Merzouga is a small village in the southeast of Morocco. It is very famous because it is right next to the big sand dunes called Erg Chebbi. Many people come here to see the real Sahara desert.
This guide is for travelers who want to visit the desert. I will show you the best activities to do, tips for planning, and the best time to go. You will find everything you need to organize your trip easily.
We will talk about camel rides, sleeping in tents, and how to get there. It is a helpful guide for everyone.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Merzouga Desert include camel trekking in Erg Chebbi, spending a night in a Sahara desert camp, watching sunrise and sunset over the dunes, quad biking, visiting Khamlia village, exploring Dayet Srij Lake, and experiencing Berber music.
These activities give you a very good desert experience. You can do most of them in one or two days. It is very easy to arrange these things when you arrive or book them before you go.
Where Is Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)?
Merzouga is located in the southeast part of Morocco. It is very close to the border with Algeria. The village is small and quiet but it is the main place to start your trip into the sand.
It is far from the big cities, so you need to plan a long drive to get here. Here is a small table to show you the distances.
| City | Distance to Merzouga | Driving Time |
| Marrakech | 560 km | 9 hours |
| Fes | 460 km | 7.5 hours |
| Ouarzazate | 360 km | 5.5 hours |
The Erg Chebbi dunes are big mountains of orange sand. They are very tall, sometimes 150 meters high. This is what people think about when they say “Sahara desert”.
There is another desert in Morocco called Zagora. But Zagora is different. Zagora is mostly flat and rocky with small sand. Erg Chebbi has the big, classic sand dunes. So if you want to see big sand hills, Merzouga is the right place for you. You can read more about planning your trip in our Morocco desert tours section.
15 Best Things to Do in Merzouga Desert
1. Camel Trekking Across Erg Chebbi Dunes
Riding a camel in the Erg Chebbi dunes is a very popular thing to do. It is what most people come to Merzouga for. You ride the camel slowly over the high sand hills. It is very quiet and peaceful in the desert.
You have different options for the duration. Many people choose the sunset trek. It takes about one hour to go inside the dunes. Then you wait for the sun to go down. The colors are very beautiful.
Other people take an overnight trek. You ride the camel to the camp and sleep there. Is it worth it? Yes I think it is very worth it. It is a traditional way to travel in the Sahara. You feel like a nomad. Just wear comfortable trousers because the saddle can be hard.
2. Spend a Night in a Sahara Desert Camp
Sleeping in the desert is a very nice experience. You have two main choices for camps. There are standard camps and luxury camps.
Standard camps are basic but good. They have normal tents and shared bathrooms outside. Luxury camps are more like nice hotel rooms. They have big beds, hot water and private bathrooms inside the tent.
What is included? Usually your stay includes dinner and breakfast. They also give you a camel ride to arrive there.
At night you can expect a very good atmosphere. After you eat dinner, the Berber guides play drum music around the fire. You can sit with them and listen. The stars are very bright. It is very quiet when you go to sleep.
3. Watch the Sunrise Over the Dunes
Waking up early in the desert is hard, but it is a very good idea. Watching the sunrise over the sand dunes is a very quiet and beautiful moment.
Why sunrise is better than sunset? In the morning, the air is very clear and cold. There are no people walking around. The sand looks very orange and red in the first light of the day. It is more peaceful than the sunset time.
The best dune spots are near your desert camp. You just walk up the highest sand hill next to your tent. You sit on the sand and wait. It is a very simple thing to do but it is very special.
4. Sandboarding on the Dunes
Sandboarding is a fun activity. It is like snowboarding in the winter but you do it on the warm sand. You climb up a very high dune and then you slide down on a wooden board.
Is it free? Yes, mostly it is free. If you stay in a desert camp, they usually have some boards. You just ask the staff and they give it to you to play.
The equipment needed is just the board. You do not need special shoes. You can do it with bare feet or socks. Walking up the dune with the board is a bit difficult because the sand is soft, but going down is very fast and nice.
5. Quad Biking & Buggy Adventure
If you like driving fast, you can try quad biking in the sand. It is a different way to see the dunes. You can rent a small quad or a bigger buggy car.
You can go on guided tours. A guide goes first on his quad and you follow him. He shows you the safe paths and the best views. You can drive for one hour or for a half day.
For safety advice, always wear the helmet they give you. The guide also gives you glasses to protect your eyes from the dust. Do not drive too fast on the top of the dunes because you cannot see what is on the other side. Just follow the guide carefully.
6. 4×4 Desert Tour Around Erg Chebbi
A 4×4 tour is a very good way to see the area around the dunes. You sit in a comfortable car and a local driver takes you to many interesting places.
You visit nomad families who live in tents made of wool. You can see how they live and drink tea with them. It is very simple life.
You also visit fossil sites. The driver shows you places where you can find old sea animals in the black stones. You also drive through the black desert, which is flat land with dark stones next to the orange sand dunes. It is a nice contrast for photos.
