From Agadir to the Sahara: How to Plan the Trip
Many travellers on holiday in Agadir want to see the desert. Distances, routes and the best options for 2 to 5 days.
Agadir is famous for its long beach and sunny weather, but the Sahara is not as far as many people think. With a private driver you can be among the dunes in one or two days.
The route
From Agadir the road goes east through Taroudant, a walled town often called "little Marrakech", and crosses the Anti-Atlas by Taliouine, the land of saffron. Then it reaches Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert.
Zagora: the shorter option
From Ouarzazate, the Draa valley leads south to Zagora in about three hours. A three-day trip from Agadir to Zagora is the best choice if you have little time: one night in a desert camp and a beautiful road through the palm groves.
Merzouga: the great dunes
To see the high dunes of Erg Chebbi, continue east along the road of the kasbahs, through the Dades and Todra gorges, to Merzouga. We recommend at least five days for the return trip, so that every day is comfortable.
One-way options
You can also start in Agadir and finish in Marrakech or Fes, which saves the long road back.
Tips
- Leave early in the morning: the light on the Anti-Atlas is beautiful.
- Bring a warm layer for the desert night, even if Agadir is warm.
- Ask us about combining the desert with Paradise Valley or Essaouira.
