There’s a magic to deserts that draws people in. It’s the endless horizons, the shifting shapes and colours of the sand. And there’s the feeling of space and silence you can’t find anywhere else. For riders, deserts offer some of the most thrilling terrain and unforgettable scenery on Earth.
From Morocco to Mongolia, there are incredible desert travel experiences waiting all over the world. But if you’re based in Europe, one stands above the rest for accessibility, variety, and sheer wow-factor: the Sahara.
Let’s start there. And if you have any questions about our Morocco motorbike tours at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Sahara Desert, Morocco – The Original and Best Desert Tour
Covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometres (3.6 million square miles), the Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert and a place every motorcycle rider should experience at least once. The dunes of Erg Chebbi rise like golden waves out of the earth, changing colour with the light. Oasis towns break up the vastness with palm trees and cool water while ancient kasbahs stand watch over the valleys.
But even with world-class riding, including flowing sand tracks, open gravel plains, and winding roads through dramatic gorges, Sahara Desert tours are about so much more than this. We have designed our trips to immerse riders in the rich Berber culture and heritage, ensuring a more meaningful connection to the land we explore. And with campfire evenings under an ocean of stars and the chance to see a side of Morocco that hasn’t changed for centuries, our Sahara Desert tours are truly authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
But what about the heat of the desert? It’s true that summers are oppressively hot. But we simply don’t ride then! Our Morocco desert tours run from September to May, the perfect riding season with warm days and cool nights. This is a topic we cover in more depth in our blog When’s the Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco?, so be sure to check out when you have finished here.
You’ll glide through landscapes that feel like another planet, but you’re never far from a hot meal, a comfortable bed, and a cold drink.
Other Famous Desert Tours Around the World
The Sahara may be the highlight, but other deserts deserve a mention. Here are some of the world’s best desert tours that you might want to add a little further down your bucket list.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Known as the driest place on Earth, the Atacama is all about extremes. Salt flats stretch for miles, volcanoes rise in the distance, and the night skies are some of the clearest in the world. An Atacama Desert tour offers incredible scenery and remote adventure — but it’s a long haul from Europe, and altitude can be a challenge.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Often called the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum’s cinematic sandstone cliffs and wide valleys have been used as a backdrop for countless films, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and recent Star Wars movies. A Wadi Rum desert tour mixes desert riding with Bedouin hospitality, and the colours at sunrise and sunset are something you’ll never forget.
Thar Desert, India and Pakistan
The Thar Desert, located partly in India’s Rajasthan state and partly in Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces, rolls with captivating golden waves. From camel caravans to ornate desert forts, a Thar Desert safari delivers a mix of cultural immersion and scenic riding. Expect sandy tracks, bustling markets, and a soundtrack of local music.
Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Vast and untamed, the Gobi is more than just sand. You’ll find rocky outcrops, grassy plains, and some of the most remote settlements in the world. A Gobi Desert safari is a true test of endurance, with long days and rugged conditions. It’s perfect for riders who want a real challenge.
Looking for even more adventure inspiration? Read our picks for the best countries to go motorcycle touring in to help you plan your next ride.
Why Sahara Desert Tours Still Reign Supreme
All of these deserts are spectacular. But for European riders, the Sahara wins hands down for accessibility, climate, and overall experience. From London or other major European cities, you can be in Marrakech in under four hours. From there, the edge of the desert is only a day’s ride away.
There’s no long-haul fatigue and no losing half your holiday to travel days. And with Morocco officially adopting GMT+1 year-round in 2018 (apart from during Ramadan, when the time reverts to GMT), there’s no need to factor in jet lag either.
While other desert destinations require weeks of planning and costly flights, a Sahara trip can be a short and thrilling escape or a full-blown two-week adventure. It’s flexible, affordable, and easy to slot into your calendar.
Then there’s the variety. Few deserts can match the Sahara for its mix of terrain and culture. In just one tour, you can ride high mountain passes, cross open desert plains, conquer towering dunes, wind through palm-filled valleys, and roll into ancient fortified towns. Add Berber hospitality, traditional food, and nights in converted, 200-year-old kasbahs and desert bivouacs under the stars, and you’ve got an adventure that’s as rich in culture as it is in adrenaline.
For riders in Europe, the Sahara isn’t just one of the world’s best desert tours, it’s the easiest, most rewarding choice you can make. Find out even more about this breathtaking place in our blog Why You Must Take a Tour of the Sahara Desert.
Plan Your Sahara Motorcycle Tour with Us!
Deserts all over the world promise adventure, but none deliver it so effortlessly for European riders as the Sahara. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unbeatable accessibility, it’s the desert you can keep coming back to.
At Motor Adventures, we have designed our Morocco desert tours to take you deep into the heart of the Sahara safely, comfortably, and with plenty of local experiences. We give our riders a journey they’ll never forget.
Browse our range of rides and see which tour calls out to you. And if you have any questions for us, please just get in touch.
