With vast dunes rolling to the horizon, mountain passes that test riders and machines, and ancient routes that once carried traders and explorers, the Sahara Desert has a reputation like no other. Its mix of wild beauty, isolation, freedom, and adventure attracts people from all over the world with the promise of an experience like no other.
A Sahara Desert tour isn’t just another trip; it’s one of the world’s great adventures. But like any epic journey, it takes preparation to get right. As leaders for Morocco motorbike and buggy tours, we know how to plan for a Sahara Desert trip, from picking the right itinerary to getting yourself ready for the ride.
Let’s dive into this guide so you can start preparing for your own bucket-list adventure. If you have any questions for the Motor Adventures team as we go, please just contact us.
Welcome to the Sahara Desert, Morocco – The Original and Best
If you’ve ever dreamed of crossing the Sahara, Morocco is where that dream becomes reality. It’s the most accessible corner of the desert for European riders, and it’s home to some of the world’s best riding. The more you learn about this incredible place, the more you will realise why you must take a tour of Morocco’s Sahara Desert.
Motor Adventures runs Morocco Sahara Desert trips designed to get you right into the heart of the action. These aren’t passive experiences. You’re out there on two or four wheels, riding trails that follow the legendary Paris–Dakar routes, crossing open plains and high mountain passes, and camping under the stars.
With a choice of motorbikes or buggies, and itineraries that range from a few days to over a week, we have Sahara Desert tours in Morocco to suit any timescale and riding experience level.
Choosing the Right Sahara Desert Tour
Not all desert tours are created equal. A quick overnight camp near the dunes might look great in photos, but it won’t give you the scale, variety, or thrill that the Sahara is famous for. If you’ve travelled all the way to Morocco, you deserve the full experience.
That’s where Morocco off-road tours with Motor Adventures stand out. These aren’t box-ticking excursions; they’re adrenaline-pumping expeditions across the Sahara’s surprisingly diverse landscapes. One day you’ll be powering across open desert tracks or conquering mighty dunes, the next you’re climbing mountain passes at high altitude or following ancient riverbeds. And you’ll spend nights in desert camps and traditional kasbah guesthouses, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the region.
You can also choose a trip length that fits your appetite for adventure. The four-day Mini Mountain and Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco is a fun-filled blast for anyone short on time. Looking for a mixed group of bikes and buggies on a tour that gets you away from civilisation? We think you’ll love our six-day Buggy and Bike Safari Tour in Morocco. And then there’s our signature experience that pushes you deeper into the desert — the eight-day Sahara Experience in Morocco.
Whichever you pick, you’ll get the freedom, distance, and excitement that make the best Sahara Desert tours in Morocco truly unforgettable.
Deciding When to Go to Morocco
The Sahara is extreme, or at least in summer. During June, July, and August, temperatures are simply too hot to make riding safe or enjoyable. That’s why the best season for Morocco Sahara Desert trips runs from September to May.
In autumn and spring, you’ll find warm days that are perfect for riding, with cooler nights around the campfire. Winter months bring crisp mornings and sometimes even snow in the Atlas Mountains, but the desert itself remains rideable and spectacular.
We have covered this topic in more detail in two different blogs: What is the Best Time to Visit Morocco and When’s the Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco? If you’re got your heart set on a Sahara desert tour, be sure to read both when you have finished here. The local tips and insights in them will help you find the perfect time for your adventure.
Getting to Morocco
One of the big advantages of choosing Morocco for your Sahara Desert tour is how easy it is to reach. From the UK and much of Europe, direct flights to Marrakech take just a few hours. From there, Motor Adventures arranges transfers to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert and the start point for our tours. You’ll be out exploring the best of Morocco by motorbike or buggy in no time!
You don’t need to worry about complicated logistics. Our team helps arrange everything from airport or hotel pick-ups to accommodation before and after your ride. It means you can land, relax, and focus on the adventure ahead.
How to Prepare for Riding in Morocco
A Sahara Desert travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a word on preparation. You don’t need to be an expert rider to take part in our tours, but you should have some riding experience. Motorbike tours are designed for people with at least an intermediate level of off-road ability. If you’d rather focus less on the technical side of riding, our Can-Am buggies are the ideal option.
Getting your packing right is important, but we make it as straightforward as possible. The desert can be hot during the day and chilly at night, so bring lightweight, layered clothing. And, of course, riding gear is a must! You’ll find a “Requirements” section, as well as a sub-section “Recommended Clothing & Accessories”, on every individual tour page on our website. Reading this information for any tour that catches your eye is a great way to start preparing.
In terms of paperwork, UK and EU citizens don’t need a visa to enter Morocco. You just need a passport that’s valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. Travel insurance covering adventure activities is also essential.
Finally, think about fitness. You don’t need to be in peak condition, but a decent level of stamina makes all those long rides more enjoyable.
What to Expect on a Sahara Desert Tour
So, what’s it really like out in the desert? Days start with a hearty breakfast in camp before heading out on the trail. Some sections are fast and flowing, others are more technical. Every day brings new scenery, but one thing is certain: you’re out in the open desert, not on shared roads or narrow single tracks. We set you free on rides across endless stretches of soft sand, rocky plains, and dry riverbeds. And when we hit the dunes, like those at Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, you can truly test your riding skills.
At night, you’ll stay in a mix of desert camps and kasbah guesthouses. Camps are fully equipped with hot showers, sit-down toilets, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and traditional meals. It’s not luxury travel, but wild camping is far from roughing it. Evenings often end around a crackling campfire, swapping stories under a stunning blanket of stars.
This mix of challenge, comfort, and culture is what makes a Morocco desert tour so compelling. Read our reviews to find out what guests on our previous tours thought of their time in the desert with us.
Why Book a Sahara Desert Tour with Motor Adventures?
Planning a trip like this on your own would be tough. Routes, accommodation, support, and safety are all big considerations. That’s where Motor Adventures makes the difference. Every tour includes expert guides, tried-and-trusted GPS navigation, a backup vehicle with medical equipment, and full support throughout. You get the thrill of a desert expedition with the reassurance that everything is taken care of. Learn more about safety on our Morocco desert tours for even more peace of mind.
And because our tours are designed around riders, they include the right balance of riding, scenery, cultural immersion, and downtime. It’s the kind of experience that delivers the trip of a lifetime, not just another holiday.
Ready to Plan Your Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco?
The Sahara is a place you’ll never forget. It’s wild, beautiful, and endlessly exciting. But the right planning is what turns it into the trip of a lifetime. With Motor Adventures, you don’t have to stress about the details. Just turn up, ride, and experience one of the greatest landscapes on Earth.
Check out our full range of Morocco motorbike and buggy tours and start planning. Do you have any pre-booking questions? Our team is here to help however we can, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
