Stand before the immensity of the horizon surrounded only by sand, marvel at the colors of the sunrise and sunset, enjoy the celestial vault and let yourself drift off into the deepest silence. What almost feels like living a story from the Middle eastern Evenings. Make this dream come true with a visit to the Merzouga Desert, and in particular the Erg Chebbi Dunes (in case you didn’t know, the word “erg” in Arabic refers to the sandy parts of deserts). 

Located 50 kilometers from the Algerian border, the Merzouga desert is part of the Moroccan Sahara region and, as such, is one of Morocco’s most precious treasures. Come and discover it!

What can you do in the Merzouga desert?

If you have a few days after your visit to Fez or Marrakech, don’t miss the chance to explore Merzouga desert up close.

Discover the town of Merzouga

The adobe houses of the little town of Merzouga mix into the color of the sand from a remote place. Although it’s a village, there’s no shortage of hotels, Riads and restaurants serving traditional Moroccan dishes, making the visitor’s stay as comfortable as possible. As a starting point for a hike in the Merzouga desert, we recommend that you visit the village during the day and set off at dusk, leaving the convenience of the hotels behind, to spend the night in one of the hidden gems, the camps set up in the Merzouga desert. Only then will you enjoy an experience that will delight all your senses.

Excursions through the Erg Chebbi by camel or 4×4

There are several ways to get around the Merzouga dunes, depending on the type of adventure you’re looking for. 

Entering the Merzouga desert by camel is one of the most popular excursions if you visit Merzouga between February and November. The best time to do this is at sunset, when you can sleep in a tent or under the stars. This formula is particularly recommended if you’re traveling as a couple and are looking for romantic plans in Morocco. Although located in the middle of nowhere, the camps and tents have all the services you need to enjoy a typical dinner to the sound of Moroccan music. You can even take a shower to clean up. Don’t forget to bring a large scarf – essential in case of a sandstorm – and warm clothes, as you’ll need them at dusk and dawn, when the desert shows itself in all its splendor of light, color and shadow.  

If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, and prefer the more frenetic pace of a 4×4, this Moroccan section of the Sahara Desert is one of the stages of the country’s most important rally, the Merzouga Rally, and was on the program of one of the world’s biggest, the Paris-Dakar.

What to visit in the Merzouga desert?

If your stay allows, take the opportunity to explore the villages and surrounding areas around Merzouga:

Khamlia

Khamlia is half an hour’s drive from Merzouga. It’s a very quiet village (with just over 400 inhabitants), which gives you the feeling of belonging to a deeply-rooted community. In Khamlia, nomads live in perfect harmony with a minority dark skin population made up of descendants of former slaves. It is precisely for this reason that Gnawa music resonates like a lament, in songs that speak of an uncertain future, deprived of freedom. If you visit Khamlia, let yourself be carried away by the magic of these ancient dances and sounds, which have the deepest meaning for its inhabitants.

Lake Dayet Srij

This lake is very close to Merzouga which only exists in the rainy season, between October and March. During these months, Lake Dayet Srij shows itself in all its splendor. In addition to the contrast between the color of the water and the desert sand, you’ll be amazed at the number of migratory birds, particularly flamingos that stop here, creating a unique spectacle.  

City of Orion, Celestial Staircase, Golden Spiral

Three architectural constructions in the middle of the desert stand out on the Martha Plateau. Curious, photogenic and evocative, if you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to stop and discover one of the manifestations of this artistic style, which uses the elements of nature in its creations. The city of Orion is 2 hours away from Merzouga.

M’Fis kohl mines

These former French kohl and lead mines are another of the region’s attractions. They are known as kohl mines, because this precious product, used in cosmetics, is obtained precisely from lead. Located seven kilometers from Merzouga, they can be reached using transportation like 4×4 or on foot along an itinerary criss-crossed by the dunes, arid land and desert vegetation characteristic of the region.

