Three options for Sahara from Marrakesh. Choice depends on time available and what you want. **1. Merzouga — Erg Chebbi (classic)** Distance: 560 km from Marrakesh, 9-10h drive Duration: 3 days / 2 nights minimum Dunes: Erg Chebbi, 150m high, iconic Sahara image Pros: most accessible, good camp infrastructure, charging outlets, showers, camel sunset ride is instagram-worthy. Cons: **crowded** (hundreds of tourists daily in season X-IV), short camel rides (1-1.5h each way), camps close to road (you hear cars). Price: 200-400 EUR (3 days with transport, camp, meals). **2. Zagora — Erg Lehoudi (shortest)** Distance: 360 km from Marrakesh, 6-7h drive Duration: 2 days / 1 night Dunes: lower (30-50m), less dramatic Pros: **one-night option** from Marrakesh, good for short time, cheap. Cons: it's not real Sahara, just sandy prairie, small dunes, short camel trek. Price: 100-180 EUR (2 days with transport). **3. Erg Chigaga — wild west (for silence)** Distance: 600 km from Marrakesh via M'Hamid, 10-11h + 4WD 2h off-road Duration: 4-5 days / 3-4 nights minimum Dunes: Erg Chigaga, 300m high, largest in Morocco Pros: **real silence** (hear nothing for 24h), zero tourists, camp resembles Bedouin (no electricity, candles), stars like planetarium. Cons: difficult access (4WD mandatory last stretch), simpler camps (compost toilets, water bucket), pricier due to smaller scale. Price: 400-800 EUR (4 days with 4WD transport). **Which to choose?** • **2 days**: Zagora (only option) • **3-4 days and first visit**: Merzouga (classic) • **5+ days and silence priority**: Erg Chigaga • **Want luxury**: Merzouga (Azalai Desert Camp, Sahara Palace Merzouga) **What to pack** • Warm jacket for night (even in summer 10°C) • Scarf for wrapping head against sand • SPF 50, sunglasses • Powerbank (Merzouga camps have chargers, Chigaga often not) • Headlamp • Water bottle 2L **When to go** • Best: **October-April** (day 25°C, night 5-15°C) • Avoid: June-September (day 45°C+, camel riding impossible in heat)