Sahara Desert in Merzouga: Complete Guide

Our team lives in Ksar El Khamlia, a small village at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, a few kilometres south of Merzouga. We have welcomed travellers here since 2014. In this guide, we share what we know about the Sahara desert Merzouga area: how to get here, what to do, where to sleep and how to prepare.

What is Erg Chebbi?

Erg Chebbi is a sea of sand dunes in south-eastern Morocco, close to the border with Algeria. It is about 22 kilometres long, and the highest dunes rise around 150 metres. The colour of the sand changes during the day, from pale yellow at noon to deep orange and red at sunset. Merzouga is the main village at the edge of the dunes, and several small villages, including Khamlia, are spread along the sand.

How to reach Merzouga

Merzouga is far from the big cities, so most travellers come on a road tour. The drive from Marrakech takes about nine to ten hours without stops, so it is usually split into two days through Aït Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley. From Fez, it is about seven to eight hours via Ifrane and Midelt, which is possible in one day.

• From Marrakech: our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour.
• From Fez: our 3-day Fez to Merzouga desert tour.
• One-way: the 4-day trip from Marrakech to Fez via the desert.

The camel ride

Most visitors arrive in the late afternoon. You leave your large luggage in the vehicle and take a small bag for the night. The camels are led on foot by a local camel guide, and the ride to the camp takes about one to one and a half hours. On the way, you stop on a dune to watch the sunset. The camels walk slowly, and the guide helps you get on and off.

Desert camps

Camps in Erg Chebbi range from simple to luxury. Standard camps have private tents with beds and blankets, and shared or private bathrooms. Luxury camps have larger tents with private bathrooms, hot showers and more comfort. All camps serve dinner and breakfast. In the evening, there is often a campfire and local music.

We help you choose the camp that fits your style and budget. Couples often choose a luxury camp with a private dinner in the dunes, as on our honeymoon desert tour.

Things to do around Merzouga

Sunrise and sunset on the dunes

Climbing a high dune for sunrise is a highlight. Walking up the sand is tiring, so go slowly and take short breaks. The view over the endless dunes is worth the effort.

Gnawa music in Khamlia

Khamlia is known for its Gnawa music. The Gnawa community has a long history in this region, and their songs use iron castanets called qraqeb and a bass lute called guembri. In Khamlia you can listen to a performance, drink mint tea and learn about the history of the music. It is our home, and we are always happy to share it.

Rissani market

Rissani is a market town near the old city of Sijilmasa, once an important stop for caravans crossing the Sahara. The souk is busy on market days, with spices, dates, and even a donkey parking area.

Fossils and the desert landscape

The area around Erfoud and Merzouga is famous for fossils. You can visit workshops where craftsmen cut and polish fossil stone. A 4x4 excursion around the dunes can also show you nomad families, old mines and the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji, where flamingos are sometimes seen after rain.

Weather in the Sahara

• March to May: warm days, cool nights, the most comfortable season.
• June to August: very hot days, often above 40°C; warm nights.
• September to November: pleasant days and clear skies.
• December to February: mild sunny days and cold nights, sometimes close to freezing.

Read our full guide on the best time to visit Morocco for more details.

What to pack for the desert

• A small backpack for the night in the camp.
• A scarf to protect your face from sun and sand. You can learn to tie it like a local turban.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
• A warm layer for the night, even in spring and autumn.
• A torch or phone light, and a power bank, as charging may be limited in simple camps.
• Wet wipes and a small bottle of water.

Respect the desert and its people

The Sahara is fragile. Please take your rubbish back with you and do not drive off-road in sensitive areas. Ask before you photograph people, especially women and children. Buying from local cooperatives and musicians helps families in the villages around the dunes.

Plan your desert trip with a local team

Because we live here, we know the dunes in every season. All our tours are private and can start any day from Marrakech, Fez or other cities. Explore all our Sahara desert tours or contact us to plan your trip.