Taouz

Taouz is about 20 minutes’ drive from Merzouga. It’s a village perched on a promontory in the rocky part of the desert (hamada). Its adobe buildings stand out on the horizon. The whole area is geologically rich. Minerals, fossils, archaeological remains, rock paintings and even a pre-Islamic necropolis have all been found in this village. 

Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi)

Looking for a desert experience worthy of Lawrence of Arabia? The Merzouga dunes are for you. Ride your camel through this vast dune field to a bivouac in the heart of the Sahara desert. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of a sunrise or sunset. In the heart of Erg Chebbi, you’ll experience a wonderful human adventure.

Located in Morocco near the small village of Merzouga, this immense field of ochre sand dunes stretches over an area of 110 square km (22 km long by 5 km wide) along the Algerian border. The Erg Chebbi contains the highest dunes in the Moroccan Sahara, some reaching heights of 150m. The panorama from their summit is exceptional.

“The desert cannot be told, it must be lived”

nomad proverb

The 1001 Ways To Experience The Merzouga Dunes

Camel trekking:

Rushing into the desert between the great dunes of Merzouga is a fantastic experience that lets you experience a slice of Saharan life from yesteryear.

Trek:

Whether sporty or relaxed, a desert trek offers a gradual immersion in this magical natural environment.

Night in the desert:

In a tent or under the stars, a night in the desert is an extraordinary experience.

Sunset and sunrise:

Climb a large dune and witness one of the most beautiful spectacles nature has to offer.

Amateur astrology:

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Milky Way during a night in a camp in the middle of the dunes.

Yoga:

A Zen environment par excellence, the Merzouga dunes offer the ideal setting for a yoga holiday in Morocco … Aoummm.

Horse riding:

Nothing beats an early morning horseback ride in the heart of Erg Chebbi.

Sandboarding:

When you don’t have snow, but ideas, strap on a snowboard and hit the sand dunes. Some of the slopes of Merzouga’s highest dunes are worthy of the “Streif”, and some people give it a try!

Quad biking:

Quad excursions are available in the village of Merzouga. Choose your provider carefully and avoid climbing the dunes.

Moto cross:

Experience your stay in the Sahara like a Dakar motorcycle racer, crossing stretches of desert far from roads and cars.

Buggy:

Reasonable for family travel, the buggy may be a more secure and more comfortable way to discover and cross the dunes of Erg Chebbi. 

4×4 :

Get dropped off directly by 4×4 at your bivouac site and enjoy the experience of a night in the desert.

Sand bath:

Every summer, when the heat is most intense, the Merzouga dunes witness a strange broom. Travelers come to experience the health benefits of sand baths. Known to soothe rheumatism, polyarthritis, lower back pain and certain skin conditions. 

Erg Chebbi, A Fragile Natural Environment

A fragile natural habitat, this vast expanse of dunes shaped by the wind is home to many endemic species.

Desert tourism represents an economic opportunity for local Berber populations, but it also threatens the very existence of this fragile ecosystem. Beaten down by too many camel rides, quad excursions and bivouacs, some areas of the Merzouga dunes have been degraded. Although they are still of great beauty, they have become vast jewel cases emptied of all life.

However, it’s still possible to discover a wild desert at Erg Chebbi. Away from the tourist areas, you’ll enjoy an authentic experience. Just remember to walk responsibly between the dunes and make sure you don’t leave any foreign objects (trash, water bottles, …).

FAQ

How to visit the Merzouga dunes?

There are many ways to visit the Merzouga desert. The most popular are camel riding, 4×4 excursions and hiking. To come back with your head full of beautiful images, make sure you sleep in the desert.

How to sleep in the dunes of Morocco’s Merzouga desert?

Southern Morocco is a safe and welcoming region that lends itself perfectly to unguided travel. You can organize your own overnight stay in the dunes by booking a Berber camp or a luxury bivouac, or opt for an organized tour.