The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert — about 9.2 million square kilometres across North Africa, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Red Sea through more than ten countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan. It is roughly the size of the United States or China.
For travellers, though, the real question is not how big the Sahara is — it is where you can actually reach it. In Morocco, the answer is the southeast, and it is one of the easiest and safest gateways to the Sahara anywhere in the world. We should know: we grew up in Rissani, right where the tarmac gives way to sand.
Where is the Sahara in Morocco?
Morocco’s slice of the Sahara sits along its southern and southeastern edge, on the far side of the Atlas Mountains from the big cities. You cross the mountains, the land dries out, palm oases thread along the rivers, and eventually the great sand seas begin. Two of them are the reason people come:
- Erg Chebbi — the tall, classic dunes near Merzouga, some rising 150 metres. This is the postcard Sahara, and the one we live beside. Easiest to reach and the most set up for an overnight in a desert camp.
- Erg Chigaga — wilder, remoter dunes near M’hamid, reached by a longer 4×4 track. Fewer people, more effort.
Both are true Sahara. Erg Chebbi is where most first-time visitors go, and where the sunrise and sunset camel treks happen.
How do you get to the Moroccan Sahara?
Almost everyone reaches Erg Chebbi overland, and the drive is half the experience — over the High Atlas, past Ait Benhaddou, through the Dades and Todra gorges, along the road of a thousand kasbahs. Rough distances to Merzouga:
- From Marrakech: about 560 km, normally split over 2–3 days so you actually see the route. This is the classic 3-day desert tour.
- From Fes: about 470 km, usually one long day or a relaxed two, through the cedar forests and the Ziz Valley.
- From Errachidia: the nearest airport, roughly two hours’ drive.
You do not fly into the dunes — and that is the point. The journey there, through mountains and oases, is what turns a desert night into a proper trip.
When should you go?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the sweet spots: warm days, cool but bearable nights. Summer is genuinely harsh in the deep south, and winter nights get cold. We break it down month by month in our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.
Is the Moroccan Sahara safe to visit?
Yes. The desert tourism region around Merzouga and M’hamid is well-travelled, well-run and calm. The practical risks are heat, sun and dehydration — not danger. We cover the real picture, honestly, in is Morocco safe to visit?
Knowing where it is, is the easy half. For routes from Marrakech and Fes, driving times, camp options and how many days to allow, see our complete guide on how to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries does the Sahara Desert cover?
The Sahara spans more than ten North African countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan, covering about 9.2 million square kilometres.
Where is the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Along Morocco’s southeastern edge, beyond the Atlas Mountains. The main dune fields are Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M’hamid.
What is the closest town to the Erg Chebbi dunes?
Merzouga sits right at the foot of Erg Chebbi. Rissani, the old caravan town, is about 40 minutes away and is where many desert families, including ours, are based.
How far is the Sahara from Marrakech?
Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech, usually driven over two to three days so you can see Ait Benhaddou, the Dades and Todra gorges and the kasbah route on the way.
Can you fly to the Moroccan Sahara?
Not directly to the dunes. The nearest airport is Errachidia, about two hours from Merzouga; most visitors travel overland from Marrakech or Fes, which is part of the experience.
Planning to reach the dunes yourself? See our desert routes, or just tell us your dates and we will sketch the way there — from two brothers who live at the edge of it.
