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How To Plan A Trip To The Merzouga Desert: 9 Fun Things To Do In Erg Chebbi In Morocco

This article covers everything you need to know if you plan to visit Merzouga and the Sahara desert in Morocco. You’ll find information on how to get to the Merzouga desert village and where to stay, to free activities and things to do on a budget, including a desert trip and staying in a luxury camp in Erg Chebbi in Morocco.

Who has never dreamed of sleeping in the Sahara cozily nestled between sand dunes while looking at the stars?

The desert has always inspired me and when I was young, I often imagined myself riding camels between the sand dunes of some far away country. I dreamed of sleeping under the stars in the desert while drinking tea next to a campfire.

Merzouga in the southern region of Morocco was the perfect place for me to live all of these fantasies. It’s a small town in the Sahara desert in Morocco, not too far from the Algerian border. It’s known as the door to Erg Chebbi, a huge stretch of sand dunes south of town.

Merzouga is such an iconic place to visit in Morocco that it’s considered one of the best destinations in the country!

Merzouga desert - How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads
Erg Chebbi, Merzouga

I was there five years ago and couldn’t resist visiting this charming little village once more this year. I pitched my tent in the desert, got lost between the dunes, drank plenty of tea and saw more camels than I could imagine.

The best part is that it was super easy to get there and I did all of these activities without spending a fortune. If you want to experience the beauties of the Sahara desert without breaking your piggy bank, this is the place to visit.

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How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads

I wrote this guide to help you plan your trip to Merzouga desert village, covering everything you need to know so you can get the most out of your visit to the Sahara desert. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping me run this website and writing more informative and awesome guides like this. I only recommend products and services that I like and trust. Thank you!

How to plan a trip to the Merzouga desert: 9 fun things to do in Erg Chebbi in Morocco

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MOROCCO TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND RESOURCES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. THINGS TO DO IN ERG CHEBBI, THE MERZOUGA DESERT IN MOROCCO

Merzouga is a calm and quiet town in the Sahara, yet it offers a surprisingly big amount of cool fun activities.

The best time of the year to visit Merzouga is in spring between the months of March and May, or in fall between the months of September and November.

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During these periods, the weather isn’t too hot and you’ll be able to enjoy your time in the desert much more. The temperature in summer reaches highs of 40°C (104°F ) and it rarely drops below 26.7°C (80°F) at night.

Regardless of the time of the year you visit Merzouga, always cover your head to avoid getting sunstroke. Sun protection is vital.

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It could be a good idea to cover yourself with a wide-brimmed hat or a bandana. To avoid losing a lot of water through sweat, a good clothing option to spend time in the desert are light-colored long-sleeve shirts and pants.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - What not to wear in the desert
Our friend Simon is not really setting a great example here…

Make sure to always drink plenty of water while you visit the desert. The general rule is to drink at least a gallon a day—and you should double that amount if you are going on long walks.

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No matter what time of the year you visit this village (although I wouldn’t recommend summertime, it’s just way too hot then), you’ll always find plenty of cool things to do.

Here is a small list of super fun activities you can do in Merzouga, whether you are a budget traveler like us or whether you prefer to travel a bit more luxuriously. Since Merzouga is the perfect place to do many free activities, I really encourage you to try these first.

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FREE THINGS TO DO IN ERG CHEBBI AND MERZOUGA

1. SPEND THE NIGHT CAMPING IN THE MERZOUGA DESERT

This is, in my opinion, one of the best free activities to do in Merzouga. For a lot of people, camping means hiking to the heart of a lush forest, perhaps near a pristine alpine lake or on the shores of a fast-flowing river.

Many imagine the desert as a vast and arid place where they would never pitch their tent. It’s true that the desert can be quite inhospitable, however, that’s not the whole picture.

I witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets in my life right from the side of my tent in the desert of Merzouga. Seeing the sun gradually disappear between the dunes while it paints the arid landscape with warm shades of colors was quite a spectacle.

Dawn in the desert is also a beautiful sight, as the sun’s first rays begin to diminish the night chill and you feel the air warming up.

Camping in this Moroccan desert is a really fun experience but it does require a bit of planning. Make sure you have a good tenta thick floor mattress ( the desert sand becomes cold as ice at night) and a warm sleeping bag.

The temperature in the desert cools down very quickly at night so if you want to sleep well it’s important to have warm layers under and over your body.

