Discover Merzouga: History & Practical Tips for Travelers
On the way to Merzouga and the doors of the Sahara Desert... Before living your dream of escape and vast open spaces, it's important to prepare well for your trip to the Drâa-Tafilalet region. Merzouga, a small Moroccan village at the edge of the desert, is a must-visit destination when exploring Morocco. Known for its famous dunes, Erg Chebbi, it holds many other treasures. To organize your stay and fully enjoy it, here is some useful information for visiting Merzouga.
Geography of Merzouga
Merzouga is a village in the southeast of Morocco, located at the gateway to the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border, 200 km from Tinghir, and 350 km from Ouarzazate. Marrakech, the capital, is 560 km away, and Fes is 460 km away. The village of Merzouga is primarily known for its famous dunes.
It is situated at the gateway of Erg Chebbi, which boasts breathtaking dunes, among the most spectacular in the Sahara, and the highest fixed dunes in Morocco. It, along with Erg Chegaga, are the only ergs in Morocco (an erg is a desert of dunes as opposed to a reg, a desert of stones and pebbles). Located about fifty kilometers from the Algerian border, Merzouga is one of the last towns in Morocco before entering the Sahara. Due to its exceptional location and setting at the edge of the desert, this charming little town is often included as a stop in itineraries passing through Ouarzazate and Tinghir.
Merzouga is located 42 km from Rissani, the nearest city, and about 60 km from Erfoud, the capital of Tafilalet, north of Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Climate and Weather
Merzouga is a desert region with an arid, hot, and dry climate. In summer, average temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees during the day and 25 degrees in winter, with nighttime temperatures potentially approaching freezing, even in the summer. So, be sure to pack warm clothing.
Rainfall is rare but tends to be intense and accompanied by thunderstorms. Merzouga experiences very little bad weather and benefits from consistently clear skies during the day and night, making it ideal for stargazing.
How to Get to Merzouga?
To get to Merzouga, it is common to start from Marrakech and make a stop in Ouarzazate or Tinghir. The journey takes about 7 hours by road. The easiest way is to rent a car or take a taxi. There are buses departing from all major Moroccan cities to Rissani, Erfoud, or Merzouga, but it takes much longer. From the bus station to Merzouga, you can either rent a car or take a taxi.
Some hotels, like Auberge Africa, offer to pick you up in the city of your choice. Access to Merzouga is not difficult. A paved road will take you to the edge of the desert, already offering a splendid view. The journey is truly worth it! As you approach and see the desert on the horizon with its ochre-colored dunes, it's simply stunning.
Marrakech to Ouarzazate Route
From Rissani, you can easily reach Merzouga by taking a taxi or a rental car; the road is paved (35 km). Some hotels even provide shuttles for this connection. However, it's preferable to opt for a taxi. They are shared (up to 6 passengers) and offer the most cost-effective solution (13 euros). You can choose to pay for the remaining seats if you prefer not to share.
To calculate travel times between the main cities, you can consult this map that we found on the Maroc chez l'habitant website.
Where to Stay in Merzouga?
Merzouga is the base for those who wish to explore Erg Chebbi and its incredible dunes. Located at the doorstep of the desert, this small town captivates with its surrounding landscape. And to fully enjoy this magnificent scenery, what could be better than sleeping at the foot of the dunes?
There is no shortage of hotel and accommodation options in Merzouga, although the occasionally haphazard construction of hotels can be somewhat disorienting.
Prices vary depending on your requirements. You will find a number of hotels in the heart of Merzouga, with rates starting at around 34 euros per night. Staying in a guesthouse or a youth hostel is also possible, with prices starting at around 20 euros per night for guesthouses and 15 euros per night for hostels.
If you wish to stay directly near the dunes, you can opt for a bivouac (tent) accommodation, starting from 25 euros per night, with the most luxurious tents exceeding 100 euros per night.
This is what we offer at Auberge Africa. In addition to the splendid setting that awaits you, it is a true invitation to immersion. With its traditional Moroccan style, the inn welcomes you in simple and comfortable rooms. Staying at Auberge Africa means experiencing an authentic journey that allows you to delve deeper into Moroccan culture. You will also enjoy tasting traditional Moroccan cuisine in a charming setting and a friendly atmosphere.
For those who want to experience the desert up close, you can set up your tent right at the base of the dunes. We provide a camping area, and you even have the option to sleep in a khaima: the traditional tent of Sahara's nomadic people. Finally, if you wish to spend a starry night in the middle of the desert, Auberge Africa offers camel excursions and bivouacs.
Where to Eat in Merzouga?
Moroccan tajine
Most hotels include breakfast in their room rates (be sure to check this when making your reservation). Some also offer packages that include both breakfast and dinner, although the dinner content may seem light in some cases.
Restaurants
There is a wide range of restaurant options, with prices starting at 3-5 euros for a meal. Couscous and tajines are dishes of Berber origin and specialties of southern Morocco.
You will also find several cafes in the heart of the village of Merzouga, where you can quench your thirst at any time (mint tea, sodas, or other refreshing beverages).
