The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth, offering endless stretches of golden dunes, starry skies, and an adventure that beckons travelers from around the world. Located in northern Africa, the Sahara is the largest hot desert, and the Moroccan Sahara is particularly famous for its unique desert experiences. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for adrenaline-packed activities or a traveler searching for peace and tranquility, the Sahara Desert of Morocco has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in the Sahara Desert, ensuring your trip is both memorable and magical.
1. Camel Trekking: An Authentic Desert Experience
One of the quintessential activities in the Sahara is camel trekking, an experience that allows you to travel the way the nomads did centuries ago. Whether it’s a short ride over the dunes or a longer trek deep into the desert, riding a camel offers a connection to the rhythm of the Sahara.
Camel treks are often part of a larger desert tour, where you can ride to a Berber camp and spend the night under the stars. The views of the sun setting over the dunes, followed by a sky blanketed with stars, are surreal and unforgettable. The Erg Chebbi dunes, near the town of Merzouga, are among the most famous for camel treks, with dunes reaching up to 150 meters in height.
2. Spend the Night in a Desert Camp
After a day of exploring the desert, spending the night in a traditional desert camp is an experience not to be missed. These camps range from simple Berber tents to luxury accommodations complete with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and gourmet meals. Sitting around a campfire, listening to the local guides play music, and sharing stories under the vast night sky is a magical way to end your day.
Waking up in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Sahara Desert is a highlight of any desert trip. The changing colors of the sand, from cool blues and purples to warm oranges and yellows, is a sight that you’ll never forget.
3. 4×4 Desert Excursion: Exploring the Dunes
For those who crave adventure, a 4×4 desert excursion offers a thrilling way to explore the Sahara’s vast landscapes. You’ll be driven by an expert guide through the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, reaching areas that are difficult to access by camel or on foot.
In addition to exploring the dunes, 4×4 tours often include stops at desert oases, nomadic camps, and small villages. This gives travelers a deeper insight into the culture and daily life of the people who call the desert their home.
4. Sandboarding: Surfing the Dunes
For thrill-seekers, sandboarding in the Sahara Desert is an exhilarating experience. Similar to snowboarding, sandboarding involves gliding down the tall dunes on a specially designed board. Erg Chebbi’s high dunes provide the perfect playground for this activity, and it’s a fun and adrenaline-filled way to experience the desert.
Sandboarding can be done as part of a larger tour or independently, and it’s suitable for beginners and experts alike. It’s a unique experience that lets you combine adventure with the beauty of the Sahara.
5. Visit a Nomad Family
The Sahara is home to the Amazigh (Berber) nomads, who have lived in this harsh environment for generations. Visiting a nomadic family and sharing tea or a meal with them offers a rare opportunity to learn about their way of life and their deep connection to the desert. The nomads rely on herding goats and camels, moving from place to place in search of water and grazing lands.
By visiting a nomad family, you’ll gain insights into their traditions, customs, and survival techniques in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments. This cultural exchange is often one of the most rewarding aspects of a Sahara Desert tour.
6. Explore Desert Villages and Kasbahs
Scattered throughout the Sahara are ancient villages and kasbahs that tell the stories of Morocco’s rich history. A visit to Rissani, the last major town before the desert, is a must. This ancient market town was once the starting point for camel caravans that crossed the Sahara to trade with distant lands. Today, you can explore its lively souks and markets, where traders still sell goods like spices, dates, and handcrafted items.
Another highlight is the village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic kasbah that has been featured in many films and TV shows. Although not located directly in the Sahara, Ait Ben Haddou is often included in desert tours due to its proximity to the desert and its historical significance.
7. Stargazing: A Celestial Experience
The Sahara Desert offers some of the clearest night skies in the world, making it a prime spot for stargazing. Far from the light pollution of cities, the desert sky comes alive at night, offering a dazzling display of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.
Many desert camps offer stargazing experiences where you can learn about the constellations and celestial navigation techniques used by desert nomads. Lying back on the sand and gazing up at the infinite expanse of stars is an awe-inspiring experience that highlights the serenity and beauty of the Sahara.
8. Visit the Fossil Quarries of Erfoud
The Sahara was once a prehistoric ocean, and remnants of this ancient past can be found in the form of fossils. The town of Erfoud, located on the edge of the desert, is famous for its fossil quarries, where you can see ancient sea creatures preserved in stone. Fossilized ammonites, trilobites, and other marine life are found in abundance here, and many are transformed into beautiful sculptures and jewelry.
A visit to a fossil workshop in Erfoud allows you to learn about the region’s geological history and even purchase unique fossil souvenirs to take home.
9. Discover the Draa Valley
For a taste of the Sahara’s greenery, a visit to the Draa Valley is a must. This lush oasis is fed by the Draa River, the longest river in Morocco, and is home to vast date palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and small villages. The Draa Valley provides a stark contrast to the barren dunes of the Sahara, showcasing the diversity of the desert landscape.
Exploring the valley on foot or by car allows you to see traditional Moroccan life in action, with farmers tending their crops and shepherds herding their animals. The Draa Valley is often included in Morocco desert tours and provides a peaceful respite from the harshness of the desert.
10. Experience Moroccan Desert Music and Dance
No trip to the Sahara is complete without experiencing the rich cultural traditions of the Sahara Desert’s music and dance. The region is known for its traditional Gnawa music, a spiritual and hypnotic form of music brought to Morocco by West African slaves. Many desert camps feature performances of Gnawa music, with drums, castanets, and the guembri (a three-stringed instrument) creating a captivating rhythm.
You may also have the chance to watch or participate in traditional Berber dances, which are often part of the evening entertainment in desert camps. This vibrant cultural experience adds a special touch to your desert adventure.
A visit to the Sahara Desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re camel trekking across the dunes, spending the night in a desert camp, or exploring ancient kasbahs, the Sahara Desert offers countless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Make sure to include these must-do activities on your Morocco desert tour to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Sahara.
