"The dramatic landscapes of Morocco’s desert vistas are beautiful to look at – and unforgettably enchanting when experienced in person. The towering waves of dunes in iconic Erg Chebbi are best explored on camelback, while the smaller Tinfou dunes near Zagora are more easily accessible on foot… and both offer an opportunity to spend time out in the vast “nothingness” of the desert. Be surrounded by complete stillness as you while away evening hours on a Berber carpet, under the night sky: it’s an exceptional way to experience the true meaning of “timelessness”.”
- Narina Exelby
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PLAN MY JOURNEYMoroccan Desert
A trip to Morocco could not be complete without time spent in the fringe of the Sahara Desert, where arid lands make way into sand dunes that seem to ripple into eternity, where camel trains weave threads of footprints into the sand, and mighty kasbahs (citadels) rise from the waves of the desert.
Morocco’s desert lies “below” the Atlas Mountains and the two most popular towns in which travellers base themselves for a desert experience are Merzouga (a seven-hour drive from Fes or a nine-hour drive from Marrakech) and Zagora (a 9.5-hour drive from Fes or six-hour drive from Marrakech), both of which are relatively close to the Algerian border.
Erg Chebbi are the dunes most travellers’ desert-dreams are made of: wave upon sweeping wave of orange sand with vast blue skies rising behind. The shadows they cast are ever-changing, as are the shapes; the wind will not let these dunes lie still. Erg Chebbi, a lazy 30-minute camel ride from Merzouga, covers an area of only 13 square kilometres but boasts some of Morocco’s tallest dunes. The town has become increasingly popular in recent years and while travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels (some with gorgeous desert views), little can beat a night spent out in the dunes, sleeping under the stars or in a Berber tent.
Although it’s closer to the true Sahara, the desert outpost of Zagora isn’t an endless-dunes destination, but it does have its own appeal. Zagora is a desert town in the Draa Valley – Morocco’s longest river – and scenery around here ranges from the Tinfou dunes to desert plateaus, gorgeous oases, verdant palm groves and mighty kasbahs. Climb Jebel Zagora, the mountain beside the town, for beautiful views of the region, and take a camel ride out into the stunning arid landscape.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 10°C and 20°C depending on the region, although it can become cooler. Snow and rain become rare at this time of year, but it would be best to pack clothing for all scenarios, as it can be unpredictable.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
June is one of the hotter months in Morocco, however, different regions like Essaouira and Tangier still stay relatively cool because they’re situated on the coast. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Morocco is great to visit in June because tourism is relatively low compared to some of the other months. This is the last month to visit the desert region before there's an influx of insects and snakes in July and August, as well as often unbearable heat.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasantly warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The beaches are not as busy from local holidaymakers, the cities welcome gentle breezes, and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again.
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November and Essaouira becoming very windy. As such, October is a month that books up quickly, and trips for this time of year should be organised far in advance.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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