Why visit Merzouga
Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s most famous sea of dunes. Some dunes rise above 150 metres and change colour throughout the day: golden at sunrise, deep orange at sunset. It is the easiest way to experience the real Sahara without a long expedition.
Things to do
- Camel ride to the camp at sunset.
- Night in a desert camp with a Berber dinner, drums by the fire and a sky full of stars.
- Sunrise over the dunes, one of the highlights of any Morocco trip.
- Khamlia, the village of Gnawa music, and the nearby palm oases.
- Optional: quad biking or sandboarding.
How to get there
Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech and about 470 km from Fez, so most travellers visit it on a tour of 3 days or more, crossing the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge. We pick you up at your riad or hotel and drive the whole route in a private vehicle with a local Berber driver.
Best time to go
From October to April days are pleasant; winter nights in the desert are cold, so bring warm clothes. In summer (June to August) days are very hot, but evenings at the camp are lovely.
Our Merzouga tours
All our tours are private and can be tailored: departure from Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca or Tangier, standard or luxury camp, and as many days as you like. Below are our most popular itineraries.
