On the edge of the Sahara desert lies the little Merzouga village set between the sand dunes.
With a taste of traditional Berber life, the remote village attracts travelers to enjoy and experience life in the desert.
Merzouga is a dream desert destination filled with camel rides and ethereal desert beauty.
It is said that in legend that a wealthy family had once refused hospitality to a poor woman and her son.
God was angered by this, and buried them under the sand of Erg Chebbi, thus creating the dunes rising out of the landscape.
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Where Is Merzouga Located?
Merzouga is situated in the eastern part of Morocco, near its border with Algeria.Specifically, it resides in the province of Errachidia, which is encompassed by the greater Drâa-Tafilalet region.
Located approximately 560 kilometers southeast of Marrakech, Merzouga rests about 50 kilometers from the Algerian border.
Additionally, it is around 50 kilometers away from Erfoud and roughly 35 kilometers southeast of Rissani.
Merzouga has gained renown for its warm and hospitable Berber inhabitants, who constitute a significant portion of the village’s population.
A multitude of visitors flock to Merzouga due to its proximity to Erg Chebbi, a vast expanse boasting breathtaking sand dunes.
Covering an area that spans 50 kilometers in length and approximately 5 kilometers in width, Erg Chebbi captivates with its awe-inspiring beauty.
What is an Erg?
An erg is a large broad area of flat desert with dunes and little or no vegetation. An erg is an Arabic word that means “dune field.”
What to Do in Merzouga?
The biggest draw to Merzouga is the unmatched desert experience it offers. Since it is located on the edge of the Sahara,
Merzouga is the perfect village to stay in while you enjoy the beauty and nature of the desert.
The most popular thing to do in Merzouga is visiting Erg Chebbi. The dunes rise dramatically out of the sand, up to 150 metres.
The Grand Dune de Merzouga is the closest to the village and, aptly named, is one of the grandest spectacles.
It is the highest dune and is well-recognized by the tamarisk tree landmark at its base.
For many, these dunes are the quintessential desert experience. But, to see the pristine, wind-blown sand without a trace of footprints, you may have to book a camel tour and ride a bit further than the crowds.
Want to explore more of Morocco’s stunning desert landscape?
The best time to visit Erg Chebbi is during sunrise or sunset. The golden dunes and the dancing colors of the sun along the sand is truly magical.
Riding along the back of a camel, these dunes make you feel like you’ve been transported into a movie, or back in time to many years ago.
It is certainly a surreal experience that is popular among travelers to Merzouga.
Another popular activity is visiting the Dayet Srji salt lake, just west of the village. In the spring the salt lake sees many species of birds flocking here—flamingos, desert warbler, Egyptian nightjar, falcons, and desert sparrows.
Some can be seen year round, and there are always lizards, snakes, hedgehogs, and even desert foxes to be spotted.
Many adventurers like to camp out in desert settlements around Merzouga. A camel tour can be arranged where travelers ride in the day before spending the night in one of these settlements, listening to music, a crackling fire, and the sounds of the desert while enjoying traditional food.
Out in the expansive desert, there are companies where you can book tours or rent quads, 4×4’s, and ATVs for some seriously adrenaline-pumping off road driving.
Within the village of Merzouga, one can enjoy peaceful village life and traditional comforts.
As most of the action takes place outside Merzouga, the village is a nice place to relax and immerse yourself in traditional Moroccan culture.
Take in the art and music at the locally-owned Galerie Laoun, where you can break from the outdoors with tea and conversation. There are beautiful Berber and African art pieces to enjoy here.
There are a few small shops here, but nothing like what you’ll find in the souks at the big cities like Marrakech and Tangier.
This means there is less pressure from shopkeepers, though, and traditional items special to this region may be sought out by the avid shopper.
Where to Stay
Merzouga is a growing hub for adventure travelers wishing to explore the surrounding deserts. As such, there are excellent budget accommodations for travelers that are looking to spend the bulk of their money elsewhere in Merzouga.
Hotels in Merzouga:
Hotels in Merzouga are typically larger properties that offer more amenities and services than camps. They often have multiple room options, such as standard rooms, suites, and villas.