7. Visit Khamlia Village (Gnawa Music Experience)
Khamlia is a small village very close to Merzouga. The people here have dark skin. Their families came from countries in the south many years ago.
They are very famous for their Gnawa music. You go inside a small house and sit down. They play traditional music with drums and metal instruments. They sing old songs.
It is a very nice experience to listen to them. They give you mint tea while you listen. You do not pay a ticket, but you give them a small tip at the end to say thank you. It takes maybe thirty minutes to visit.
8. Explore Dayet Srij Lake (Flamingos)
Many people do not know there is a lake near the desert. It is called Dayet Srij. It is not always full of water.
In the spring season or after it rains in winter, the lake has water. It is a very nice view to see water with the big sand dunes behind it.
If you are lucky, you can see pink flamingos here. They stop at the lake when they travel between Europe and Africa. You can also see camels drinking water. It is a very good place to take a walk and take beautiful photos in the morning.
9. Stargazing in the Sahara
The sky in the desert is very different from the city. Because there are no big lights in Merzouga, the sky is completely dark.
Stargazing is just looking at the stars. You do not need a telescope. You just go out from your tent at night, walk a little bit in the sand and look up.
You can see millions of stars very clearly. You can see the Milky Way band of light. It is very quiet. Many people say this is their favorite thing about sleeping in the Sahara. Just remember to bring a warm jacket because the night air is cold.
10. Visit Rissani Market (Authentic Morocco)
Rissani is a big town about 40 minutes driving from Merzouga. It has a very old and traditional market called a souk.
It is good to visit Rissani on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday because these are the big market days. You can see people from the villages coming to buy and sell things.
They sell vegetables, spices, clothes and animals like sheep and donkeys. It is very authentic Morocco. It is not a place just for tourists. You can also eat the local food here, called Medfouna. It is like a bread filled with meat and onions.
11. Desert Photography Tour
The desert is a very good place for photography. The shapes of the sand dunes change every day with the wind.
You can take a photography tour. A local guide knows the best spots to go. He takes you to high dunes where you can see a long way.
The best light is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The shadows make the dunes look very nice. You can take photos of the camels walking in a line. You do not need an expensive camera, even a phone takes very good pictures here because the light is special.
12. Visit Hassi Labied Oasis
Hassi Labied is a small village next to Merzouga. It has a very beautiful green oasis.
An oasis is a place with water and many trees in the dry land. You can walk under the tall palm trees. It is very cool and fresh inside the oasis, even when it is hot outside.
You can see how the local people share the water. They use small channels in the ground to give water to their gardens. They grow mint, onions and dates. It is a very quiet walk and shows you how people can farm in the desert environment.
13. Nomad Tea Experience
Drinking tea is very important in Moroccan culture. In the desert, it is a way to say welcome.
You can visit a nomad tent during a 4×4 tour or a camel walk. You sit on carpets on the ground. The family makes sweet mint tea for you. They call it “Berber whiskey” as a joke, but it is just tea and sugar.
They pour the tea from very high into small glasses. This makes bubbles on top. It is a very nice moment to sit with the local people. They are very friendly and try to speak a little English with you.
14. Off-the-Beaten-Path Desert Walk
You do not always need a camel or a car to enjoy the dunes. You can just go for a walk by yourself.
Leave your hotel in the village and walk into the small dunes nearby. It is completely free. You can walk slowly and look at the sand.
You can see small footprints from insects, lizards, and small desert foxes. It is very interesting to see the details of the sand. Just remember the way back to your hotel. Do not walk too far in the middle of the day because the sun is very strong.
15. Multi-Day Sahara Tour from Marrakech or Fes
The best way to visit Merzouga is to take a tour from a big city. Many people book a 3-day or 4-day trip.
You can start in Marrakech and finish in Merzouga, or you can go from Fes. The road to the desert is very beautiful. You cross the Atlas Mountains and see many valleys and old castles.
Booking a multi-day tour is very easy because the driver arranges everything for you. He books the hotels, the camel ride, and the desert camp. If you need help planning, you can look at a tours from Marrakech page for good ideas.
Best Time to Visit Merzouga Desert
The weather in the desert changes a lot during the year. You must choose the right season for your trip.
Spring is the best time. The days are warm and the nights are comfortable. The sand is nice to walk on.
Summer is extremely hot. In July and August, the temperature is too high. It is very hard to be outside in the day.
Autumn is also a very good time. The extreme heat of summer is gone, and the weather is very pleasant again.
Winter has nice days with clear skies. But the nights are very cold. You need warm clothes to sleep in the camp.
Here is a temperature table to help you:
| Season | Day Temperature | Night Temperature |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 25°C – 30°C | 10°C – 15°C |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 40°C – 45°C | 25°C – 30°C |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 25°C – 35°C | 12°C – 18°C |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 15°C – 20°C | 2°C – 5°C |
You can also read our guide on the best time to visit Morocco for more information.
How Many Days Do You Need in Merzouga?
It is a long way to drive to Merzouga, so you should stay enough time to enjoy it.
