As the gateway to the shifting dunes of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga is the jumping-off point for travelers eager to experience the majesty of the Sahara Desert. Exploring the neighboring sea of sand by camel or ATV is among the most unforgettable things to do in Merzouga, though many tours also include tea with Berber (Amazigh) nomads, a market visit to bargain for dates and other local delicacies, and overnight desert camping excursions featuring traditional dishes and live music. Most visitors arrive in Merzouga on a multi-day tour across the Atlas peaks from Marrakech or Fez.
Temperatures in the Sahara Desert are among the highest on earth between June and September, averaging above 100°F (38°C) at midday and making the town and nearby dunes challenging to visit. The days are milder in the fall and spring, but the sun is still unforgiving so protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves. Nighttime temperatures plummet during the winter—pack plenty of layers if overnighting in a desert camp between November and March.
The town of Merzouga is small and has only a smattering of accommodations, shops, and restaurants plus tourist-focused services like camel and ATV rides. You can easily get around town on foot, and most visitors arrive with private transportation as part of a tour from Marrakech or Fez. There are two main modes of transport for venturing out of town and into the Erg Chebbi dunes: camels—or, more accurately, one-humped dromedaries—and ATVs or dune buggies.
Though Erg Chebbi is the biggest draw near Merzouga, sandstorms sometimes delay desert excursions. Luckily, there is more to see and do in the area than just exploring the vast expanse of dunes. Explore the bustling market in Rissani—with its stalls piled high with dates, olives, spices, and other delicacies—or catch a traditional Gnawa performance in Khamlia. Shop for fossils in Erfoud, admire flamingos at Lake Dayet Srij, or feast on steaming madfouna, a type of Berber (Amazigh) pizza baked in a traditional wood-burning oven.
