Top things to do in Merzouga
We have put together a list of activities that you should know when visiting Merzouga.
Merzouga, located in Morocco’s Sahara Desert, is one of the country’s—and the world’s—most spectacular destinations. Famous for its towering golden sand dunes, known as the Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga offers some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets you can witness. This unique desert region has countless activities that make it a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan experience. A trip to Morocco is incomplete without exploring its stunning Sahara Desert. If you are planning a visit, Merzouga should be at the top of your itinerary. Below, discover the best things to do in Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes to create unforgettable desert memories.
Why you should visit Merzouga desert?
There are many reasons to visit the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Here are just a few:
Ride camels across the impressive sand dunes.
Spend a night in the heart of the desert, under a sky filled with billions of stars.
Merzouga feels like another world. Surrounded by endless sand dunes, it’s an experience that many people dream of and a chance you shouldn’t miss.
Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture stunning shots for blogs, Instagram, or personal memories.
Escape the crowds of busy cities like Marrakech and Fes. The Erg Chebbi dunes offer a peaceful and serene environment.
Witnessing a sunrise or sunset in Merzouga is indescribable, with breathtaking views over the glowing orange dunes.
Reconnect with nature as the rolling sand dunes resemble frozen waves of an endless desert ocean.
If you’re still unsure whether to visit the Merzouga desert, the answer is simple: Yes—you definitely should.
5 Best things to do in Merzouga desert
1. Camel trek in Merzouga
The first thing most travelers associate with Morocco is the desert, and soon after, camels—because where there is desert, camels are never far behind. These majestic animals were once the primary way to cross vast desert landscapes, and in Merzouga, you can experience this traditional mode of travel firsthand.
Camel trekking in the Merzouga Sahara is one of the oldest and most popular activities for visitors. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Merzouga and a must for anyone exploring Morocco. Riding camels across the golden-orange sand dunes gives you a glimpse of how people traveled long ago.
MarrakechExperiences offers three options for experiencing camel trekking in Merzouga:
Camel ride for sunset
Camel Ride for Sunset in Merzouga
Experience the magic of the desert with a camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes while watching an unforgettable sunset. This Merzouga camel trekking adventure begins about one hour before sunset. You’ll ride camels for approximately 30 minutes to reach a high dune, the perfect spot to enjoy the stunning view. After the sun sets, you’ll ride back to Merzouga town, marking the end of this memorable experience.
Activity Details:
Starting time: About one hour before sunset (around 05:00 pm)
Starting location: Merzouga town
Ending location: Same as the starting point
Duration: Approximately two hours
Camel: One per person
To book the Camel Ride for Sunset or for more information, contact MarrakechExperiences.
Overnight camel trek in Merzouga
Overnight Camel Trek in Merzouga Desert
The overnight camel trek in the Merzouga desert is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Morocco. Riding camels to a desert camp offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a peaceful night in the heart of the desert, under a sky full of stars.
The journey from Merzouga town takes about two hours. Along the way, you’ll stop to watch the sunset from a high dune and try sandboarding before continuing to your private desert camp—ensuring you have your own tent and a comfortable, personal experience.
The next morning, it’s worth waking up before sunrise to climb a nearby high dune. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise, one of the most memorable you may ever see. Afterward, enjoy a delicious breakfast in the camp.
You can choose to return to Merzouga by camel or by 4×4 vehicle.
Activity Details:
Starting/Ending location: Merzouga
Starting time: Evening, around 04:30 pm
Camel: One per person
Camp options: Luxury or standard desert camp
Availability: Every day
Note: Multi-night camel treks in the desert are also available
To book this unforgettable desert experience or for more information, contact MarrakechExperiences.
2. 4x4 tour in the desert
4×4 Jeep Excursion in Merzouga Desert
A 4×4 jeep excursion in the Merzouga desert is the perfect way to explore the many fascinating sights around the Erg Chebbi dunes. One highlight is the nearby Dayet Srij lake, a prime spot in Morocco for observing desert birds, including flocks of flamingos.
The tour also includes a visit to Khamlia village, home to Gnawa musicians whose ancestors are believed to have escaped from southern Africa during the slavery era. Here, you can enjoy the unique sounds of traditional Gnawa music. Not far from Khamlia, near the Moroccan-Algerian border, lies the old and abandoned village of M’ifis, known for its Galena mines. Historically used as a cosmetic to darken the eyes, Galena is still used by locals today, especially during weddings.
During the excursion, you’ll also visit a nomadic family living near the border. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about their culture while enjoying a cup of tea in a traditional Berber tent.
This 4×4 adventure can start at any time of the day, though it is recommended to begin at 10:00 am or 04:00 pm for the best experience.
To book this activity, contact MarrakechExperiences today.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do I get to Merzouga from Marrakech or from Fes?
How to Get to Merzouga Desert
There are several ways to reach the Merzouga Sahara Desert, depending on your budget, schedule, and travel preferences:
By Plane:
Take a flight from Marrakech or Fes to Errachidia (about 135 km from Merzouga) with Royal Air Maroc. From there, you can hire a private car with a driver to reach Merzouga. Contact us to arrange your transfer.By Bus:
Supratours operates direct buses to Merzouga from both Marrakech and Fes—an easy and budget-friendly option.By Grand Taxi:
You can travel between cities using public Grand Taxis, changing vehicles at each station. However, this option is not recommended, as connections can be unreliable and may take extra time.By Rental Car:
Rent a car in Marrakech or Fes and drive to Merzouga at your own pace. This gives you the flexibility to stop and explore along the way.Private Car with Driver:
For a worry-free and comfortable journey, hire a private car with a professional driver. Contact us to book this convenient service.Guided Desert Tour:
The best option is to join one of our Marrakech desert tours or Fes desert tours. It’s highly recommended for saving time, ensuring comfort, and discovering Morocco’s culture along the way.
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?
The distance between Marrakech and Merzouga is 563,7 Km via N9.
How long drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
Driving from Marrakech to Merzouga is 9 hours by a private car and 12 hours by a Supratour bus.
How far is Merzouga from Fes?
The distance between Fes and Merzouga is 470 km via N13
How long drive from Fes to Merzouga?
Driving from Fes to Merzouga is 7 hours by a private car and 09h45min by a Supratour bus
How many days do I need in Merzouga?
There are many things to see and do in Merzouga, we suggest to spend at least two nights.