15 Best Things to Do in the Merzouga Desert
A local guide to the Erg Chebbi dunes
Merzouga sits at the edge of Erg Chebbi, the most famous sea of dunes in Morocco. Golden sand ridges rise high above the flat stony desert, and the light changes colour all day long. Whether you have one night or several days, here are the best things to do in the Merzouga desert.
1. Ride a camel at sunset
The classic Sahara experience. A slow caravan walk across the dunes as the sand turns orange and red is the moment most visitors remember. Our sunset camel ride in Merzouga ends on a high dune just in time for the colours.
2. Watch the sunrise from the top of a dune
Wake up early, climb a dune and watch the first light spread over Erg Chebbi. It is quiet, cool and unforgettable. Combine it with a camel ride on our sunrise camel trek.
3. Spend a night in a desert camp
Sleeping in the dunes is the heart of any Merzouga trip: dinner by the fire, Berber drums and a sky full of stars. Choose comfort in a luxury desert camp, a simple and authentic standard camp or total silence in a wild camp away from the others.
4. Try quad biking in the dunes
For an adrenaline rush, a quad bike tour takes you over the sand with an experienced guide. Beginners are welcome; the guide adapts the route to your level.
5. Drive a dune buggy
A dune buggy is perfect for couples and friends who want speed with a roll cage and seat belts.
6. Go sandboarding
Climb, strap on a board and slide down the soft slopes. Sandboarding in Merzouga is fun for all ages and needs no experience.
7. Take a 4x4 tour around Erg Chebbi
A 4x4 excursion shows you everything the camel cannot reach in one day: nomad tents, black-stone desert, old mines, oases and small villages around the dunes. For more thrills, ask about dune bashing.
8. Listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia
The village of Khamlia is home to families of Gnawa musicians whose rhythms and songs come from West Africa. A visit with tea and live music is a highlight of Merzouga culture.
9. Meet a nomad family
Share tea, bread baked in the sand and stories with a Berber nomad family. Our overnight stay with a nomad family is the most authentic way to understand desert life.
10. Ride a horse in the Sahara
Experienced riders and beginners can enjoy a gentle ride along the dunes on our horse riding tour.
11. Ride a KTM motocross bike
Experienced riders can rent a KTM motocross bike with a guide for the ultimate off-road day.
12. Hike the dunes
Walking is free and beautiful. A guided desert hike takes you to viewpoints, hidden valleys between dunes and quiet places for photos.
13. Visit Rissani market
About 35 km from Merzouga, the old trading town of Rissani has a lively souk with spices, dates, carpets and a donkey "parking". Try medfouna, the local stuffed bread often called "Berber pizza".
14. See the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji
After good winter rains a shallow lake forms west of the dunes and attracts flamingos and other birds. Read more in our guide to wildlife in Merzouga.
15. Look at the stars
With almost no light pollution, the Merzouga night sky is spectacular. On clear nights you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Plan your Merzouga days
One night is enough for a camel ride and a camp, but two nights let you add a 4x4 tour, Khamlia and an adventure activity. See all our Merzouga desert activities or contact us and we will build a programme for you.