Southeast Morocco
Merzouga
Gateway to the Sahara
Merzouga is the closest village to Erg Chebbi — Morocco's most spectacular sand dunes, rising up to 150 metres from the flat desert floor. This is the Sahara of imagination: golden, vast, and utterly silent except for the wind.
Top highlights
Erg Chebbi Dunes
Morocco's largest erg — a sea of golden sand dunes stretching 22km long and 5km wide, with some dunes reaching 150 metres. Sunrise and sunset are unmissable.
Camel Trekking
The classic Sahara experience — a 1–2 hour camel trek into the dunes to reach your overnight desert camp as the sun sets over the sand.
Desert Camp Overnight
Spend a night in a traditional Berber camp deep in the dunes — dinner under the stars, Berber music around the fire, and a sunrise you'll never forget.
Berber Village Visit
Visit the nomadic Berber communities around Merzouga to learn about traditional desert life, music, and hospitality.
4x4 Desert Excursion
Explore the wider desert by 4x4 — fossil sites, salt lakes, nomad camps, and the dramatic black volcanic rock formations around Erg Chebbi.
Sunrise over the Dunes
Wake before dawn and climb the nearest dune to watch the Sahara turn from deep purple to blazing gold as the sun rises over Algeria.
Insider tips
Book a desert camp that's actually in the dunes — not on the edge of town.
Bring warm layers for the night — desert temperatures drop dramatically after sunset.
The best dune views are from the top of the large dunes — allow 30–45 minutes to climb.
Avoid visiting June–August when temperatures regularly exceed 45°C.
Quick info
Best time to visit
October – April
Climate
True desert climate. Summers are extremely hot (45°C+) and should be avoided. Winter nights can drop below freezing. Spring and autumn are ideal with warm days and cool nights.
Getting there
Merzouga is 50km south of Erfoud. Reached by private car or bus from Fes (8 hours), Marrakech (9 hours), or as part of a guided tour.
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