The Essential Travel Guide to Merzouga: The Saharan Gateway to Erg Chebbi
- Malika
- Jul 23, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Looking for the best things to do in Merzouga or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit the Sahara, tips for getting there and the best Erg Chebbi tours in this essential travel guide.
Nestled in the southeast corner of Morocco, Merzouga is a small desert town on the doorstep of the Sahara’s Erg Chebbi dunes. For centuries, it existed as a transit point for merchants travelling the legendary trade routes to Timbuktu. Over time, it also became a sacred pilgrimage site for nomadic Ait Atta tribes.
Today, Merzouga has firmly established itself as a tourist destination, serving as a departure point for overnight adventures to traditional desert camps.
While there are two major dune systems accessible to tourists in Morocco’s southeast (Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga), the former is more popular and with a greater choice of camps. Travelling to this remote corner of the country is a bucket list experience for many and one that I can’t recommend highly enough.
During my first year in Morocco, we travelled to Merzouga to overnight in the Erg Chebbi dunes and it's an experience I'll never forget.
In this Essential Travel Guide to Merzouga, discover incredible places to stay in the town and the ideal time to visit the Sahara. I'll also share with you the best things to do in Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes to help you plan your desert adventure.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best things to do in Merzouga
Explore the Erg Chebbi dunes
Sprawling to the east of Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi are the highest and most expansive dunes in Morocco. Formed over centuries by winds sweeping across the Sahara, these undulating hills of golden sand are a sight to behold, whether you’re viewing them from the rooftop of a Merzouga riad or immersed within them on a guided camel trek.
Embarking on a 4WD adventure is one of the best ways to experience the dunes, either on a small-group adventure or a private tour. Many include a stop at an Amazigh village where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their unique way of life.
Quad biking and sandboarding are other popular ways to experience the dunes, with each activity offering a different perspective.
It’s also possible to simply walk up the nearest dune from your Merzouga riad or kasbah hotel, with the hike to the top taking less than an hour. Head off in the late afternoon to time your arrival for the sunset - it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Embark on a camel trek
Camel trekking through the Sahara is an unforgettable experience and is the transport method of choice when you overnight at a desert camp near Merzouga. If you've booked a stay at a desert camp in Erg Chebbi, chances are you will get there on the back of a camel!
But if you're staying at a kasbah hotel or riad in Merzouga, it’s also possible to head out just for a couple of hours at sunset or even embark on a multi-day camel trek led by a local Tuareg guide.
Atop the lumbering gait of these humped creatures offers an elevated view on the desert environment, as well as being an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional way of life for the desert's nomadic inhabitants. Camels have been integral to their existence for centuries and, in my experience, the camels in Merzouga are well looked after.
If you want to be sure you’re supporting an ethical operation, I'd suggest reading the reviews of operators from previous travellers before booking.
Best things to do in Merzouga
Overnight in the dunes at a desert camp
Spending a night beneath the star-studded skies of the Sahara Desert is a transformative experience and is definitely one of the best things to do in Merzouga. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of Morocco's cities, the undulating dunes of Erg Chebbi and its desert camps offer a peaceful escape.
Each camp offers an authentic taste of Amazigh hospitality and the chance to experience the serene solitude of this untamed wilderness. Most include desert activities, such as camel treks and sandboarding, as part of the experience, while some include live music around the campfire at night.
While the desert dunes of Erg Chebbi are definitely “busier” than those of Erg Chigaga further south, the advantage of staying here is the sheer choice of desert camp accommodation available. There really is something for all budgets, whether you're watching your dirhams or want to splurge on a luxury desert experience. Scroll down for my top picks in the area.
Want to learn more about the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga? Check out my detailed article here. My Ultimate Travel Guide to M’Hamid is a good starting point if you’re heading to Erg Chigaga.