The best places to visit in Morocco - The Sahara Desert - sunset in the desert - Merzouga - Journal of Nomads
When the sun starts to set in the desert, you’re in for a treat!

2. WALK TO THE HIGHEST DUNE OF ERG CHEBBI

The desert near Merzouga is known as Erg Chebbi. It’s a large area filled with sand dunes south of Merzouga.

Out of all the sand dunes that can be seen from the village, one particularly stands out. It’s much higher than all the rest of the desert and looks like a huge mountain of sand.

Reaching the top of this dune from the center of town takes about one hour. Be aware that climbing in the sand is not so easy, so bring a lot of water with you and avoid going there around noon.

The best moment to go there is right before sunset. Watching the sun slowly disappearing over the horizon from the top of this dune is a spectacular sight and makes the long and strenuous climb really worth it.

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I recommend you bring a blanket with you if you go at that time as the temperature will drop very quickly the moment the sun disappears.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - How to get to Marzouga
Climbing to the highest sand dune of Erg Chebbi

3. WATCH THE STARS IN THE SAHARA DESERT

There is no better place to admire the stars than in the desert itself.

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Since Merzouga is a small town, the sand dunes around it receive almost no light pollution, making this a prime stargazing location.

I was amazed by how clear the milky way appeared above us and how bright and big the stars seemed to be. It was a really soothing experience to see millions of lights above us in all directions and the best part is that it was completely free.

If you would like to admire the stars through the lens and optics of a powerful telescope in Merzouga, there is a company that can help you do just that!!

This company is called Morocco Desert Stargazing and they organize awesome trips to the desert where you can watch the stars from their telescopes.

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4. WATCH CAMELS AND FLAMINGOS AT THE SALT LAKE IN MERZOUGA

As we were hitchhiking towards Merzouga, a few Moroccan drivers told us we would be able to see flamingos next to this southern village. Flamingos in the desert!? I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

I thought it would be impossible to find a lake (and birds) in such an arid location. But we found the lake and it was surrounded by herds of camels that were there to refresh themselves in the cool water.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - Dayet Srji - a seasonal salt lake west of Merzouga

The lake is called Dayet Srji and it’s located West of Merzouga. It can easily be reached by walking and it takes about 45 minutes to get there on foot from the village.

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The lake is often dry in summer but when full (usually during winter), it attracts all kinds of migratory and desert birds including flamingos (unfortunately, we didn’t see them while we were there).

Dayet Srji is also a great place to watch the sunset and many Moroccan families will spend the winter evenings on the shores of this lake having a picnic with their loved ones.

How to plan a trip to the Merzouga desert: 9 fun things to do in Erg Chebbi in Morocco

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How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - Dayet Srji - a seasonal salt lake west of Merzouga
Or… you could have a picnic with your beloved camel…

THINGS TO DO IN MERZOUGA ON A BUDGET

Aside from the free things you can do independently, Merzouga offers a plethora of cheap activities that almost every budget traveler will love.

From sandboarding between the dunes to going for a ride in a 4×4 in the desert, we guarantee you won’t run out of cool things to do in this desert village.

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How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - camel trip in Sahara

5. GO ON A SUNSET CAMEL RIDE IN THE SAHARA DESERT

There are various companies in Merzouga offering camel rides throughout the whole day and they are generally not too expensive.

For travelers who are fascinated with the ancient African camel caravans, this is the perfect opportunity to feel like a nomad for a couple of hours.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - camel trip in Sahara desert

Although these treks are possible during the whole day, the best time is at sunset. Short camel rides to the desert that do not include overnight camping in a luxury camp are relatively cheap.

They start at around 17 USD per person for two hours with a private guide.

Most of these local companies advertise online so you can compare prices and reviews:

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View more tours here!

These short camel rides can also be super romantic so it’s a great activity to do if you are traveling with your significant other.

Sunset in the Sahara desert, Merzouga, Morocco - Journal of Nomads

6. GO SANDBOARDING IN THE DESERT

If you want to discover the desert in a more “alternative” way and get covered in sand in the process, you should try sandboarding. Although this activity looks at first glance as something that could be dangerous, it’s actually super safe.

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The sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga are really soft so you shouldn’t fear falling down. This is also a great activity to do with kids but make sure to cover your eyes with goggles to avoid getting sand in them.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - sandboarding in desert

Imagine the thrill of sliding down a dune at full speed while standing on a board. This is what we did in Merzouga with other travelers that were staying in our hostel and we had such an awesome day.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - sandboarding in desert, Merzouga

There are some tents near the entrance of the desert where you can rent boards for the price of 100 MAD for the whole day. There is also a shop directly on the main street in town next to the mosque where you can rent sandboards for 50 MAD per day.

