Merzouga

Merzouga is a small place with a large horizon. The Erg Chebbi dunes rise without much warning from the hamada, which is why they photograph like another planet.

You come for sunset, camp, stars and sunrise. You can also stay a second night for 4x4, Khamlia music and a day that is not a transfer. That second night is the difference between having seen the Sahara and having been there.

When to visit Merzouga

October to April offers the most comfortable desert weather, with warm days and cold nights; bring a warm layer for the camp. From May to September the days are very hot, so we plan camel rides for late afternoon and early morning and choose camps with good ventilation.

Getting to Merzouga

Merzouga is about 560 kilometres from Marrakech, a journey best split over two or three days via the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge. From Fes it is roughly seven to eight hours through the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley, and from Errachidia airport about two hours. The last stretch passes Erfoud and Rissani, where it is worth stopping for dates and the market before the dunes appear.

Authoritative background: Visit Morocco guide to Errachidia, Midelt and Merzouga (Visit Morocco — Errachidia, Midelt and Merzouga).

Morocco desert tours