How to choose your Marrakech Desert Trip?
Where can we find the best dunes experience and how long does it take to get there?
This is often the question we ask ourselves.
Let’s start by defining basic concepts:
- The desert is a geographical area where the rate of precipitation is lower than the rate of evaporation and where the population density is very low due to the very difficult climatic conditions.
- There are 3 types of deserts on the planet:
- the Reg is a desert of stones or a rocky plain.
- Hamada is a rocky desert plateau.
- Erg is a vast region occupied by dunes.
You will find in Morocco the 3 types of desert, but in very specific regions.
Marrakech Day trips (reg desert) – Morocco
Let’s talk about “Marrakech” for starters.
Firstly, THERE ARE NO dunes in Marrakech, nor in the surroundings! The region of Marrakech is arid and desert. It is a magnificent region with huge contrast between mountains, plateaus and valleys. You will find a wealth of incredible and breathtaking landscapes. Reg desert can be found near Marrakech city. In fact, Agafay day trip is ideal when you have a tight schedule and want to explore activities such as: Marrakech camel ride and Quad biking in Marrakech. A person can enjoy lunch or diner in the middle of nowhere and even sleep in luxury tents while stargazing into the clear sky.
However, if you are looking for dunes, you will need a minimum of 8 hours by car to reach the first waves of sand. You will find many small dunes on the Atlantic coast. Thus, take an Essaouira day trip from Marrakech in Essaouira only 3 hours away and explore the Essaouira dunes.
Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga tours:
Having said that, we’re talking about dunes of the “Desert” with a capital D. To find them, you will have to cross the High Atlas mountain range in the direction of Ouarzazate. There too, you will not find dunes. But you will be closer! Going further you find 2 of the most popular dune oceans in Morocco: Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga.
The Erg Chebbi is the most famous by tourists. It has very large orange dunes, the highest of which reach more than 150 meters. They are located near Rissani city in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara. They are easily accessible by the road that lead you to the foot of the giants, near the village of Merzouga. It is a beautiful and rare place. Its beauty is indisputable.
However, instead of staying on the road for the whole trip you can wonder around to discover more compelling sceneries. For instance, you book the following tours: Marrakech to Zagora desert tour, Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour, Fes to Marrakech desert tour, 3-day Marrakech to Fes safari jeep or/and Private Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour.
This way you can find one of the most beautiful and comfortable bivouacs which are on the other side of the dunes. They are accessible only by 4 × 4 vehicle or by camel trekking. A perfect setting for adventurers seeking comfort!