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Tip: Ask other travelers at your hostel if they want to join as this is an awesome activity to do with friends.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - Erg Chebbi
How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - sandboarding in desert

Another recommendation is to go “sand balling” in the desert:

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Book this experience here!

7. ENJOY A THRILLING 4×4 RIDE IN ERG CHEBBI

Although this activity is not as traditional as riding a camel through the dunes, nothing beats the feeling of zooming up and down through the desert in an off-road vehicle.

The guides operating in Merzouga are all quite young but don’t let their youthful appearance fool you. These guys are all very experienced guides and they know the desert like the back of their hands.

It’s possible to go on a short 2-hour trip in a 4×4 or go on a full-day trip with a private guide to some nearby Berber villages and then to the dunes.

This day trip is a great choice because it gives you the chance to discover traditional Berber music and dance, and have the opportunity to try their instruments and learn to play some desert music of your own!

You’ll also get to visit a Berber family in their tent for lunch. You’ll learn how they live in their tents with their goats, sheep and working donkeys, as well as how to prepare a Berber pizza on the fire.

Check out the prices for this day trip here.

Portrait Moroccan nomad man in Sahara desert Merzouga Morocco - Journal of Nomads
Berber nomads living in the Sahara desert

8. LISTEN TO TRADITIONAL GNAWA MUSIC IN KHAMLIA

The Gnawa are an ethnic group inhabiting Morocco and they have some of the most beautiful traditional music you will hear while visiting the country.

The ancestors of the Gnawa people were brought from Central and West Africa as slaves through the Sahara desert in caravans that eventually arrived in the southeastern part of Morocco.

One village where you can discover this culture is Khamlia. It’s located just 7 km south of Merzouga. The town itself is quite small with a population of 390 people of Gnawa and Berber origins. Khamlia is located right next to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

It’s possible to reach the village by shared taxi or to drive there if you have your own car. There are two Gnawa musical groups that receive tourists and play music for them in Khamlia.

Gnawa Musicians in Merzouga - things to do in Merzouga - Sahara desert - Morocco - Journal of Nomads

One of the two groups is called Bambara and the other group is called Pigeon des Sables. You can go anytime you want and you don’t need to reserve in advance. They have signs on the side of the road advertising their business and they will play for you even if you are alone.

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Although they don’t ask for money, it’s a nice gesture to give them some if you enjoyed the music and you can also buy a CD to support them and help them continue sharing their culture with the world.

How to plan a trip to the Merzouga desert: 9 fun things to do in Erg Chebbi in Morocco

9. GO ON A LUXURY DESERT CAMP TRIP IN MERZOUGA

You might prefer joining a luxury desert tour during which you’ll go by camel to a beautiful camp where you’ll spend the night. There are a lot of companies offering such tours, like To Morocco Travel and Sahara Holiday Tours.

Below are some of the best-rated Merzouga luxury desert camp tours:

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Review and compare all luxury desert tours

Sunset Sahara desert Morocco

2. SAHARA DESERT TOURS TO MERZOUGA

A lot of tour companies offer tour packages from Marrakech or other destinations in Morocco to the Merzouga desert. This could be a good option if you’re limited in time and prefer that all logistics and activities are taken care off for you.

I recommend the tour company To Morocco Travel as they’re specialized in group and private tours to the Sahara desert from Marrakech (or any destination of your preference).

Portrait Moroccan man in village near Merzouga Morocco - Journal of Nomads

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3. WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING ON A TRIP TO THE SAHARA DESERT IN MERZOUGA

If you’re planning on spending some time in the Sahara desert and you are wondering what to wear and bring, remember this: when in Morocco do as the Moroccans do.

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As the temperature varies a lot between day and night in the desert, it’s important to wear clothes that serve many purposes and that are above all very functional.

Here’s an overview of clothing and items to bring on a trip to the desert in Morocco.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - camel trip in Sahara
  • Scarf

A scarf will be your best piece of clothing in the Moroccan desert for various reasons.

First of all, you’ll be using it to cover and protect your face from the sun and the sand. If your scarf is long enough, it will also cover your shoulders.

If you don’t want to risk a sunstroke, remember to cover your head well. Another advantage of the scarf is that it can serve as a blanket if you want to lay down on the sand.

