Destination guide · Drâa-Tafilalet
Sahara Desert Travel Guide (Merzouga)
Golden dunes, camel treks and nights under the stars
- Best time
- October to April
- Region
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Getting there
- Errachidia Airport (ERH), about 2 h by road
- Known for
- Erg Chebbi dunes, desert camps, night skies
Overview
Why visit Sahara Desert
For most travelers, the Sahara means Merzouga, Morocco and the dunes of Erg Chebbi: a sea of orange sand up to about 150 metres high and 22 km long, near the Algerian border. Riding a camel into the dunes at sunset and sleeping in a desert camp is why most people make the long drive. Merzouga, Morocco is far from the big cities, so most visitors arrive on a three day tour from Marrakech or Fes, stopping at gorges, kasbahs and palm oases along the way. On your own, night buses run from Fes and Marrakech, and the nearest airport is Errachidia, two hours away. Plan at least one night in the dunes, two if you can.
Gallery
Merzouga, Morocco in pictures
A quick look at the places in this guide.
When to go
Best time to visit Sahara Desert
The best months to visit Merzouga, Morocco are October to April.
Best
Autumn (October to November)
Warm days of 25 to 30°C and mild nights. One of the best times for camps and treks.
Good
Winter (December to February)
Sunny 20°C days but cold nights close to freezing. Pick a camp with good blankets or heating.
Best
Spring (March to April)
Warm and pleasant, though occasional sandstorms can blow through.
Very hot
Summer (May to September)
Extremely hot, often 40°C and above. If you go, ride at dawn and sunset only.
Our picks
Top 10 attractions in Sahara Desert
Our pick of the ten places not to miss around Merzouga, Morocco, each with a local tip.
Erg Chebbi dunes
Morocco’s most spectacular dune field, glowing orange and pink at sunrise and sunset.
Local tip: Climb a dune for sunrise; it is harder than it looks, so start early.
Sunset camel trek
The classic ride from the village edge into the dunes, usually 1 to 2 hours to camp.
Local tip: Wrap a scarf around your face and keep your camera in a bag against the sand.
A night in a desert camp
Berber tents with dinner, drumming around the fire and silence after dark.
Local tip: Choose between standard and luxury camps; luxury camps have private bathrooms.
Stargazing
Almost no light pollution, so the Milky Way is spectacular on moonless nights.
Local tip: Check the moon phase before booking if the stars matter to you.
Khamlia village
A small village known for Gnawa music, performed by descendants of West African communities.
Local tip: Many tours stop here for tea and a performance.
Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rissani market
A traditional market town, once the gateway of the caravan trade, with a busy donkey “parking lot”.
Local tip: Visit on a market day (usually Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday).
Photo: Baca12, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Todra Gorge
Towering limestone walls up to 300 metres high on the route from Marrakech or Ouarzazate.
Local tip: Walk into the gorge early before tour buses arrive.
Dades Valley
A green valley of kasbahs, rock formations and the famous hairpin road.
Local tip: Stop at the viewpoint above the switchbacks.
Photo: Hans Peter Schaefer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Erfoud fossil workshops
The region is rich in ancient fossils, carved and polished into tables and souvenirs.
Local tip: Ask about origin and export rules before buying large pieces.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dayet Srji
A seasonal lake near the dunes that sometimes attracts flamingos after rain.
Local tip: Only has water after wet winters; ask locally before going.
Photo: Hamza ZIDANE, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Experiences
Things to do in Sahara Desert
Try sandboarding
Board down the steep dunes; most camps have boards to borrow.
Take a 4×4 tour
Drive around the erg to nomad settlements, old mines and oases.
Eat medfouna
The “Berber pizza” stuffed with meat and spices, baked in the sand or a clay oven.
Watch sunrise from the dunes
Worth the early alarm, and the light is best for photos.
Meet a nomad family
Some tours include tea with a local family; go with a respectful local guide.
Ride a quad or buggy
Popular with some visitors, but stick to marked areas and responsible operators.
Transport
Getting to and around Sahara Desert
Getting there
To reach Merzouga, Morocco, most people join a 3 day tour from Marrakech (about 9 to 10 hours of driving in total) or a 2 to 3 day tour from Fes (about 7 to 8 hours). Supratours runs overnight buses to Merzouga, and the nearest airport is Errachidia. Driving yourself is straightforward on good roads.
Getting around
Camps arrange camel or 4×4 transfers into the dunes. Hotels at the dune edge in Merzouga and Hassilabied can organise excursions, and taxis connect Merzouga with Rissani.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Sahara Desert
The full experience
Desert camp
Sleep in the dunes after a camel trek. Standard camps share bathrooms; luxury camps are private.
Comfort at the dune edge
Merzouga & Hassilabied
kasbah style hotels with pools and dune views, handy for a second night.
Budget and transit
Rissani & Erfoud
Towns 40 to 60 minutes away with simpler hotels and markets.
Nearby
Day trips from Sahara Desert
- 40 min
Rissani
Market town and the old mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif.
- 1 h
Erfoud
Fossil workshops and a date market.
- 3 h
Todra Gorge
Dramatic canyon walls, usually a stop en route.
- Long drive
Zagora
A different desert area; better as part of a separate route.
Good to know
Sahara Desert FAQ
Merzouga or Zagora?
Merzouga has the big golden dunes most people imagine. Zagora is closer to Marrakech but its dunes are much smaller.
How cold does the desert get at night?
In winter, nights can fall to 0 to 5°C. Bring warm layers, a hat and socks even if the day is hot.
How many nights should I spend in Merzouga, Morocco?
One night works on a tour, but two nights make the long drive worthwhile and give you a full day in the dunes.
What should I pack for Merzouga, Morocco?
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for sand, a warm layer, a torch and a small bag for the camel ride.
From the blog
Sahara Desert articles & guides
We’re still writing our full Sahara Desert articles. Until then, these guides will help you plan.
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