Everything you need to know about the Moroccan desert
The Sahara Desert stretches from the Atlantic Ocean, from Morocco to the Red Sea, covering 5,000 kilometers from west to east. It is as large as China, making it the closest desert to the cities of Agadir, Marrakech, and Ouarzazate. It is also the largest and hottest desert in the world. Spanning nearly 9 million square kilometers, it traverses Algeria, Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, and Chad. Every year, millions of tourists visit the Sahara to explore this mythical desert, prompting agencies to offer itineraries in this area. The Sahara is also known as Tiniri (Tenere) in Tamasheq and al-Sahra’ al-Kubra (the Great Desert) in Arabic.
Zagora desert
The Zagora desert is characterized by a drier terrain with few dunes, including the Tinfou dune. The Merzouga desert features some dunes, including the 170-meter-high Erg Chebbi dune. However, the desert stretching from Foum Zguid to M'hamid El Ghizlane is the most expansive. It is in this region that the highest dune of the Moroccan desert, Erg Chegaga or Erg Chigaga, rises to 300 meters above sea level. It is the largest and wildest dune massif in Morocco. From there, the sea of sand extends as far as the eye can see.
Starting from Foum Zguid, you enter the Iriqui National Park, a nature reserve, via a track where an impressive wildlife coexists with a few nomads who migrate with their herds of camels and goats in search of pasture. Lake Iriki is located approximately 67 km from Foum Zguid. It has dried up due to the construction of a dam on the Drâa River and the lack of rainfall. Most of the time, it resembles a vast, compacted sand plain, but during the wet period from October to January and when it rains, it becomes a habitat for migratory birds. It can fill up with water up to 50 cm deep. If you visit during the right season, you may spot flamingos, coots, and wild geese. The members of our DESERT FOUM ZGUID team all come from Zaouïat Sidi Abdenabi, a small oasis in the heart of the desert. We also have our guesthouse called "La Petite Maison du Lac Iriki," a typical Saharan earthen habitat where you can experience desert life and embark on excursions, trekking, or camel hiking adventures.
Which Moroccan desert to visit?
If you're undecided between the desert of Zagora, Merzouga, or Chegaga, you should consider your priorities. The Merzouga desert is more suitable for those who have ample time and fewer budgetary restrictions. This itinerary requires a minimum of 4 to 5 days as it takes approximately 7 to 10 hours of driving to reach Merzouga from Agadir or Marrakech.
If you prefer a trekking or an excursion focused on ecotourism in a preserved and wilder environment, the desert from Zagora or Foum Zguid would be the better choice. It takes about 6 to 7 hours from Marrakech or Agadir. From Marrakech, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi'n Tichka pass and can make a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also explore the Dadès Gorges, the Valley of Roses, the Todra Gorges, and the Draa Valley, depending on your itinerary. From Agadir, you will pass through the city of Taroudant (known as "Little Marrakech"), Taliouine (the golden city and saffron capital), and Tazenaght (Berber carpet town). Throughout your journey, you will admire the magnificent landscapes dotted with argan trees.
Consider these factors and your preferences to choose the desert experience that aligns best with your interests and travel plans.
For lovers of pristine and less crowded nature, prioritize the region of Lake Iriki and the dunes of Chegaga from Foum Zguid or M'hamid El Ghizlane. You can make a stop at the small oasis of Zaouïat Sidi Abdenabi and visit the ancient kasbah as well as the mausoleum erected in memory of the revered founding father of the village. This region is home to ancient and well-preserved rock paintings and engravings. It is also rich in fossils.
Excursions in the desert areas of Morocco offer the opportunity to discover sublime landscapes. It's also a chance to go on camel rides, savor the local Moroccan cuisine, which is ranked among the best in the world, and immerse yourself in the culture of the Berber and nomadic populations who inhabit these regions. The best way to visit the desert is to approach an agency that will provide you with a guide who has extensive knowledge of the desert, as well as a 4x4 vehicle tailored to your needs.
VARIETIES OF MOROCCAN DESERTS
Contrary to popular belief, the desert is not solely defined by an expanse of endless dunes and sand. In fact, sand and dunes make up only 20% of a desert. The remaining 80% is composed of gravel (reg), which gives it a lunar appearance, as well as hamadas (elevated stone plateaus), green oases sustained by water sources and human effort, sandstone rocks eroded into spectacular canyons, dried riverbeds (oueds) where a few trees persist, and mountains (djebels).
An unsuspected array of fauna and flora thrives in this space that may mistakenly be considered sterile. Species such as the dorcas gazelle, addax, Barbary sheep, fennec fox, squirrel, hedgehog, hyena, hare, monitor lizards, whipsnakes, lizards, reptiles, warblers, buntings, and great owls, among many others, can be found in the area (Iriqui National Park).
The desert is home to various trees such as tamarisk, acacia, date palm, and plants such as desert chamomile, euphorbia, and wormwood.
The Moroccan desert also offers a vibrant color palette, ranging from yellow, red, ochre, brown, beige to black, thanks to mineral pigments (iron hydroxide) that, through rock erosion, create a splendid gradient of hues worthy of a painter's canvas.
The main ergs (dune massifs) in the Kingdom of Morocco are Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and Erg Chegaga between Foum Zguid and M'hamid El Ghizlane.
How to optimize your experience in the Moroccan desert?
Optimizing your exploration of the Moroccan desert should not be taken lightly. It is important to take your time and savor every moment of the journey.
How long to stay in the Moroccan desert?
The ideal choice would be to opt for a multi-day excursion or trek to truly experience the effects of the sand, dust, and arid environment. As your body starts to feel dehydrated and your eyes adjust to the intense brightness during the day, spending a few nights in this environment allows you to marvel at the starry sky like nowhere else. After a few days, the seemingly insignificant details become sublime and gain more significance in your eyes. It's a new way to rediscover all your senses and open up to your inner world, with the serenity of the desert aiding you in this journey.
The oases will then appear before your eyes like meadows in full spring bloom, showcasing stunning flora and fauna.
What to pack for a trip to the desert?
Don't forget to pack sunscreen, hand and foot moisturizer, lip balm, and even hair balm in your toiletry kit. You may want to wear a headscarf, like the nomads who wrap a large fabric turban around their heads and faces to protect themselves from the sun, heat, and wind. When it comes to clothing, consider taking lightweight and loose-fitting outfits that provide sufficient coverage during the day, as well as sweaters and socks to protect yourself from the cold during the night.
When is the best time to visit the Moroccan desert?
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is from late September to late April. From December to February, the days are generally sunny but the nights can be cold. In autumn and spring, you can enjoy beautiful days with pleasant temperatures and mild nights. Starting from May, temperatures rise and can become challenging for those who are not accustomed to the heat.
Do you need assistance in organizing your trip? You can contact us and explore our offers for desert bivouacs or treks in the dried lake of Iriki and the Erg Chegaga area.