If you go on a tour with a Berber guide, you could also ask him to fold it and tie it on your head in the traditional way.

We recommend this Shemagh Scarf made of cotton.

  • Large light flowy pants

With the type of weather you will encounter in the desert, it’s much better to wear large flowy pants. These pants will dry quickly if you sweat and are not as heavy as jeans or as other types of pants.

The best pants are those that are made of cotton or linen, these materials are top choices for a breathable fabric to wear in hot weather conditions.

  • Sunglasses

If you want to protect your eyes from the intense light that will be present throughout the day, it’s important to bring a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection.

These will also protect your eyes from the small dust particles the wind carries.

  • Merino wool socks

Bringing Merino wool socks to the desert may sound a bit counter-intuitive but believe me, it gets super cold at night! I completely forgot to bring warm socks the first time I camped between the dunes in Merzouga and my feet were so cold I couldn’t sleep at all.

I recommend you bring more than one pair of these Merino wool socks to the desert, you’ll have warm feet and a good night of sleep.

  • Warm sweater

As soon as the sun sets over the horizon, the Moroccan desert will become very cold so if you’re planning to spend the night in the desert make sure to bring a warm sweater or two.

I recommend this warm sweater lined with sherpa fur if you want to be prepared for the cold nights in the Sahara.

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  • Dustproof camera

Something I definitely have to warn you about: the sand literally gets everywhere! So watch out with the electronics you bring to the desert, including your phone and camera.

Luckily, Cynthia has the Lumix G90, a camera with a weather-sealed and dustproof body, ideal for any outdoor situation!

However, she strongly suggests not to change lenses while you’re out in the desert. Use a lens that is versatile enough to capture the beautiful scenery (she used the Panasonic Lumix G Vario Lens, 14-140MM, F3.5-5.6 for the photos in this post).

She also highly recommends that you clean your camera thoroughly once you’re back in the dust- and sand-free room of your hostel or hotel. 

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Panasonic Lumix G90/G95 - travel photographer Cynthia Bil - Journal of Nomads

4. WHERE TO STAY IN MERZOUGA

Merzouga is a village that offers a wide range of guesthouses, beautiful Kasbah hotels that are decorated with Berber artifacts, and luxurious desert camps. Depending on your needs you will find a place to stay that will match your budget.

BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN MERZOUGA

Here are some of the best budget hotels and guesthouses in Merzouga.

This beautiful guesthouse features a terrace, a beautiful garden and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s the ideal place if you want to relax in the garden with a bit of shade.

Guest rooms at the guesthouse are equipped with a comfortable seating area where you can enjoy a quiet evening after long walks in the desert.

A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Family Moroccan House”

This beautiful country house offers rooms with a terrace, a bar, a kitchen and a garden. There’s also free private parking free of charge in case you’re traveling by car.

Continental breakfast is served every morning.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Sahara Desert Experience”

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads

BEST HOTELS IN MERZOUGA

These hotels are all a bit more luxurious. They are ideal places to stay if you are traveling with your significant other or if you are in Merzouga on your honeymoon. Some of them will provide a pool.

Auberge Camping La Liberté has a very good restaurant and a delicious breakfast served every morning. This hotel is located very close to the sand dunes and organizes camel and 4×4 tours in the desert.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Auberge Camping La Liberté”

This Riad is probably the most luxurious place in this lineup. It is set in the Moroccan desert a bit outside of town. Riad Chebbi has a beautiful interior courtyard where you will find palm trees and a pool.

The guest rooms are decorated with traditional Berber carpets and designs. They all offer either a beautiful view of the sand dunes or of the terrace. Each room has a private bathroom that comes with a shower and a toilet.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Chebbi”

This air-conditioned riad is located in the town of Merzouga, at a walking distance from Erg Chebbi. It has a sun terrace, an indoor pool filled with fresh water, and free Wi-Fi access

All of the air-conditioned guest rooms have a traditional Moroccan style.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Dar Hassan Merzouga”

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - camel trips in Merzouga

BEST DESERT CAMPS IN MERZOUGA

Spending the night in a luxury camp among the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Imagine yourself relaxing and gazing at the ever-changing colors of the desert as the sun is setting behind the dunes while hearing traditional Gnawa music. Sleeping in these camps is perfect for honeymooners, solo travelers and small groups of friends seeking uncompromising privacy and the calmness of the desert.

