As the largest subtropical desert in the world, there are plenty of things to do in the Sahara Desert besides riding a camel. While mounting these ships of the desert is certainly the highlight of most trips to the region, we have numerous activities to recommend, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a deep dive into Moroccan culture.
Our team at Desert Luxury Camp have firsthand experience with the best Sahara Desert activities you can enjoy, with two Luxury Desert Camps in Morocco — one in Erg Chebbi and another in Erg Chigaga, as well as a range of Morocco Luxury Holiday Packages.
See our top 10 picks below, and please feel free to contact us with any questions about our camps or tours. Your Saharan adventure awaits!
1. Embark on a 4×4 Sahara Desert Excursion
Swap your camel for a 4×4 and cover more ground as you zoom through the sand. The desert terrain is far more easily accessible with four-wheel drive, and our expert drivers will take you to more locations in a shorter amount of time. Certain activities, such as visiting remote local villages or lakes, are made possible with these dune-ready vehicles, and you’ll be able to admire the shifting scenes as we navigate the desert for you.
2. Go on a thrilling Quad-Bike Ride Across the Sahara
If you’re more interested in being in the driver’s seat, a quad bike ride will place you right in the action. Grab onto the handlebars and go speeding over the dunes for a heart-pumping experience, or take a more leisurely pace to admire the views as you go. It’s a good idea to cover your face with a scarf beneath your helmet, otherwise you’ll be munching on sand during your ride!
3. Glide down the Erg Chebbi Dunes on a Sandboard
Forget snowy slopes – there’s nothing quite like drifting down the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Strapped into a sandboard, you can go flying down dunes towering at over 100 meters high. Whether you’re a novice just learning to gain your balance, or an amateur with a knack for tricks, you’ll find yourself returning to sled again and again!
If you want to learn more about this region, read our Ultimate Guide to the Erg Chebbi Desert.
4. Hunt for Fossils in Erfoud
While the Sahara Desert may look like an endless stretch of sand on the surface, it’s actually filled with fascinating fossils. Erfoud in Morocco is a prime location to go hunting for these natural relics, which date back millions of years when the desert was in fact underwater. Journey back to the dinosaur age on your search for ammonites and trilobites – perhaps you’ll even make a rare find. You can also visit the Tahiri Museum and admire their collection of fossils and minerals.
5. Admire the Saharan Sky on a Stargaze
Few places are as idyllic for stargazing as the desert. Far away from the lights of the city, you can experience a celestial spectacle. Pack a pair of binoculars, lie back and spot iconic constellations. If you’re staying with us at our camp in Erg Chebbi, you even have the opportunity of having a professor lead a stargaze using a 200mm telescope, revealing the universe in all its glory.
6. Relax Around a Moroccan Campfire with Drum Music
When the sun goes down, you can relish a true Moroccan experience. Sitting around a campfire, listen to the beauty of drum music and singing as our Berber guides put on this special show. Soak up the atmosphere as you dine on a delectable 3-course meal. It’s the perfect end to a day spent on the dunes.
Learn more about What It’s Like to Spend the Night in the Sahara Desert with our blog.
7. Visit a Nomadic Berber Family in Morocco
If you’re looking for more cultural immersion, you can meet some of the local nomadic families who live in the region. The Berbers have lived in Morocco for thousands of years, and have traditionally led nomadic lifestyles that are still observed today. Perhaps over a cup of mint tea, you can learn more about their histories and customs as your new companions regale you with stories.
8. Ride the Sahara sands on a Fat Bike
Should you be feeling active, you can traverse the dunes on a fat bike. These bicycles are designed with thicker tyres, making it easier to ride through the sands. Going at a slower pace, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the scenery and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including desert sparrows, the Saharan hedgehog, and, of course, camels.
9. Enjoy a Golden Hour Photo Expedition in the Sahara
When the sun rises and sets over the Sahara, you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular scenes. Watch as the dunes change hues under the soft light, ideal for photography. Golden hour is the perfect opportunity to practice your skills, or even just grab some stunning snaps from your holidays.
10. Feel the Heat in a Saharan Sand Bath
Burying yourself in the hot sand of the Sahara may seem counterintuitive, but sand bathing has been practiced for centuries. Causing you to sweat profusely, it’s believed to have therapeutic properties. Don’t worry, you’ll only be buried for about 10 minutes at a time, and water is provided. You’ll emerge rejuvenated and with the ability to say you had a truly close encounter with the desert.
Our list of things to do in the Sahara Desert just scratches the surface of what’s possible here. If you’re planning on spending one day or a number of nights in the region, we can help make your dream itinerary come to life. Get in touch with us for more information on our luxury camps and tour packages, and start your journey today!
