City of Merzouga

Located just 560 kilometers from Marrakesh, Merzouga is a small, dust-filled town straddling the majestic Sahara desert in the east of Morocco. The largest neighboring city is Errachidia. The town is near the shore of beautiful Lac Dayet Srii, boasting a surprising vibrant birdlife. If you are looking to avoid having to take the long drive from Marrakesh, a good idea is to fly into Errachidia and take the two-hour drive to Merzouga. If you are looking to save money, there are numerous overnight buses from Fez and Marrakesh.

According to traditional beliefs, Merzouga was once a flourishing tropical jungle until it was transformed into a desert by God when he was punishing the natives of the land after they refused offerings to a poor woman, burying them under Erg Chebbi’s dunes. 
 

Throughout its history, Merzouga was a largely uninhabited area, later becoming a transit point for merchants and traders traveling to Timbuktu. Later on, Merzouga became a pilgrimage to the nomadic Ait Atta tribes as well as those who settled and worked there until the town became a bustling tourist destination.  
A variety of ancient fortified villages have popped up in Merzouga for centuries. During the French colonial era, Merzouga’s current foundations were set by the French Foreign Legion troops after the series of Tafialet battles which occurred between 1916 and 1932. 
 

Given the desert ecosystem, Merzouga is obviously scorching hot in the summers. In fact, it can be unbearably hot, especially since you will be trekking through the desert with no shade overhead. From June to September, it can reach up to 45ºC during the day. During the spring, especially March and April, there are heavy winds, thus, a lot of sandstorms. So, the best time to travel would be during the colder, winter months from October to February, when the weather is a bit more pleasant and you will not have to worry about a sandstorm running the trip. Be sure to wear layers at the temperature gets really cold after the sunsets. Of course, rainfall will never pose an issue. 

Merzouga is pretty sparsely populated. Much like most of Morocco, the town is a mix of both Arabs and Berbers. It is a friendly and welcoming environment.

Obviously, most activities are centered on the desert. Typically, on the first night, people find themselves at a camp circle resting on some large, impressive dunes with Berber tents set up. Here, you can enjoy dinner, listen to some live music, and truly become familiar with the desert landscape. Sleep overnight and spend the rest of the next day, lounging in your tents to beat the heat. If you want to get an even deeper look into the culture of the Berbers, go beyond the dunes and stay over with a Berber family. 

Be sure to ask around for private camps that offer you a more intimate and remote experience. It is a bit more expensive but worth it, especially if you are on a couple’s trip. You also have the option to tour the dunes on ATVs, but honestly, it is a better choice to enjoy the serene surroundings of the remote place on camelback. 

Be sure to also take a Visit the Village of The Blacks and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Gnaoua tribe and their lively music that has its origins in Sudan. This village is only seven kilometers from Merzouga and mostly consists of Black Berbers. Go for the traditional dancing and music. A great activity to do away from the desert. 

Merzouga is perhaps one of the most iconic places to visit in Morocco and North Africa. In fact, it can be considered one of the best destinations to visit. Its beautiful desert landscape and a plethora of desert adventures cannot be found anywhere else. 

Although the town itself does not really have much to offer, Merzouga is known as the gateway or entrance point to the vast and expansive Erg Chebbi dunes. This is the perfect spot to live your ultimate Middle Eastern desert fantasy. You will be mesmerized by the camel trains and their beautiful silhouettes. You will be astounded by the traditional Berber villages dotted the vast landscape—secluded oases in a place that has not changed much for thousands of years. It is amazing to see a place that seems to have been immortalized. 

Given its relatively small size, it is easy to traverse Merzouga on foot. In fact, it is the only way to get around. However, given how hot it can get around midday, it is not advisable to walk around. Remember, this is a desert climate, so the weather can be unbearably hot. Always wear some kind of protective head covering to protect yourself from getting sunstroke. Always wear light, long-sleeve clothing to avoid sun burning. 

When traveling to Merzouga, be wary of guides in Rissani or Erfoud who will offer to take you for a mere 5 dirham. This may seem like a tempting offer, but they will most likely strand you at their auberge some 20 kilometers away from the village.