Best things to do in Merzouga
Birdwatch at the seasonal salt lake of Dayet Srji
Located a short drive west of Merzouga, Dayet Srji is a seasonal salt lake that stands in stark contrast to its arid surroundings. It serves as an important oasis for a diverse array of migratory and desert-dwelling birds before transforming into a cracked, parched expanse during the summer months.
The best time to visit Dayet Srji is following the rains when it attracts Egyptian nightjars and pink flamingos, who flock here to feed on the abundant brine shrimp. Joining a jeep tour is the best way to reach the lake - these usually include a village visit too. For photography, coincide your visit with the early morning or late afternoon when the light is at its most atmospheric.
Visit the Moroccan National 4x4 Auto Museum
Car enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this small but engaging museum, which boasts an impressive collection of off-road vehicles that showcase the rugged spirit of the desert region. Around 30 cars are on display at the Moroccan National 4x4 Auto Museum, including several wide-bodied vehicles that were specially designed for traversing dunes and rocky outcroppings.
The museum also features an array of cars that were once used by the country's royal family, offering a glimpse into their privileged world. It's open by appointment and entrance is free.
Travel guide to Merzouga
How to get to Merzouga
The closest airport to Merzouga is Moulay Ali Cherif Airport in Errachidia, which is around two hours’ drive away. It receives regular flights from Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. The closest international aviation gateway is Fes-Saïss Airport, which is around seven hours’ drive from Merzouga and receives flights from destinations across Europe.
If you’re hiring a car in Fes, it’s a relatively straightforward journey down the N13 to Merzouga. To break up the journey, I’d recommend spending a night in Errachidia, a lively city that serves as the capital of the Drâa-Tafilalet region.
The Kenzi Rissani is one of the better hotel in Errachidia or you could opt to stay at the more affordable Hotel Kasbah Fenguig, which is around 30 kilometres south on the road to Merzouga.
Want to hire a car in Morocco? I suggest checking out Discover Cars, which compares deals from over 500 suppliers and offers a vast range of cars, from compact automatics to manual vans.
If you’re planning a self-drive adventure in Morocco and want to visit the Sahara Desert, check out this one-week itinerary from Marrakech.
By bus
If you're travelling on a budget, the bus is the most affordable way of getting to Merzouga. Several bus companies, such as CTM and Supratours, operate daily departures between Marrakech and Merzouga, as well as Fes and Merzouga.
From Marrakech, the journey takes around 10 to 12 hours while it’s around 8 to 10 hours from Fes. Generally speaking, Moroccan buses are comfortable and air-conditioned with reclining seats.
You can book bus tickets directly with the companies or compare various options (and book tickets) at 12Go.
Best tours to Merzouga
The most convenient way to explore Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes is on an organised desert tour from Marrakech or Fes. In my opinion, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of Morocco’s off-the-beaten-track spots, which can be difficult to reach with public transport.
While you can find 2-day/1-night desert tours to Merzouga, I would highly suggest opting for at least two nights if you're coming from Marrakech or Fes. This is due to the travel distances involved - it’s a nine-hour drive from Marrakech to Merzouga and seven hours from Fes.
While the majority of Merzouga desert tours come and go from Marrakech, there are also options that travel from Marrakech to Fes (or visa versa), serving as a convenient transfer.
Both Viator and GetYourGuide have HEAPS of Moroccan Sahara Desert tours to choose from and serve a great starting point. On both platforms, you can read reviews from previous guests and get a taste of what the experience is like.
With more than 6,000 glowing reviews on Viator, this 3-day/2-night trip to the Sahara is a small-group experience, with a maximum of 15 participants. It includes a visit to Ait Benhaddou and the gorges of Todra and Dades, as well as a camel trek and sandboarding during your desert stay.
If you have an extra day up your sleeve, this 4-day/3-night trip includes an exploration of the Valley of the Roses and the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, with a night spent in Agdz. It receives rave reviews for not only the landscapes and destinations it explores but also the insights the guides offer about life in this corner of Morocco.
