You have finally decided to take your tickets to Morocco and you are in the middle of planning your trip. Only you don’t know what to do in Merzouga, a town from which you can access the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi.
By the way, this famous Erg Chebbi is the main attraction of the city. All the activities proposed by the tourist agencies revolve around the visit to the desert.
However, although everything is articulated around this sand building, you will find something for everyone. Indeed, in activities in a family, in a couple, or between friends, there is inevitably a service that corresponds to you. Thus, you will be able to benefit from the quietude of the places with excursions on foot or with the back of the dromedary. But, for the most reckless and the amateurs of strong sensations, the exits in quad or buggy should fill your thirst for adrenalin.
Finally, whatever the time of day, you can live an incredible experience. Indeed, very early in the morning or late at night, there is always something to do in the desert of Merzouga.
The top 10 things to do in the Merzouga desert
1. TAKE A CAMEL RIDE IN MERZOUGA
The time of a stroll, you will travel in the manner of the Berbers. This nomadic Moroccan people used to travel long distances in the desert by camel.
From Merzouga, the famous blue-coated camel drivers will take you on the back of their beasts for an incredible discovery of the desert. Whichever option you choose, they will take you through incredible scenery.
Pass through the dunes and let yourself be rocked by the movement of the animals. The quietness of the place will allow you to take full advantage of the panorama that this wild nature offers. Many tourists book tours in Morocco just to take the camel ride in Merzouga, it is rated as one of the best things to do not only in Merzouga but the whole of Morocco.
2. LIVE A SUNSET IN THE DESERT OF MERZOUGA
Speaking of panoramic views and wilderness, you won’t believe your eyes when the sunlight starts to fade.
Indeed, some camel rides are organized in order to enjoy an incredible sunset. That’s why by leaving at the end of the day you start a 1h30 ride during which you will observe the dunes change color with the passing of time.
This incredible natural spectacle is likely to mark you forever. Take advantage of it to take some pictures, the place is so favorable.
3. HIKING IN THE DESERT OF MERZOUGA
For many of you, travel rhymes with hiking. It is indeed the best way to discover the surrounding nature. Moreover, the desert of Erg Chebbi is no exception to this rule.
However, beware, we advise you to call upon a guide. If the desert is magnificent, it is not less dangerous. An error in the route can have heavy consequences in a desert where the mercury exceeds 40 °C.
Moreover, these guides will make you pass by incredible corners. In spite of their company, you may feel alone in the world. However, a feeling of plenitude will invade you in front of this spectacle that nature reserves you.
4. GO ON A 4×4 EXCURSION IN THE DUNES
Embark on this all-terrain vehicle. The local driver who will pick you up at your accommodation will take you to visit the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
You will then cross mountains of sand thanks to the 4×4. This experience will shake you up, literally and figuratively.
Stop in a Berber camp. Thus, you will discover the local traditions. You will share a meal with a family of nomads. Moreover, they will make you discover their traditional music and their unusual instruments.
5. SPEND A NIGHT IN THE DESERT
Many camps have all the comforts of a real hotel room: bedding, private bathroom, and food. Nevertheless, hotels do not offer to spend a night in a tent rocked by the natural music of the desert.
It is an incredible experience that awaits you. First, your arrival will be by 4×4 or camel. Then, you will enjoy the sunset from the camp. Then, after a hearty traditional dinner, you can settle down around a warm campfire. You will then observe a magnificent starry sky on a background of traditional music.
6. TREAT YOURSELF TO A QUAD RIDE IN MERZOUGA
The desert of Erg Chebbi lends itself perfectly to this kind of activity. Indeed, quad biking in Merzouga is the perfect activity for driving enthusiasts.
With the help of these motorized machines, you will pass through incredible places. You will ride through sandy dunes and rocky desert landscapes. The rough roads will not scare you.
A guide will take you to isolated corners of nature. Also, you will stop to have tea with a Berber family. They will welcome you with open arms and you will learn a little more about the local culture.
7. SANDBOARDING: GO DOWN THE DUNES ON SANDBOARD
If you were looking for an unusual activity, you have found it. Indeed, the only slopes you’ve been down so far were covered with a thick blanket of snow. And you were warmly dressed with gloves, a hat, and a winter coat.
Now imagine being able to slide in a T-shirt and on the sand. This is exactly what sandboarding in Merzouga offers.
From the heights of the dunes, you will launch yourself for a session of supernatural sliding. You will find the sensations of winter sports except that here you will enjoy higher temperatures.
Sandboarding in Merzouga is a fun way to enjoy the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
8. KITESURFING ON THE SAND
Is adrenaline what you are looking for? In that case, opt for kitesurfing in Merzouga.
The air currents in the dunes of Erg Chebbi are favorable to the practice of kitesurfing on the sand. Indeed, accompanied by a guide or not, alternate short flights and moments of sliding on the sand. Play with the reliefs proposed by the dunes.
You will feel free as air with this activity. Moreover, it is a way to survey the desert while respecting the environment.
9. GO FOR A BUGGY TRIP IN THE DUNES OF MERZOUGA
Get off the beaten track and go for a beautiful adventure in the dunes.
After a short initiation for the piloting of this motorized vehicle, you will be able to cover long distances in the desert. Thus, you will see a maximum of things in a minimum of time.
Again, accompanied by a guide you can visit a Berber family. Moroccans are very attached to their customs. Therefore, you will share a mint tea with them before going back on the road.
The desert has many surprises in store for you. You will discover sumptuous panoramas during your excursion.
10. FLY OVER THE ERG CHEBBI IN PARAGLIDING
If there is a way to have an overall view of the Erg Chebbi desert, it is by taking the height.
For this, accompanied by a guide, why not opt for paragliding in Merzouga? Let yourself be carried by the wind and discover the desert from a new angle. Like a bird, you will be able to fly over the dunes as you wish.
This activity brings an incomparable feeling of freedom. You’ll feel like you’ve opened up the field of possibilities in this beautiful playground that seems limitless.
Frequently Asked Questions about Merzouga
Merzouga is 560km away from Marrakech. However, tourists who travel from Marrakech to Merzouga split the distance and spend a night in Dades Gorges.
Merzouga is a safe village. You can set your tent around the dunes without worrying about anything.
Merzouga is 660km away from Casablanca.
The best thing to do in Merzouga is the camel ride on the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Merzouga can be visited in two days, on the first day, you can do camel trekking and spend the night at a Berber camp, for the next day, you can discover the mines, visit the nomads, and many more attractions to discover.
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