Best Desert Hikes in the World
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10 best Desert Hikes tour packages
Compiled by

MelissaDesert Hikes travel expert at TourRadar
- 3 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
- 3 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
- Oman Desert Odyssey
- 7 Days Tour from Casablanca Imperial Cities & Desert
- 5 Days from Tangier Morocco Tour
- From Cairo - Private 3 Days 2 Nights White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour
- Ouarzazate Desert Tour 3 Days
- Geluxe: Southern Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountain & the Sahara
- Epic Morocco (13 destinations)
- From the Gates of Africa to Golden Dunes
3 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation was stunning both nights, and food during the trip was really nice!”
Ainara, traveled in September
The dramatic canyons of Todra Gorge and towering dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga await. Guided walks through Valley of Roses reveal Berber villages, while sunset hikes across Morocco's highest sand dunes lead to Tiziri camp.
Duration 3 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, Erfoud, Rissani, Merzouga, Alnif Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Guided Morocco Tours From $1,446
28% Off- NZ$1,041You save $405
3 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scheduled tour stops were beautiful and Amanar would tell us where to get the best pictures.”
Mackenzie, traveled in May
The majestic canyons of Todra Gorge lead to Erg Chebbi's 150-meter dunes. Guided walks through Valley of Roses near Kelaat M'Gouna complement the passage through High Atlas Mountains via Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters.
Duration 3 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, Tinghir, Erfoud, Rissani, Merzouga, Midelt, Ifrane, Fes Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Guided Morocco Tours From $1,618
28% Off- NZ$1,165You save $453
Duration 11 days Destinations Muscat, Wadi Bani Awf, Al Hamra, Jabrin, Wadi Ghul, Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, Nizwa, Birkat Al Mouz, Jabal AkhdarSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $7,655
10% Off- NZ$6,890You save $766
7 Days Tour from Casablanca Imperial Cities & Desert
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We made the best choice when we decided to travel with Tourradar in Morocco. My partner and I had the best experience.”
Tamara, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, Marrakesh Age Range 4 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Explore Adventures Morocco From $2,327
35% Off- NZ$1,512You save $814
5 Days from Tangier Morocco Tour
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour from Tangier and Chefchaouen is an amazing, very comfortable ride there with adequate stops en route.”
Aroshi, traveled in March
Duration 5 days Destinations Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Marrakesh Age Range 4 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Explore Adventures Morocco From $3,368
45% Off- NZ$1,852You save $1,516
From Cairo - Private 3 Days 2 Nights White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I can't wait to go back ... the hosts are great.”
Alina, traveled in May
From Black Desert's volcanic landscape to White Desert's chalk formations, natural wonders abound. Crystal Mountain's unique formations and El-Hez village's springs captivate visitors. Moderate hiking suitable for ages 1+ with experienced desert guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cairo, Bahariya Oasis, White Desert Age Range 1 to 120 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Sun Pyramid Tours From
45% Off- NZ$403
Ouarzazate Desert Tour 3 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was fantastic and clean, and the food was amazing!”
Martin, traveled in June
Golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise from Skoura Oasis. Hidden valleys in Dades Gorge and dramatic walls of Toudgha Gorges create stunning backdrops. Remote Berber camps and ancient water channels near Erfoud reveal desert life.
Duration 3 days Destinations Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, Merzouga Age Range up to 79 year olds Operator Private Desert Tours From
45% Off- NZ$1,132
Geluxe: Southern Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountain & the Sahara
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great tour tour. The tour was absolutely amazing.”
Riyad, traveled in January
Dramatic valleys of Dades Gorge and golden dunes of Merzouga create an unforgettable backdrop. Guided walks among olive groves in Ouirgane's Atlas Mountains offer glimpses of desert oases and traditional Berber villages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, Merzouga, Ait Benhaddou, Ouirgane Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $3,579
15% Off- NZ$3,042You save $537
Duration 16 days Destinations Casablanca, Moulay Idriss, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Boumalne Dades, Ait Benhaddou, Skoura, MarrakeshSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,690
15% Off- NZ$1,436You save $254
From the Gates of Africa to Golden Dunes
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They showed us untouristy places and the friendliness of the people was amazing.”
