The Sahara covers roughly a third of Africa and is one of the most popular places to visit in Morocco. Here are the best things to do there and the highlights not to miss, so you can enjoy experiences you will never have at home.
What is the weather like? Are nights cold?
As you would expect, the Sahara gets very little rain and is extremely hot by day; summer highs can exceed 40°C. With few clouds and intense sunshine, sun protection is essential: bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
The difference between the day’s highest and lowest temperatures is far greater than in Japan. Because the desert is so dry, it gets very cold in the mornings and evenings. If you pack only light clothes, you will freeze at night — even in summer, bring a down jacket or fleece.
Things to do in the Sahara
Ride a camel across the dunes
A camel ride is a must. Camels are taller than you might think, giving you a wide view, and swaying across endless orange dunes feels like a dream.
Drive a buggy or quad bike
For a thrill, race across the dunes in a buggy or on a quad bike. No licence is needed, and speeding up and down the dunes is exhilarating.
Dress up in traditional clothes for photos
Morocco has many traditional garments: the djellaba is everyday wear, the kaftan a festive robe for ceremonies, and the gandoura a traditional garment of the Berbers. Put on your favourite and pose against the vast desert for unforgettable photos.
Visit a nomad family
Nomads live in the Sahara around the oases. You can visit a nomad home to share tea or lunch with the family, or even stay with them, and experience their way of life.
See a mirage
In the Sahara you may see what looks like a forest or lake in the distance. This is a mirage, an illusion caused by light bending through layers of air at different temperatures. The oasis you see does not really exist — a mysterious and rare sight.
Spend a night in a desert camp
Stay in a tent in the middle of the desert. After a Moroccan dinner, gather around the campfire while local musicians play traditional music, and sing and dance together — a night to remember.
Relax in a stylish hotel
If a tent feels like too much, stay in a hotel. There are hotels in the desert with showers and toilets and charming Moroccan interiors, and some upscale ones even have a pool facing the dunes.
Gaze at a sky full of stars
Apart from the camps, there is almost no light in the Sahara, and hardly any clouds, so you can see far more stars than at home. The sky looks like a planetarium, and shooting stars are common — make a wish.
Watch the sunrise
If you stay overnight, get up early and climb a dune before dawn. Watching the desert turn red in the morning light is magical. If you have time, sunset over the Sahara is just as moving.
Hunt for fossils
Around 450 million years ago, the area that is now the Sahara was under the sea. In the stony parts of the desert you can still find many fossils, such as ammonites and trilobites — a chance to imagine the distant past.
Try a sand bath
Lie in sand heated by the strong sun to warm your body to the core, relax and sweat it all out. A herbal tea afterwards is recommended. Some locals use sand baths to ease knee and back pain.
Tips for enjoying the Sahara
Beware of blowing sand
Sahara sand is fine, light and dry, and the wind blows it into your eyes and nose; on windy days a sandstorm can make it impossible to see. Cover your face with glasses, a turban or a scarf. Sand can also damage phones and cameras, so protect them with a waterproof cover.
Water can be scarce
Water is not plentiful in the desert, so buy enough drinking water before you go. Some accommodation may have no shower or toilet, or only cold water; if you are concerned, ask your tour company or accommodation in advance. Wet wipes are handy, as you will get sandy.
Camel rides can be uncomfortable
Riding a camel is fun, but a bumpy camel can leave you too sore to enjoy the view, and the height can be scary if you are afraid of heights. Check that another way of getting around, such as a vehicle, is available just in case.
Enjoy the Sahara with Morocco Travel Destinations
Endless orange dunes, magical sunrises, a sky overflowing with stars: the Sahara offers sights and experiences you should have at least once in your life. Morocco Travel Destinations designs original tours that fit around you rather than a group schedule. Tell us everything you would like to do in the Sahara and contact us.