What desert to choose? Zagora or Merzouga or Agafay?

The deserts of Morocco are some of the most beautiful deserts in the world. If you expect to spend a while in the Moroccan desert or take one of the amazing routes through the Moroccan desert available, read on to know three great regions to explore!

Discover the deserts of Morocco: Agafay, Merzouga and Zagora

Planning your dream vacation in Morocco can be a challenge planning your itinerary. After all, there is so much to see and do! Morocco is a country in North Africa a little bigger than the state of California. And geographically speaking, it's incredibly diverse. From beaches and forests to mountains and deserts, there are great differences in the landscape as it travels from one place to another. And for people who love a good desert, those of Morocco are frankly magical.

If you spend some time in Marrakech during your travels, why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and go to the desert? Three beautiful and charming desert destinations: Agafay, Merzouga and Zagora, are easily within reach. And everyone offers you a unique and pleasant experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Agafay Desert

If you want to visit the Moroccan desert but have a limited holiday time, the Agafay desert is the best for everyone. This beautiful desert is just an hour from Marrakech, about 40 km away. Small and charming, this charming place has a lot to offer.

A popular weekend getaway place for locals and tourists, even a simple day trip to the Agafay desert will dazzle you with its scenic beauty and geographical diversity. The rocky landscape of light-colored rocks is marked, but surprising, especially when seen at the bottom of the Atlas mountains. And if you want to stay for a while, there are several luxury accommodations to spend the night.

For adventurous travelers, the activities available in the Agafay Desert include horse riding and canoeing in the beautiful Takerkoust Lalla, an artificial reservoir. Agafay desert tours are also available. Tours are an excellent choice for people who want to spend less time planning and more time enjoying their trips!

Desert Merzouga

For travellers who have time, a trip to Merzouga offers the best experience in the Moroccan desert. Located near the Algerian border in the southeast of Morocco, approximately 570 km from Marrakech, Merzouga is a 10-hour bus or car ride. The journey through the Sahara may seem a little like traveling to the ends of the Earth. And that's just one of the things that make this desert so magical.

Not long ago, Merzouga was an isolated place with a small collection of Berber shops. But thanks to tourism, this desert place has become a small town full of charming hotels and luxurious riads. But for those who wish to camp under the desert sky full of stars, there are also many tours available.

One of the most magical things in this area of the Sahara Desert is the charming sand dune Erg Chebbi. With an extension of about 28 km long and a height of up to 160 meters, this incredible sand dune changes and changes with the winds of the desert. The dazzling dune rises dramatically over the desert. And as the sun moves through the sky, Erg Chebbi shines with dazzling colors, passing from orange to purple, red and golden.

Imagine drinking in the sight of this amazing sand dune while riding a camel at sunset and begin to understand the magic of this charming desert. In addition to camel tours, popular activities include walks through the dunes and “sandboard”, a sport similar to snowboarding.

The desert of Merzouga is a popular place to visit throughout the year. But temperatures tend to be more pleasant between November and March. Winter months are also the best time to see the beautiful Dayet Srij, a small lake that is dry for much of the year. However, winter rains fill this natural lake bed, attracting many flocks of migratory birds, including storks and pink flamingos.

Desert of Zagora

About six and a half hours southeast of Marrakech, Zagora awaits her explorations in the desert. The oasis of Zagora is actually one of the gates to the desert, on the road to M’Hamid and the desert beyond. But it's a wonderful place to spend some time while exploring the local area.

On your way to Zagora, be sure to take some time to visit the Atlas Film Studio in Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”. There, you can see some of the places where films like Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Star Wars were filmed.

In Zagora, you can camp under the stars in an oasis full of palm trees. This popular tourist destination is full of boutique hotels and romantic guest houses. If you are in the area on Wednesday or Sunday, visit the regional zoco. Zagora is also host to a variety of festivals throughout the year, so be sure to review local events by making your travel plans.

Continue your journey to M’Hamid, the true gateway to the desert. Head to the desert at the back of a camel to one of the nearby sand dunes and spend the night drinking at the sight of the Milky Way. And if you find yourself with a shooting star, make sure you order a wish!

No Moroccan vacation is complete without a trip to the desert. Whether you explore the deserts with the help of a guide, go on your own or sign up for one of our amazing Tours in the Moroccan desert, it will surely be an enriching experience. When you spend time in the deserts of Morocco, you will not simply see some amazing places. You might get more in touch with yourself!