David, traveled in March
Duration 6 days Destinations Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Volubilis, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Marrakesh Age Range 4 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Explore Adventures Morocco From $2,487
35% Off- NZ$1,617You save $871
Desert Hikes & Trip Reviews
- 3 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
An amazing trip with our guide Anouar!!! Booked it with short notice prior to the tour start and and during insanely busy dates but still, accommodation was stunning both nights, and food during the trip was really nice! As said, it was high season and yet, somehow, Anouar managed to avoid rush hours for other tourism buses and minivans at most places so it was not as crowded. But more importantly, everyone we met, from Anouar to the personnel working at our desert camp (Tizziri), was passionate about sharing their love for their country, their culture.. Never felt like a “tourist trap” where someone performs an expected cultural ritual, but more like a group of friends inviting you over to their house. For that, we’re extremely grateful. We will definitely come back!
- 7 Days Tour from Casablanca Imperial Cities & Desert
An unforgettable 7_ days trip form Casablanca the desert view and chefchaouen was amazing, Ismael our driver was very knowledge
- 5 Days from Tangier Morocco Tour
It was amazing time in the Sahara, the trip was well organized our guide was very knowledgeable, he took care of safety an provided lots of attractions. I highly recommend it.
What our customers ask about Best Desert Hikes in the World
When is the best time to go on a desert hike tour?
For Morocco's Sahara Desert, plan your trip between October and April when it's most comfortable to hike, with daytime temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C). If you're heading to Egypt's Western Desert or the Bahariya Oasis area, the winter months from November to February are ideal, with temperatures ranging from 68-77°F (20-25°C). A TourRadar traveler notes "if you're worried about the heat, look at June, July, or August dates when daytime temperatures are lower in some regions."
What wildlife might I see on desert hike tours?
Each desert region offers its own unique wildlife encounters. In Australia's Red Centre along the Larapinta Trail, you might come across Black-footed Rock Wallabies and Echidnas. The Sahara in Morocco is home to desert foxes and gazelles, plus you can spot desert warblers and flamingos near seasonal lakes. One TourRadar traveler remembers "we were fortunate to see Barbary apes in the Cedar forests of Azrou." In Egypt's Western Desert, you'll find interesting desert-adapted animals and ancient fossil remains, especially around the White Desert and Crystal Mountain.
What special experiences can I expect on desert hike tours?
You can watch the sun come up over Morocco's Erg Chebbi dunes or explore hidden limestone caves in Egypt's Western Desert. Many travelers love the camel rides through the Sahara - one TourRadar traveler shared that "the dramatic scenery of Erg Chebbi sand dunes was one of Morocco's top sights." You can spend nights in nice desert camps near Merzouga Desert where you'll get to stargaze, listen to local Berber music by the campfire, and try sandboarding on big dunes. The tours also take you to interesting cultural spots like Kasbah Tamnougalte near Agdz and Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What are the sleeping options on desert hike tours?
You'll stay in a mix of hotels and desert camps throughout your trip. In Morocco, many tours include nice desert camps in places like Erg Chebbi, with comfortable beds in private tents. For example, on Escorted Morocco Tours, you'll split your time between local guesthouses like Nouflla in Ait Ben Haddou and traditional Berber tent camps. A TourRadar traveler shared that "the accommodation was fantastic and clean and the food was amazing!" The combination of hotel and camp stays gives you both comfort and a real desert experience.
How much water do I need to bring on desert hikes?
Pack 3-4 liters of water per person each day, especially in the Sahara where it can get up to 95°F (35°C). For morning hikes in Morocco's Erg Chebbi dunes, bring at least 2 liters, plus extra if you're doing afternoon activities. TourRadar travelers emphasize that "having plenty of water is crucial - the dry desert air and sun exposure increase your need for hydration dramatically." Your guides will provide water during activities, but it's smart to carry extra.
What kind of sleeping setup is there on desert hike tours?
You'll switch between desert camps and regular hotels. In Morocco's Erg Chebbi dunes, places like the Sama Al Wasil Camp give you private tents with real beds. You might also stay in nice desert lodges like the Qasr el Bawity in Egypt's Bahariya Oasis. One TourRadar traveler shared that "sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum's desert camp was magical - the tents were comfortable and the hospitality incredible."