Private Guided Morocco Tours and 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.
Down Load Sample Trips
Start from Fez an go to Marrakech Desert Tour
Start and end in Marrakech Desert Tour
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Sahara desert tours can start or end from Marrakech 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. We have luxury desert camp options too.
What you can see and do on a desert tour in Morocco.
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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 Sahara Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest in Morocco
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sleep overnight in a desert tent camp (ask about luxury glam camp options)
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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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enjoy non touristic local markets in Rissani, Tinehir and Erfoud
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stay overnight and visit the Ait Benhaddou world heritage kasbah 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 the Ouzoud waterfalls
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option to include 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.
Is Morocco's Sahara desert safe?
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 Explored camel trek camps?
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 a luxury desert camp option.
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?
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?
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 hotel?
Travellers who want to enjoy the tranquillity of the Sahara desert without riding a camel can travel over the sands by vehicle to a luxury 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.
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 to wear on 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 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 bespoke) trip to start any day, for any length of time, for any number of explorers. Our expert English speaking driver guides will show you Morocco's beautiful landscapes, expansive history, soulful sunsets, incredible desert skies, and storybook ancient cities. You'll discover delicious food, welcoming people, African music and arts, tribal traditions and so much more. We invite you to travel with us and discover the real Morocco.
We'll help you decide what you want to do based upon your interests, and advise where to start and end with your travel plans. Sample tour outlines can be found on each of the tour pages for Day Tours, Road Trips, or Sahara Treks. When you're ready to book the tour, our Payment page helps you get started step by step. It's easy!
FAQs answers questions about visas, safety, weather, our guides, what to wear, tipping, how to buy a carpet, changing money, and a whole lot more that will help you become a well informed traveller.
What People Say About Us
About Morocco Explored Tours
For over 20 years Morocco Explored has created safe, mid-priced, small group holidays as an alternative to set packaged excursion tours. We create unique experiences tailored to your interests. All private custom made (bespoke) tours combine cultural immersion with unique experiences, often along routes less traveled by many Morocco visitors.
We are a fully insured Morocco tour operator, our transport vehicles and drivers are licensed as required by law.
Our work is diversified among many regions and families. When you choose Morocco Explored you'll be supporting our Moroccan partners who are dedicated to provide the best experiences for our explorers.
Read more about Morocco Explored
Our Awards
From 2013 to 2019 Morocco Explored has won TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence award for continual 5 star reviews year over year. In 2020 we won the Travelers Choice Award given to the top 10% reviewed travel providers in the TripAdvisor travel registry.