Is Merzouga Worth Visiting? In-depth review of our two-day desert stay + A guide to Merzouga
Merzouga is the accessible Sahara, but it can be a tourist trap if you aren’t careful. We spent 3 days climbing Erg Chebbi, dodging 4×4 sellers, and finding the best spot for coffee in the dunes. Here’s our complete guide to food, hotels, and desert etiquette.
If you’re wondering whether is Merzouga worth visiting, let us cut straight to it: yes, it is. We spent two magical nights, with zero pollution in the sky, enjoying a nice sunrise by the dunes and staying in an actual hotel, rather than a luxury tent.
👋Toti & Ale here
London couple, 45+ countries, 300+ guides. We are full-time content creators, travelling as slowmads, spending quality time in places we love the most. We run this and several other blogs from the best places in the world. This guide is all about surviving the heat and hype. We sandboarded on unspoiled dunes away from the crowds, drank coffee at “Hamid Place” in the sand, and learned that summer visits mean 45°C days where the pool is your only friend. We share the truth about the “luxury” camps vs. solid walls
March 18, 2026 update reflects the new ATM availability in Merzouga village (still spotty, bring cash!), the best days to visit Rissani market (Tue/Thu/Sun), and why you need to cover your windshield if you park a car in the sun. Non Less the warning about the “cold” desert nights in winter. No AI; all road-tested and sweat driving!
Is Merzouga Worth It?
Yes, but with caveats.
If your heart’s set on the Sahara’s classic sand dunes and iconic camel treks, Merzouga delivers. It’s ideal for adventure lovers seeking solitude, stargazing, and a glimpse of Berber culture.
But if you’re short on time, not keen on long drives, or after luxury city comforts, maybe the desert’s sprawling silence isn’t for you. That’s an easy, scannable way to choose if Merzouga is for you:
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Who Should Visit Merzouga |
Who Might Skip It |
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Desert lovers, if you want to see and stay on top of real sand dunes. |
If you have limited time, best to stay 2 nights in Merzouga. |
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Adventure seekers and couples (camels, quads, treks) |
Don’t go to Merzouga if you want city vibes or a fun night out. |
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Looking for no pollution for stargazing and tranquility |
Skip it if road trips are not your piece of cake. |
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If you are interested in culture and Berber lifestyle. |
Budget travellers avoiding desert crowds |
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What Makes Merzouga Unique?
At the heart of Merzouga is Erg Chebbi —the grandest dune sea in Morocco, stretching miles in sand waves that shift with the wind. Unlike the rocky, dusty Agafay Desert or the smaller dunes near Marrakech, Merzouga is the Sahara you picture: massive golden dunes, endless horizons, and that almost spiritual silence.
The night sky here is a celestial dome of stars, undimmed by city light pollution. Add to that the genuine warmth of Berber hospitality—people whose lives are woven with the desert—and you get a profound, if rugged, slice of Sahara life.
The Road Trip: Marrakech to Merzouga
The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga is our favourite road trip in Morocco. It’s not just about the destination—it’s the ride. You’ll wind through the High Atlas, pass sleepy villages (like the one we stayed near Ait Benhaddou), and watch the landscape shift from green mountains to dusty plains.
The drive is long, but it’s never boring, like the Tizi N’Thika Pass. Every turn reveals something new: a kasbah clinging to a hillside, a flock of goats blocking the road, or a local vendor selling fresh oranges by the side of the highway.
If you’re planning a Marrakech to Merzouga 2 day tour, pack patience, snacks, and a good playlist. The road is your first taste of Morocco’s wild side.
What to Do in Merzouga
- Camel Trekking
- Swim with dunes landscape
- Dune climbing
- Stargazing at night
- Enjoy the desert landscape with a cup of tea
- Get a proper Berber meal
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Camel Trekking
While we might agree on the issue of animal exploitation in the tourism industry, this is a means by which these remote populations survive. Camels are an integral part of the local culture and play a crucial role in adapting to the harsh desert conditions.
