Private Morocco Desert Tours: Merzouga & Erg Chegaga
Our private Morocco desert tours take you from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca or Tangier to the Sahara with your own driver-guide and vehicle. There are no shared groups and no fixed departure dates. Chegaga Travel is a Marrakech-based agency. We plan private desert trips to the two great dune seas of Morocco: Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and the more remote Erg Chegaga beyond M’Hamid. Desert trips start at 3 days, and we can build the Sahara into a longer Morocco itinerary of 1 to 5 weeks.
- Deserts: Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) or Erg Chegaga, or both on longer trips
- Start cities: Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca or Tangier
- Length: from 3 days; longer tours can include cities, mountains and the coast
- Style: 100% private, minimum 2 travelers
- Price: 3-day desert tours from US$420 per person; longer private tours from US$217 per person per day (Standard level, based on 2 travelers)
- Best months: October to April. July and August are very hot.
Merzouga or Erg Chegaga: Which Sahara Desert Should You Choose?
Both are real Sahara dune fields. They suit different travelers. Merzouga is easier to reach and has the classic tall golden dunes. Erg Chegaga is wilder and quieter, and the last stretch is off-road by 4×4.
| Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) | Erg Chegaga | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Paved road all the way to the edge of the dunes | Paved road to M’Hamid, then off-road by 4×4 |
| Atmosphere | Popular, with many camps to choose from | Remote and quiet, with far fewer visitors |
| Landscape | High, compact orange dunes | A vast, open dune sea with mixed terrain |
| Best for | First-time visitors, families, a classic camel ride | Travelers who want solitude and adventure |
| On the way | Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Ziz Valley | Draa Valley palm groves, Zagora, M’Hamid |
Still not sure? Read our detailed Merzouga vs Erg Chegaga comparison, or tell us your dates and we’ll recommend the right one for you.
Private Morocco Desert Tours by Starting City
Where you start shapes the route. Approximate driving times are below. We split long drives with overnight stops so you never spend a whole day in the car.
From Marrakech
Our most popular start. You cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass and visit Aït Benhaddou, then continue to Merzouga or Erg Chegaga.
From Fes
The drive crosses the Middle Atlas cedar forests and the Ziz Valley to Merzouga. Many travelers end the trip in Marrakech.
From Casablanca
Ideal if you fly into Casablanca. We combine the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara in one private loop.
From Tangier
Good if you arrive from Spain. The route runs through Chefchaouen and Fes before heading south to the dunes.
| Route | Approximate driving time |
|---|---|
| Marrakech → Merzouga | 9–10 hours, usually split over 2 days |
| Marrakech → Erg Chegaga | 7–8 hours to M’Hamid, then about 2 hours by 4×4 |
| Fes → Merzouga | 7–8 hours |
| Casablanca → Sahara | Best combined with Fes or Marrakech; not done in one day |
Popular Private Desert Itineraries
3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga
The classic short Sahara trip: High Atlas, Dades Valley, a camel ride and a night in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi.
From US$420 per person (based on 2 travelers)
3-Day Erg Chegaga Desert Tour
A short trip to Morocco’s wildest dunes through the Draa Valley, with the final stretch by 4×4.
From US$453 per person (based on 2 travelers)
4-Day Marrakech to Erg Chegaga
The same remote desert with a slower pace, more time in the dunes and more Berber villages on the way.
From US$650 per person (based on 2 travelers)
Longer Tours with the Sahara
One to five weeks combining the desert with Fes, Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains and the coast. On trips of 10 days or more we can include both deserts. Example: our 14 day Morocco tour from Marrakech combines Aït Benhaddou, a night in Erg Chegaga and the Atlantic coast.
Your Night in the Sahara: Desert Camps and Activities
The night in the dunes is the heart of every desert tour. Here is what to expect, and how you can shape it.
A typical desert evening
You reach the edge of the dunes in the late afternoon and ride a camel, or travel by 4×4, to your camp in time for sunset. Dinner is served at the camp, often followed by music around the fire and a sky full of stars. You wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes before breakfast.
