Morocco has different landscapes as well as desert land, Both Merzouga desert and Agafay desert provide different desert experiences, in addition to Camel ride, Quad biking, and desert camping. Each desert a special characteristics.
Merzouga desert is famous for its vast golden dunes as far as the eyes can see. As it provides a more immersive desert experience in Morocco. Merzouga Sahara is located near the border with Algeria in southeast Morocco. Merzouga is part of the Hot larger Sahara Desert.
It is known for its big and impressive golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, which can reach up to 150 meters heights. Merzouga desert allows you to experience the vastness of the real desert, enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and sunset over the golden dunes, hop on a camel trek, and spend a night in a traditional desert camp under the African sky. As you will be surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the Sahara desert. Furthermore, the visit to Merzouga desert requires at least a 3-day tour from Marrakech or Fes. Where you will get the chance to explore the Atlas Mountains with ancient Kasbahs like Ait ben Haddou.
Besides, Agafay Desert, located near Marrakech in a 30-minute drive, is known for its silence, and stunning sunsets. It is often considered a “desert-like” landscape rather than a real desert. It features vast rocky terrains and a barren beauty of rocky dunes. Agafay provides a closer and more accessible desert experience for travelers who have limited time or prefer a shorter excursion from Marrakech. They can embark on a Half-day trip from Marrakech to enjoy the magnificence of Agafay desert, including a Camel ride, Quad biking, and a rest time of mint tea in a traditional tent.
In a nutshell, choosing between Merzouga and Agafay desert will depend on your desired level of desert immersion. In addition to your preferences and available time. Merzouga desert offers an inspiring and more authentic Saharan adventure. While Agafay desert provides a short and simple desert experience closer to Marrakech city.
Check out some of our Morocco trips to explore Morocco with its various landscapes: