In this article
Dreaming of the Sahara? One of the first decisions when you plan a trip to Morocco is whether to join a group tour or book a private one. Both can take you to the golden dunes of Merzouga. The difference is who you share the trip with, who sets the dates and how flexible the itinerary is.
Group Tours: Share the Sahara with Other Travellers
On a group tour you travel with other people who chose the same route on similar dates. It is a relaxed way to discover the desert, especially if you are travelling alone or as a couple and enjoy meeting people along the way.
- Who it suits: solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends who like sharing the experience.
- Dates: the departure is set when enough travellers want the same route, so you need some flexibility.
- Itinerary: the route is fixed and the pace is shared by the whole group.
We run two 4-day group tours to the Sahara, one from Marrakech and one from Fes. You register for free on our group tours page, with your preferred date or none at all, and we message you on WhatsApp when a group forms. Registering is not a booking: your seat is only confirmed when you accept the departure we propose.
Private Tours: Your Own Dates and Your Own Pace
On a private tour the vehicle and the driver are only for you and your companions. You choose the dates, the starting city and how long you stay in each place.
- Who it suits: families, travellers with fixed dates, and anyone who wants a tailor-made itinerary.
- Dates: you decide when you start, and the trip goes ahead whatever the number of travellers.
- Itinerary: you can add stops, change the route or spend an extra night where you like.
See our private desert tours or all our private tours. If you only need transport, you can also book a private driver in Morocco.
Group or Private: Side by Side
| Group tour | Private tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you travel with | Other travellers who chose the same route | Only your own group |
| Dates | Set when the group is formed | Chosen by you |
| Itinerary | Fixed, 4 days from Marrakech or Fes | Tailor-made, from any city |
| Pace | Shared by the group | Your own |
| Best for | Solo travellers, couples, meeting people | Families, fixed dates, special requests |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a group tour if:
- You are travelling alone or as a couple and would like company in the desert.
- Your dates are flexible by a few days.
- A 4-day route from Marrakech or Fes fits your plans.
Choose a private tour if:
- Your dates are fixed and cannot move.
- You travel with children or prefer your own rhythm.
- You want to start from another city or design your own route.
Our Two Group Routes to the Sahara
From Marrakech: the road crosses the High Atlas to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley, continues through the Todra Gorge to Merzouga, and after a full day in the desert returns to Marrakech.
From Fes: the route crosses the Middle Atlas through Ifrane and the cedar forest to Midelt, then follows the Ziz Valley and Erfoud to Merzouga, with a full day in the desert before returning to Fes.
How to Join a Group Tour
- Register for free on our group tours page: choose Marrakech or Fes and your preferred date.
- We form the group with travellers who want the same route on nearby dates.
- We message you on WhatsApp to confirm the date, the seats and the details.
- You confirm your seat, and only then does it become a booking.
Still not sure which option is right for you? Write to our team and we will help you choose.
Travel agency based in Morocco with 10 years of experience organising private tours across the country. About us
