Ultimate Guide to Merzouga Desert: Everything You Need to Know

Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco and the starting point for Erg Chebbi, one of the best-known dune fields in the world. We are based here. People come to ride quad bikes over the sand, sleep at a camp under the stars or climb a 150-meter dune for sunrise. Below is what you should know before you come.

Where is Merzouga?

Merzouga lies in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of southeastern Morocco, about 35 kilometers from the Algerian border. It sits right at the edge of Erg Chebbi, a huge dune field that runs for 28 kilometers. The closest larger towns are Erfoud (55 km) and Rissani (40 km).

How to Get to Merzouga

By Car

Expect about 9 hours of driving from Marrakech and 10 from Casablanca. From Fes it is shorter, about 7 hours. We recommend a 4x4 for the last stretch, especially if you want to explore desert tracks.

By Bus

CTM and Supratours run buses to Merzouga from major cities including Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca. It is a long ride, but a comfortable one.

By Tour

A guided tour is the easiest option. Our tours cover transport, accommodation and all activities.

Best Time to Visit Merzouga

Come between October and April. Days are pleasant then (20-28°C) and nights cool. In summer (June-August) it gets extremely hot, with temperatures above 45°C. Winter nights can drop close to freezing, so pack warm layers.

Things to Do in Merzouga

1. Quad Biking and Buggy Tours

Ride the dunes on a quad bike or dune buggy. It is the fastest-paced way to see Erg Chebbi, and you can book anything from 1 hour to a full day.

2. 4x4 Desert Tours

If you would rather sit back, a 4x4 desert tour takes you to nomadic families, fossil beds and oases that are hard to find on your own.

3. Camel Trekking

Few visitors leave Merzouga without a camel trek at sunset. You ride to a desert camp, eat dinner there and spend the night under the stars.

4. Sandboarding

Rent a sandboard and slide down the dunes. All ages enjoy it, and many of our multi-day tours include it.

5. Desert Camping

Stay a night in a desert camp. There is Berber music, traditional food and, in the morning, sunrise over the dunes.

6. Stargazing

The skies over the Sahara are some of the darkest in the world, and from a desert camp the stars are remarkable.

Where to Stay in Merzouga

Accommodation runs from budget guesthouses to luxury desert camps. Most hotels line the edge of the dunes, so you can walk straight onto Erg Chebbi. To get the most from your visit, plan at least one night in a desert camp.

What to Pack for Merzouga

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Sunglasses and hat
• Scarf or shemagh against the sand
• Warm layers for evenings
• Closed-toe shoes
• Camera with extra batteries
• Reusable water bottle

Questions About Your Visit

Have a look at our tour options or use our contact page if anything is unclear. We are glad to answer questions about visiting Merzouga.