and the chance to sleep and wake in one of the world’s most extreme and beautiful landscapes.
At 450 kilometres from Marrakech, reaching the edge of the Sahara Desert takes at least 10 hours by car, and is an adventure in itself. Once in the desert, the journey continues by camel to a comfortable camp (some camps offer 4×4 transfers if preferred).
Sunset camel treks are a must-do, with the sky flaming pink and purple before fading into inky darkness. Piping hot tajines appear at mealtimes, with many camps offering fireside musical entertainment before guests retreat to a luxury tent, complete with en suite bathrooms and proper beds.
This extraordinary stretch of road, built during the French Protectorate era, reaches a height of 2,260m, winding its way over the Atlas Mountains between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. It’s a spectacular ride, with expansive views of centuries-old kasbahs and palm groves.
This quickly expanding town is home to the Nour Power Station, an impressive solar power complex, as well as the Atlas Film Studios, where visitors can explore film sets from iconic movies and TV shows including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. In the town centre, the Taourit Kasbah rises up, with vendors peddling goods ranging from tajines to djellabas.
Stretch your legs during a wander through the expansive palm oasis with views of Jebel (Mount) Kissane in the background. Start your wander in the old mud-brick Kasbah, but be sure to ask your driver/guide to accompany you as navigating the winding paths can be confusing.
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Destination Guide >The drive from Marrakech to the edge of the Sahara takes at least ten hours (including rest stops along the way). From Marrakech, it’s about a four-hour drive to Ouarzazate – the Tizi n Tichka mountain pass marks the halfway point. From there, it’s about a further four hours to reach the edge of the Sahara.
The Erg Chigaga part of the Sahara Desert is accessible via an off-piste road near M’hamid, with luxury camps set among the colourful dunes. Erg Chebbi is easily accessible from Merzouga, further east from Marrakech, and popular with group travel.
This is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and only experienced trekkers should drive there independently. Several reputable tour operators offer all-inclusive Sahara Desert safaris from Marrakech. They’ll pick you up and organise all logistics. They’ll also arrange visits to interesting sites along the way, breaking up the long car journeys. Allow at least five days for the circuit, starting and ending in Marrakech.
En route, look out for unassuming roadside stalls serving tajines slow-cooked over hot coals mopped up with fresh bread. They’re often the best option when travelling in rural Morocco.
Regardless of the season, it’s worth packing a layer or two to throw on while watching the sunrise or gathering around the campfire at night.
Spring and autumn are ideal times for a safari in the Sahara Desert with comfortable daytime temperatures and pleasant evenings, ideal for dining under the starry skies.
Many camps close in the hot summer months when temperatures can climb above +50’C. Winter months provide pleasant daytime temperatures, but surprisingly cold nights.
Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Wander among film sets from some iconic movies and TV series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones, at the Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in the world, just outside Ouarzazate.
Best for ages: 13+ | £8
Agdz, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Exploring this three-storey mud-brick Kasbah, once home to the caid (leader) of the area, is like wandering in a maze, with spectacular views of the nearby palm oases from the rooftop.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco
From Erg Chigaga, traverse dry Lake Iriki toward Foum Zguid. The expansive landscapes, bordered by the rocky Anti-Atlas Mountains make for a unique drive; look out for shepherds grazing their camel herds.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Half day
Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco
This kasbah has achieved international fame as the backdrop for movies including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Climb to the top for 360-degree views of the stony desert landscape.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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