BEST OF DESERT ACTIVITIES
Merzouga, nestled in the Sahara Desert of Morocco, stands as one of the premier destinations in both Morocco and the world. Its renowned feature, the breathtaking golden sand dunes known as Erg Chebbi dunes, coupled with the unparalleled beauty of its sunsets and sunrises, solidifies its status as a must-visit location. Merzouga offers a plethora of activities, making it an iconic travel destination in Morocco.
A trip to Morocco would be incomplete without experiencing the majestic Sahara Desert, making Merzouga an essential stop on your itinerary. With numerous activities to indulge in, Merzouga promises a complete desert experience that will linger in your memories forever. Below, discover the top things to do in Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes for an unforgettable adventure.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MERZOUGA?
There are numerous compelling reasons to visit the Sahara desert of Merzouga, and here are just a few:
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Camel Riding on Sand Dunes: Experience the thrill of riding camels across the undulating sand dunes, a quintessential desert adventure.
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Sleeping under the Starlit Sky: Spend nights in the heart of the desert, nestled between sand dunes, beneath a canopy of billions of stars, an experience that feels out of this world.
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Otherworldly Landscape: Merzouga’s desert landscape, with its vast expanse of sand dunes, offers a surreal environment reminiscent of another planet, fulfilling a dream for many adventurers.
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Photography Opportunities: For photography enthusiasts, Merzouga presents endless opportunities to capture stunning shots for blogs, Instagram, or personal collections.
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Escape the Crowds: Visiting Merzouga allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of busy cities like Marrakech and Fes, offering a serene and tranquil experience amidst the Erg Chebbi dunes.
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Unforgettable Sunsets and Sunrises: Witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises in Merzouga, where the sky paints a mesmerizing canvas over the orange-hued sand dunes, a sight beyond words.
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Reconnect with Nature: Merzouga’s magnificent sand dunes offer a chance to reconnect with nature, with the rippling waves of sand resembling an ocean frozen in time.
If you’re contemplating a visit to Merzouga desert, the resounding answer is yes — an experience not to be missed.
5 BEST THINGS TO DO WHILE IN MERZOUGA
CAMEL TREK IN MERZOUGA
The initial impression most travelers have of Morocco is its vast deserts, followed by the camels, since deserts and camels often go hand in hand. Camels are the traditional mode of transportation across deserts, and in the Merzouga desert, you can experience this ancient way of travel.
Camel trekking in the Merzouga Sahara is the primary activity offered to visitors and is considered one of the top experiences in the Merzouga desert. It’s an essential activity when visiting Merzouga, or even Morocco as a whole! You’ll ride camels over the orange sand dunes and get a sense of what travel was like in bygone days.
Ecstatic Morocco Tours offers three different options for experiencing camel trekking in Merzouga:
THE SUNSET CAMEL RIDE
The “Camel Ride for Sunset” in Merzouga lets you journey on camels across the sand dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes. This experience begins at least an hour before sunset. You’ll spend about half an hour riding camels to reach a high dune, where you can enjoy the spectacular view as the sun sets. Afterward, you’ll ride the camels back to the town, concluding the activity.
Details about the sunset camel ride:
Starting time: One hour before sunset (around 5:00 PM).
Starting location: From the town of Merzouga.
Ending location: Back at the starting point.
Duration of the activity: Approximately two hours.
Camel: One camel per person.
To book camel trekking for sunset activity and for more information, contact, Ecstatic Morocco Tours.
SUNRISE CAMEL RIDE
The “Camel Ride for Sunrise” is an ideal way to start a new day in the desert. Watching the sunrise has a certain romance to it, whether you’re with a partner, friend, or family. Merzouga’s sunrise is renowned worldwide, and Morocco Fabulous Travel provides an opportunity to witness it from a high dune in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience the beauty of the sun rising and the sand dunes glowing orange.
Details about the sunrise camel trekking activity in Merzouga:
Details about the sunrise camel trekking activity in Merzouga:
Starting location: From the town of Merzouga.
Ending location: Back in Merzouga.
Starting time: One hour before sunrise.
Duration of the activity: Approximately two hours.
Camel: One camel per person.
To book this activity, contact ecstatic morocco tours.
Merzouga Overnight Camel Trek
Embarking on an overnight camel trek in the Merzouga desert stands out as one of the most thrilling experiences available in the area. Opting for a camel ride to a desert camp in Morocco provides an ideal opportunity for those seeking a tranquil night beneath a star-studded sky, far from the hustle and bustle.
The journey from the town of Merzouga typically takes around two hours. Along the way, there will be a pause to admire the sunset from a lofty dune and perhaps indulge in some sandboarding before resuming the camel ride towards the camp. Rest assured, you’ll be provided with a private tent to ensure a comfortable and intimate night’s sleep.
