Which Desert is Best to Visit from Marrakech
Which Desert is Best to Visit from Marrakech?
So you’re in Marrakech, sipping mint tea and dodging rogue scooters in the medina, when someone whispers the word “desert” and your imagination takes off like a camel at feeding time. You picture golden dunes, cinematic sunsets, and starry nights that make you question your life choices in the best way possible. But wait—which desert are we talking about?
Let’s break it down. There’s more than one sandy superstar near Marrakech, and each one is serving a different kind of drama.
1. Erg Chebbi: The Sahara You’re Dreaming Of… But It’ll Cost You (In Hours)
Ah, Erg Chebbi. The Beyoncé of Moroccan deserts. You’ve seen it in movies, on Instagram, and maybe even in your dreams. Towering dunes near Merzouga that look like someone ironed the sand flat and then sculpted it with an ice cream scoop.
But here’s the catch: it’s 9–10 hours from Marrakech. One way. That’s commitment. That’s “I’m okay listening to Desert Chill Mix 2024 on repeat for hours” commitment.
If you have 3–4 days to spare and want that classic camel trek into a sea of dunes, go for it. Bring snacks, patience, and maybe a chiropractor.
2. Erg Chigaga: The Wild Child for True Adventurers
Don’t want the Instagram crowds but still want some major dune action? Say hello to Erg Chigaga, the lesser-known (but possibly cooler) cousin of Erg Chebbi. It’s a little harder to get to (8–9 hours + a 4×4 adventure), but that’s part of the fun.
There are fewer tourists, more nomadic vibes, and a strong chance your tent might actually come with real Berber drums and mint tea served under the stars.
Just be ready for a bit of bump-and-bounce driving. This isn’t your grandma’s desert tour. Unless your grandma is a retired rally driver. In which case, invite her.
3. Agafay Desert: The “Oops-I-Forgot-to-Plan” Desert
If you’re short on time, energy, or enthusiasm for long drives, the Agafay Desert is your new best friend. Located just 45 minutes from Marrakech, it’s not technically a “real” sand desert—it’s rocky, rugged, and more Mad Max than Aladdin.
Still, it’s got glamping tents, candlelit dinners, camel rides, quad biking, and champagne with a side of “I totally did a desert experience, okay?” Vibes: chill. Effort: minimal. Instagram? Still solid.
Perfect if you only have a day and want to be back in Marrakech in time for a rooftop tagine and more bargaining over a carpet you don’t need.
So… Which One Wins?
- Time-poor, experience-hungry? Agafay.
- Dune enthusiast with a long playlist? Erg Chebbi.
- Wilderness lover with a 4×4 spirit? Erg Chigaga.
There’s no wrong answer—only different types of awesome. Whether you’re chasing sand or just want to say “I saw the desert,” Marrakech has you covered. Just pack your sunglasses, a scarf (windy = sand in teeth), and your best desert swagger.
Now go forth and ride that camel like the glorious nomad you were born to pretend to be.