Destinations
Morocco Sahara & Atlas
Spice-scented medinas, mountain passes, and dunes that glow at dusk.
Season
March - May and September - November for comfortable temperatures across all zones
Terrain
desert
Fly into
RAK / CMN
Missions
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The briefing
Morocco's southern arc is one of the great land journeys - from the labyrinthine lanes of Marrakech across the High Atlas, through gorges and kasbah villages, to the Saharan dunes of the Erg Chebbi. The contrast within a short distance is extraordinary. Ancient cities give way to mountain passes at 2,200 metres, which drop into desert oases and eventually the dune seas. Most travelers fly RAK and keep the first night close to the action.
The contrast within a short distance is extraordinary. Ancient cities give way to mountain passes at 2,200 metres, which drop into desert oases and eventually the dune seas. The pace of the landscape forces you to slow down and notice things.
Morocco is easy to navigate independently by car or shared transport, and the food is reason enough to go. From tagines in Marrakech to mechoui in desert camps, eating is one of the finest things you can do here.
How to get there
Gateway airports: RAK, CMN. Build the rest of the trip around the arrival.
Book first
Flights - RAK, CMN → Stay close to the trailheads, not an hour of extra desert driving in Morocco Sahara & Atlas → Operator - 4WD, permit, or canyon outfitter after the stay