What to Do in Merzouga?
Climbing the Big Dune
If you are visiting Merzouga, it is undoubtedly for the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Some of them are among the highest in the Sahara. Therefore, a trip to Merzouga would be incomplete without attempting to climb the big dune. With a height of 160 meters, the ascent is done on foot and is not an easy task, but the effort is well worth it. Once at the top, a breathtaking spectacle awaits you. You have a stunning view of Erg Chebbi stretching over about twenty kilometers, as well as the village of Merzouga nestled at the foot of the dune and Lake Dayet Srji just across.
It is advisable to climb the big dune of Merzouga in the late afternoon for several reasons, the main one being that the heat is more bearable. Additionally, with the sun being less intense, the light is ideal for appreciating the beauty of the dunes as they turn a shade of orange. This is the perfect time to capture stunning photographs. Finally, you will have the opportunity to witness a magical moment: a Sahara sunset!
Another ideal moment to truly admire this magical place is at dawn. The sunrise in Merzouga is unparalleled, and it's hard to say whether the sunrise or the sunset in the heart of the Sahara dunes is more beautiful.
Camping in the Desert camping merzouga
Camping in the desert is an unusual and authentic experience. You can temporarily immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life in the Sahara during an excursion. This unique experience offers the magic of both sunrise and sunset in the desert.
Mounted on a dromedary, you set out to explore the desert, and when night falls, you sleep in a khaima, the authentic Berber tent. Made of camel wool and supported by a wooden structure, it provides a thick layer of rugs on the floor for your comfort and simplicity during the night in the desert. According to tradition, a Moroccan tajine is served for dinner. Camping in this way truly allows you to dive into the heart of the nomadic lifestyle. And at dawn, the magic of the sunrise in the desert awaits you.
Exploring Lake Dayet Srij
Lake Merzouga, Morocco
Not far from Merzouga, just a few kilometers away, you can discover Lake Dayet Srij, which you can spot when climbing the big dune. It offers a superb view of the dunes and exceptional biodiversity. You'll be charmed by the serenity that emanates from this magical place. What a breathtaking sight to see pink flamingos or white storks gracefully move on the blue surface of the lake, with the magnificent dunes of Merzouga as a backdrop. The beauty of this unusual landscape is stunning. A lake at the foot of the desert is something you rarely encounter.
The various color tones intermingle to offer you stunning snapshots. Nature lovers will be delighted. Depending on the time of year, you can encounter various bird species, including the majestic Barbary falcon. To fully appreciate the beauty of this place, we recommend visiting in the late afternoon to witness a breathtaking sunset.
Taking Sand Baths
Sand bath, Merzouga
Here is an activity that you probably haven't thought of, and it's quite unusual: taking a sand bath in the desert! While it may seem like simple fun, it is quite serious. In fact, it is a form of therapy called arénothérapie, which has ancient origins and numerous benefits. Many Moroccans, in particular, come to practice this treatment to relieve their rheumatism, back pain, or dermatological issues. This natural treatment is excellent for eliminating toxins and improving blood circulation.
Originating from North African countries, this natural therapy is still relatively unknown in Europe. In Morocco, it is practiced in the Sahara dunes from June to September when the sand temperature is around 45°C. To enjoy the full benefits of this treatment, all you need to do is lie down in a hole dug in the sand. The person is then completely covered with sand and remains this way for about ten minutes.
This treatment is performed under medical supervision, and a visit to a doctor in Merzouga is necessary before the session to rule out any possible contraindications. To extend the benefits of this therapy, you can choose to have other treatments or massages after the session.
What to Visit Around Merzouga?
Camels at Lake Merzouga
While the dunes of Merzouga are worth the trip on their own, the surrounding areas of this charming little town are also full of points of interest. Just a few kilometers away, you can explore Khamlia and its inhabitants: the Gnawa people. Descendants of Black African slaves, they often come from the Sahel region and are a testament to the traces left by trans-Saharan trade. It's a very interesting visit to discover the culture of this people who will welcome you in a friendly atmosphere with the sound of Saharan music.
Not far from Merzouga is the town of Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, known for its souk, ancient ksours (fortified villages), and mausoleum. A visit to Rissani immerses you in Saharan culture. The Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum is one of the city's most beautiful monuments. It is the burial chamber of the father of Moulay Er-Rachid, who founded the Alaouite dynasty. Built in 1666 by Moulay Al Cherif, it was largely destroyed in 1965 due to a flood from the Ziz River and has been restored several times since. You will have access to its inner courtyard and its beautiful gardens.
Finally, you also have the opportunity to discover the old abandoned mines in the hamada desert, on a rocky plateau. Many of these mines were abandoned. Currently, only a few Moroccan miners work there to extract lead, quartz, and kohl. The volcanic landscape that appears before you almost seems unreal. It is an interesting place to explore.
Merzouga is undoubtedly a town not to be missed during a visit to Morocco. Nestled at the gateway to the Sahara, it serves as the starting point for desert exploration and invites you on a journey into Saharan culture.
https://www.auberge-africa.com/guide/merzouga/