Choose your camp level
Standard: simple, comfortable Berber-style tents and shared facilities.
Comfort: larger tents, usually with a private bathroom.
Luxury: spacious private tents with en-suite bathrooms, proper beds and more privacy in the dunes.
Things to do in the desert
Ride a camel at sunset or on a longer camel trek from M’Hamid, try sandboarding on the dunes, explore by 4×4, or spend the evening stargazing in the Sahara, far from city lights.
What’s Included in Our Private Morocco Desert Tours
Included:
- A private driver and vehicle for the whole trip
- All accommodation, including your night or nights in a desert camp
- Breakfast every day
- Dinner at Ouarzazate, Dades, Zagora and in the desert camp
- Local guides in the cities and at Aït Benhaddou
- A camel ride in the dunes
Not included: monument entrance fees, lunches, other dinners and all drinks.
You choose your level of comfort:
| Level | Price per person per day (2 travelers) |
|---|---|
| Standard | US$217 |
| Comfort | US$272 |
| Luxury | US$572 |
For a full breakdown, see how much a Morocco trip costs.
When Is the Best Time for a Morocco Desert Tour?
The most comfortable months are October to April. Days are warm and nights in the desert are cold, especially from December to February, so bring a warm layer. July and August are very hot in the Sahara. Summer trips are still possible with early starts and a slower pace. See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco and our Morocco packing list.
Why Book Your Desert Tour with Chegaga Travel
- Local team in Marrakech. Our office and our drivers-guides are based in Morocco. Meet the team.
- Private only. Your trip is for you alone, never a shared group.
- Built around you. You choose the route, the pace, the camp level and the stops.
- Support 24/7. You can reach us by phone and WhatsApp every day, before and during your trip.
Read what travelers say in our Chegaga Travel reviews.
Morocco Desert Tour FAQ
How many days do I need for a Sahara desert tour from Marrakech?
At least 3 days. The desert is far from Marrakech, so a 3-day trip gives you one night in the dunes. Four days or more lets you travel more slowly, especially to Erg Chegaga.
Is Merzouga or Erg Chegaga better?
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) is easier to reach and has the tallest, most photogenic dunes. It’s a good choice for a first visit. Erg Chegaga is more remote and quieter, and it’s reached by 4×4. Choose it if solitude matters more to you than convenience.
Can I visit both deserts in one trip?
Yes, on itineraries of about 10 days or more. The two deserts are far apart, so we plan the route to avoid long back-and-forth drives.
Are private desert tours suitable for families and older travelers?
Yes. Because the tour is private, we adapt driving times, the camp level and activities to your group. Children and older travelers can choose shorter camel rides or a 4×4 transfer to camp.
What is the minimum group size?
Our private tours are for a minimum of 2 travelers.
How do I book?
Send us your dates, starting city and interests. We’ll send you a personalised itinerary and quote. A 20% deposit confirms the booking, and the balance is paid on arrival.
Can I do a 2-day desert tour from Marrakech?
We don’t offer 2-day Sahara tours. Merzouga is 9–10 hours from Marrakech and Erg Chegaga about 9–10 hours including the 4×4 section, so a 2-day trip means two very long days in the car and only a few hours in the dunes. Three days is the minimum we recommend. If you only have one day, the Agafay stone desert near Marrakech is a short alternative, but it is not the Sahara: see Agafay desert vs the Sahara.
What is a night in a Sahara desert camp like?
You arrive in the late afternoon, ride camels or travel by 4×4 into the dunes, and watch the sunset. Dinner is served at the camp, often followed by music around the fire and a sky full of stars. You wake early for sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast before continuing your trip.
What should I pack for a desert tour?
Comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the day, and a warm layer for the evening: desert nights are cold, especially from December to February. A small bag for your camp night is easier than a large suitcase.
Plan Your Private Sahara Desert Tour
Tell us your dates and where you’re starting. We’ll design your desert route and send a free quote.
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