Here are the best things to do in Merzouga, at the foot of Erg Chebbi, the highest dunes in Morocco.
Camel trekking
Riding a dromedary into the Sahara is the experience most travellers come for. We organise camel treks at sunset, at sunrise or both, and overnight treks to a Berber camp in the dunes. See our camel trekking tours and the short sunset and sunrise rides.
Sandboarding
Close to the camp, the high dunes of Erg Chebbi are perfect for sandboarding. Climb up, slide down and repeat: it is the favourite activity of families and younger travellers during free time at the camp.
A day with the nomads
Leave in the morning by donkey or on foot with a local guide and spend the day in the desert. We have a picnic in the dunes or by the Safsaf river, where nomad families come for water, and you learn to cook the traditional Berber pizza in the sand and a tagine on the fire. In the evening we cross the high dunes again, past Lake Yasmina, back to Merzouga.
4×4 desert tour
Explore the region around the dunes by four-wheel drive: the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa musicians, nomad tents, desert oases, the old mines of Mifis and the black desert. Also, a full day in 4×4 is included in our 4 day tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Gnawa music in Khamlia
In addition, the people of Khamlia descend from families who came from sub-Saharan Africa. Their Gnawa music, with drums and iron castanets, is one of the most moving moments of a visit to Merzouga.
Stargazing
Far from any city lights, the sky over Erg Chebbi is one of the clearest you will ever see. After dinner at the camp, climb a dune and look up.
Several days in the desert
Would you like to stay longer than one night? We can organise two or more nights in the desert, combining camel treks, a day with the nomads and the 4×4 tour. Contact us and we will prepare a program for you.
Plan your things to do in Merzouga with us
Most of these things to do in Merzouga are included in our desert tours, and the rest can be added on request. Tell us how long you stay and we will suggest the best things to do in Merzouga for your trip. See also our guest reviews on Tripadvisor.
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