Private Guided Morocco Tours & Travel
Sahara Desert Camel Treks
A trip to Morocco isn't complete without riding camels to an overnight camp in the Sahara desert dunes.
Two sample trips below will give you an idea of a desert tour, and what you might experience each day.
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Sample Desert Trips
Start from Fez an go to Marrakesh Desert Tour
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Start and end in Marrakesh Desert Tour
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Sahara desert tours can start or end from Marrakesh or Fez - over 3, 4, or 5 days.
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Longer tours can start from other locations too. Road Trips has more in depth tour itinerary ideas.
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Tours are unique, designed to what you want to see and do.
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Camel trek desert tours can start any day year round.
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Price is based upon how many explorers are on the tour.
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We have luxury desert camp options.
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To learn more go to About Tours.
What can I do on a desert tour in Morocco?
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start or end your desert tour from Fez or Marrakesh
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stay in historic kasbahs, riads, and small desert inns
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visit the cedar forest wild apes of the Middle Atlas mountains
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visit Erfoud, Ifrane, Midelt, the Ziz gorges
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ride camels into the red Sahara Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest in Morocco
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sleep overnight in a simple desert tent camp or a luxury glam camp)
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visit nomads and learn about the tribal people
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have a tea or eat a meal with a local family
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visit amazing fossil sites
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walk through Todra gorge, the deepest gorge in Morocco
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explore Dades valley and visit the monkey fingers
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explore around authentic local markets in Rissani, Tinehir and Erfoud
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stay overnight at the Ait Benhaddou kasbah World Heritage Site
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visit Telouet kasbah and salt mines
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cross the High Atlas mountains over the Tizi n'Tichka pass
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option to include Ouzoud waterfalls
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option to include charming Essaouira on the Atlantic coast
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options to include hiking with a local guide
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we have exciting off road routes too.
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Is Morocco's Sahara desert safe to visit?
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We are often asked if it's safe to travel into the Sahara and the answer is Yes! For many the desert is the absolute highlight of their trip. You'll transport into the Erg Chebbi sand sea as well as many varied and incredible places along the way. The Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga are the highest in Morocco and climbing them is an exhilarating experience - just remember to always carry a bottle of water with you. You can walk or ride a camel to the dunes and enjoy the ever-changing colors of this remarkable landscape, especially at sunset.
Where are the Morocco camel trek camps?
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Morocco Explored uses camps far from Merzouga crowds, in the southern part of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The regular camp is about one hours ride from the desert hotel to the camp that consists of a circle of tents, each sleeping 2 people or a family, equipped with carpets, foam mattresses, wool blankets, freshly washed cotton sheets and pillows. Camp has solar lighting and toilets, and carpets around the fire. Except for high season the camp is usually not full.
We also have luxury desert camp options.
What about scorpions and snakes?
Unless you like rummaging around in river bottoms and high grass you'll probably never see a cobra or any other snake in Morocco except in the Jma El Fna square in Marrakech. Scorpions by nature are nocturnal, and hibernate during winter months. They also seek protection from the hot sun and you'll have to go hunting turning over rocks to find them. Snakes and scorpions don't want anything to do with humans, meaning they'll prefer to run away if given a chance.
What vehicles does Morocco Explored use?
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We use vehicles like Toyota Land Cruisers or similar. SUV 4x4's have lots of room for luggage, and seat 4 people comfortably. All vehicles are within 5 years old and are routinely updated according to licensing and service regulations through Transport Touristic.
Who are the drivers and guides?
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Morocco Explored employees are Moroccan – muleteers, camel handlers, drivers, guides, hoteliers, and our working relationships translate into employment for many families. All certified guides must complete a two year government training course and carry a badge that qualifies them as a professional guide. In some locations only local guides are allowed to work but they might not be certified. Your camel trek guides are young men working to support their families. They are highly regarded by our explorers and we have many great reviews about all our guides on the Morocco Explored TripAdvisor page.
Who can ride a camel?
