When you imagine the Sahara, it’s easy to picture vast, rolling sand dunes, graceful camel caravans, and a horizon that seems to stretch endlessly into the distance. In Merzouga, a charming village on the edge of the Moroccan desert, this captivating vision transforms into a stunning reality. Known as the top destination in Morocco for a desert adventure, Merzouga serves as an inviting gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Here, golden dunes rise and fall like waves under an endless sky, and the desert’s timeless beauty creates an unforgettable experience for every traveler who ventures into its embrace.
Merzouga lies on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a stunning sea of golden dunes where sand hills tower as high as 150 meters. It’s the perfect place to dive into the heart of the desert’s magic. Spending a night in the desert near Merzouga is an experience that lingers in your soul, offering a rare connection to nature’s raw beauty. The Sahara’s timeless enchantment promises to leave an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to experience its wonders.
This blog has everything you need to plan your journey into the desert near Merzouga. From essential tips and unforgettable activities to a guide to the most beautiful desert camps for an overnight stay, it’s your complete roadmap to an adventure like no other. So, read on and prepare to immerse yourself in the magic of the Sahara!
About Erg Chebbi near Merzouga
Merzouga is renowned as the ultimate gateway to the Sahara Desert. This charming village in southeastern Morocco is perched right on the edge of the legendary Erg Chebbi dunes. And what will strike you first? Sand—vast, endless expanses of it. The dunes stretch an incredible 30 kilometers, with some soaring up to 150 meters high. As the sun rises, the landscape transforms into a sea of golden light, and at sunset, the sky bursts into breathtaking fiery hues, as if the horizon itself is set ablaze
Merzouga is a tranquil oasis, the perfect spot to relax and get ready for your desert journey. Once an important rest stop for caravans transporting spices and gold across the Sahara, today it’s a peaceful retreat for those seeking both excitement and solitude. Whether you’re after an adventurous exploration or a quiet escape into nature, Merzouga offers the best of both worlds. Here, you can stay in charming riads and hotels with stunning views of the vast desert, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable night beneath the stars.
What makes Erg Chebbi truly remarkable is just how accessible it is. You can easily drive there from bustling cities like Marrakech and Fez, and as soon as you arrive, it’s as if you’ve stepped into an entirely different world. Lose yourself in the endless dunes, search for ancient fossils that date back millions of years, or hike to the highest peak for a panoramic view that stretches endlessly into the horizon. The landscape is ever-changing, shaped by the wind, so no two days are ever alike. Each visit offers a completely new experience, ensuring that every step you take in the desert feels uniquely unforgettable.
Alternatives in the Sahara
Not fully convinced by Erg Chebbi yet? No problem—the Sahara has so much more to offer, and each of these incredible spots provides the chance for a one-of-a-kind desert experience!
Take Erg Chigaga, for example, which is often regarded as one of Morocco’s most stunning deserts. Nestled near the remote village of M’hamid, about forty-five kilometers away, these dunes are wilder and less visited than Erg Chebbi. As a result, you’ll need a 4×4 to reach them—perfect for those seeking an adventure that feels like it’s truly at the end of the world.
Where to stay in Erg Chigaga: Le Chant Du Sable or Authentique Berber Camp, both offering an unforgettable desert experience.
Not far from Zagora lies Tinfou, a smaller dune landscape that’s perfect if you’re pressed for time. While the dunes here are more modest in size, they still offer that unmistakable Sahara experience right from the start. Standing amidst them, it’s easy to imagine the caravans of old, embarking on their long, arduous journey to Timbuktu. The famous sign that reads “Tombouctou 52 days” still stands, a lasting reminder of the past and a marker of how long it once took to reach the legendary city.
Overnight in the Tinfou Dunes: Tinfou Desert Camp or Tikida Camp.
If you’re seeking something truly out of the ordinary, Iriki National Park is a destination you won’t want to miss. Once a massive lake, it’s now a vast salt flat, where you can drive across its barren surface in a 4×4. The endless plains are broken up by dramatic rock formations and dried riverbeds, creating a landscape so otherworldly, it feels as if it belongs in a film.
Where to stay in Iriki: Bivouac Les Nomades, a place that provides a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable desert experience, perfectly matching the extraordinary beauty of this unique location.
Things to do in the Sahara
The Sahara is anything but dull. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding adventure or a peaceful retreat, there’s something to suit every taste. The quintessential experience, of course, is a camel trek. These journeys often lead to a desert camp, where you can enjoy dinner under a blanket of stars, all while listening to the soulful sounds of traditional Berber music. It’s a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
For those who crave a little more excitement, sandboarding offers the perfect thrill. Strap a board to your feet and race down the steepest dunes—it’s like snowboarding, but with sand beneath you and the warmth of the sun on your face. If you’re after even more adrenaline, a quad bike ride or 4×4 excursion is a fantastic way to explore the vast desert. These high-speed adventures take you to hidden corners of the Sahara that are difficult to reach on foot or by camel, allowing you to discover a side of the desert few get to experience.
