Your Essential Guide to Visiting the Sahara
By: Stephanie Ackland – Sahara Dreams – 15th June 2024
Planning a visit to Morocco? A trip to the Sahara Desert should most definitely be on your to do list. Camel trekking across golden dunes, sleeping under star-filled skies, desert drums around an open campfire, and taking in the stunning sun set over the dunes of Erg Chigaga, all make for a truly unforgettable experience. We’ve included some essential tips to help you get the most from your trip to the Sahara.
Pack Appropriately
Yes, the Sahara is hot, but even the desert can get colder at night. We advise packing lots of layers, a short and sleeve t-shirt, fleece, warm light-weight jacket. Wear loose clothing for walking and camel trekking. Comfortable trousers and leggings for women are options. Layers are good as you can add as many as you need. Make sure to bring a sunhat or go desert style with a turban “shech” which protects from heat, cold, and sand. The desert rays can be strong, so UV sunglasses are good. Be sensible with shoes, closed toe trainers are best for the trekking and walking.
Don’t Scrimp
There’s no shortage of cheap tours available in the high-traffic tourist areas of Marrakech offering Sahara tours, but these often stop outside the Sahara not the big dunes of Erg Chigaga. The vehicles are often not airconditioned and cram in long distances to short travel times, missing out on many of the beautiful sites along the way. The guides are from the city, not local desert guides, and don’t know the desert and all the best spots. It’s worth paying a bit extra and booking locally in M’Hamid.
Wild Camp vs Bivouac
Wild camping, setting up camp and sleeping in a tent outdoors, is a wonderful way to experience the Sahara. Local guides and nomads take care of you, it’s like having your own little private camp in the middle of the desert. They’ll prepare you tasty breakfasts at sunrise, and wonderful meals over the fire, serving tea and pastries at stops along the way. They’ll also look after the camels carrying your luggage. Toilets are the outdoors, but they’ll be water for a quick wash. If you’re lucky, you’ll pass a desert well for a shower!
Bivouacs are the other option for those who want a little more comfort. These traditional desert tents have bedrooms, WCs and restaurants. There are different types of bivouac from basic to high-end luxury, depending on your budget and preferences, check with the people organising your tour.
Best Time to Travel
Many camps close in summer, July and August, when Sahara temperatures can reach 50°C. Wild camping is still an option, with the hot days usually spent in the shade, and trekking early morning and late evening. A summer treat is the magnificent Sahara Sky, with plenty of shooting stars and meteorites to marvel at. November, December, February, and March are ideal months to visit the desert, daytime temperatures are pleasant and the nights not too cold. September and October are great months to travel to the South of Morocco, as Autumn sees the stunning reds and oranges of the date harvest.
Must-Do Camel Trek
People often turn their nose up at a camel trek, thinking it is just for children, or too uncomfortable. It’s actually the highlight for many travellers and an experience you shouldn’t miss. A ride across the dunes at sunset is simply amazing and you should definitely include it in your trip.
Timing is Everything
Make sure you plan your trip and get there with enough time to enjoy the stunning sunset from the top of the large dunes of Erg Chigaga. And don’t forget to set your alarm for sunrise. These moments are unforgettable and will be with you a lifetime.
Don’t Rush
It’s a distance to the Sahara from Marrakech and the other cities in Morocco, so make the most of your stay. The desert scenery is captivating and the landscapes and light ever-changing. One, two or more nights can be spent quite happily in the desert, exploring the dunes, walking, trekking or sandboarding. The local town of M’Hamid has boutiques and a wonderful Palm Grove with an ancient Jewish Kasbah. Spending a couple of days soaking in the desert vibe is the best advice we can give you.
Written by Sahara Dreams, organisers of private tours and events in the desert of M’Hamid, Morocco. www.sahara-dreams.com