Camel trekking is a classic activity in Merzouga, and we gave it a try. We went to Agafay and decided it wasn’t for us, so we skipped Merzouga.
The ride is bumpy, and the camels move at their own pace, but there’s something magical about crossing the dunes on camelback. The sunset in Merzouga is spectacular, and the silence of the desert was unlike anything we’d experienced before.
Swim with dunes landscape
As mentioned, something unforgettable about Merzouga is the landscape, and we were fortunate enough to stay at Kanz Erremal, which features a large pool situated on the edge of the golden dunes.
Two days, by the water, morning and sunset. It’s one of the best things to do in Merzouga. The price for the accommodation is comparable to that in a luxury camp, but you have four walls and AC to sleep well at night. More about this in the section about where to stay.
Dune Climbing
Climbing the dunes is a must. We have done it once for sunrise and another for sunset. To be fair, I don’t know which was the best as both were glorious. The sand is soft, and every step feels like you’re sinking into the earth.
The higher you go, the more the world opens up. Speaking with locals, they also say that on clear days, from the highest dune, you can see Algeria. After all, you are just a few miles from the border, with the dunes stretching endlessly, and the horizon blurs into the sky. It’s a humbling experience, and one that makes you feel small in the best way.
More guides about Morocco
AGAFAY DESERT VS MERZOUGA
MERZOUGA WITHOUT A TOUR
SHOP N10 FES TANNERIES
AIT BENHADDOU GUIDE
MOROCCO BUDGET GUIDE
A DETAILED GUIDE TO TAGHAZOUT
AGADIR SOUK GUIDE
IS ESSAOUIRA WORTH VISITING?
MARRAKECH STREET FOOD TOUR
Stargazing
Apart from sunrise and sunset, the desert is one of the best places in Morocco for stargazing. The sky is clear, and the stars are bright. We spent our evenings lying on the sand, watching the Milky Way unfold above us.
Unfortunately, they don’t serve alcohol, so no beers by the pool, pals! Often we suggest Merzouga for a Morocco Itinerary to our friends and couples. The reason behind this is that that night, with stars so bright and a clear sky, it’s one of the most romantic memories from Morocco.
Enjoy the desert landscape with a cup of tea
On a particular afternoon, we requested a proper mint tea, served on the terrace of our hotel. Facing the dunes, with the sun slowly going down, we enjoyed it fully. I think the photo above can prove it. We spent about one hour, or even more, enjoying the silence and the landscape.
Get a proper Berber meal
There isn’t much on offer in terms of restaurants or authentic places in Merzouga, so you must rely on your accommodation most of the time. We had breakfast and lunch at our hotel every day, served in the two restaurant rooms.
The meal was very ordinary, from tajine to couscous (notorious for being fresh on Fridays). They cook it the Moroccan way, and it’s a proper full immersion in the Berber way of life.
Things to know about visiting Merzouga
For a more comprehensive guide to Merzouga, you should know a few key things. We wish we had known this sooner before actually visiting Merzouga.
Of course, it involves safety in Merzouga, including what to expect from a luxury desert camp, the best time to visit, and some practical tips that can save your holiday.
Is Merzouga Safe?
Yes, Merzouga is safe for travellers. The locals are friendly, and the camps are well-run. We never felt unsafe; even when we were out on the dunes at sunset, there was always someone on the lookout for us.
The only thing to watch out for is the sun—wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and take breaks in the shade whenever possible. Some animals can be in the tent, but let the locals handle it.
Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp
We didn’t stay in a luxury camp, but had one very close to our accommodation. These tend to be very luxurious, but also very hot; that’s why we opted for our wall-built hotel.
Prices for a luxury desert camp are steep, especially when compared to those in Agafay; however, the experience in Merzouga is on another level. Read our comparison of Agafay Desert vs Merzouga.
Note, there are only a few desert camps with a pool. Most of them only offer small, round above-ground pools. Nothing pretty though. The only one that goes over and beyond we have seen is Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp. However, it’s still very convenient to book a complete tour, including transportation, through GetYourGuide.
