Morocco: Journey To The Sahara

Frequently asked questions

• Where does the trip start and finish?

  The trip begins and ends in Marrakech. You'll depart Marrakech on Day 1 and loop south through the Atlas Mountains and the desert, returning for a drop-off in central Marrakech on Day 5.

• How long is the trip?

  Five days, taking in Ouarzazate and the Dadès Valley, Todra Gorge, the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and the High Atlas village of Ouirgane.

• Is there a guide, and how big is the group?

  Yes — this is a small-group guided trip led by a local leader who's with you throughout. This is a private tour, so whoever has booked within the booking.

• Are flights included?

  No — international flights aren't included, and the trip is priced as a land-only tour starting and ending in Marrakech, so you'll arrange your own travel to and from the city. We're happy to help with flights if you'd like, though most travellers book their own, and we'd always confirm your tour place first before looking at flights.

• How much time is spent travelling each day?

  There's a fair amount of driving, as the distances are large and the scenery is part of the experience. As a guide: roughly 6 hours on Day 1 (Marrakech to Dadès via Ouarzazate), around 4 hours on Day 2 (to Merzouga), with shorter stretches on the days that follow. The drives are broken up with stops and sightseeing along the way.

• What's the best time of year to go?

  Spring (roughly March–May) and autumn (September–November) tend to be the most comfortable, with warm days and cooler nights. Summer can be extremely hot in the desert, while winter brings bright days but genuinely cold desert and mountain nights. Whatever the season, temperatures drop sharply after dark in the Sahara, so warm layers are essential.

• What kind of accommodation will I stay in?

  A characterful mix: traditional riads in Dadès and near Aït Ben Haddou, a comfort-tented desert camp at Erg Chebbi, and an ecolodge in the High Atlas at Ouirgane. Properties are shown as "or similar", meaning an equivalent alternative may occasionally be substituted if one is unavailable.

• What are the desert camp facilities like?

  The camp at Erg Chebbi uses comfort tents with basic but comfortable furnishings — a proper bed and bedding, rather than roughing it. Power and washing facilities in a remote desert setting are naturally more limited than in a hotel; the exact amenities can be confirmed for your departure.

• Are meals included?

  Most are. Breakfast is included every morning from Day 2, with several lunches and dinners included too — including the valley brunch prepared by a local Amazigh women's association, the feast around the fire at the desert camp, and a home-cooked family lunch in Ouirgane. The itinerary lists exactly which meals are included on each day.

• Can dietary requirements be catered for?

  Generally yes — vegetarian and most common dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Please let us know your requirements at the time of booking so they can be passed on.

• Is the drinking water safe?

  It's best to drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water. Bringing a refillable bottle is a good idea, both for convenience and to cut down on plastic.

• What are the camel rides like?

  There are two: a sunset ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes on Day 2 as you arrive at camp, and a sunrise ride the next morning. Each lasts around an hour. They're a relaxed, iconic way to experience the dunes — and if you'd prefer not to ride, you're under no obligation to.

• Will I really sleep under the stars in the Sahara?

  Yes — Day 2 is spent at the desert camp at Erg Chebbi, with a traditional dinner around an open fire under remarkably clear, star-filled skies.

• What optional activities are available?

  At Merzouga, activities such as sandboarding, quad biking or a 4x4 desert excursion are typically available locally. At Ouirgane there's often a traditional hammam and massage at the ecolodge, plus guided walks or mountain biking. These are arranged on the ground, paid for directly, and subject to availability and weather.

• How physically demanding is the trip?

  It's moderate and suits most reasonable levels of fitness. The main walking is the hike through valley farmland into Todra Gorge on Day 2 and a gentle guided hike around Ouirgane on the final day. Much of the rest is scenic driving with sightseeing stops, so it isn't a strenuous trek — but a basic level of mobility and comfort walking on uneven ground (and climbing the lanes of Aït Ben Haddou) is helpful.

• Do I need a visa?

  Many nationalities — including UK passport holders — can currently enter Morocco visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, but requirements depend on your nationality and passport. Please confirm the current rules for your own passport well ahead of travel.

• What about vaccinations and health?

  There are generally no mandatory vaccinations for most travellers, but routine vaccinations should be up to date, and we'd always suggest checking current health guidance and speaking to your GP or a travel health clinic in good time before you go.

• Do I need travel insurance?

  Yes — valid travel insurance is a requirement for this trip, and you'll need to have your own cover in place before you travel, arranged independently. We're not able to advise on or arrange insurance, so for anything specific about what a policy includes, a regulated insurance provider or broker will be able to help.

• What should I pack?

  Layers are key. Bring warm clothing for cold desert and mountain nights, plus lighter clothing for warm days; sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen); a scarf for sun and blowing sand; modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees out of cultural respect; sturdy closed shoes for the gorge walk; a daypack; a head torch for the camp; and a refillable water bottle. A swimsuit is handy if your accommodation has a pool.

• What currency is used, and can I use cards?

  The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It's a closed currency, so it's usually obtained on arrival; ATMs are easy to find in Marrakech and larger towns. Cards are accepted in many hotels and larger establishments, but it's wise to carry cash for smaller purchases, tips and the more remote stops.

• Will I have phone signal or Wi-Fi?

  You'll generally have signal in towns and at most accommodation, but coverage is limited or non-existent in the deep desert around Erg Chebbi — part of the appeal of a night under the stars is being genuinely disconnected for a while.

• Is tipping expected?

  Tipping is customary in Morocco and always appreciated for good service, though it remains entirely at your discretion. It's helpful to keep some small notes and coins handy for this.