As dawn breaks the next day, it’s advisable to set your alarm early and undertake the challenging ascent of a nearby dune. Though demanding, the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise, perhaps one of the most memorable you’ll ever witness. Following this spectacle, a sumptuous breakfast awaits at the camp.
For the return journey, you have the option of either camel trekking back to Merzouga or opting for a 4×4 vehicle, providing flexibility in your travel arrangements.
Details about Camel Trekking and Camping in the Desert Activity:
- Starting/Ending location: Merzouga.
- Starting time: Evening, approximately 04:30 PM.
- Camel: One camel per person.
- Accommodation options: Choose between a luxury desert camp and a standard desert camp.
- Availability: This activity is available every day.
- Additional options: You can also opt for camel trekking for two nights or more in the desert.
To book this activity or for more information, please contact us.
FOUR BY FOUR IN THE DEEP OF THE DESERT
Exploring the wonders of the Erg Chebbi dunes through a jeep excursion in the Merzouga desert is undoubtedly one of the finest activities to indulge in. This adventure unveils a plethora of fascinating sites, including the picturesque Dayet Srij lake, renowned as Morocco’s prime spot for observing diverse desert bird species, including enchanting flamingos.
The 4×4 excursion also encompasses a visit to the village of Khamlia, inhabited by descendants who fled from Africa’s southern regions during the era of slavery. This frontier settlement is home to talented Gnawa musicians, offering you the chance to immerse yourself in their captivating musical traditions. Nearby lies the ancient and deserted village of M’ifis, nestled close to the borders between Morocco and Algeria. Once housing Galena mines, this village historically utilized Galena as a cosmetic for darkening the eyes, a tradition still practiced today, particularly during wedding ceremonies.
Your journey through the sand dunes of Merzouga by 4×4 vehicle also includes a heartwarming visit to a nomadic family dwelling near the Morocco-Algeria border. Here, you’ll have ample time to delve into their rich cultural heritage while savoring a traditional cup of tea within the comfort of their authentic Berber tents.
This exploratory excursion is flexible in timing, with options to commence at any point during the day, though commencing at 10:00 AM or 04:00 PM is recommended for optimal experience.
For reservations and further inquiries regarding this activity, please do not hesitate to contact us.
ATV QUAD BIKING IN THE DESERT
If you’re seeking the ultimate off-road adventure to explore the sand dunes of Merzouga up close, then a quad bike is the perfect choice for you. This ATV quad biking experience in Merzouga promises an adrenaline-fueled journey, taking you on a scenic trail through the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes.
All quad bikes provided by Ecstatic Morocco Tours are fully automatic and designed for ease of use, making them accessible to all without the need for a license or prior riding experience. Our experienced and friendly quad biking guide will accompany you, providing a thorough safety briefing before your adventure begins.
To reserve your spot for this thrilling ATV quad biking experience in Merzouga or for further details, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
BUGGY DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN THE DESERT
Indulge in thrills and excitement with our buggy driving adventure in the Merzouga desert. With us, you’ll embark on an exhilarating and comfortable drive through the stunning sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Even renowned artists like Daddy Yankee and RedOne have experienced the excitement of our buggy driving excursion.
Your journey will be accompanied by our experienced guide, who will lead the way on his quad bike. Our buggies are designed for easy control, ensuring a seamless driving experience for all participants. No license is required to drive our buggies, and the minimum age for drivers is 12 years old (those aged 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult).
For further information and to make reservations, please feel free to contact us.
BOOKING PROCESS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are six options available for reaching the Merzouga desert:
Plane: Take a flight from Marrakech or Fes to Errachidia, which is 135 km away from Merzouga Sahara desert, with Royal Air Maroc. Then, hire a car with a driver to Merzouga. Feel free to contact us for assistance with this option.
Supratour Bus: Opt for the Supratour bus, which offers direct trips from Marrakech or Fes to Merzouga.
Public Grand Taxis: Use public Grand taxis for travel between cities. However, note that you’ll need to change taxis at each taxi station, and availability may vary. This option is not recommended due to potential delays or unavailability.
Car Rental: Rent a car from a car rental company in Marrakech or Fes and drive yourself to Merzouga.
Car with Driver: Hire a car with a professional driver to ensure a comfortable journey without any worries. Contact us for assistance in arranging a comfortable car with a skilled driver.
Desert Tours: Consider booking one of our Marrakech desert tours or Fes desert tours. Highly recommended for saving time and immersing yourself in Moroccan culture.
Choose the option that best suits your preferences and needs for a seamless journey to the Merzouga desert. Feel free to reach out to us for further assistance or inquiries.
The distance between Marrakech and Merzouga is 563,7 Km via N9.
Driving from Marrakech to Merzouga is 9 hours by a private car and 12 hours by a Supratour bus.
The distance between Fes and Merzouga is 470 km via N13.
Driving from Fes to Merzouga is 7 hours by a private car and 09h45min by a Supratour bus.
There are many things to see and do in Merzouga, we suggest to spend at least two nights.
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