Merzouga Guide
A small village at the gateway to the desert, Merzouga is bordered by the dunes of Erg Chebbi, which can be explored on foot or on camelback for a taste of desert adventure.
Are you planning a trip to Morocco this year and want your trip to be full of adventure? Then choose Merzouga , a village renowned for its golden sand dunes located at the foot of the famous Erg Chebbi in southeastern Morocco. This ochre desert will offer you a bright and colorful spectacle. Be impressed by the imposing dunes that shift and deform with the wind. Here are our ideas for exploring the village better…
Presentation
Learn more about Merzouga
Merzouga is a small Saharan village located in the southeast of Morocco. It is located 562 km from Marrakech , 50 km from Erfoud, 35 km from Moulay Ali Cherif, 667 km from Casablanca, and 669 km from Agadir. If you leave from Rabat, the capital, you have to travel 602 km to reach Merzouga. This fact, which makes the reputation of the place, is its desert, which is actually called “Erg Chebbi.” The name “Merzouga Desert” is then only an abuse of language.
The dunes of Merzouga stretch across a strip about twenty kilometers long and five kilometers wide. They cover an area of about one hundred square kilometers, more than enough to offer you a unique and adventurous stay! While the site is remote and isolated, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options on site.
Accommodation in Merzouga
Merzouga has become one of Morocco ‘s top tourist attractions in recent years. This has led to a significant growth in the hospitality industry. Visitors to Merzouga and the surrounding villages have many accommodation options. For example, Erg Chebbi is lined with numerous Kabah inns, some of which are run by Berber families. This option is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the Berber gastronomic identity.
Depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for and your budget, you can opt for a private room or an entire home. If you’re more of a nature lover and want to sleep in the great outdoors, consider a 100% eco-friendly hut, a bivouac (a type of tent), or even camping.
Climate and weather in Merzouga
Since Merzouga is located in a desert area, it has an arid, hot, and dry climate. This is manifested by a significant temperature difference between day and night. In summer, temperatures can reach 45 °C during the day and 25 °C at night. In winter, temperatures can drop below 0 °C, hence the need to pack warm clothing. Regarding rainfall, it is very low. When it rains in Merzouga , however , it is both intense and accompanied by thunderstorms.
Some ideas for visiting Merzouga
Climb the great dune of Erg Chebbi
If you decide to travel to Merzouga , it is to discover its breathtaking dunes. Some of them are the highest in the Sahara. Their ascent can be done on foot since their height does not exceed 160 m. The dunes reserve a magnificent reward for you once you reach the summit: a breathtaking view of Erg Chebbi , the village of Merzouga, and Lake Dayet Srji!
To avoid the intense heat, choose a late afternoon climb. This way, the sun is less intense, and the lighting conditions allow you to admire the beauty of the dunes, which take on an orangey-yellow hue. For a breathtaking view, this magical place can also be visited at sunrise or sunset.
Bivouacking in the desert
For an authentic and unusual stay, consider bivouacking in the heart of the desert. Such an excursion guarantees you a unique travel experience since it allows you to live like the nomadic peoples of the Sahara .
Explore the area on camelback and then spend the night in a khaïma. This is an authentic Berber tent made of camel wool and supported by a wooden structure. This accommodation will delight you if you are a fan of comfort and simplicity. Instead of a bed, a thick layer of carpet is provided. For the meal, the Berbers will serve you Moroccan tagine, as they usually do with other visitors.
Visit Dayet Srij Lake
Just a short walk from Merzouga lies Lake Dayet Srij. When you arrive at the lakeside, you will see the magnificent panorama of the dunes in the distance. The place is a must-see due to its exceptional biodiversity. Admire in particular its white storks and pink flamingos that provide a backdrop to the blue of the lake and the magical background of the dunes of Merzouga .
Depending on your vacation time, many bird species frequent the lake, such as the majestic Barbary falcon. Added to this, there’s a certain serenity that emanates from the place, ensuring a true change of scenery. You can stay there until sunset to appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
Take sand baths
If you’re looking for an unusual activity to do in Merzouga , try a sand bath in the desert. It’s not just a fun activity but a truly ancestral practice with multiple virtues. Many Moroccans come to the desert every year to practice sand therapy. In addition to optimizing blood circulation and eliminating toxins, this natural treatment also has the advantage of relieving back pain, rheumatism, and skin disorders.
In Morocco , sand bathing is generally practiced from June to September, when the sand temperature is around 45°C. To enjoy all the benefits of sand therapy, simply make a hole in the sand, lie down, and cover yourself with sand for about ten minutes. The treatment must be preceded by a medical examination to avoid any possible contraindications. Medical supervision is also essential during the bath.
Other ideas for visits around Merzouga
To complete your visit, don’t forget to explore the surroundings of this charming little village. A few kilometers from Merzouga is Kamilia, another fascinating village. It is inhabited by the Gnawa people, descendants of Black African slaves from the Sahel. A walk through the village will introduce you to the local culture. The Gnawa will warmly welcome you to the rhythm of Saharan music.
The city of Rissani is also a must-see if you are a lover of discovery. Like Kamilia, it is located not far from Merzouga. It is particularly known as the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. The place houses many vestiges, such as the ancient ksours, the souk, and the mausoleum. We particularly distinguish the Mausoleum Moulay Ali Chérif, one of the most impressive monuments of the region. This one was built in 1666. Moulay Er-Rachid rests there; he is the founder of the Alaouite dynasty.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the old abandoned mines of the Hamadas Desert. The site is technically abandoned, but a few miners still work there extracting quartz, kohl, and lead. The area boasts a volcanic landscape whose beauty will amaze you.
How to get to Merzouga?
There are no direct flights or trains to the dunes of Merzouga. To get there, most tourists choose to fly into Marrakech and then travel to Ouarzazate and Tinghir. The road trip can take about 7 hours. You can take a taxi or rent a car. The road network to Merzouga is in good condition.
There is also another possibility: take a bus from one of the big cities to Erfoud , Rissani, or Merzouga .
Getting to Merzouga by plane or train
Errachidia Airport is the closest airport to Merzouga. It is about 100 km away from the location. To reach Merzouga , you can also land at one of the other airports, such as Marrakech Airport (562 km), Ouarzazate Airport (276 km), and Fe Saïss Airport (326 km).
If you enjoy traveling by train, numerous lines connect the western part of the destination with other major cities. These trains take you to the nearest train stations. The rest of the journey is then done by car.
Getting to Merzouga by bus
The bus is also another means of transport to reach Merzouga. The recommended route is the one that serves Marrakech-Rissani daily. Departures are made day and night. If you leave Marrakech at 8 a.m., for example, you will arrive in Rissani around 8 p.m. The transport costs around €18.
Getting to Merzouga by car
Renting a vehicle is more convenient and comfortable. This option gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you want. This allows you to explore the treasures along the way. The Marrakech-Merzouga route , for example, takes you to discover many landscapes that are truly worth a detour. Renting a car in Morocco costs between €11/day and €64/day, depending on the type of vehicle you rent.