These are the best tours of Merzouga staying in a luxury camp (All included!):
Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari: The tour includes transportation to and from Marrakech, as well as meals provided throughout. Additionally, the guide will take you to the most panoramic points of the Atlas Mountains, including a 2-hour tour through Ait Benhaddou, Todra Gorges, Sandboarding, and stargazing nights. Fixed price £90 ($120 | €100). Check Availability Here.
3-Day Merzouga and Atlas Mountains: All included a tour with the best of the Atlas Mountains, including a stay near Ait Benhaddou (link), and one night in a luxury desert camp in El Chebbi Dunes. Top Rated 4.9 / 12,000 Reviews. CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE.
Practical Tips: How to Get to Merzouga
Merzouga feels remote, but getting here is part of the adventure. The drive from Marrakech to Merzouga is a highlight in itself—winding through the High Atlas Mountains along roads dotted with kasbahs, villages, and breathtaking views. It takes about 8-9 hours, so if you want to break up the journey, consider overnighting in places like Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, or Midelt.
If you want to avoid self-driving, several companies offer Merzouga desert tours from Marrakech (Check it here), typically over 2 or 3 days, including stops at cinematic spots like Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorge (one of our favourites). You can also reach Merzouga from Fes in about 7 hours via the Ziz Valley (spectacular, don’t miss the fossils valley).
Public transport options are limited and infrequent, so private transfers, guided tours, or self-driving are safer bets. Our route from Marrakech to Merzouga was a memorable drive, characterised by its shifting landscapes and desert vibe, and we recommend taking the time to enjoy this road trip.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The desert is a challenging environment for predicting weather conditions. Summers scorch with daytime temps over 40°C (June to August – that’s when we visited), making days outside tough but evenings bearable.
Winters (December to February) get chilly, dropping close to freezing at night, so pack accordingly. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal seasons, characterised by warm days and cooler nights.
Sandstorms can roll in suddenly, quite dramatic, but typically last a few hours and add to the epic desert mood. We recommend book camps well ahead during high season (spring or fall) to ensure a spot in the best luxury desert camps. Despite what you think, Merzouga is on the high end pricewise, but fills quickly. Demand is high; offers (in good locations) are scarce.
Where to Stay in Merzouga
Merzouga is a tourist attraction, rather than a desert destination. To be fair, we found the village completely dead, with no soul. Therefore, the best way to truly enjoy Merzouga is to go on a tour or book an excellent accommodation.
That’s why we stayed at Kanz Erremal.
The facility is a proper Berber style, with beautiful carpets, finishing in wood, and a basic design. The hall was filled with traditional instruments, the ones we had seen being played in the desert camps we stayed in Dubai.
Accommodations range from basic Berber tents to luxurious desert camps in Merzouga, featuring pools and plush bedding. We chose a luxury camp near the dunes for its comfortable beds, delicious homemade food, and a plunge pool—perfect for cooling off on hot days. Budget options exist in town, but expect minimal comforts and a busier atmosphere.
These are our best options for staying in Merzouga besides a luxury camp:
🏨 Kanz Erremal: We stayed here! This place offers the best outdoor pool, full-board option, AC rooms, and a fair price. // BOOK HERE!
🏨 Hotel Riad Ali: One of the best in Merzouga, top rated with an outdoor pool, still on a budget. Perfect for couples and families. // CHECK PRICES HERE!
🏨 Sunrise Palace: One of the most instagrammable hotels in Merzouga, pricey but worth it with pool view over the dunes. // SEE AVAILABILITY HERE!
How much cost to visit Merzouga
Expect to spend around 700-1500 MAD per night at mid-range camps, including meals and activities. Day tours and transport add to the budget. Food in town is cheaper but less varied.
Compared with closer desert alternatives like Agafay, Merzouga is pricier and demands more travel time. But you pay for the epic scale of the dunes and the immersive desert experience. To save money, we suggest looking for all-inclusive tours, which might be a more rushed experience but drastically cut the costs.
