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
- From Cairo - Private 3 Days 2 Nights White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour
- Oman Desert Odyssey
- Sahara Desert Trip 5 Days & 4 nights
- Ouarzazate Desert Tour 3 Days
- Geluxe: Southern Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountain & the Sahara
- Morocco Family Trip
- 7 Days Morocco Sahara Desert Tour From Tangier to Marrakesh
- Desert Trip From Marrakech 4Days
3 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well recommended for anyone who would take a lovely tour through morocco anytime in the year!”
Ármin, traveled in April
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 $1,429
25% Off- NZ$1,072You save $357
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 $1,599
25% Off- NZ$1,200You save $399
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 $407
10% Off- NZ$366You save $40
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
10% Off- NZ$7,655
Sahara Desert Trip 5 Days & 4 nights
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was perfectly smooth thanks to both of them! Ridouane is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable guides I've ever hired.”
Christopher, traveled in December
Dramatic 300m canyons of Todra Gorge give way to Erg Chebbi's towering dunes. Merzouga's twin oases and Khamlia's Gnaoua musicians enhance visits to hidden Tissardmine oasis. Sunset camel rides lead to nights under Saharan stars.
Duration 5 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura, Boumalne Dades, Todra Gorge, Rissani, Erg Chebbi, Merzouga, KhamliaSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 65 year olds Operated in English, French Operator Morocco Mountain Guides From
10% Off- NZ$1,085
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
10% Off- NZ$1,119
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
10% Off- NZ$3,319
Morocco Family Trip
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our 9-day family trek in Morocco was all we ever wanted to have during the holidays.”
Diana, traveled in March
Spectacular desert paths stretch from Imi Oughlad (1,450m) to Tizi n'tachete (2,000m). Moulay Brahim gorge offers views of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m). Desert bivouacs and mountain gîtes provide shelter near remote Berber settlements.
Duration 9 days Destinations Marrakesh, Imi Oughlad, Tiziane, Tizi Oussem, Imlil Age Range up to 91 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Trek in Morocco From
10% Off- NZ$1,129
7 Days Morocco Sahara Desert Tour From Tangier to Marrakesh
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The high level of professionalism, education, sensitivity and discretion made this short trip a real gift.”
Alessadro, traveled in May
Rif Mountain trails near Chefchaouen lead to Merzouga's towering sand dunes. Todgha Gorges' 300-meter canyons and Atlas Mountains' Tizi N'tichka pass at 2260m provide dramatic scenery. Desert camping and camel treks complete the adventure.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tangier, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Merzouga, RissaniSee all destinations Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Escorted Morocco Tours From $3,558
30% Off- NZ$2,491You save $1,067
Morocco's highest dunes at Erg Chigaga offer prime sandboarding opportunities. Ancient caravan routes wind through remote Berber villages, while guided walks through Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou showcase historical architecture.
Duration 4 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Agdz, Zagora, Mhamid, Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid Age Range up to 79 year olds Operator Private Desert Tours From
30% Off- NZ$880
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!
- From Cairo - Private 3 Days 2 Nights White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour
Fantastic experience from start to finish. Really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
- Sahara Desert Trip 5 Days & 4 nights
All I can say is...fantastic!!! Lahcen with Morocco Mountain Guides was just amazing, flexible and had everything perfectly arranged. He went out of his way to adjust the trip and include things we really wanted to do but didn't think we had time to do(climb Mt Toubkal). The driver and guides we had were top notch, so informative, caring and helpful. I couldn't have asked for a better tour...highly recommend!!!
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."