In this section, I will cover a few of the best desert camps in Merzouga, from the most inexpensive ones to the high-end luxurious options.

Before you go on a camel trek to the Sahara, you have to remember one thing: there is a huge difference between the budget desert camps and the luxury ones so make sure you know exactly what will be provided in your camp.

First, be aware of the sleeping arrangements. Will you sleep in a bed with covers or would it be preferable to bring your sleeping bag? It’s also good to double-check if the tent will be heated and if dinner will be provided at the camp.

Almost every hotel or hostel in Merzouga offers and organizes their own camel tours in the desert and overnight stays at their own private desert camps.

It’s best to first talk with your hotel owner to see what kind of tour they can organize for you. If, however, you would like to book your desert tour ahead of time, here are great desert camps to consider.

Zahra Luxury Desert Camp is an equipped glamping desert camp on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. this camp has 8 spacious clean suite tents with private facilities.

The owners are a local family and they care about the comfort and relaxation of their customers during their stay.

They also offer extra services like camel treks, transfers, a multiple-day stay in the desert, and customized stays for special occasions and celebrations,… They want to offer their customers the best possible experience.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Zahra Luxury Desert Camp ”

How to plan a trip to the Merzouga desert: 9 fun things to do in Erg Chebbi in Morocco

This desert camp is one of the most inexpensive ones in Merzouga. It provides cozy beds with warm sheets and delicious breakfast and dinner if you book these options.

Each tent has a carpeted floor making them warm and cozy. A shared toilet is also available on site.

This desert camp offers trekking by foot, on camel, by quad or 4×4.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Desert Berber Fire-Camp”

This luxury camp will offer you an escape from the crowds of the cities and let you relax in a beautiful pristine environment.

Apart from your guide and your travel companions, the only other people you will encounter during your stay are the native nomads that call this arid but beautiful environment their home.

The tents of this camp are gorgeously decorated with traditional Berber carpets. This camp has a BBQ and a children’s playground so it’s ideal for families.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Desert Heart Luxury Camps”

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara. - Journal of Nomads - Photo by Jacomijn - Safe and Healthy Travel
Photo by Jacomijn (Safe and Healthy Travel)

5. HOW TO GET TO THE SAHARA DESERT NEAR MERZOUGA

Getting to Merzouga is a lot easier now than it was 5 years ago. The road to get to the village is now completely paved.

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Although there aren’t any trains going there yet, it’s possible to reach this desert village either by bus or in your own car. In this section, I’ll explain how to get there from nearby popular cities.

 HOW TO GET TO MERZOUGA FROM MARRAKECH

GETTING TO MERZOUGA FROM MARRAKESH BY BUS

Traveling from Marrakesh to Merzouga by bus is quite a long journey (about 12 hours) so my best advice would be to cut this trip in two. I would suggest staying either in Ouarzazate for a day where you can visit an ancient mud Kasbah called Ait Ben Haddou or in a city called Tinerhir where you can visit stunning rock gorges.

Getting a bus out of Marrakech is really easy. You can find a Supratour or a CTM bus to Ouarzazate or Tinghir at the main Marrakesh bus station. This bus station is located almost adjacent to the train station in Marrakech.

The ticket prices for these 2 bus companies are almost the same and the CTM timetables and ticket prices can be found online. The trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate takes 4 to 5 hours and this will usually include a break somewhere along the way while the trip to Tinerhir will take a bit more than 6 hours.

I suggest spending at least a full day in either one of these two places before continuing your journey south towards Merzouga. The bus stations with buses going in the direction of Merzouga in Tinghir and Ouarzazate are very easy to find. Here’s where the bus station in Ouarazate is located and you can find the bus station in Tinghir here.

The Supratour bus from Ouarzazate to Merzouga costs 200 Moroccan Dirhams while the bus from Tinghir to Merzouga should cost a lot less.

GETTING TO MERZOUGA FROM MARRAKESH BY CAR

If you are traveling around Morocco with your own car or if you decide to rent one, it means you can plan your own route, take breaks wherever and whenever you please and get to know the country in a much more intimate way.

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To get from Marrakesh to Merzouga you will have to follow highway N9 and highway N10. This route will take you to the cities of Ouarzazate and Tinghir, two stops I absolutely recommend.

Best places in Morocco for photography - Merzouga desert - walking in the desert - Journal of Nomads

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HOW TO GET TO MERZOUGA FROM FEZ

GETTING TO MERZOUGA FROM FEZ BY BUS

There are a few bus stations in Fez where you can catch a bus towards Merzouga but the main one is called the Gare Routiere Boujloud. It is situated just on the side of the main peripheral highway( highway R501).

