Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, perched on the edge of Erg Chebbi – a 50km long and 5km wide set of sand dunes that reach up to 350m, some of the highest in North Africa.
Being within easy reach of the tarmac road that meets between Zagora and Erfoud, they are the most visited dunes in Morocco, and therefore quite touristy. There is lots of quad biking, camel treks, 4×4’s and sand boarding to be found, but they are still well worth the visit for their impressive colour and height.
The local population is mix of Arabs and Berber who are very welcoming and friendly. The hotels we use are family run and owned by locals, and both have camps deep in the dunes and away from the noise of the dune buggies.
Sightseeing (can be booked through the hotels if you would prefer to go with a guide and / or dirver)
- Flamingo Lake inthe black desert
- Black mans village where Gnaoua music originated
- Merzouga dunes – some of the highest in North Africa
Camel treks – see Hotels Kasbah Mohayut and Kasbah Derkaoua and Activities for details
If you are looking for a quieter, less touristy dune experience, then M’hamid and the Ch’gaga dunes may better suit you. They are to the south of Zagora, and although nowhere near as high, they are equally impressive by their huge expanse, stretching for some 120km.