Almost anyone of any age can ride a camel. Getting on is easy if you can swing a leg over the kneeling camel. Well trained camels are known to be gentle and guides make sure everyone is comfortable and feeling safe. On trek you can ask the guide to stop anytime, and you can walk to the camp instead. It's about one hours journey walking with the camel guide.
Can I drive into the desert camp or stay in a luxury hotel?
Travelers who want to enjoy the tranquillity of the Sahara desert without riding a camel can travel over the sands by vehicle to a luxury desert camp. There are no roads in the dunes so the drive takes about 35 minutes. Riding camels takes about an hour. We highly recommend riding camels for the complete immersive experience.
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Many of our hotels along the desert travel route have swimming pools and good food, on both regular and luxury options.
Is it hot in Sahara?
Temperatures can vary immensely depending on when you visit. Because sand does not hold heat the Sahara dunes can be cold at night and very cold in the winter, yet with warmer sunny days. Summer in the dunes can be extremely hot but you will not be in the dunes until sunset when temperatures quickly cool off. Summer nights offer a fantastic opportunity to sleep out under the stars and watch the whole universe turn above. Please remember to drink water often. Fruit juice, coffee or tea are not considered proper rehydration fluids.
What do I need to wear on a camel trek?
A long cotton scarf to wrap around your head is recommended, you can buy one for about 50-100 dirhams (depending on size) if needed. They’re great for keeping sand out of your hair and fitting in with the locals. Long pants are most comfortable on camels. Walking shoes with socks are best, sandals will fill with sand and irritate your skin. Winter nights (December, January and February) you'll need to wear warm socks, and bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
What do I need to bring on a camel trek?
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your friends and family
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toothbrush and toothpaste
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bottled water minimum 1.5 liters
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matches or a lighter (for burning toilet paper)
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medical supplies (e.g. prescription drugs, painkillers, bandages - various sizes, topical disinfectant, eye drops, diarrhea medication)
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sunscreen and lip balm 15 SPF or higher
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rubbish bag
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good quality UV sunglasses
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toilet paper (buy in Morocco)
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torch/flashlight
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wet-wipes
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zip-lock style baggie(s) for just about everything
Making Your Private Tour is Easy
Personalize your private (custom made) trip to start any day, for any length of time, for any number of explorers, tailored at a price point you can afford. We also offer four or five star luxury travel options. Your expert English speaking Moroccan guide will show you beautiful landscapes, expansive history, soulful sunsets, incredible night skies, and storybook ancient cities. You'll discover delicious food, welcoming people, African music and art, tribal traditions and so much more. We invite you to travel with us and discover authentic Morocco.
Contact Us with how many days you'd like to travel, as well as how many explorers will be in your group. Based upon your interests, budget, and timeline, we can advise where to start and end your trip.
We’ll send sample trip ideas that match your requests and will confirm the price.
When you're ready to book your tour, our Payment page helps you get started step by step. It's easy!
To help you with trip ideas, sample tours can be found at Day Tours Starting from Marrakesh, Morocco Road Trips, or Sahara Desert Camel Treks.
FAQs answers questions about visas, safety, weather, guides, what to wear, tipping, how to buy a carpet, changing money, and a lot more that will help you become a well informed traveler. Or contact us with any questions or requests you may have.
What People Say About Us
About Morocco Explored Tours
For over 20 years Morocco Explored has created safe, mid-priced, small group tours as an alternative to packaged excursions. Each tour can be tailored to your interests without breaking your budget. All tours are private - custom made (bespoke), and combine cultural immersion with unique itineraries, often along routes less traveled by many Morocco visitors.
We are a fully registered and insured Moroccan tour operator, and our transport vehicles and drivers are licensed as required by law.
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Our work is diversified among many regions and families. When you choose Morocco Explored you'll be supporting our Moroccan partners who's services are dedicated to providing the best experience for our Morocco explorers.
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Read more about traveling in Morocco at
Our Awards
Between 2013 and 2019 Morocco Explored Tours won Certificate of Excellence awards for receiving 5 star reviews year over year. In 2020, 2023 and 2024 we've won the Traveler's Choice Award, only given to the top 10% travel providers who consistently receive 5 star reviews year over year on TripAdvisor.