- 1 night (basic experience): You arrive in the afternoon, take a camel to the camp, sleep one night, and leave after breakfast. It is very fast, but good if you have no time.
- 2 nights (ideal): This is the best choice. You sleep one night in a hotel in the village, and one night in the desert camp. You have a full day to do a 4×4 tour or quad biking. You are not in a hurry.
- 3 nights (deep experience): Good for people who like slow travel. You can spend more time walking, reading a book by the pool, and really feeling the desert quietness.
Where to Stay in Merzouga
You have many options for sleeping in Merzouga. You can choose based on your budget and what you like.
There are desert camps. These are tents in the sand. You can choose a budget standard camp with shared bathrooms, or a luxury camp with a real bed and shower inside the tent.
There are also hotels in the village. They are built with traditional mud walls. Many of them have very nice swimming pools.
Explain location differences:
Inside the dunes, you find the desert camps. You can only go there by camel or 4×4 car. It is very quiet and dark at night.
Edge of the dunes, you find the big hotels. They are very close to the sand. You can walk out of your hotel door directly into the dunes.
In town, you find small guesthouses. They are cheaper and you are close to the small shops and restaurants in the village.
How to Get to Merzouga
Merzouga is far away, but the roads are very good. You can travel in different ways.
Self-drive is an option. You can rent a car in Marrakech or Fes. The drive is long but the road is safe and easy to follow.
Private transfer or shared tour is the most popular way. A driver takes you in a comfortable car. You stop at many nice places on the way.
Bus is the cheapest way. The Supratours bus company has daily buses to Merzouga from Marrakech and Fes. It is comfortable and safe. You can check travel rules on the Moroccan National Tourist Office official website.
Travel times from big cities:
From Marrakech, it takes about 9 hours driving without stops.
From Fes, it takes about 7 or 8 hours driving.
From Casablanca, it is very far. It takes about 11 hours. It is better to stop one night in the middle.
Is Merzouga Desert Worth It?
Yes, the Merzouga desert is very worth it.
Even if the drive is long, seeing the big orange dunes of Erg Chebbi is a very special thing. The dunes are unique and very beautiful.
Some people think it will be too busy with tourists. But the desert is very big. Once you are in your camp or walking in the sand, it feels very empty and peaceful. It is a very authentic Sahara experience that you will remember for a long time. It is a very nice place.
Practical Travel Tips for Merzouga
Here are some small tips to help you pack and prepare for your desert trip.
- What to pack: Bring a hat and sunglasses for the sun. Bring a small backpack for your night in the camp. Leave your big suitcase in the hotel or the car. Bring warm clothes for the night, especially in winter.
- What shoes to wear: Sneakers are good for the camel ride. For walking in the sand, you can wear sandals or just walk with bare feet.
- Can you visit without camel? Yes. If you do not want to ride a camel, the camp staff can take you to the tent in a 4×4 car.
- Internet availability: Most hotels in the village have good Wi-Fi. In the desert camps, the internet is very weak or there is no signal. It is a good time to turn off the phone.
- ATM access: There is an ATM in Merzouga village, but sometimes it is empty. It is better to bring cash (Dirhams) from a big city.
- Safety: Merzouga is very safe. The local people are very friendly and helpful.
- Solo travel: It is safe to travel alone here. You can join shared tours to meet other people easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merzouga better than Zagora?
Merzouga is usually better if you want to see big sand dunes. Erg Chebbi has high orange sand mountains. Zagora is closer to Marrakech, but the desert is more flat and rocky with very small sand dunes.
Can you visit Merzouga without a tour?
Yes, you can visit Merzouga without a tour. You can rent a car or take the Supratours bus. When you arrive in the village, you can easily book a hotel and a camel ride by yourself.
How much does a desert camp cost?
The price changes a lot. A standard budget camp costs around 30 to 50 Euros per person for one night. A luxury camp with a private bathroom costs from 80 to 150 Euros per person. Dinner and breakfast are usually included.
Is Merzouga safe for tourists?
Yes, Merzouga is a very safe place. The village is small and the people are very kind. Just be careful not to walk too far into the dunes alone in the middle of the day because of the hot sun.
Are there snakes in the desert?
There are some snakes and scorpions in the desert, but they hide under the sand. It is very rare for tourists to see them. They sleep during the day. Just wear shoes if you walk at night in the summer.
Can you drink alcohol in desert camps?
Morocco is a Muslim country. Most desert camps do not sell alcohol. If you want a drink with your dinner, it is better to buy it in a big city before you come and bring it with you in your bag.
Final Thoughts – Why Merzouga Is Morocco’s Ultimate Desert Experience
Merzouga is a very nice place to visit. It takes a long time to get there, but when you see the sand dunes for the first time, you are very happy.
It gives you the real feeling of the Sahara. You can ride a camel, drink tea with friendly people, and sleep under a dark sky full of stars.
If you are planning a trip to Morocco, you should try to put Merzouga on your list. Just prepare for a long drive, pack some comfortable clothes, and go see the beautiful orange sand. It is a simple and quiet place that you will like very much.