Category: Morocco Destinations | Reading Time: 9 Minutes
There are deserts, and then there is Merzouga.
While Morocco offers several desert experiences—from the stone plains of Agafay to the remote wilds of Chigaga—a Merzouga desert tour remains the gold standard for travelers seeking the quintessential Sahara.
Why? Because of Erg Chebbi.
Rising dramatically out of the flat black hamada (stone desert), Erg Chebbi is a 50-kilometer-long sea of wind-blown sand dunes that reach heights of up to 150 meters (500 feet). They shift color from pale yellow at noon to deep ochre at sunset, creating a landscape so surreal it feels like another planet.
If you are planning your first trip and want to know exactly what happens on a Merzouga desert tour, this guide covers everything from the camel trek to the campfires.
Why Choose Merzouga? (The “Real” Sahara)
Before you book, it is important to understand what makes Merzouga unique compared to other options like Zagora.
- The Height of the Dunes: Zagora is flat. Merzouga has towering mountains of sand. If you want to sandboard or climb a dune for a panoramic view, Merzouga is the place.
- Accessibility: Unlike Erg Chigaga, which requires two hours of off-road driving, the paved road goes all the way to Merzouga village. This makes a Merzouga desert tour accessible for families and those who prefer a smoother ride.
- Infrastructure: Merzouga has the widest range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to ultra-luxury glamping sites with swimming pools in the sand.
The Sunset Camel Trek: A Rite of Passage
The centerpiece of any Merzouga desert tour is the camel trek.
It typically begins in the late afternoon, around 5:00 PM. You will leave your main luggage in the safety of the hotel or transfer vehicle at the dune line and pack a small overnight bag.
You are introduced to your dromedary (one-humped camel). Guided by a local Berber handler (often wearing a traditional blue djellaba), the caravan sets off.
As you move away from the village, the silence takes over. The only sounds are the soft thud of camel hooves and the wind. The trek usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, timed perfectly so you are deep within the dunes when the sun begins to set. The play of light and shadow on the sand is a photographer’s dream.
Life in the Camp: Stars, Drums, and Tagines
Once you arrive at your camp, the experience shifts from adventure to hospitality.
- Welcome Tea: You are greeted with traditional Moroccan mint tea and cookies.
- Dinner: A communal feast, usually consisting of Harira (soup) followed by a slow-cooked chicken or lamb tagine.
- Entertainment: After dinner, the staff usually gathers around a central campfire to play traditional Gnawa drums and sing songs.
- The Sky: This is the highlight. Far from city lights, the sky over Merzouga is a blanket of stars. You can easily spot the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Beyond the Camels: Other Activities in Merzouga
A great Merzouga desert tour isn’t just about sleeping. If you have the time (we recommend a 4-day itinerary), there is much more to do:
- 4×4 Off-Roading: Take a Land Cruiser around the perimeter of the dunes. You can visit the lead mines of M’Fis and search for fossils.
- Khamlia Village: Visit this village inhabited by dark-skinned Moroccans originally from Sudan and Mali. They are famous for their healing Gnawa music performances.
- Tea with Nomads: Real nomadic families still live in the black desert surrounding the dunes. Visiting their wool tents offers a humbling glimpse into a lifestyle that is slowly disappearing.
- Sandboarding: Many camps provide old snowboards. Hiking up the dune is hard work, but sliding down is pure adrenaline.
Accommodation: Choosing Your Level of Comfort
When browsing Merzouga desert tour packages, you will see two main categories of camps.
1. Standard Camp
- The Setup: Black nomadic tents (wool).
- Facilities: Proper beds and electricity (solar), but bathrooms and showers are usually shared and located in a separate block.
- Verdict: Authentic and affordable.
2. Luxury Camp (Highly Recommended)
- The Setup: Spacious white canvas tents raised on wooden platforms.
- Facilities: En-suite private bathrooms. This is the key difference. You have a flush toilet, a sink, and a hot shower inside your tent.
- Verdict: Worth the extra cost. Washing the sand off in a hot private shower before bed makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Practical Tips for the Dunes
- The Scarf: You will see everyone wearing a turban. It isn’t just for style; it protects your nose and mouth if the wind picks up. Your guide will show you how to tie it.
- Shoes: Wear sneakers for the camel ride (sandals can fall off). Walk barefoot once you are at the camp.
- Water: It is dry out there. Buy large 5L bottles of water before you enter the desert.
- Seasons:
- Oct–Apr: Perfect days, cold nights (bring a jacket!).
- Jun–Aug: Extremely hot. Ensure your tour includes an A/C hotel for the daytime hours.
Final Thoughts: A Bucket List Essential
The drive to get there is long—whether you come from Fes or Marrakech—but the reward is undeniable.
A Merzouga desert tour offers a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world. Standing on top of a dune, looking out over the endless waves of sand, gives you a sense of scale and peace that is hard to find anywhere else.
Ready to see the Sahara?
Check out our 3-Day Merzouga from Marrakech or our Fes to Merzouga Expedition to book your spot in the dunes.