For culture enthusiasts, the Sahara offers a wealth of fascinating experiences. Just outside Merzouga, you can visit nomadic tribes who continue to live by traditions passed down through generations. It’s truly awe-inspiring to see how they thrive in the harsh desert environment, holding on to a way of life that has endured for centuries.
Another highlight is the fossil fields near Erfoud. Millions of years ago, this region was an ancient sea, and today you can still find the fossilized remains of long-gone marine life scattered across the landscape. It serves as a stunning reminder that the Sahara, in its distant past, was far from the arid desert we see today. If you’re unable to find a fossil yourself, don’t worry—there’s always a local around ready to offer you one for sale.
And let’s not forget the starry skies. With no light pollution, the desert offers one of the clearest, most spectacular views of the night sky. Thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and maybe even a shooting star will light up the sky above you. If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping under a blanket of stars, the Sahara gives you the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality.
Think carefully about camel rides
When we first ventured into the Moroccan desert, we couldn’t resist the classic experience—riding a camel through the dunes, just like the caravans of old. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sand turned a rich shade of gold, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if we were living in a scene straight out of a movie. But, to be honest, our perspective has shifted since then.
As picturesque as it may seem, there’s a less-than-ideal reality behind those camel treks. Camels are often regarded as “working animals,” perfectly suited for the harsh desert environment and accustomed to carrying heavy loads. However, as tourists, we rarely get to see the full picture of how they are actually treated. Are they given enough food and water? Do they receive proper rest? Are they treated with the respect they deserve? The truth is, it’s hard to know for sure.
For us, it’s essential to approach this with a thoughtful and critical mindset. If you’re eager to experience the desert, rest assured there are plenty of other ways to do so. You can lace up your hiking boots and wander through the dunes on foot, or take an exhilarating jeep tour in a 4×4. This way, you can still immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape, but without involving animals in the process.
In the end, travel isn’t just about collecting beautiful memories or snapping picture-perfect photos; it’s about making mindful choices that help create a better world—for both people and animals alike.
Spend the night in the desert
Spending the night in the Sahara is an experience that will stay with you forever. As the sun dips below the horizon, the entire desert shifts into something almost magical. The world quiets, the temperature drops, and above you, a breathtaking blanket of stars stretches across the sky—more brilliant than you could ever imagine.
Most travelers choose to stay in a desert camp nestled in the dunes. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to wake up surrounded by towering golden sand hills? You have the option of two types of camps: luxury, for a more comfortable stay, and traditional, for a more authentic experience under the stars.
Luxury camps are perfect for those who crave a taste of adventure but still want the comfort of soft pillows and hot showers. Here, you’ll sleep in spacious tents with real beds, fresh linens, and even private bathrooms. After a day of desert exploration, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner under the stars, and if you’re lucky, the guides will serenade you with music around the campfire, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s like ‘glamping,’ but set against the breathtaking backdrop of the desert. And yes, some camps even have Wi-Fi—but let’s be honest, that’s probably the last thing you’ll need in such a peaceful, remote haven.
If you’re seeking something more authentic, consider staying at a traditional Berber camp. No frills, no luxury—just a true desert experience. You’ll sleep on mattresses on the floor, share communal showers, and sometimes, the water is provided in a simple bucket. But what you lack in comfort, you gain tenfold in atmosphere. Evenings are spent gathered around the fire with a steaming cup of tea while the guides play music and share ancient tales, offering a deep connection to the culture and spirit of the desert.
Looking for the best desert camps in Erg Chebbi? If you choose to stay at Merzouga Luxury Camp, RiadSuerteloca Merzouga, or Sunrise Sahara Camp, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking the comfort of luxury in the heart of the desert, the charm of traditional tents, or the uniqueness of glamping domes, these camps offer something extraordinary for every type of traveler. With their popularity soaring, it’s highly recommended to book early and secure your place in this desert oasis.
Practical information
A trip to the Sahara requires a little preparation, but the rewards are well worth it. The ideal times to visit are from March to May, or between September and November. In the summer, the desert heat can be intense, with daytime temperatures soaring to scorching levels. In winter, the nights can be surprisingly cold, so packing layers is key to staying comfortable.
Merzouga is about a nine-hour drive from Marrakech and around seven hours from Fez. You can choose to rent a car for the journey, or opt for one of the many organized tours that depart from the major cities. If driving isn’t your thing, there are buses that head to nearby Erfoud and Rissani, from where you can easily catch a taxi or a 4×4 to reach Merzouga.
Pack wisely for your desert adventure. Sunscreen, a hat or scarf, and sunglasses are absolute essentials to protect yourself from the sun. The wind can kick up sand at any moment, so having a scarf to cover your face is a real game-changer. If you’re planning to tackle the dunes, sturdy shoes are a must to ensure a comfortable climb. A flashlight or headlamp will also come in handy—especially in camps where the night falls into complete darkness, or if you’re aiming to catch the sunrise from the dunes.
And don’t forget to bring plenty of cash with you. There are no ATMs in Merzouga, and card payments are often not an option, so it’s best to come prepared.
