Merzouga is the village at the foot of Erg Chebbi, the tall dune field that defines the Moroccan Sahara for many travelers. Here is how to make the most of a visit.
What Merzouga is like
Erg Chebbi's dunes rise abruptly from a flat plain, and their colour shifts from pale gold to deep orange through the day. The village itself is small, and most visitors come for the dunes.
Things to do
- Trek into the dunes by camel around sunset or sunrise.
- Spend a night in a desert camp and enjoy the stars.
- Try sandboarding, quad biking or a 4x4 outing.
- Explore nearby villages and hear local Gnawa music.
How long to stay
Getting to Merzouga takes most of a day from Marrakech, so a round trip is best done over at least three days, with a night in the desert.
Best time to go
October to April is the most comfortable; nights can be cold in winter. Midsummer is extremely hot.
What to bring
- Layers for cool evenings.
- A scarf, sunglasses and sun protection.
- A small overnight bag for the desert camp.
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