I went on a Sahara Desert tour (Marrakesh to Merzouga) in April 2025 and it was hands-down the highlight of my time in Morocco. You might have already read the earlier post in which I’m detailing my experience, but here, I’m leaving some tips and advice in case you’re wanting to do this tour yourself.

● Be patient. These tours usually last 3 days but you only get to spend about 15 hours in the actual Sahara. For most of the time around that, you’ll be sitting in the car, driving for hours on end. Which shouldn’t surprise anyone, considering how far from any city the desert is.

Seemed like some people in our group expected to arrive in Merzouga on day one. Wishful thinking! It’s baffling why you wouldn’t read the itinerary before booking…

● If you’re getting to the Sahara from Marrakesh, sit on the right and nearer the front, if possible. Stunning mountain views guaranteed!

● Don’t feel obliged to eat lunch at the suggested restaurants. Actually, just avoid them! Look on the map for something else or feel free to skip the meal altogether.

We were perplexed as to why they forced total tourist traps on us when there were good places around.

● This might be controversial, but I’d advise you not to book the luxury camp option, unless you strongly prefer a “tamer” evening by the fire with a much smaller group. Yes, you do get an en suite bathroom with shower, but too many times do people complain about them not working anyway, so…

● Yes, you do need a headscarf for the desert. You can bring your own or buy one from the many souvenir shops you will see in Morocco. Just before you head out into the desert, staff at the hotel will be able to tie it for you.

I don’t think something like a cap or straw hat will cut it. They won’t fully protect you from the sun, and you might end up chasing them down the dunes when they get blown off your head!

Also, wearing a headscarf doesn’t mean you don’t need sunscreen and sunglasses.

● Fasten the seat belt! I don’t think I have to lecture you on personal safety, but some of my travel companions had to be constantly reminded of that…

● Some of the tours can take you to Fez instead of returning to Marrakesh. If I was going on the tour again, I’d rather do that than backtracking.

● Last but not least: don’t listen to “experts” arguing that these tours don’t take you to the “proper” Sahara. The sand dunes, and even the town of Merzouga itself, very much ARE within the Saharan borders. At least according to Google Maps, Wikipedia and tons of other reliable sources.

So, yes – by going on this tour, you WILL set foot on the world’s biggest desert.