Agafay or Merzouga: which Moroccan desert should you choose?
By Editorial team · Saturday, 3 October 2026 · 1 min read
Both are "the desert" in Moroccan travel ads, but they are very different trips.
| Agafay | Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 40 minutes | 8–9 hours |
| Landscape | Rocky hills, Atlas views | Golden sand dunes up to 150 m |
| Time needed | Half a day or one evening | 3 days minimum |
| Typical price | 450–700 MAD per person | 1,400–2,400 MAD per person |
Choose Agafay if…
- You only have a few days in Marrakech.
- You want a fun evening: quad, camel ride, dinner and a show, back at your hotel the same night. Agafay combo · Quad in Agafay.
- You are travelling with young children who won't enjoy long drives.
Choose Merzouga if…
- You want the classic Sahara: sand dunes, sunrise from the top of a dune, a night in a Berber camp.
- You have at least 3 days and enjoy road trips: the route crosses the Atlas, Aït Benhaddou and the Dadès gorges. 3-day Merzouga tour.
Our tip
Many travellers do both: an Agafay dinner on their first evening, and Merzouga later in the trip if time allows.