Erg Chebbi, southeastern Morocco
Merzouga & the Sahara
A camel ride into the dunes and a night under Saharan stars.
Overview
About Merzouga & the Sahara
Merzouga is a small village at the edge of Erg Chebbi, a sea of orange sand dunes in southeastern Morocco and the most accessible part of the Moroccan Sahara.
The classic visit is a camel ride into the dunes in the late afternoon, sunset from the top of a dune, and a night in a desert camp with dinner, music and a sky full of stars. Nearby, the village of Khamlia is known for its Gnawa music.
Merzouga is a long but beautiful drive from Marrakech, over the High Atlas and through the Dades and Todra gorges, so most trips take two or three days each way.
Best time to go
Mar – May, Sep – Nov
Spring and autumn are warm by day and cool at night. Summer is extremely hot, and winter nights in the desert are cold.
Highlights
What stands out in Merzouga & the Sahara
Highlights
- Camel trek at sunset
- A night in a desert camp
- Gnawa music in Khamlia
- The road through the Atlas and the gorges
Things to do
- Camel treks
- Desert camp stays
- Sandboarding
- Stargazing
- 4x4 desert tours
Gallery
Merzouga & the Sahara in pictures
Plan a trip to Merzouga & the Sahara
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