Moroccan Deserts
Venturing over the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech or Fez is the border of the Sahara Desert. The Merzouga Dunes, known as Erg Chebbi, about 20 miles from Erfoud, are a spectacular area within easy reach of comfortable, air-conditioned hotels. Here, there is the opportunity to get a sense of the great vastness of this desert and, with patience and good fortune, glimpse at least a few of the unique reptiles, birds and mammals that live here. To delve deeper, go by camel and stay overnight in a Bedouin tent.
For travellers with limited time or unwilling to attempt the long distances on Moroccan roads but wanting to experience the peace and solitude of a desert environment, just 40 minutes from Marrakech is the Agafay desert. Here the experience will be slightly different, there will not be the option to encounter the typical rolling sand dunes of the Sahara but a wild lunar landscape dotted with Berber hamlets and the odd wandering goatherd can be explored. With the snow capped Atlas Mountains in the distance this desert landscape is easily reached for a day trip or one night.
For more help or advice on including a visit to a desert environment on your holiday to Morocco, please call Charlotte, our country specialist in 01285 651 010.