Short answer: a night in the Sahara is one of the calmest, safest parts of a Morocco trip for women — often more relaxed than the cities. What makes the difference is the camp you choose. Pick one with private tents and en-suite bathrooms, get there with a licensed driver, and pack for cold nights, and you’ll be comfortable whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or with your mother.
We send women to the desert every week. These are the questions they ask us before they go.
Merzouga or Zagora: which desert?
| Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) | Zagora / M’hamid (Erg Chegaga) | Agafay (near Marrakech) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Tall orange sand dunes | Wild, remote dunes (Chegaga); small dunes near Zagora | Stony desert with Atlas views — no big dunes |
| From Marrakech | 2–3 days with stops | 2 days (Zagora) or 3 days (Chegaga) | About 45 minutes |
| Camp choice | Widest range, many luxury camps | Fewer camps, more remote | Many glamping camps |
| Best for | The classic “Sahara” experience | Adventure, fewer people | One night under the stars with little time |
Compare routes on our Morocco desert tours page, or read more about Merzouga.
What the camp is really like
Tents and privacy
Standard camps have simple Berber tents with beds and blankets; luxury camps have large private tents with proper beds, rugs and lighting. Either way your tent is yours — you don’t share with strangers unless you book a budget shared tent. Tents don’t lock, so keep your passport and valuables in a small bag that stays with you.
Bathrooms
This is the question women ask most. Luxury camps have an en-suite bathroom in each tent with a flushing toilet and hot shower. Standard camps usually have a shared toilet block. If privacy matters to you, it’s worth paying for the upgrade — it’s the single biggest comfort difference.
Who’s at the camp
Camp staff and camel guides are almost always local Amazigh (Berber) men, and they’re used to hosting women from all over the world. The evening is social — dinner around a shared table, drumming by the fire — but you can always step away to your tent or to the dunes to watch the stars.
The camel ride
Most rides last 1–1.5 hours each way, timed for sunset on arrival and sunrise the next morning. Wear trousers (a skirt or dress is uncomfortable on a camel), closed shoes, and a scarf against the wind and sand. If you’d rather not ride, most camps can take you by 4×4.
Weather: hot days, cold nights
- Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov): the best months — warm days, cool to cold nights.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): sunny days, but nights can drop close to freezing. Camps provide heavy blankets; bring a warm layer anyway.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): very hot during the day. Ride early and late, and choose a camp with a shaded area.
What to wear and pack for the desert
- Loose long trousers and a long-sleeved top — sun, sand and modesty in one
- A large scarf to wrap as a turban (your guide will show you how)
- Fleece or down jacket for the night, even in spring and autumn
- Sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Wet wipes, hand sanitiser and a few small bags for sanitary products — useful in standard camps
- Head torch or phone light for walking to the dunes at night
- A small overnight bag — your main luggage usually stays in the vehicle
More detail in our guide to what to wear in Morocco as a woman.
Safety tips for women in the desert
- Book through a known operator, not a last-minute offer in a medina café — you’ll know exactly which camp you’re going to and who’s driving.
- Don’t wander far from camp alone after dark. The dunes all look the same at night; stay within sight of the camp lights.
- Charge your phone when the camp has power — some camps only have electricity in the evening.
- Keep your operator’s WhatsApp number handy. Mobile signal is usually available in Merzouga camps.
For the bigger picture, read is Morocco safe for women?
Quick answers
Can I do a desert trip alone as a woman?
Yes. On a private tour you have your own driver and your own tent; on a shared tour you’ll travel with other guests. Many of our solo female guests say the desert night was the highlight of their trip.
Can I shower in the desert?
In luxury camps, yes — hot showers in your own bathroom. In standard camps, facilities are shared and basic.
How many days do I need?
From Marrakech, plan at least 3 days for Merzouga. If you only have one night, Agafay or a 2-day Zagora trip are easier options.
Want the desert on your trip? Our women-only private tour and 9-day solo female tour both include a night in a Merzouga camp. See all our women’s tours in Morocco.
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