Merzouga

The basics

The majority of travelers arrive in Merzouga on multi-day excursions from cities such as Marrakech. Typically, these private or group adventures cross Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, then check out sights such as Ouarzazate, the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou casbah, and the Todra Gorges, before moving on to Merzouga. Most then continue with short camel treks into Erg Chebbi, where guests stay overnight in tented camps among the dunes.

Those staying longer in Merzouga can book various desert sports and adventure trips like dune buggy drives, 4WD safaris, and sunset camel rides.

Things to know before you go

• Merzouga is hot all-year round, though evenings tend to get chilly.
• Take sunblock, a scarf to protect you from sandy winds, and plenty of layers.
• Some hotels and tours in Merzouga are accessible to wheelchairs—verify in advance.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Merzouga from Marrakech is on a guided tour; you’ll maximize your sightseeing while skipping the hassle of driving yourself. Daily buses also run to Merzouga from Marrakech, while overnight buses depart from Fez. Alternatively, fly to Errachidia Airport, a 2-hour taxi ride from Merzouga.

When to get there

Between June and September, Merzouga and the dunes are unbearably hot, with midday temperatures often hitting 115°F (46°C). The town is busiest between October and February, when the days are comfortably warm. March and April are also pleasant, but sandstorms aren’t uncommon.

Other Activities in Merzouga

If you have time to spare in Merzouga, grab the chance to go a little off the main tourist trail. Head to the nearby mirage-like Lake Dayet Srij, crowded with flamingos, storks, and egrets. Or, visit the village of Khamlia, where Gnawa musicians chant and play castanets and drums, performing songs that draw on their ancestors’ history as slaves.

What is Merzouga famous for?

Merzouga is a village near the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert, and it’s a popular spot for tourists who want to experience desert life. It’s become a desert playground, where tourists dress up in Berber clothing, ride camels at sunset and sunrise, and sleep at a tent camp.

When is the best time to visit Merzouga?

Visit Merzouga in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. In the summer, it gets too hot, and winter is just too cold. Yet you will want to bring layers for your visit to the desert. It gets cool when the sun sets and warms up in the sunshine.

How much time do you need in Merzouga?

For a taste of the desert, one night is enough in the Merzouga desert. You have time to ride a camel through the desert, get photos with your shadow on the dunes, watch a sunset, and eat a tagine under the stars. Listen to some Berber drumming, then sleep in a tent.

What kinds of tours visit Merzouga?

There are many tours that spend time in Merzouga, from one-night to multi-day tours. Some leave from Marrakech, stopping along the way at Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Todra Gorge, Dades Gorge, and more, giving you a more thorough understanding of Moroccan geography and culture.

Is Merzouga the same as the Sahara Desert?

Merzouga is a village on the edge of the Sahara Desert, near some of its tallest dunes. It’s a popular spot for starting Saharan desert excursions since you can get immersed in the desert in a short amount of time. Plus, the dunes here reach up to around 500 feet (150 meters).

Is a visit to Merzouga worth it?

Yes, a trip to Merzouga is worth it when you’re in Morocco. Visitors need to have that desert experience and photos riding camels to bring home. It’s fun to learn about Berber culture, drink mint tea under the stars, listen to music and drums, and wake up to a desert sunrise.