Dunes du Sahara
Le Grand Sud

Sahara

Where silence becomes music and dunes tell ancient stories

150m de dunes
+40°C en été
étoiles

The call of the desert

The Moroccan Sahara is not just a desert, it's a transformative experience.From the orange dunes of Merzouga to the palm groves of the Draa Valley, from thevertiginous Todgha Gorges to the starry nights of M'Hamid, every corner tellsa story of caravans, nomads, and silence.

2
Grand ergs (Chebbi & Chigaga)
6h
From Marrakech
Oct-Apr
Best season

Saharan destinations

Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
Sand Dunes

Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)

The highest dunes in Morocco, reaching 150 meters. Iconic landscape of orange dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. The quintessential Sahara experience.

150m dunesLegendary sunriseLuxury bivouacsGnaoua village
Duration
2-3 days
From Marrakech
9h drive
Ideal for
Photography, Romance, Adventure
Erg Chigaga (M'Hamid)
Wild Dunes

Erg Chigaga (M'Hamid)

The most preserved and isolated dunes in Morocco. Less touristy than Merzouga, for an authentic experience of the great desert.

Total isolationVirgin dunesAuthentic nomadsAbsolute silence
Duration
3-4 days
From Marrakech
10h drive + 2h track
Ideal for
Adventurers, Disconnection
Draa Valley
Oasis & Palm Groves

Draa Valley

The longest palm grove in Morocco, 200 km of oases along the Draa River. Earthen kasbahs, Berber villages, and a sea of palm trees.

200 km of palm groveAncient kasbahsAgdz & ZagoraRoute of 1000 Kasbahs
Duration
1-2 days
From Marrakech
6h drive
Ideal for
Culture, Photography
Zagora & M'Hamid
Gateway to the Desert

Zagora & M'Hamid

Famous sign '52 days to Timbuktu'. Starting point of Saharan caravans, end-of-the-world atmosphere.

Timbuktu signHistoric caravansAuthentic oasesLess touristy
Duration
2-3 days
From Marrakech
7h drive
Ideal for
Authenticity, History
Dadès Valley
Gorges & Kasbahs

Dadès Valley

Spectacular gorges with red rocks sculpted by erosion. Winding road lined with kasbahs and unique rock formations.

Deep gorgesPerched kasbahsScenic roadMonkey fingers
Duration
1 day
From Marrakech
5h drive
Ideal for
Landscapes, Hiking
Todgha Valley
Canyon

Todgha Valley

Canyon 300 meters high, impressive vertical walls. Renowned climbing spot and lush oasis at the bottom of the gorge.

300m canyonClimbingCool oasisTinghir village
Duration
1 day
From Marrakech
6h drive
Ideal for
Climbing, Nature

Unique experiences

What the desert has in store for you

Night in a bivouac

Sleep under the stars in a traditional Berber camp or a luxury bivouac with all the comforts.

Camel trek

Cross the dunes like the caravanners of old, at the slow pace of the desert.

Sunrise over the dunes

Climb the dunes before dawn for an unforgettable display of colors.

4x4 excursion

Explore the inaccessible corners of the desert in an off-road vehicle.

Stargazing

Sky without light pollution, the Milky Way as you have never seen it.

Meeting with the nomads

Share tea with nomadic families and discover their way of life.

Practical tips

When to go?

  • Ideal:Oct-Nov & Mar-Apr
  • Possible:Dec-Feb (cool at night)
  • Avoid:Jun-Aug (+45°C)

Temperatures

  • Summer:40-50°C during the day
  • Winter:20-25°C day, 0-5°C night
  • Range: 20-30°C en 24h

What to bring

  • • Warm clothes (night)
  • • Sun protection
  • • Shemagh/Scarf
  • • Headlamp

Photo

  • • Golden hour: sunrise/sunset
  • • Sand protection (bags)
  • • Spare batteries
  • • Tripod for stars

Suggested itineraries

3J

Merzouga Express

Marrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Dadès Gorges → Merzouga → Return

1 night bivouacKasbahs
5J
Recommended

Grand South Tour

Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → Zagora → Merzouga → Gorges → Return

2 nights bivouacComplet
7J

Chigaga Adventure

Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Zagora → M'Hamid → Erg Chigaga → Lake Iriki → Return

3 nights desertOff-road

The desert calls you

Prepare your Saharan adventure with our comprehensive guides and practical tips.