The Most Beautiful Experiences to Discover in the Moroccan Desert
You've planned a trip to Maroc and you're eager to discover the fascinating landscapes of the Moroccan deserts? What a wonderful idea! To make your journey even more extraordinary, we
You've planned a trip to Maroc and you're eager to discover the fascinating landscapes of the Moroccan deserts ? What a wonderful idea ! To make your journey even more extraordinary, we invite you to discover 4 extraordinary routes to experience in the heart of the desert ! Sleep under the stars in bivouac, learn meditation in the Sahara, celebrate New Year's Eve in the heart of the dunes, or take part in sports and adventure challenges… So, which experience will you choose ?
Sleep Under the Stars in the Desert
This is an experience worth living at least once in a lifetime ! It must be said, sleeping in the desert allows you to observe the stars like nowhere else without light pollution and in absolute silence. To sleep under the stars in the Moroccan desert, we recommend heading to the Merzouga desert located in the south of the country on the Algerian border.
Easy to access, this desert and its 100 km² of dunes are quite magical. And for good reason, a bivouac in the Merzouga desert means enjoying an extraordinary spectacle in the famous erg Chebbi. You'll be able to enjoy the yellow and black sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, with some reaching 150 meters high. There's no doubt you'll be captivated by these landscapes from sunset to sunrise. During the day, you can also take advantage of your getaway to try some unusual activities like sandboarding !
Meditation in the Sahara
An expedition into the Moroccan Sahara is already an experience in itself. But learning meditation in the heart of the desert will add a whole other dimension to your journey ! In the company of Eric Remacle, a graduate in applied psychology and trained therapist, we invite you to discover various techniques for bodily awakening, beneficial breathing, and emotional management to help you regain confidence and serenity in your daily life. The experience takes place in the most peaceful setting : at the Bedouin Camp and in the dunes.
In addition to daytime disconnection and relaxation sessions, as well as nighttime sessions with meditation under the stars, you'll also have the opportunity to discover the desert landscapes of Maroc by taking a nature walk in the sebkha Oum Dba, a 4x4 excursion around the sebkha Oum Dba, or a 4x4 outing to the salt flats and the immense depression of Tah.
Head out to meditate in the Moroccan Sahara by signing up for our Getting Off on the Right Foot in the Sahara circuit
Celebrate New Year's Eve in the Moroccan Desert
Instead of traditional New Year's Eve celebrations, how about spending New Year's in the desert? To do this, we offer you two options. The first is to stay in a camp in a natural sanctuary. On the program : special New Year's dinner, evening entertainment by local artists, and a night under the stars in the heart of the desert. During your stay in Maroc, you'll also be able to discover the vast palm groves and oases of the Moroccan desert, learn more about Berber lifestyles, try desert survival techniques, cross Lake Iriki, or stop at the sublime cascades and gorges of Tissint.
The second option is to enjoy your New Year's Eve night in luxury bivouac at the foot of the dunes at the erg Chegaga. In the heart of this dune massif, you can spend the evening in very comfortable accommodation with a bathroom. In addition to this memorable evening, you'll also be able to discover the must-see sites of the Moroccan desert (such as Tissnit, the oasis of the M'douar mountains, or Mhamid) while enjoying exceptional accommodations such as private tents or comfortable bungalows and lodges equipped with spa facilities !
Discover our two circuits for a unique New Year's Eve in the Moroccan desert : Berber New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve in Nature in the Heart of the Desert
Sports Challenge in the Desert
Calling all lovers of thrills, outdoor living, and friendly competition – this circuit is made for you ! Accompanied by expert desert guides, we offer you an itinerary in the form of a challenge. Throughout your journey in the Moroccan desert, you'll be able to participate in a series of activities and challenges with varied themes : survival techniques, bread cooking in the sand, riddles, 4x4 driving, water crossings, camouflage, combat techniques, endurance challenges, orientation and dexterity tests…
Beyond the many challenges awaiting you dear adventurers, this circuit will allow you to camp under the stars in improvised bivouac in the Sahara while also soaking up the atmosphere of Moroccan souks, medinas, and markets. And to relax after all your efforts, you can also enjoy traditional Moroccan pools and hammams !
Set off on an adventure in the desert with our Adventure Challenge, the Call of the Desert circuit
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit the Moroccan desert is from October to April, when temperatures are mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. Avoid the months of June to August when heat can exceed 45°C in the Merzouga and Chegaga regions.
From Marrakech, plan for approximately 9 to 10 hours of driving to reach Merzouga, passing through the Atlas passes and the city of Ouarzazate. You can opt for a bus journey, shared taxi, or ideally join an organized tour that includes transportation in its services.
For a bivouac in the Moroccan desert, bring light clothing for daytime and warm layers for nights (even in summer, temperatures drop considerably). Pack effective sun protection, sufficient water, a face covering to protect from sand, a headlamp, and an appropriate sleeping bag.
Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, is the most famous and most accessible erg in Maroc, with dunes reaching up to 150 meters high. Erg Chegaga, more remote and located near M'hamid, is wilder and less frequented, offering a more authentic and isolated desert experience, ideal for travelers seeking absolute tranquility.
Yes ! Sandboarding is one of the unusual activities offered in the Merzouga desert, on the large dunes of erg Chebbi. This practice consists of riding down the dunes on a board and does not require prior snowboarding experience. Local operators typically provide the necessary equipment.
Absolutely ! Several circuits offer New Year's Eve stays tailored for families in the Moroccan desert. You can choose between a natural sanctuary camp with local entertainment or a luxury bivouac at erg Chegaga with comfortable accommodations equipped with bathrooms, ideal for travelers wishing to combine adventure with comfort.
