Short answer: Merzouga is a small village in south-east Morocco at the foot of Erg Chebbi, a field of sand dunes about 22 km long that rises to roughly 150 metres. It is the easiest place in Morocco to see the classic Sahara of high orange dunes. Plan one or two nights, with a camel ride at sunset and a night in a desert camp.
Where is Merzouga?
Merzouga lies close to the Algerian border, south of Erfoud and Rissani, in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. Distances by road:
- From Fes: about 470 km, 7 to 8 hours.
- From Marrakech: about 560 km, 9 to 10 hours.
- From Errachidia airport: about 2 hours.
Most travellers arrive on a loop between Fes and Marrakech. See Fes to Marrakech through the desert.
Things to do in Merzouga
- Camel ride at sunset into the dunes, usually about an hour, and back at sunrise.
- A night in a desert camp, standard or luxury. Compare them in our guide to Sahara desert camps.
- Sandboarding down the big dunes.
- A 4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi: nomad families, old mines, the black desert.
- Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa musicians, descendants of families from sub-Saharan Africa.
- Dayet Srji, a seasonal lake that sometimes attracts flamingos after rain.
- Rissani, an old caravan town with a lively market and the ruins of Sijilmassa nearby.
- Fossils in Erfoud, where workshops cut and polish fossil-rich marble.
- Stargazing: far from city lights, the Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights.
How long to stay
One night is the classic: arrive in the afternoon, ride into the dunes for sunset, sleep in the camp, watch the sunrise and leave after breakfast. Two nights let you add a 4×4 tour, Khamlia and a slower morning.
Best time to visit
October to April. From June to August, days often pass 40 °C. In December and January, nights in the dunes can approach freezing, so bring warm layers. More in our month-by-month guide.
What to pack
- A small overnight bag; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
- A warm fleece and a hat for the night.
- A scarf, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- A head torch and a power bank.
Merzouga tours
All our Sahara desert tours include Merzouga, from the classic 8-day tour from Casablanca to the 14-day grand tour. Coming from Marrakech? Read how the 3-day tour works. For more on the desert itself, see our Sahara desert guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Merzouga the real Sahara?
Yes. Erg Chebbi is a dune field on the north-western edge of the Sahara, with some of the highest sand dunes in Morocco.
How high are the dunes in Merzouga?
The highest dunes of Erg Chebbi rise to about 150 metres above the surrounding plain.
How do I get to Merzouga?
By road from Fes (7 to 8 hours) or Marrakech (9 to 10 hours), or by flying to Errachidia, about 2 hours away. Most visitors come on a private or organised tour.
How many nights should I spend in Merzouga?
One night is enough for the camel ride, sunset and sunrise. Two nights let you explore the area by 4×4 and visit Khamlia.
Ready for the dunes? Ask us for a private Merzouga desert trip from Fes, Marrakech or Casablanca.