Morocco Travel Tips: the Desert

Mar 12, 2018

The Desert

You can book a trip to the desert from either Ouarzazate or Marrakech. There are dozens of companies that will take you in their 4x4s to the desert, arrange lodging in a hotel on the side of the dunes, and make sure you get your sunset camel trek into the desert.

There are two main desert locations in Morocco-- Merzouga, which is somewhat closer to Fes (although quite far from everything) and Zagora, which is closer to Ouarzazate. I've been to both and prefer Zagora, in part because you travel through an incredible and verdant Draa river valley that is full of date and fig trees, en route to the desert.

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Zagora is the departure point for many of the Sahara camel expeditions of olden days and as such you see influences on the culture, music, and food that are informed by sub Saharan Africa, the Tuareg, and the nomadic tribes that lived in the region for centuries.

This region is known for its carpets, some made with camel and goat's hair, for it's green pottery, silver Tuareg jewelry, and juicy dates and figs.

Riding camels through the desert in Morocco

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Next: How long to stay in Morocco and fit it all in

Dunes or no Dunes? How long should I spend in Morocco? And other questions to ask yourself when planning the itinerary for your trip to Morocco.

So you want to ride camels in Morocco? Here's how.

If you're planning your trip to Morocco, you've probably already considered if you want to go on a camel trek. But there's still a question of where. This article describes the two main desert locations - Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga.

Planning a trip to Morocco? We're here to help

If you are planning an upcoming trip to Morocco, here are some valuable things to think about, as well as helpful resources to make sure your trip is the fulfilling experience of your dreams!

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