A vast, magical desert region under a carpet of twinkling stars
The great Sahara, around the same size as the USA or China, is the world’s largest hot desert. Spanning northern Africa from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, this arid expanse covers some 11 countries, with its north-eastern edge just about spilling over into Morocco.
Morocco’s corner of the desert lies south of the High Atlas Mountains, a smattering of oasis towns becoming less frequent the further you venture, eventually reaching the golden dune seas that evokes the most romantic images of the Sahara.
It’s here you’ll find camel trains emerging from the heat haze led by blue-scarfed Berbers, a nomadic people who have preserved their own language and culture for over 4000 years while watching Carthaginian, Roman, Arab and French empires come and go.
There’s no better way to experience the desert than a night or two camping out among the nothingness in the traditional Berber-style. Camps are best enjoyed in private, perhaps a camel trek in time for the purple sun set, dining around a fire under the starry sky and retiring to your tent.
Highlights
Stay in Berber-style tented camps for a taste of desert life and a truly magical night of delicious, local food and romantic stargazing
Race into the sand dunes leaving the small villages and town oases behind in your 4×4 off-road jeep
Let your local guide explain how Berber culture has remained steadfast in this desert region for over 4000 years
Enjoy all the adventure the desert has to offer with camel rides and exhilarating sand boarding down undulating sand dunes
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
There is something truly magical about the desert, the vast remoteness and the beauty of it is hard to put into words. In the Moroccan Sahara you’re completely removed from daily life, totally off the beaten track - it’s very adventurous. However, the hospitality and graciousness of the local Berber who look after you and show you their way of life, makes you feel undeniably at home.
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in the Moroccan Sahara
Trip inspiration
Discover more of Morocco
Casablanca
This city is the chief port, the financial, commercial and manufacturing centre of the country.
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On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a little under three hours due west of Marrakesh, Essaouira is a laid-back port town cooled by the vents alizés trade winds gently blowing in from the ocean.
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The city of Fes, Morocco’s second largest, is considered to be its cultural and religious capital and often referred to as the Mecca of the West.
Discover moreHigh Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a rugged chain that span North Africa from the Atlantic coast through Algeria and Tunisia, an imposing barrier between the fertile Mediterranean coast from the vast Sahara Desert.
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With its rich atmosphere, fascinating history and rich Berber culture, the city of Marrakesh encapsulates what draws people from around the world to Morocco.
Discover moreOualidia
200km north of Essaouira, between El Jadida and Safi, is the peaceful town of Oualidia. Overlooking a coastal lagoon frequented by migratory birds, beyond which is the vast expanse of the Atlantic ocean, its setting couldn’t be more idyllic.
Discover moreSkoura
Skoura is an oasis town that sits south of the Atlas Mountains at the gateway to the Sahara beyond. Once an important trading post where camel trains would offload spices and gold to be hauled over to Fes, its illustrious past can be glimpsed in the sand coloured Kasbahs that still stand here today.
Discover moreTangier
Morocco’s northernmost city, looking out across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain, Tangier is a place with a fascinating history. Known as ‘The Door of Africa’, it has changed hands dozens of times.
Discover moreMeet your Middle East team
When to visit
The best time to visit the Moroccan Sahara is during the slightly cooler months from October to May. In December and January, nights can sometimes drop below freezing, but camps will provide you with plenty of warm blankets. The height of summer, from June to August, is too hot and the sun too intense so many camps are either closed or move north during this period.
Cold Nights
December - January
Best Time
October - May
Hot Seaon
June - August
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Jacada was our first choice for creating a memorable holiday experience. It all began with a very empathetic phone call where they carefully listened to our preferences, dos, and don’ts. We were kept well-informed throughout the booking process. Everything was so well-organized that there wasn’t much we wanted to do differently. We completely trusted their recommendations for hotels, guides, drivers,…
We went to Marrakesh, Essaouira and Oualidia with Jacada. Our only regret was not having had more time to spend in Morocco. It was absolutely magical. James from Jacada must have been able to read our mind putting the perfect vacation together, which not only the adults but also our 6 and 10 year old boys enjoyed. Everybody we came…
Planning my daughter and my adventure with Berni and Jen was easy and fun. We outlined the key things we wanted to do and they put it all together. Throughout our holiday, we enjoyed ziplining, nature walks and sloth searches, traversed the hanging bridges, hiked to waterfalls, rafted into and out of our amazing lodge in the rainforest and were…
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