If you’re heading to Agadir and want to see more of Morocco than the beach there’s no better way to experience the country than with a trip to the desert from Agadir. From golden dunes to Berber villages, not to mention a scenic camel ride under the starlit desert sky, the Moroccan desert is as exotic a contrast as can be from Agadir’s coastal allure.
Why doing a Desert Trip from Agadir?
Not only the city is home to some of the most modern resort, and lay-back beaches, Agadir is also the ideal setting to start your desert tours in Morocco. While Agadir itself doesn’t border the Sahara, it’s a convenient jumping-off point for southern Morocco's most beautiful deserts, such as the Erg Chegaga and the remote dunes of M’Hamid.
Whether you are looking for culture, adventure, nature or a bit of everything, desert tours from Agadir can be tailored to suit any traveler’s needs or budget.
Best of Highlights of Desert trip from Agadir
Trekking Through the Anti-Atlas Mountains
The road to the desert is typically marked by a picturesque drive through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. You’ll then be driven through narrow lanes, between ancient rock formations, through thrilling riverbeds and across otherwise inaccessible valleys, passing authentic small Berber villages and argan tree groves (where you might spot the famous Argan goats) with their Takamarist Kasbah, where the view of the whole valley is breathtaking!
Exploring the Town of Taliouine
One delightful stop is Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital. Here, you can tour saffron cooperatives, drink tea with locals and discover how this unusual spice is cultivated in the region’s arid climes.
Taroudant – A Day Trip to “Little Marrakech”
TransportBuses brought us comfortable and (relatively) cheap from Agadir to Taroudant, known as little Marrakech.
Famous for its ancient walls and vibrant souks, Taroudant is a wonderful cultural stop off before heading further into the desert. Unlike the fast paced city streets of Marrakech, Taroudant is an untouched oasis of Morocco that is truly worth discovering.
Zagora and the Door of Sahara
After a long—but very rewarding—drive, you will reach Zagora, known by the town’s sign, “Tombouctou 52 jours” (Tombouctou being the local name for Timbuktu), a reference to the time it took to reach Timbuktu (as described along the ancient camel caravan route). It is from here that your desert journey really commences.
Camel Trekking and Desert Camps
One of the best things to do during an Agadir desert tour is to go on a camel trek. From here, mounting your camel, you’ll journey through towering sand dunes at golden hour, the most magical time to experience this desertscape. In the evening, feast on traditional Berber campfire music, local food, and a campfire beneath the stars at a Sahara desert camp.
Best Desert Tours From Agadir
2-Day Desert Tour from Agadir
Ideal for travelers pressed for time. This trip typically includes:
- Drive through the Souss Valley and Anti-Atlas.
- Overnight in a desert camp near Zagora
- Camel ride at sunset
- Dinner and music Berber around the fire.
3-Days Agadir to Erg Chegaga Tour
3 Days / 2 Nights
The Top and Best 3-Day Agadir to Erg chegaga 3 days / 2 nights Desert Tour to the incredible Erg Chgaga dunes for about 60km off road.
This longer route gets you to the Erg Chegaga dunes — some of the most beautiful and least touristy dunes in Morocco:
- Stopovers at Taroudant, Taznakht (a place where Berber carpets are made) and Foum Zguid
- Trip to the dried Lake Iriqui
- Further immersion into the desert environment and nomadic lifestyle
Private Custom Tours
If you are travelling with a group or are after flexibility, there are a number of local operators who can arrange all of the above as part of a custom itinerary, with off the beaten path stops, luxury desert camps or quad biking.
What to Take on Your Agadir Desert Expedition
Packing smart is essential for a trip to the desert. Here are the essentials:
- Light layers (days are warm, nights can be cool)
- Scarf or turban to shield from sun and sand
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera/Phone (we need extra battery)
- (see also, comfortable walking/sand shoes!)
- Reusable water bottle
When to Visit the Desert from Agadir
The optimal moment to do a desert tour from Agadir is in autumn (September to November) and spring (March-May). Daytime temperatures during these months are usually comfortable, while the nights remain cool. The summer months are hot, particularly in July and August, while winter nights (from December to February) are known to be very cold in the desert.
Local Culture & Etiquette
On your desert journey, you'll probably encounter Berbers, a people who have lived in Morocco's deserts and mountains for thousands of years. It’s respectful to:
- Dress modestly
- Ask before taking photos
- Greet with “Salam Alaikum”
- Support local artisans and guides
Reserve a Day Trip to The Sahara Desert from Agadir
Desert tours from Agadir are offered by many established tour operators, who will pick you up from your hotel or riad even if you book online in advance. Search for reviews, clear itineraries and options that ensure sustainable and culturally respectful tourism. Some popular companies include:
- Desert Dream
- Moroccan Food Tours
- Morocco Desert Travel
- Sahara Experience
Final Thoughts
An Agadir desert trip provides a memorable counterpoint to the beaches and boulevards of this coastal city. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars, riding a camel across sun-swept dunes or sharing mint tea with a nomadic family, the adventure to the Moroccan desert is one of connection — to nature, history and people.
And with that, bring your adventurous spirit and join us as we set forth to explore the wonder of the Sahara from Agadir. It’s not just a tour — it’s a memory you’ll hold for a lifetime.
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