Do you want to go to the desert starting from Marrakech? What is the closest desert to Marrakech? We can help you see more clearly and choose the best itinerary for you that will take you to the discovery of the Moroccan southern desert.
Which desert is closest to Marrakech?
In Morocco, there are three main desert areas:
Erg Chebbi, accessible from Merzouga. It takes about 9 hours by road, passing through the Tizi N Tichka pass, Ouarzazate, Kelaat M Gouna, and Erfoud. Therefore, you will need to plan for an overnight stop on the way there and back if you want to enjoy your trip without stress.
Agafay Desert, which is more specifically a reg, a vast desert area made of stones and rocky terrain. Located about thirty kilometers from Marrakech, it is a popular tourist destination offering various activities such as quad biking or hot air balloon rides.
The Gates of the Sahara with Erg Chegaga and Erg El Mhazil: The highest sand dunes in Morocco can be found in Erg Chegaga. The dune areas then extend into a sea of sand for several hundred kilometers. You can access it from two places: The most well-known access is through M'Hamid El Ghizlane, descending the Draa Valley. From Marrakech, you will cross the Tizi N Tichka pass to descend towards Ouarzazate and then Zagora. Allow approximately 7.5 to 8 hours of travel for this route, excluding meal breaks. Less known but actually the closest access to the desert from Marrakech, the town of Foum Zguid is the ideal starting point for your bivouacs and excursions in the Sahara. It will take about 5.5 hours by road to reach this charming southern town. From Foum Zguid, you can easily continue your journey to Zagora towards the east or head to Tata or Taroudant until you reach the Atlantic coast and Agadir without having to take a detour.
When to go to the desert? What are the temperatures in the desert?
Outside the summer months, you can go to the desert almost year-round, from September to the end of May, with pleasant temperatures.
From September to November, temperatures are mild with beautiful days ranging between 25 and 30°C (77-86°F) and nights around 20°C (68°F).
From December to February, daytime temperatures are cooler, ranging between 10 and 20°C (50-68°F), and nights are cold. The thermometer can drop between 0 and 5°C (32-41°F), so you will appreciate the nights in tents and with thick blankets.
From March to May, the beautiful days return with temperatures ranging between 25 and 35°C (77-95°F) and mild nights.
How to get to Foum Zguid from Marrakech?
Rental car: You can easily rent a car in Marrakech, either from the airport or in the city. Then, the road to Foum Zguid is easily drivable. You will need to pass through the Tizi N'Tichka pass, descend to Tazenakht, and finally arrive in Foum Zguid.
Transfer by our agency: We can also arrange your transfer from your hotel to Foum Zguid and back, with luggage assistance. No stress, no fatigue - we take care of everything for you!
What to see between Marrakech and Foum Zguid?
The road between Marrakech and Foum Zguid is beautiful and offers a multitude of landscapes. If you have time, you can add some lovely stops to your itinerary:
Telouet Kasbah: Perched in the High Atlas Mountains, this 19th-century kasbah was the former residence of Pasha Thami El Glaoui.
Aït Ben Haddou: A must-visit site of great beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage site is truly remarkable. Stroll through the narrow streets of this ancient ksar and climb to higher viewpoints to admire the valley. Explore the small shops selling jewelry and handmade carpets, admire the work of watercolor artists, and enjoy a break at the Tawesna restaurant, run by local women, where you can relax in the shade near the bridge.
Ouarzazate: Take a detour to visit Ouarzazate, its medina, the Taourirt Kasbah, and the famous film studios.
Tazenakht: This small town, located between Agadir and Marrakech, is known for its handmade Berber carpets, crafted throughout the region and sold in small cooperatives. Take the time to have a cup of tea in the city center and experience the Moroccan way of life.
Foum Zguid: Before heading into the desert, it is interesting to make a stop in Foum Zguid to visit the palm grove, the old kasbah, and the artisan village, which showcases local craftsmanship in workshops that you can visit..
What activities can be done in the desert?
Relaxation: A stay in the desert is primarily a break from the hustle and bustle of cities, where time seems to stand still. Leave behind the stress and schedules to embrace a slower pace of life in harmony with nature. The desert offers unique moments of contemplation that should be savored: vibrant sunrises and sunsets, the mesmerizing spectacle of starry nights, resting in the shade of acacias and tamarisks during the hottest hours, and enjoying tea time to learn more about the nomadic way of life.
Group or family activities: Rest assured, there are plenty of things to do in the desert! The must-do activity is a camel ride, traversing the sand dunes at the peaceful pace of these iconic animals of the nomads. This experience becomes magical at sunset.
We also offer fossil hunting, exploring oases and encountering herds of camels, sheep, and goats that gather there to quench their thirst. We take you to visit the village of Zaouait Sidi Abdenabi and meet the local populations. As night falls, it is customary to gather around a campfire, sharing moments of music and creating unforgettable evenings.
For the adventurous and sporty individuals, you can explore the desert in a different way by embarking on a hiking adventure, walking for several hours each day accompanied by a caravan of camels carrying equipment and supplies. Trekking offers a true immersion into nomadic life and a complete disconnection in an environment where you can appreciate every moment.
With Desert Foum Zguid, you can customize your circuit starting from Marrakech. We adapt to your schedule, budget, and preferences.
Discover our bivouacs, excursions, and treks now, and contact us to create the desert journey of your dreams.