Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes lie roughly 560 km from Marrakech — about 9–10 hours of driving over the High Atlas. That is why most travellers choose a 3- or 4-day circuit rather than a single long drive.
Which desert should you choose?
| Agafay | 40 min from Marrakech. Stony desert, no sand dunes. Ideal for a sunset dinner or one night. |
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| Zagora | About 7 hours away. Small dunes and the Draa palm groves. Works in 2 days. |
| Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) | About 9–10 hours away. Dunes up to 150 m high — the classic Sahara image. Needs 3–4 days. |
| Erg Chegaga | Remote dunes reached by 4x4 from M'Hamid. For a wilder trip, usually 4+ days. |
How many days do you need?
Three days is the minimum for Merzouga, with two long driving days. Four days is the most comfortable option: one night in the Dades gorge, one in the desert camp and one in Ouarzazate. If you are continuing to Fes, a one-way 3-day route avoids the drive back.
Main stops on the way
- Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) across the High Atlas
- Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village listed by UNESCO
- Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses
- Dades and Todra gorges
- Erfoud, Rissani and the Tafilalet palm groves
Best season
March–May and September–November are ideal. Summer days in the desert exceed 40 °C; winter nights drop close to freezing, though camps provide heavy blankets.
Planning a longer trip? See all Morocco tour itineraries by Todo Marruecos Tours.