Merzouga & Erg Chebbi

About Merzouga & Erg Chebbi

Erg Chebbi stretches roughly 20–30 km north to south, with some dunes rising around 150 m. The village of Merzouga and its neighbours line its western edge, with camps tucked into the dunes.

Nearby are Khamlia, known for Gnawa music; Rissani, the historic market town; and Erfoud, a centre for fossils. A seasonal lake, Dayet Srji, can attract flamingos and other birds after rain.

Merzouga is a long way from Morocco’s big cities: around 9–10 hours from Marrakech and 7–8 hours from Fes, so we always plan travel over at least two days.

Top things to do

• Sunset camel trek. Ride into the dunes for sunset, then on to a desert camp.
• Night at a desert camp. From simple to luxury tents, with dinner, music and stars.
• Sunrise over the dunes. Climb a dune crest to watch the first light spread across the sand.
• Sandboarding. Slide down soft slopes, from gentle to steep.
• Quads and buggies. Guided off-road rides in designated areas with briefing and gear.
• Gnawa music in Khamlia. Meet musicians whose rhythms tell the village’s history.
• Stargazing. Some of the darkest skies in Morocco, depending on moon and weather.
• Desert 4x4 loop. Visit nomad areas, mines, Khamlia and the seasonal lake.

Outdoor activities

• Camel treks at sunrise and sunset
• Dune walks and sandboarding
• Quad, buggy and 4x4 excursions in designated areas
• Birdwatching around Dayet Srji and the oases
• Landscape and Milky Way photography

Getting there & best time

Getting there

• From Marrakech: approx. 9–10 h in total by road — always split over 2 days.
• From Fes: approx. 7–8 h via Midelt and Ifrane.
• From Ouarzazate: approx. 5–6 h.
• From Tinghir (Todra): approx. 3 h.
• From Zagora: approx. 5–6 h via Tazzarine and Alnif.
• From Errachidia Airport: approx. 2–2.5 h.
• To Rissani: approx. 45 min; to Erfoud: approx. 1 h; to Khamlia: approx. 15 min.

Best time to visit

October to April is the most comfortable period, with warm days; nights from December to February can be cold. Summer (June–August) is very hot, so activities are scheduled early morning and late afternoon. Spring winds can bring sand.