If you want to drive yourself to Merzouga, this overnight experience is a budget-friendly way to experience the Sahara Desert. It includes a late afternoon camel trek to a desert camp where you will spend a night, with dinner, breakfast and sandboarding all part of the package.
Best places to stay in Merzouga
If you want to stay in Merzouga itself (rather than at a desert camp) and explore the Erg Chebbi dunes on day trips, all of the following hotels receive rave reviews. Desert excursions can be arranged at reception.
You'll find more inspiring kasbah hotels and riads in my detailed article here.
Inspired by a kasbah, this luxury Merzouga hotel is run by two brothers who go above and beyond to ensure an incredible stay. It features spacious rooms that are beautifully decorated with carved wooden ceilings and tiled floors. When you’re not out on desert adventures or participating in a cooking class, you can relax beside the pool or watch the sunset across the dunes from the rooftop terrace.
"This place is absolutely stunning — a true oasis in the desert!.” - Svetlana (read more reviews here)
Offering stunning views across the Erg Chebbi dunes, this high-end riad lies a short drive south of Merzouga. It features beautifully appointed suites and an inviting swimming pool, as well as an elegant dining room where meals are served. With its shaded loungers, the rooftop terrace is the place to be at sunset.
“If you are not staying in the tents this is the best place to be in Merzouga.” - Shiyas (read more reviews here)
Perched on a hill overlooking the dunes, this mid-range Merzouga hotel is owned and operated by the friendly Ait Bahadou brothers. It features colourfully decorated rooms and a sparkling swimming pool, as well as an onsite restaurant serving authentic Moroccan cuisine. If you do want to spend a night in the desert, that can easily be arranged at Kasbah Azalay’s sister camp.
“It was amazing, the view was breathtaking and the food was delicious.” - Lise (read more reviews here)
Best desert camps in Merzouga
Best Sahara desert camps near Merzouga
Best luxury desert camp near Merzouga
This romantic camp near Merzouga really is the epitome of desert luxury - the lantern-lit walkways create a wonderful aesthetic. It features beautifully designed sleeping tents complete with private bathrooms and showers, as well as plugs for charging your devices. Stays include a camel ride at sunset and a three-course Moroccan dinner and music around the campfire, as well as breakfast the following morning.
"Our time at Erg Chebbi camp was the absolute highlight of our two-week adventure in Morocco.” - Justin (read more reviews here)
Best mid-range desert camp near Merzouga
If you want to experience affordable luxury in the Moroccan Sahara, check out this highly-rated camp near Merzouga. The elegant tents offer plenty of space and well-appointed bathrooms complete with showers. Stays include a multi-course Moroccan dinner in the evening and a generous breakfast in the morning. Merzouga Spirit Luxury Camp also facilitates quad-bike tours to nearby villages and cultural attractions.
"Our desert adventure at this camp was fantastic!” - Patrick (read more reviews here)
Best budget desert camp near Merzouga
The Sahara Wellness Camp is a labour of love for a local Amazigh family, headed by Omar and his brothers, Hamid and Aziz. Their strong ties to the land and their dedication to upholding the traditional way of life in the area are apparent in every detail. The camp consists of only six black tents, beautifully decorated with handwoven carpets, as well as a central communal tent where friendly meals are shared.
"Everything was amazing!!! The camp has a great energy, friendly vibe.” - Anna (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Merzouga
Best time to visit Merzouga
The best times to visit Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are during the spring and autumn seasons. During these temperate periods, the daytime temperatures are warm but not too hot (often reaching the mid to high 20s Celsius), allowing you to comfortably explore the dunes without being overwhelmed by intense heat.
And when the sun dips below the horizon, the nights remain mild, with temperatures that are cool but not too chilly.
In contrast, the summer months in Merzouga can be brutally hot, with daytime temperatures that can climb well above 40 degrees Celsius. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the winter months of December to February bring a different set of challenges, with very cold nighttime temperatures that can make camping out less comfortable.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
