Merzouga
Morocco · Drâa-Tafilalet · 750 m
Description
Merzouga (مرزوكة) is a small desert village in southeastern Morocco and the best-known gateway to the vast sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Rising up to around 150 meters, the dunes rank among the most impressive landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara and are renowned for camel rides, desert excursions, overnight stays in desert camps, and spectacular sunrises. Merzouga combines Amazigh (Berber) culture with golden dunes, palm groves, and the captivating vastness of the Sahara. The village is considered one of Morocco’s main starting points for experiencing the landscape and atmosphere of the desert.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – January
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
- Sahara desert camps
- Erg Chebbi sunrise and sunset viewpoints
- Stargazing in the Sahara
- 4x4 excursions around Erg Chebbi
- Rissani traditional souk(Day trip)
- Khamlia village and Gnawa music
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif(Day trip)
- Dayet Srij seasonal lake (February - May)
- Flamingos and migratory birds at Dayet Srij (February - May)
- Erfoud fossil workshops(Day trip)
- Hassilabied oasis
- Hassilabied palm groves and irrigation gardens
- Sahara fossil sites around Erfoud(Day trip)
- Merzouga palm grove
- Erg Chebbi dune hiking
- Sandboarding on Erg Chebbi
- Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim(Day trip)
- Merzouga desert cycling
- M'Fis abandoned mining village
- Sijilmassa archaeological ruins(Day trip)
- Nomadic settlements around Erg Chebbi
- Taouz rock engravings(Day trip)
- Taouz desert landscapes(Day trip)
- Ouzina desert and dunes(Day trip)