Marrakech, High Atlas & Sahara
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
Golden Saharan dunes, camel treks and nights under the stars.
Merzouga is the village at the foot of Erg Chebbi, a sea of golden dunes up to about 150 m high near the Algerian border. It is the most popular place in Morocco to experience the Sahara.
Most visitors ride camels to a desert camp for sunset, spend the night under the stars and return at sunrise.
Highlights
Climb a dune for sunrise or sunset.
Village known for its Gnawa music.
Historic market town and cradle of the Alaouite dynasty.
Sometimes visited by flamingos after rains.
Things to do
- DesertCamel trek and desert camp — From simple bivouacs to luxury tented camps.
- DesertSandboarding — Boards are available at most camps.
- Desert4×4 desert tour — Nomad families, fossils and old mines.
- Festivals & musicGnawa music in Khamlia — Live music with tea in the village.
Where to stay
A desert camp for one night and a kasbah hotel at the edge of the dunes.
Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou
ComfortKasbah hotel at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, organises camel treks.
- Address
- Hassi Labied, Erg Chebbi, Merzouga
- Phone
- +212 535 577 091
- Website
- xaluca.com
Contact details come from the hotels’ official websites or consistent public listings. We are not paid for listings. Always confirm prices and conditions directly with the property.
Getting there
Errachidia airport (ERH) is about 2 hours away. By road it is a long journey: plan two days from Marrakech or about 7–8 hours from Fes. Supratours buses also serve Merzouga.
Local tip
Choose camps that respect the environment and take your rubbish back. Bring a scarf for the sand and warm clothes for the night.