Merzouga and Erg Chebbi
★ 4.8🇲🇦 MerzougaSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season October to April, avoiding the extreme summer heat
Natural wonderDesertStargazing
Huge dune fields in south-eastern Morocco, where a camel ride into a desert camp is the classic Sahara experience.
Overview
Close to the Algerian border, Merzouga sits beside the Erg Chebbi dunes, which run about 28 kilometres north to south and rise as high as 150 metres. Trips usually ride camels into a tented camp at dusk, watch the stars at night and climb a dune for sunrise. Berber villages along the edge arrange Gnawa music performances and 4x4 excursions.
History
An oasis settlement on the old Saharan caravan routes, it became the main gateway to southern Morocco as desert tourism grew in the late 20th century.
Highlights
- •Sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- •Camel trek to a desert camp
- •Stargazing under the Milky Way
- •Berber camps and Gnawa music
Practical tips
- •Desert nights are cold — bring warm layers
- •Sand gets everywhere; protect cameras and electronics
Practical information
- Best time
- October-April
- Tickets
- Camel and camp packages about USD 60-120 per person
- Opening hours
- Open all day; by arrangement
- Local food
- Desert tagine, Berber pizza, mint tea
- Getting around
- About nine hours by road from Marrakesh, seven from Fes.
- Visa
- Visa-free for stays up to 90 days with a valid passport.
Traveller reviews
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