Sleeping in the Merzouga Desert in Morocco
Heading to Morocco for your next vacation? Take a few days to explore the Sahara desert—you won't regret it.
Heading to Morocco for your next vacation ? Take a few days to explore the Sahara desert : you won't regret it. This sandy horizon, inhabited by Berbers and animated by their traditions, is an adventure playground worth exploring at least once in a lifetime.
In southern Morocco and on the border with Algeria, Merzouga is a paradise for desert travelers. A coveted destination, this part of the desert captivates with its 100 km² of dunes. To make the most of it, we recommend spending the night there: the spectacles of sunset and sunrise over Merzouga's dunes are absolutely breathtaking!
Merzouga, the finest desert experience
Merzouga is a premier destination in Morocco, not only for its landscape, renowned as one of the most beautiful in the desert, but also for its accessibility. Indeed, a paved road leads right to the Merzouga dunes. You can continue the journey for a few kilometers by camel or by car, on a dirt track, to reach points of interest. This part of the Sahara is far more accessible than other sand plains. From France, you can visit Merzouga during a short stay: no more excuses not to set foot in the desert!
Fortunately, this region of Morocco remains well preserved and isolated. You can enjoy your stay without running into large tourist groups, and observe an immaculate starry sky at night. Let yourself be intoxicated by this visual spectacle: dunes as far as the eye can see, reaching up to 150 meters high, set in the middle of nowhere. They are called the « Erg Chebbi ».
The Berber peoples are very welcoming; discover their culture over mint tea. A trip to the Merzouga desert allows you to shed stress, escape and slow down your pace of life. Besides, don't count on your mobile phone during this stay—you'll be completely disconnected!
Sleeping in a bivouac
Merzouga is well equipped for tourists wishing to stay the night. You'll find several bivouac camps there, of varying sizes. Some are even located at the foot of the dunes, offering you an exclusive view from your home for the day. You can sleep in traditional tents, made of carpets that protect from both heat and cold.
Take time to live like a desert nomad in a bivouac. You'll be rewarded with absolute calm, an unusual experience and countless activities within reach. Set out for a hike through the dunes, ride on camelback (or dromedary), drive a quad through the landscape or try sandboarding on the sand. Merzouga has a unique landscape, with its yellow sand dunes and black sand dunes in the background.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Merzouga and sleep in a bivouac is between October and April. Temperatures are milder, ranging from 15°C at night to 25°C during the day. Summer (June-August) should be avoided as temperatures can exceed 45°C during the day.
From Marrakech, Merzouga is about 560 km away, roughly 7 to 8 hours by road. You can drive a rental car, take a bus (via Ouarzazate and Errachidia) or opt for an organized tour from Marrakech or Fès.
The price of a night in a bivouac in Merzouga varies depending on the amenities. Budget an average of between €30 and €80 per person, typically including dinner, breakfast and a camel ride to reach the camp.
The Erg Chebbi is a dune field located near Merzouga, on the Algerian border. It covers approximately 100 km² and its dunes can reach up to 150 meters in height. It is one of the most photogenic and famous landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara.
In Merzouga, activities abound: hiking through the dunes, camel rides, quad biking across the sand, sandboarding (sliding down dunes) and stargazing at night. Camps also offer Berber musical evenings around a fire.
