Visiting the Sahara Desert in Merzouga: Everything You Need to Know

Why visit the Sahara Desert in Merzouga?

Merzouga sits right beside Erg Chebbi, a vast area of high orange sand dunes in southeastern Morocco. The scenery is completely different from the busy cities, green valleys, and rocky mountains you encounter along the way. Merzouga is also a convenient base for an overnight stay in the desert. You can leave your car in the village and join activities from there or take a 4x4 transfer to your desert camp. This means you do not have to drive a rental car through the loose sand yourself.

From Todra Gorge to Merzouga

We drove to Merzouga from Todra Gorge. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes from rocky and mountainous to increasingly dry and flat. As you approach Merzouga, the enormous dunes of Erg Chebbi eventually appear on the horizon. The main road to Merzouga was easy to drive in a regular car. You do need an off-road vehicle for the final stretch through the desert, but our camp arranged this transport for us.

Parking in Merzouga

We parked our rental car for free at the hotel owned by the team behind Morocco Relaxing Desert Camp. The car was kept behind a gate, so we felt comfortable leaving it there. We could take our luggage with us in the 4x4 to the camp. It is useful to pack a smaller overnight bag with only the things you actually need. Sand gets absolutely everywhere, and the less luggage you take, the easier it is.

Quad biking in the Sahara

One of our favorite activities in Merzouga was quad biking through the sand dunes. Our ride lasted about an hour, which we found long enough to enjoy the beautiful dunes and get a sense of just how vast the landscape is. Wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. The sand and dust will probably leave your shoes and clothes looking less than clean. Sunglasses protect your eyes, and a scarf or cloth over your mouth can be helpful when it is windy. Always follow your guide's instructions and do not leave the designated route on your own. The landscape may look easy to navigate, but it is surprisingly easy to lose your bearings among the dunes.

Our experience camel riding

We also went on a camel ride that lasted about an hour. The ride itself was peaceful, and the views across the dunes were beautiful. However, several of the camels did not look well cared for in our opinion, which left us feeling uncomfortable about the experience afterward. If you still want to book a camel ride, look carefully at the condition of the animals and how they are treated. If it does not feel right, it is better to skip it. Quad biking, walking, or a 4x4 tour are good alternatives that allow you to experience the desert without riding a camel.

Taking a 4x4 to the desert camp

What is sometimes described as a jeep tour was mainly the transfer to the camp in our case. We traveled from Merzouga through the sand to Morocco Relaxing Desert Camp in a 4x4. Do not automatically expect a long jeep tour with several stops. Ask in advance exactly what your reservation includes: just transport to the camp or a longer excursion through the surrounding area.

Staying at Morocco Relaxing Desert Camp

We stayed one night at Morocco Relaxing Desert Camp and booked directly with the property. We chose a more luxurious tent with real beds, a private bathroom, and air conditioning. The air conditioning was absolutely worth the extra cost in June. Daytime temperatures reached around 43°C, and without a cool place to retreat to, the heat can become exhausting. The tent was comfortable, and the food at the camp was good. A private bathroom may sound unnecessary in the desert, but after a day full of sand and activities, being able to freshen up is wonderful. Keep in mind that even with a private bathroom, sand still gets everywhere.

Prepare for extreme heat

The Sahara can be incredibly hot in summer. During our stay in June, the daytime temperature was around 43°C. Plan strenuous activities as early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as possible. Long, lightweight clothing made from a fabric such as cotton protects your skin from the sun and often feels more comfortable than short, tight clothing. Also bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses. A thin scarf is useful against both the sun and blowing sand. Even if you are staying for just one night, do not underestimate the heat.

Stargazing and sunrise

One of the reasons to spend a night in the Sahara is the chance to see the stars and sunrise above the dunes. There is very little artificial light outside Merzouga, so the sky can become incredibly dark on a clear night. Set your alarm in time for sunrise and ask the camp when you should head outside. A higher dune often offers the best view, but leave plenty of time: walking uphill through loose sand takes longer than you might expect.

How many nights do you need in Merzouga?

For most travelers, one or two nights is enough. We stayed for one night and found that sufficient because we went quad biking and camel riding on the day we arrived. After breakfast, we continued toward Dades Gorge. By then, the heat and all the sand had also left us ready for a long shower and a fresh hotel room. If you want more time to relax, take a longer 4x4 tour, or experience more than one sunrise, you could stay for two nights.

What to pack for the Sahara

For one night in the desert, we recommend bringing at least the following:

• Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A hat, cap, or scarf
• Plenty of drinking water
• Shoes that can get dirty
• A smaller overnight bag
• A power bank
• Toiletries and optional wet wipes
• A warmer layer outside the summer months
• A camera or phone

Is an overnight stay in the Sahara worth it?

Yes, visiting the Sahara is a truly special addition to a Morocco road trip. The dunes, the 4x4 drive, and a night in the middle of the desert create an experience that feels completely different from the rest of the country. We would choose a comfortable tent with a private bathroom and air conditioning again, especially in summer. One night was exactly right for us. We would, however, be more critical of activities involving animals and would not automatically book another camel ride.