Desert Activities

The Top 10 Activities in the Merzouga Desert

Welcome to Merzouga, traveler. You’ve come this far on your journey, and new experiences are beckoning. Now that you’re here, you have a choice: either accept this new location or remain in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world crumble. Study their methods. Get to know their folks. Study up on their past. Isn’t your hand already on the handle?

1. ATV Quad Adventure in the Merzouga Sahara in the Erg-Chebbi Desert
After the race, we rented a Moto Quad/MTB for at least an hour, and the timing couldn’t have been better—we could watch the sunset from the top of the highest dunes. Since the winter, not many tourists have visited us. The winds are usually fairly strong, and the temperature was only slightly warmer than 10ºC.
The guide will lead you to the top of much higher dunes after you’ve crossed a lot of them, giving you the most breathtaking view of the surroundings. Nobody nearby could hear the sound of the wind and quicksand—a truly remarkable experience. In Merzouga, you simply must take part in this thrilling adventure. Examine the Merzouga Desert SUV Quad Biking

2. Merzouga 4×4 Adventure through the Erg Chebbi Desert
Activities in the Merzouga Desert: Experience the Merzouga Erg Chebbi desert in a four-wheel drive vehicle. This is the most optimal method of discovering the surrounding high dunes and their attractions, which include the seasonal lake Dayet Srij, the Hassi Labied oasis, the fossil mines factory in M’ifis, Berber nomad families and their customs, and listening to Gnawa music in the Black community. Savor the breathtaking sweeping vista of this stunning Sahara desert.

3. Riding a camel in the desert at dusk
A desert camel ride would be a must-do activity on any trip to Morocco. Numerous businesses in Merzouga provide reasonably priced camel rides at any time of day. This is the ideal chance for tourists who are fascinated by historic camel caravans to spend a few hours living like nomads.
While you can walk these paths any time of day, sunset is the ideal time. Discover a camel ride in the high dunes at sunset

Horseback Riding in Merzouga

Activities in the Merzouga Desert: Morocco is a multicultural nation that boasts energetic cities, stunning beaches, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. It is therefore a well-liked travel destination.

One of the most well-liked tourist spots in Morocco is the Merzouga Desert.

Merzouga is a small town close to the Algerian border in Morocco Sahara desert. The name of it is “Erg Chebbi.”

A trip to the Merzouga desert is on the bucket list of every traveler. Most people are unaware that the vast red sand dunes, isolated desert camps, and camel trains are limited to two tiny areas in the extreme south: Merzouga and M’Hamid.

Horseback Riding tours are required to explore this famous place.

4. Sandboarding amidst the dunes
Try using a sandboard if you’d like to explore the desert in a more “alternative” manner and discover sand grains everywhere. This activity appears risky at first, but it’s very safe and enjoyable—trust me—though returning would be quite the challenge.

Activities in the Merzouga Desert: Because of how soft the dunes are from Erg Chebbi to Merzouga, falls don’t result in injuries. Furthermore, you go much slower—trust me, this has nothing to do with the skiing we are used to. Also, remember to put the wax under the table. It’s a great activity to do with kids as well.

Imagine the thrill of standing on a board and hurtling down a dune at top speed. Yes, but I wasn’t awake for very long. I finally took a seat at the table since it was much more convenient and enjoyable. You can rent boards from a few stores next to the Auberge Kasbah Merzouga, which is close to the desert entrance. You can also rent from a store that is right next to the mosque on the city’s main thoroughfare.

Advice: Proceed, particularly if you’re going with friends. You’re going to love it.

5. Gaze up at the Stars from your Hotel or Camp
The desert is the best place on earth to view the stars. Merzouga is a unique location for stargazing because it is a small town and the dunes around it hardly ever experience light pollution.

The Milky Way clarity as well as the stars size and brightness will astound you. An organization can assist you if you wish to view the stars through the lenses of a strong telescope. With the help of one of its powerful telescopes, this company, Morocco Desert Stargazing, arranges amazing desert trips for guests to view the stars.

6- Set up Camp in Merzouga Saharan Dunes in the Desert
Among the greatest free activities in Merzouga. Many people associate camping with hiking through dense forests, sometimes by a crystal-clear alpine lake or alongside a swift-moving river.

Many people have the impression that the desert is a huge, dry area where they would never set up camp. One of the most amazing locations to camp, in my opinion, is the desert!
You can spend a night in the camp in the desert and take a camel ride. I’ve seen some of the most breathtaking sunsets in my life in the desert.

It’s quite a show to watch the sun slowly sink behind the dunes as warm color fills the surrounding space. Even the desert dawn is an experience you won’t quickly forget.
Although it takes some preparation, camping in the desert is a unique experience.

As desert sand turns as cold as cement, make sure you have a decent tent, a cozy and thick enough mattress, and a warm sleeping bag.
Warm layers under and over your body are essential if you want to sleep well in the desert because the temperature drops dramatically at night.

