Merzouga is a small village on the edge of the Sahara Desert in southeastern Morocco, and it’s the gateway to Erg Chebbi — the most spectacular sand dune field in the country. If you’ve dreamed of riding a camel across golden dunes and sleeping under a sky full of stars, this is the place.
Where is Merzouga?
Merzouga sits approximately 560 km from Marrakech — a drive of 9-10 hours through the Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley and desert landscapes. Most visitors reach Merzouga on a 3-day tour from Marrakech, which breaks the journey into manageable, scenic stages.
The Erg Chebbi Dunes
Erg Chebbi is a field of wind-sculpted sand dunes stretching roughly 22 km long and 5 km wide. The highest dunes reach 150 metres — tall enough to dwarf everything around them. The sand shifts from golden to orange to deep red depending on the time of day.
The dunes are best experienced at sunset and sunrise, when the light creates dramatic shadows and the colours are at their most intense.
What to Expect at a Desert Camp
Standard camps offer private tents with mattresses, blankets and shared bathroom facilities. Dinner is cooked over an open fire. The experience is authentic and comfortable but basic.
Luxury camps offer private tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, premium bedding and gourmet dining. Some even have swimming pools.
Both types provide the essential desert experience: camel trek, campfire, Berber music and stargazing.
What to Pack
- Warm layers (desert nights can drop below 10°C, even in summer)
- A scarf or buff (for sand and sun protection)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes (not flip-flops — sand gets hot)
- A headlamp or torch
- Camera with charged batteries
- Swimwear (some luxury camps have pools)
Best Time to Visit
- October to April: comfortable temperatures, clear skies, best for stargazing
- May and September: warm but manageable
- June to August: very hot (40°C+) during the day, but sunset and sunrise are still spectacular
Camel Trek Tips
The camel ride from Merzouga to the desert camp takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The camels are gentle and well-trained. Wear comfortable trousers and hold on during the standing-up phase — that’s the wobbliest part.
How to Book
We offer 3-day and 4-day Merzouga tours from Marrakech, with standard or luxury camp options. Every tour includes hotel pickup, all transport, accommodation, meals at the camps and a licensed guide.
Book your experience direct
Hotel or riad pickup · Free cancellation 24h · Pay on the day