Merzouga

Written by Sandrine Simon, Sebastien Simon
09/08/2025
Panoramic view of Merzouga's iconic sand dunes and greenery under a clear blue sky.
Moussa Idrissi, Pexels

Merzouga, Morocco, offers an immersive desert experience as the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. It is a destination where travelers can engage in traditional Sahara activities and connect with local Berber culture.

While Merzouga village maintains a quiet, local atmosphere, the primary social hubs for visitors are the desert camps. Here, guests gather for traditional meals, listen to local music, and share experiences under the starry desert sky, fostering a convivial environment with fellow travelers and local hosts.

Top 5 Things to do in Merzouga

Activities primarily involve exploring the desert landscape and engaging with local Berber traditions.

1. Camel Trekking and Overnight Desert Camping

Experience the timeless tradition of camel trekking across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride a camel as the sun sets, casting breathtaking hues across the desert. The trek typically leads to a secluded desert camp, where a traditional Moroccan dinner is served under a canopy of stars. Spend the night in a comfortable tent, enjoying the profound silence and clarity of the desert sky. Waking up to a desert sunrise from a dune offers another magical moment before returning.

Cost: Overnight treks range from €45 to €75 per person for standard camps, often including camel ride, dinner, breakfast, water, and sometimes sandboarding. Luxury camps typically cost €75 to over €100 per person. For a sunset or sunrise camel ride without an overnight stay, expect to pay around €20 per person.

Transport: Most desert camps are reached by camel or 4x4 from Merzouga village. Tour operators typically include pickup from your Merzouga accommodation.

2. Sandboarding on Erg Chebbi Dunes

Slide down the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi on a sandboard. This exhilarating activity is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced boarders, and provides a unique way to interact with the impressive desert landscape. Many camps offer boards for guests to use.

Cost: Often included complimentary with an overnight desert camp booking. Boards may also be available for rent from local hostels or riads in Merzouga.

Transport: Usually takes place near desert camps or easily accessible dunes, often as part of a camel trek or desert tour.

3. Quad Biking in the Sahara Desert

For an adrenaline-pumping experience, take a quad bike tour through the vast and undulating Erg Chebbi dunes. Feel the thrill as you navigate the sandy terrain, exploring areas of the desert not easily reached on foot or by camel. Guided tours ensure safety and lead to scenic spots.

Cost: Prices start from €40-€45 per person for a one-hour tour, and up to €75 for a two-hour experience. Costs can vary depending on the operator and duration.

Transport: Tours typically include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or riad in Merzouga.

4. Visiting Khamlia Village for Gnawa Music

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Gnawa people by visiting Khamlia village. This community, known for its hypnotic spiritual music, offers live performances where you can witness their unique traditions and learn about their history and daily life. It provides a fascinating cultural contrast to the desert adventures.

Cost: Often included as a stop on 4x4 desert tours. If visiting independently, there might be a small contribution requested for the music performance, but no fixed public transport costs are available.

Transport: Khamlia village is approximately 7 kilometers from Merzouga. It is usually visited as part of a guided 4x4 desert tour. Taxis can be arranged from Merzouga, but specific public transport options and costs are not widely published.

5. 4x4 Desert Exploration and Fossil Hunting

Embark on a 4x4 tour to explore the diverse landscapes surrounding Erg Chebbi. This allows for a deeper exploration of the Sahara, venturing beyond the main dunes to discover hidden oases, abandoned mines (like M'Ifis), and significant fossil deposits. Many tours include stops at locations rich in ancient marine fossils, offering a glimpse into the region's geological past.

Cost: Prices for 4x4 tours vary significantly based on duration and inclusions, ranging from €25 to over €100 per person for half-day or full-day excursions. Dedicated fossil hunting tours may have separate pricing, but often this is part of a broader desert exploration.

Transport: 4x4 tours typically provide pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Merzouga.

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