Experience
Merzouga
A village in south-eastern Morocco at the foot of Erg Chebbi, whose dunes reach about 150 metres.
Merzouga borders Erg Chebbi, a dune field some thirty kilometres long whose highest crests stand around 150 metres. It is the simplest way into the great Moroccan desert: the tarmac road runs all the way to the village.
Days are built around two moments, early morning and late afternoon, when the light is low and the heat bearable. In between you stay in the shade: that is the local rhythm, not a tourist's constraint.
You travel by camel, quad bike or 4x4 depending on what you are after. Nights in camp are under Berber tents, inside the erg, and it gets genuinely cold at night for much of the year.
What there is to see
Erg Chebbi
The dune field, running north to south for some thirty kilometres.
Night under canvas
A night in the erg, sunrise over the crests.
Quad bikes and 4x4
The sand tracks around the village and the dunes.
Camel caravan
The ride up to camp at the end of the day, about an hour.
Dayet Srji
A seasonal lake west of the village; flamingos after the rains.
Khamlia
A neighbouring village known for Gnawa music, played there.
When to go
October to April. Summer in the south-east regularly passes 45 °C during the day, which makes outdoor activity difficult.
Merzouga: frequently asked questions
How do you get to Merzouga?
By road, usually from Marrakesh or Fez. The drive from Marrakesh is about 560 kilometres and takes two days, with stops that are worth making. There is a regional airport at Errachidia, a little over two hours away.
Can you do quad biking and camel riding on the same day?
Yes, and it is the usual arrangement: quad biking in the middle of the day, then up to camp by camel in the late afternoon for the sunset.
Is it cold at night in the desert?
Yes, even after a hot day. From November to February, nights in the erg regularly drop below 5 °C. A warm jacket is not excessive.