7. Dayet Srji Lake, number seven
Activities in the Merzouga Desert: I don’t recall who informed me, before I left for Morocco and Merzouga, that I could see pink flamingos on Dayet Srji, a salty lake west of Merzouga, right next to the desert.
In the middle of the desert, flamingos? It seems inconceivable (at least it didn’t seem plausible to me) that there would be a lake so near to the desert, a haven of calm where camels and birds could rehydrate.

It takes about 45 minutes to walk from the city to Dayet Srji. When the lake is full, which is usually in the winter, it draws a variety of migratory and desert birds, including flamingos. However, the lake is frequently dry in the summer. Since they are not always present, remember when is the best time to find them.

8. Take in some Gnawa traditional music. Khamia
Morocco is home to the Gnawa ethnic group, who perform some of the country’s best traditional music. The Sahara desert was used to transport the ancestors of the Gnawa people from Central and West Africa as slaves.

I suggest that you go to the village of Khamlia if you’re interested in learning more about this culture. It’s right next to the dunes, about 7 km south of Merzouga. It is simple to get to the village by car or taxi. There are two groups in Khamlia: Bambara and Pigeon des Sables.

You are free to travel whenever you please, and in this instance, you can do so discreetly without assistance from anyone. Street signs will expertly direct you (after all, who knows the world’s destinations and routes better than Moroccans). Generally speaking, I don’t think that tourists are asked for money, but if you like something, you can leave or, even better, purchase one of their CDs: You will aid them in learning about the world and have a good memory in addition to helping them.

9-Go to Merzouga Hassi Labied Oasis
Situated atop the most exquisite dunes of Erg Chebbi is the Oasis of Merzouga. Nothing is more exciting when staying in a desert field than exploring one of the nearby oases.

10-Climb the tallest Activities in the Merzouga Desert: dunes on foot
Erg Chebbi is the name of the large sand dunes south of the city that make up the desert near Merzouga. You look especially at yourself among all the dunes that you can see from the village. It’s impossible to miss this towering sand mountain that contrasts sharply with the others. It takes approximately one hour to climb this dune from the city center.

The best time to go is right before sunset. Keep in mind that getting to the top and challenging the sand (one step forward and two back) is not as simple as it sounds (bring lots of water). You will be rewarded for your efforts when you reach the top of this dune and watch the sun slowly set below the horizon.

Activities and Things to Do in the Merzouga Desert: FAQs

The most commonly asked questions concerning things to do and activities in the Merzouga desert are listed here.

What should I wear in the Merzouga Sahara desert?

Indeed, if you’ve decided to spend some time in the desert (particularly if it’s your first time), you may be wondering what to pack.
The first rule is that you should act like a Moroccan when you’re there.

Things to bring to the Merzouga desert?
As a result of the significant temperature variations between day and night, it is crucial to dress in multipurpose, functional clothing (leave the heels at home!).

The necessities are listed below.

• Sling: Your best friends will be a sarong, scarf, and sling. You’ll feel at ease covering and shielding your face from the sand and sun in the interim. Your shoulders will be covered as well if your sling is long enough. Remember to cover your head if you don’t want to take the chance of getting sunburned.
• Large, loose pants, like the ones we wear here in the summer made of linen or cotton, are much preferable given the climate you’ll find in the desert. These pants are breathable, cover you well, and let air in, and they dry quickly, allowing you to move freely. Forget jeans; they are the worst pants to wear (especially if they are tight), and you will be covered in sand if there is any wind.
• Sunglasses: It’s crucial to wear a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection if you want to shield your eyes from the harsh light that will be present during the day. Additionally, they shield your eyes from wind-borne dust particles.
• Warm Merino Wool Socks: You might think it silly to wear Merino wool socks in the desert, but the temperature drops at night, so they might come in handy!
• Warm Sweater: Wear a warm sweater if you plan to spend the night in the desert.
• Sand is genuinely everywhere, so let me warn you about one thing: Dust Camera! Thus, be mindful of the electronic devices you bring with you in the desert, such as your camera and phone.
• Cleaning kit: The first and most important rule is to not adjust the optics in the presence of wind. Using a lens that is suitable for both landscape and portrait photography is the best option. Bringing a cleaning kit for your camera is essential, and don’t forget to give it a thorough cleaning at night to remove any sand buildup.

How can I travel from Marrakech to Merzouga?
Hiring a tour guide with a 4×4 is the best way to leave Marrakech. Our four-day excursion was thrilling. Our trip through the desert was the highlight of our time in Morocco. Anyone considering a desert vacation in Morocco should check out Eco Desert Morocco. Because CTM Bus is well-connected throughout Morocco, it’s an affordable and practical way to get between major cities. Check the bus schedules before boarding for your next journey, as they are subject to frequent changes.

How can I travel to Merzouga from Fes?
Bus travel from Fes to Merzouga is the least expensive option, taking 10 hours and costing between MAD 270 and MAD 350.