To get there exit the old city through the blue gate also called Bab Boujloud. From there walk across the square until you arrive at Bab Mahrouk. Cross this old gate and turn right into the downhill road, the bus station will be on the next access road to your left.

There are CTM and Supratour buses going from Fez to Merzouga but this bus journey is quite long. Some good options could be to stop halfway in Errachidia or to take an overnight Supratour bus from Fez to Merzouga and get some sleep on the bus.

There is a Supratour bus that departs from Fez at 8:30 pm and arrives in Merzouga at 7:15 am the next morning. All the prices and timetables can be found on the Supratour website.

GETTING TO MERZOUGA FROM FEZ BY CAR

If you have the luxury of traveling by your own car or if you are renting one, the road from Fez to Merzouga will take you along gorgeous olive plantations, beautiful deserts and is definitely a pleasant drive.

The driving distance between Fez and Merzouga is 469 km and it should take around 7 hours to reach the southern town.

Driving from Fez to Merzouga is a great idea if you have the time and if you want the freedom to stop along the road and take great pictures. To reach this desert village simply follow highway N13 towards the South.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads

6. OTHER COOL PLACES TO VISIT NEAR MERZOUGA

Merzouga is the ideal place to visit a small part of the Sahara desert. If you still want to explore more interesting parts of Morocco, Merzouga is not far from some other awesome Moroccan destinations.

1. TINERHIR AND THE TODRA GORGES

Tinerhir is a city in the region of Drâa-Tafilalet, Northwest of Merzouga. The city is famous for its huge rock gorges that receive avid rock climbers every year.

Tinerhir is also famous for its beautiful palm grove that covers more than 30 km and a handful of abandoned mud Kasbahs.

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HOW TO GET TO TINERHIR FROM MERZOUGA

Tinerhir is located 200 km North-West of Merzouga and driving between the two cities should take about 3 hours. It’s also possible to take a Supratour bus in the morning from Merzouga to get there.

If you have your own car, simply follow highway N13 going North from the desert town until it reaches Rissani. From there, follow highway N12 west. Once you reach Alnif, take route 113 North and you will reach Tinerhir shortly after.

2. DADES GORGES

The Dades Gorges are a series of gorges carved out in the mountain by the Dades River. This river comes from High Atlas mountains and flows for about 350 km southwest before joining the Draa River at the edge of the Sahara.

It’s the ideal place for mountain hikes and rock climbing. It’s also located near Tinghir and the Todra gorges.

HOW TO GET TO THE DADES GORGES FROM MERZOUGA

To get there from Merzouga, you will have to first pass through Tinghir. Take highway N12 all the way to Tinghir and then continue west on highway N10. Once you reach Boumalne Dades, take route R704 North.

The Dades Gorges are located 270 km Northwest of Merzouga and getting there will take about 4 hours.

3. AIT BEN HADDOU

Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient fortified mud-brick village located between the Sahara and Marrakech. It’s a place known as a Ksar- the North African term for “Berber castle”.

This village is one of Morocco’s World Heritage Sites and was used as a set in the TV series Game of Thrones to portray the slaving city of Yunkai that Daenerys Targaryen laid siege to.

This old fortified village is located just 30 km north of Ouarzazate so it’s ideal to visit both and then continue towards Marrakech if you are coming from Merzouga.

Ait Ben Haddou - Places to visit near the Todra Gorges - Journal of Nomads

HOW TO GET TO OUARZAZATE AND AIT BEN HADDOU FROM MERZOUGA

It’s possible to find a Supratour or a CTM bus that leaves Merzouga early in the morning and goes all the way to Ouarzazate. Ait Ben Haddou is located only 30 km north of this city so from there it’s easy to find a shared taxi.

If you have your own car, you will love the landscape as you drive there. Simply follow the highway N12 direction North-West until this highway becomes highway N9.

Follow it until you reach the city of Ouarzazate. This city is located 368 km North-West of Merzouga and reaching it should take about 5 hours. Once you’re there you can continue north for about 30 km to reach the fortified village.

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One small note I would like to add at the end of this guide is how useful an Arabic phrasebook has been for me to get by around Morocco. I highly recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook.

It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.

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How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara, Morocco. - Journal of Nomads - Camel trip in desert

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