Merzouga is a small village on the edge of the Sahara, in south-east Morocco near the Algerian border. Behind it rises Erg Chebbi, a sea of golden dunes, some of them about 150 metres high, stretching for nearly 30 km. Here are the things to do in Merzouga, from the famous to the ones most visitors miss.
In the dunes
- Ride a camel at sunset. The classic Sahara moment: ride into the dunes as the sand turns from gold to red. More on camel trekking in Merzouga.
- Sleep in a desert camp. The real reason to come. Spend the night in a tent in the dunes, with music by the fire. See our desert camp.
- Climb a dune for sunrise. Get up before dawn, climb the nearest high dune and watch the light come over the desert. It is worth the effort.
- Go quad biking or ride a dune buggy. The fast way to see the sand. See quad biking in Merzouga.
- Try sandboarding. Slide down a dune on a board. Falling is soft, climbing back up is the hard part.
- Look at the stars. Far from any city, the sky is very dark. On a clear winter night you see the Milky Way with your own eyes.
Around Merzouga
- Hear Gnawa music in Khamlia. This small village south of Merzouga is home to a Gnawa community, descendants of people from sub-Saharan Africa, who play their trance music with drums, iron castanets and the three-stringed sintir.
- See the seasonal lake. Dayet Srji, a few kilometres west of the dunes, fills after rain and dries out in summer. In spring it can attract flamingos and many other birds.
- Drink tea with a nomad family. Some families still live in the desert around the dunes. A 4×4 tour can include a stop for tea and bread.
- Visit Rissani market. The old capital of the Tafilalet oasis has one of the most traditional markets in the south, with spices, dates, and a donkey "parking".
- See the fossils of Erfoud. The rocks around Erfoud are full of fossils hundreds of millions of years old, and the workshops turn them into tables and sinks.
- Walk in the palm groves. The oasis gardens between Erfoud and Rissani are cool and green, and very different from the dunes a few kilometres away.
How long to stay in Merzouga
One night is enough for a sunset, a starry night and a sunrise. Two nights let you add the oasis trek, Khamlia, the lake or an afternoon of quads without rushing. If you are coming from Marrakech, our 3 day tour is the quickest option; from Fes, see the Fes to Merzouga tour.
Plan your visit
- How to get to Merzouga: by car, bus or plane
- The best time to visit the Sahara: month by month
- What to pack for the desert: a checklist
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Plan your Sahara trip with us
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Questions
Is Merzouga worth visiting?
Yes. Its dunes are among the highest and most beautiful in Morocco, and a night in a desert camp is for many travellers the highlight of the whole trip. The only downside is the long drive, so plan at least one night. Read our honest answer to whether Merzouga is worth visiting.
What is the best month to visit Merzouga?
October, November, March and April have warm days and mild nights. December to February is beautiful but cold at night. Summer is very hot.
Is Merzouga safe for tourists?
Yes. Merzouga is a calm village that lives from tourism. Use the same common sense as anywhere, and go into the dunes with a guide.
Can you visit Merzouga without a tour?
Yes. You can drive or take the bus to Merzouga and book only the desert camp. We meet you in the village.
Updated 08/11/2026 by the Desertiva team in Merzouga.