Many hotels have swimming pools, restaurants, and bars on site. They tend to be more expensive than camps but offer more comfort and convenience.
- Riad Madu: Charming hotel located in the heart of Merzouga with beautifully decorated rooms and a friendly staff.
- Kanz Erramel: Luxurious hotel in Merzouga featuring comfortable beds, spacious rooms, and a beautiful pool area with views of the dunes.
Camps in Merzouga:
Camps in Merzouga offer a more authentic desert experience, with accommodations in traditional Berber-style tents.
They are typically smaller than hotels and offer fewer amenities, but often provide unique experiences like camel treks and desert excursions. Camps tend to be less expensive than hotels but may be less comfortable.
- Sahara Desert Luxury Camp: Beautiful desert camp offering luxurious tented accommodations, traditional Moroccan cuisine, and a variety of desert activities.
- For something a bit more off-the-wall, you can stay right in the Erg Chebbi dunes at Ali & Sara’s Desert Palace. Lavish, comfortable tents are elevated with great, friendly service, evening entertainment, fresh local cuisine, and Western-style washrooms.
What to Eat
Many visitors choose to eat their meals at their accommodations. Other people are interested in exploring life in Merzouga including eating a meal at one of the restaurants scattered around the village.
Most restaurants serve traditional Berber and other Moroccan food.
Haven La Chance Desert Hotel serves local Berber dishes; Restaurant Cafe Nora is an authentic family restaurant with views of the dunes; Cafe Restaurant Touga Chez la Famille is known for its Berber pizza and local music; and Restaurant Cafe Azul offers a vegetarian-friendly menu.
Getting Around
The only way to get around the village is on foot. The hotels are all close together and the streets are easy to walk. If you want to see and do things outside of Merzouga, it does require a different mode of transportation.
You can rent cars, bigger vehicles, motorbikes, and 4×4’s to get you around the desert landscape. If you’re not comfortable driving, tours and taxis can take you around.
Best Time to Visit
When should you go to Merzouga to experience the village, the camel tours, and local culture? The winter months from November to February are a good time to visit.
The nights are cool, but the sky is beautifully clear. Temperatures rarely exceed 10° C at this time of the year.
The climate begins to warm up during the spring months starting in April. Temperatures during the spring range between 25° and 30° in the afternoons. Nights are still cool during this time of the year.
The summer months are very hot, so it’s best to visit Merzouga during the winter months between November and February.
Don’t forget to add Merzouga to your itinerary around Morocco: Merzouga is incredible and you will be amazed!
You’ll be rewarded with truly authentic experiences and charming desert villages among the expansive golden sand dunes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are recommended in Merzouga?
The amount of time you should spend in Merzouga depends on what you want to do.
If you are looking to go on a camel ride and sleep in a traditional nomad camp, you should to stay for at least one night.
A one-night, two-day stay in Merzouga is sufficient to experience camel riding and camping in the Sahara Desert.
But, If you also want to try sandboarding or quad biking, should consider to stay for two or three nights.
Is Merzouga desert part of Sahara?
Yes, Merzouga is located on the edge of the Sahara Desert and is considered part of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The Erg Chebbi dunes are one of the most popular and accessible parts of the Sahara for tourists to visit.
How do I get to Merzouga?
Merzouga is not directly accessible by plane or train. However, there are several ways to reach this desert town.
One option is to rent a car and drive from Marrakech, which takes around 9-10 hours, or from Fes, which takes around 8-9 hours.
There arey also daily buses run from major cities like Marrakech and Fes. It takes around 10-12 hours from Marrakech and 9-10 hours from Fes.
Shared taxis are also a popular mode of transportation in Morocco, and you can take one from cities like Marrakech, Fes, or Erfoud to reach Merzouga.
A private transfer with a tour company or local driver is another option, but more expensive.
The roads to Merzouga are mostly unpaved and can be rough, especially in the desert areas. It might be worth hiring an experienced driver or join a tour group for a safer and more enjoyable trip.
For those who prefer to fly, the closest airport to Merzouga is Errachidia, which is about 100 km away. Alternatively, you can fly to Marrakech, Fes Saïss, or Ouarzazate and take a bus to Rissani before reaching Merzouga.