Which route goes from Fes to Merzouga the quickest?
The quickest route takes a car, costs between MAD 700 and 1,100, and takes 7 hours and 33 minutes to get from Fes to Merzouga.

How far is it from Fes to the desert?
Visit the Erg Chebbi on a desert tour. This Erg Chebbi desert is also quite far from Fes; the direct drive from Fes to Merzouga takes approximately 7 hours. The total distance is approximately 460 km (920 km round trip if you return to Fes, roughly 1020 km if you end in Marrakech). We suggest that you look into the 2-day Festo Merzouga desert tour if you want to explore the desert under the guidance of a tour operator. Alternatively, if you want to conclude your tour in Marrakech, consider this tour. If you have more time in Morocco, you can find Tours from Festo to learn about more desert tours. This is a three-day tour that takes you from Fes to Marrakech.

When is the best time to travel to the Sahara Desert of Merzouga?
With its pleasant temperatures, autumn (September to October) is the best time of year to visit the desert. A great time to take in the breathtaking view of the flowers and plants in the desert and surrounding the dunes is during the spring, which runs from March to May. Regretfully, we went during the third week of December, and the morning and afternoon were particularly chilly.

Is a trip to Merzouga worthwhile?
As you can see, if you leave Marrakech, going to the Merzouga desert will take up at least three days of your trip. Usually, you ask yourself if going to the desert for so long is worth it.
We believe that seeing the stunning dunes of the Merzouga desert is well worth spending this time, if not more. The best advice we can give you if you are unsure is to go live alone.

Zagora, or the Merzouga desert?
Erg Chigaga is another Moroccan erg that we find in Merzouga, close to Zagora, in addition to Erg Chebbi. very well-known among hurried travelers.

Comparing the Zagora and Merzouga deserts, the former is more striking. It doesn’t take long to visit, though, because it is much closer to Marrakech. We offer shorter excursions from Marrakech to this desert, such as a three-day excursion from Ouarzazate to the Zagora desert.

If you can afford it, we strongly advise you to visit Merzouga. Zagora appears to be a fantastic choice if you wish to visit the desert but don’t have enough time to travel to Merzouga.

How long will you spend in Merzouga?
A minimum of three days are required for the tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and back, with typical stops at Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorges. Look up at the stars when night falls in the desert; they will take your breath away.

What is the Merzouga Desert name?
Erg Chebbi is the name for the large sand-dune-filled desert area south of the city, close to Merzouga.

How can I travel from Casablanca to the Merzouga desert?
The simplest way to go from Casablanca to Merzouga is to fly from the CMD airport to Errachidia Airport, which is the closest airport to the Merzouga desert. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to get to Erg Chebbi Desert. You can also reserve a trip with Marrakech Tour Company to go from Errachidia to Merzouga Desert in two or three days; the drive takes approximately 140 km and takes one hour and thirty minutes.

What is the cost of hiking in the Merzouga desert?
Packages from travel agencies and regional tour operators are customized to meet the needs of individual passengers. A two-and-a-half-hour camel ride typically costs about thirty euros per person. If you need private tours, spend nights in tents, or take part in the traditional dances held in the dunes, the rates go up.
To put it briefly, you can rediscover the unadulterated spirit of Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa by visiting the Merzouga desert. All that’s left to do is select the ideal recipe and embark on an unforgettable journey amid emerald dunes and classic camels!

What is the most affordable way to travel from Ouarzazate to Merzouga?
By bus via Meknès, the most affordable route from Ouarzazate to Merzouga is MAD 440 – MAD 650 and takes 20h 44min. However, you will be exhausted when you get to Merzouga. We advise you to look into our Tours departing from Ouarzazate.

Which route from Ouarzazate gets you to Merzouga the quickest?
The quickest route from Ouarzazate to Merzouga is by taxi, which takes 5 hours 51 minutes and costs between MAD 1,100 and MAD 1,400. Alternatively, you can arrange a 3-day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga desert.

How can I travel to Merzouga from Agadir?
The least expensive option is to pay MAD 509 for a bus ticket via Marrakech. The bus and flight, which takes nine hours, is the shortest.

The fastest route: A taxi or flight, which costs between MAD 1,400 and 2,600 and takes 9 hours and 6 minutes, is the quickest way to go from Agadir to Merzouga.

Can I reserve a Moroccan desert tour?
You will be able to schedule your Morocco desert tour from any of the following cities: Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, or Errachidia. You can reserve three days from Marrakech to Fes or three days from Fes to Marrakech for a limited period.

Activities and Things to Do in the Merzouga Desert: Conclusion

Merzouga offers something for everyone, whether you’re searching for a quiet vacation or an exciting one. This location is essential for any traveler wishing to experience something genuinely exceptional because of the breathtaking views, warm locals, and genuine Moroccan culture. Merzouga provides a unique and unforgettable experience that is unmatched anywhere else, from stars to hourglasses. Enjoy the hidden gems of Merzouga desert activities, we hope

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