Marrakech Desert Tours – How long does it take?

One of the regular questions we have about our Marrakech Desert Tours is how long it takes to get to the desert from Marrakech.  This is really important as many people think that the desert is just outside the city.  Although there is an area called the Agafay Desert just 30 minutes away, this is a rocky area and not the magical Saharan dunes at Merzouga, Erg Chebbi or at M’hamid out to Erg Chegaga.  Our favourite desert area is the fantastic off-road drive out to Erg Chegaga from the nomadic town of M’hamid El Ghizlane where you are going off the beaten track to meet your camels to trek into the tall and impressive secluded dunes area.

So, the drive to both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga is 7.5 hours direct and can be done in one day with plenty of stops for drinks, lunch and to admire the stunning scenery. You will drive through the High Atlas peaks and down to the Draa Valley filled with thousands of date palms.  This is the ancient caravan route which was taken by the spice traders and many who made their way from Africa, through the Sahara and North to Marrakech.  The road is continuously being updated and is now better than ever which makes the drive much more pleasant.

Many people like to break up their journey either on the way to the desert, on the way back or in both directions.  So, our Marrakech Desert Tours can run from 2 days up to 4 days or longer if you want to add in extra locations.  The ancient Kasbahs of Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou can be visited en route and our hotels are carefully selected for their comfort and lovely pools, to relax after the drive.

Visit us at Moroccan Journeys to find out more about all of the options.

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Written by Moroccan Journeys

Rebecca grew up in Africa and has spent her life travelling and working in the UK and around the world in both the corporate and personal development fields. She is co-founder of Moroccan Journeys with Mohamed Elhaoissi and lives in the UK and Morocco. She believes in the conscious management of business and the importance of personal growth. Rebecca is also a Reiki Master Teacher and runs Intensive Reiki Journeys in the Sahara desert. She spends her free time exploring the untouched parts of Morocco to ensure Moroccan Journeys is eclectic and unique in its offering.