Wildlife in Merzouga: Desert Animals and Birds of Erg Chebbi
Life in the dunes, from fennec foxes to flamingos
At first sight the Sahara looks empty, but the dunes and stony plains around Merzouga are full of life. Most animals are shy and active at night, so the best way to discover them is to stay in the desert, walk with a local guide early in the morning and look for tracks in the sand.
Mammals of the Merzouga desert
Fennec fox – the smallest fox in the world, with huge ears that release heat and help it hear insects under the sand. Fennecs hunt at night; in the morning your guide can often show you their tracks around the dunes.
Desert hedgehog – a small hedgehog with a pale face that comes out after sunset to hunt beetles and scorpions.
Jerboas and gerbils – tiny jumping rodents that live in burrows and leave fine tracks between the bushes.
Dromedary camels – not wild, but the true symbol of the desert. Families around Merzouga raise camels for milk, transport and of course camel rides.
Birds: why Merzouga is famous with birdwatchers
Merzouga is one of the best-known birdwatching areas in Morocco. Specialities of the desert include the desert sparrow, desert lark, hoopoe lark, brown-necked raven, trumpeter finch and several species of wheatear. In spring and autumn many migrating birds stop at the oases and palm groves.
Flamingos at Dayet Srji
After good winter rains a shallow seasonal lake, Dayet Srji, fills west of the dunes. When there is water it can attract greater flamingos, ruddy shelducks and waders – a surprising sight with the dunes in the background. The lake is often dry in summer, so ask us about conditions before your visit.
Reptiles and insects
Lizards such as the spiny-tailed lizard and fringe-toed lizards love the warm sand. Scarab beetles leave beautiful patterns at dawn. Snakes and scorpions exist but hide during the day; simply wear closed shoes at night and follow your guide's advice.
Tips for watching wildlife responsibly
- Go early in the morning or at sunset, when animals are active and the light is soft.
- Keep your distance, stay quiet and never feed wild animals.
- Take your rubbish back with you – the desert ecosystem is fragile.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
Best ways to see wildlife in Merzouga
Stay away from the busy areas in a wild camp or with a nomad family, join a guided desert walk at sunrise, or explore the wider area – oases, the seasonal lake and black-stone desert – on a 4x4 tour around Erg Chebbi.
Want a nature-focused programme? Contact us and our local guides will plan it for you.