What the Sahara desert is really like
While we were in Morocco, we decided why not cross a trip to the Sahara Desert off of our bucket list!
Where is the Sahara desert located?
From Marrakech, there are two tour options that both claim that they are the Sahara:
Agafay desert: 1-hour drive
Merzouga desert: 9-hour drive
Both desert options generally provide a choice of camel and/or quad ride, and both have camps. So if you’re short on time, Agafay is definitely a feasible option. However, if you’re looking for the authentic Sahara experience with tall, sand-covered dunes, it’s the Merzouga you’ll want. We booked a 3-day trip through Get Your Guide for 2 people in February at €193.80 / $204.90.
That price includes the transport for 3 days and accommodation for 2 nights, as well as 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
🔥 Hot tip 🔥 If you get motion sickness, bring medicine accordingly. The roads are very, very windy and bumpy. You’ll also want to bring some toilet paper, as a lot of the stops along the way will have toilets but no toilet paper. Trust me on this one.
Here’s how it went:
The Sahara Desert: Day 1
Day 1 is primarily transport, but with a few scenic stops along the way. The main stop is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace is used as a filming location in many well-known movies and TV shows from Gladiator to Game of Thrones.
The number of people who still live here is limited. Luckily, they work as the tour guides!
They’ll regale you with stories of their time as extras on set, and you’ll be able to see behind-the-scenes photos from filming once you get to the top.
At the bottom of Ait Benhaddou you’ll have a chance to buy an indigo-dyed scarf to protect yourself from the desert sun. There are a number of sizes and qualities to choose from, but the second best was about $12 USD. They accept card!
The Sahara Desert: Day 2
After a night in a hotel, it’s time for breakfast and then back on the road! The main stop on this day was Todra Gorge. A local will walk you through the old village where you’ll visit a women’s rug co-op. They’ll give you mint tea while explaining how they make all of the natural dyes.
After the mini-lesson they’ll display a number of rugs that the women have made. After, you’ll have a chance to walk around and admire their work. If you’d like to purchase a rug in Morocco, doing so in these remote areas is much better than in Marrakesh or Fez!
They have a card machine, but cash is better if you have it, as they are charged a fee when you use your card. Consider getting a small rug or a pillowcase to roll up in your bag. Or, if you’re looking to buy a large room rug you can have it shipped!
The walk through their local gardens in the gorge is absolutely stunning. In February the almond trees were beginning to bloom, and some of the apricot trees as well. They’ll explain all of their local agriculture as you walk along the irrigation system and river.
Most of the fresh water you’ll come across is from hot springs, and is warm to the touch!
Finally, it’s time for the desert. You’ll arrive at a building on the edge of the desert. Here you’ll be able to change if you’d like, pack a small bag, and go to the bathroom. They’ll also provide tea and cookies. This is your last chance to charge your phone if you need an outlet before the desert.
🔥 Hot tip 🔥 Bring a portable charger. A hefty one, at that. You’ll have been in the car for a full day and you’ll still have a night ahead of you, as well as the entire day’s ride home the next day.
You’ll need to carry this bag on the camel, so it should be a backpack. You’ll want to pack:
A change of clothes
A bottle of water
Any medications you’ll need for one night
Sun protection - sunscreen, your indigo scarf, and a sun hat if you have it
Ear plugs - the music/dancing goes late into the night/morning. If your tour is busy, you’ll also be rooming with others on the tour, who may snore.
In the winter - layers. Lots of them.
🔥 Hot tip 🔥 Pack biking shorts to wear under/over your outfit - the extra padding on the camel will be pure bliss, trust me.
We were surprised at just how uncomfortable the camels were to ride. But after walking in the sand for a bit, the bumpy camel ride was much more favourable!
We walked up to the top of a tall dune and sandboarded down. A lot of people did stand up, but you can also sit down! Be prepared for a serious hike back up - the shifting sands are incredibly hard to walk on! After, we watched the sun set from the top of the dune.
Once the sun has set, you’ll ride the camels back to camp. Winter in the Sahara desert is cold, and should not be underestimated! We were assigned a tent and got settled in quickly with extra layers. There’s time to sit by the fire as everyone gets settled, before heading into a large tent for a shared chicken tagine and fruit.
After dinner is music by the fire. They all play, sing, and/or dance. It took a while for others to warm up but eventually everyone was dancing. This went on late into the night!
Sahara desert in winter is literally below freezing. So we were a little apprehensive about our tent situation! But we were happily surprised to find actual beds with mattresses, as well as lots of thick blankets layered on top.
I slept in two pairs of thermal leggings, boot socks over my regular socks, a long sleeve top, fleece, and hoodie. I also brought gloves and a hat. I slept in the hat but didn’t need the gloves. They were really nice for the night and the morning, however. I intended to sleep in my jacket but didn’t need to with all of the bedding. I was the only person who wasn’t freezing overnight!
🔥 Hot tip 🔥 Download a stargazing app ahead of time to identify constellations in the crystal clear sky!
The Sahara Desert: Day 3
You wake up early for a sunrise camel ride. There are no showers, and the running water was very limited - by this I mean it was a trickle. So plan for it to feel like you’re genuinely camping! I actually think the sunrise ride was more beautiful than the sunset.
Once you get back to the building at the edge of the desert you’ll have a chance to re-pack and eat breakfast. A buffet is provided, and there are outlets here to recharge your devices for about 20 minutes before you hit the road.
The drive back is long, and this time there are no scenic stops. They do stop for bathroom breaks, and for a lunch midday.
Overall, it was such a fun experience - one that I’ll never forget!