Merzouga
Merzouga offers an array of desert activities, including camel rides, quad biking, and exhilarating jeep safaris. You can even spend the night in the desert in original or luxurious Berber tents, providing the ultimate glamping experience. Picture yourself under endless starry skies, surrounded by the music of a campfire - this is the essence of Merzouga.
During your Morocco tour, don't miss this incredible desert experience! Merzouga serves as the perfect base for your adventure.
In this comprehensive guide, we share everything you need to know about Merzouga and Morocco's desert. Discover how to reach Merzouga, plan your overnight stay among the sand dunes, pack effectively for your journey, and explore the exciting activities available. We also share our best tips and personal experiences.
Morocco offers several desert destinations (all part of the Sahara), but Merzouga stands out:
Erg Chebbi Desert
This article focuses on the Erg Chebbi desert, which is accessible via an asphalt road, making it easily reachable. A short 10-minute ride by dromedary, quad, or jeep transports you deep into the mesmerizing dunes. It's comfortable for travelers of all ages and offers fantastic photographic opportunities.
How to Reach Merzouga
Merzouga is situated in southeastern Morocco, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Erfoud, known for its fossils, and close to the Algerian border. Traveling to Merzouga requires a substantial journey:
- If you're driving, as part of our Morocco road trip, we came from Fez, a scenic 8-hour drive that took us through Chefchaouen, the blue city, before reaching Merzouga. We also explored the Todra (Todgha) Gorge and Dadès Valley.
- If you're coming from Marrakech, prepare for a roughly 9-hour drive. The journey takes approximately 5 hours from Ouarzazate.
Starry Night Sky
When the sun sets, the real magic begins with a stunning display of the starry sky. The vast expanse reveals countless stars, with the Milky Way easily visible. It's a truly unique experience, perfect for night photography due to minimal light pollution.
Sandboarding
Have you ever seen people slide down sand dunes with a sandboard? You can try sandboarding in the Moroccan desert. Most tent camps provide sandboards, and you can even slide down a high dune at sunset - a magical experience.
Quad Biking and 4x4 Adventures
If you're an adventure enthusiast, you can embark on thrilling trips with guides using quads or 4x4 jeeps. Experiencing this during sunset adds an extra layer of magic to your journey. There are also day trips into the deeper desert to visit nomads, often combined with a luxurious tent camp overnight stay.
Climbing Sand Dunes
For a more budget-friendly or active option, consider climbing the dunes by foot. Some dunes are over 100 meters high, offering a challenging ascent. Ensure you have enough water and don't attempt the journey back at night.
Your Desert Stay
When you book an overnight desert stay, you'll typically be picked up from a designated point, sometimes a hotel where you can relax, swim, or enjoy a meal if you arrive early. You can safely leave your car and suitcase here while you venture into the desert.
From there, you'll depart by jeep or dromedary (camel) to the tent camp, usually in the early evening to witness the sunset from the dunes. Upon arrival, settle into your tent and savor a communal meal in the dining tent. Many camps offer Berber music around the campfire or in the tent, depending on the weather
In Desert Featured Morocco Tours via Merzouga
Take on a journey to Merzouga today, and let the colors enchant you.
