City of Merzouga is a small town in the desert of Morocco, famous for its huge sand dunes, some of which are almost 400 meters high. These dunes are part of the Erg Chebbi, a large area of golden sand that stretches about 50 kilometers. Merzouga is one of the best places to enjoy camel rides, sunset views, and discover Berber culture. The sunsets are magical, especially when you see camels walking across the sand with the sun going down behind them.

📍 Where is City of Merzouga?

Merzouga is about 560 kilometers from Marrakech and close to the town of Errachidia. It’s also near a small lake called Lac Dayet Srij, where you might see birds like flamingos during certain times of the year.

If you don’t want to take a long drive, you can fly to Errachidia and then drive around 2 hours to Merzouga. There are also overnight buses from Fez and Marrakech that are cheaper.

🏺 History & Culture

Local stories say Merzouga was once a green forest. But long ago, the land was turned into desert because the people refused to help a poor woman, and it was seen as a punishment from God.

In the past, Merzouga was not very populated. It was used as a stop for traders traveling to Timbuktu. Later, the Ait Atta nomads lived in the area. The French military also came here in the early 1900s during their time in Morocco.

Now, Merzouga is popular with tourists who want to see the Sahara and learn about Berber life.

🌡️ Weather in Merzouga

  • Summer (June to September): Very hot, up to 45°C during the day.
  • Spring (March & April): Can be windy with sandstorms.
  • Best time to visit: October to February – cooler weather and less wind.
  • Nights can be very cold, so bring warm clothes.

🌍 People & Culture

Merzouga has a small population. People here are mostly Berbers and Arabs. The locals are known to be friendly and welcoming to visitors.

🌟 What to Do in Merzouga

Most of the fun in Merzouga happens in the desert. Here are the top things to do:

🐫 Camel Rides and Desert Camps

  • Ride camels across the dunes.
  • Spend a night in a Berber desert camp.
  • Enjoy local food and listen to traditional music around the campfire.
  • Relax in tents during the hot daytime.

🏡 Stay with a Berber Family

  • For a deeper experience, you can stay with a local family to learn about daily life in the desert.

🏕️ Private Camps

  • Some camps offer luxury tents for couples or small groups. They are more peaceful and private.

🏍️ ATV Tours

  • You can also explore the dunes using quad bikes, but many people prefer the quiet camel rides.

🎶 Visit the Gnaoua Village

  • Just 7 km from Merzouga is a village known for the Gnaoua tribe.
  • These people come from Sudan, and they are known for amazing music and dancing.
  • It’s a great cultural visit if you want to do something different from the desert.

🏜️ Why Merzouga is Special

Merzouga is one of the most famous desert places in Morocco and even North Africa. While the town is small, it is the main entrance to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

It’s the perfect place to feel like you’re in a movie about the desert — with camels, golden sand, and ancient villages that haven’t changed in hundreds of years.

ℹ️ Tips Before You Go

  • Walking: You can walk around the town easily, but avoid going out during midday when it’s too hot.
  • Clothing: Wear light, long-sleeve clothes and a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Guides: Be careful in Rissani or Erfoud. Some people offer cheap rides (like 5 dirhams) but may take you to faraway places and ask for more money. Always check your guide is trusted.