12 Things to Do in Merzouga: Camel Treks, Sandboarding, Nomads and More
The best things to do in Merzouga are a sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, a night in a desert camp, sunrise from the top of a dune, sandboarding, a 4x4 tour around the erg, Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia, a visit to a nomad family and stargazing far from any light pollution.
1. Ride a camel into the dunes at sunset
The signature experience: a caravan of dromedaries led by a Berber guide walks for one to two hours into the erg as the sand turns from gold to deep orange. Most camps are reached this way. Our camel ride guide explains what to wear and how long rides last.
2. Sleep in a desert camp
Spend the night in a Berber tent camp among the dunes, with dinner, drumming around the fire and a sky full of stars. Camps range from simple to luxurious; read luxury desert camp in Merzouga to compare.
3. Watch the sunrise from a high dune
Wake before dawn and climb the dune behind the camp. It is a steep 20–30 minute climb in soft sand, but the view of the light spreading over the erg is unforgettable.
4. Try sandboarding
Many camps lend boards. The highest dunes of Erg Chebbi reach about 150 m, so you can choose a gentle slope or a long run. The walk up is the hard part.
5. Take a 4x4 tour around Erg Chebbi
A half-day or full-day 4x4 excursion circles the dunes, visiting the black volcanic desert, old mines, oases and seasonal lakes. It is the best way to understand the scale of the landscape.
6. Listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia
The village of Khamlia, a few kilometres south of Merzouga, is home to a community of Gnawa musicians, descendants of people from sub-Saharan Africa. Groups play hypnotic music with drums and metal castanets (qraqeb) and usually welcome visitors with tea.
7. Visit a nomad family
Some excursions include a visit to semi-nomadic families who still live in tents with their goats and camels. Go with a guide who knows them and respects their privacy.
8. See the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji
After rare rains, a shallow lake forms near Merzouga and sometimes attracts flamingos. It can be dry for years, so ask locally.
9. Explore Rissani's market and ksour
Rissani, about 35 km away, was the historic capital of the Tafilalt oasis. Its souk is busiest on market days, and the surrounding ksour (fortified villages) and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif tell the story of the Alaouite dynasty.
10. Try a medfouna, the "Berber pizza"
A local speciality: flatbread stuffed with spiced meat, onions, eggs and herbs, baked in the hot sand or in a clay oven. Ask your camp or a village restaurant.
11. Ride a quad bike or buggy
Motorised rides around the dunes are popular. Choose an operator that keeps to permitted areas, provides helmets and respects camps and wildlife.
12. Stargaze
With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible on moonless nights. Check the moon phase when you book if stars matter to you.
How many nights in Merzouga?
One night in a desert camp is enough to see sunset and sunrise. Two nights let you add a 4x4 tour, Khamlia and sandboarding without rushing. If time is short, a 3-day tour from Marrakech includes one night in the dunes; travellers coming from the north can take the Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
Best seasons and packing advice are in the best time to visit the Sahara and what to pack for the desert. For the official regional tourism view, visit the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Merzouga with Camel Trek — from €145 per person, pay on the day.
- From Fes: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Marrakech via Merzouga — from €165 per person, pay on the day.
Frequently asked questions
What is Merzouga famous for?
Merzouga is famous for the Erg Chebbi dunes, among the highest and most accessible sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, and for camel treks and nights in Berber desert camps.
How many days do you need in Merzouga?
One night is enough for the essentials (sunset camel ride, camp, sunrise). Two nights allow a 4x4 tour, Khamlia and sandboarding at a relaxed pace.
Can you sandboard in Merzouga?
Yes. Most desert camps lend sandboards for free or a small fee, and the high dunes of Erg Chebbi are ideal for it.
Is Merzouga worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Morocco and the best place in the country to experience real Sahara dunes.
Main photo: Mustang Joe, Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
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