Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi

Merzouga is a small village on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a sea of orange dunes that rise up to 150 metres above the stony desert. It is the most spectacular stretch of Sahara you can reach in Morocco, and the highlight of most of our multi-day tours.

The desert experience

The classic way to enter the dunes is by camel, in the late afternoon, so you reach the crest as the sand turns red at sunset. You spend the night in a desert camp, from simple nomad tents to luxury camps with private bathrooms, with dinner, Berber music around the fire and more stars than you have ever seen. At dawn, climb a dune to watch the sunrise before riding back.

Around Merzouga

With an extra day you can explore the area by 4x4: nomad families, the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia, the fossil workshops of Erfoud and the old market town of Rissani.

Getting there

Merzouga is about 9 hours' drive from Marrakech and 7 from Fes, which is why we recommend at least 3 days, and ideally 4 or 5 to travel without rushing.