Most travelers come to Merzouga for one night in the dunes, and leave wishing they had stayed longer. Around the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi there is much more than a camel ride: nomad families, Gnawa music, black volcanic desert, old markets and skies full of stars. Here are the best things to do in the Sahara desert in Merzouga, chosen by our local drivers who visit the region every week.
1. Camel Ride at Sunset and Sunrise
The classic Sahara experience, and for good reason. In the late afternoon, you ride a camel into the dunes as the sand changes from gold to deep orange. At the top of a dune, you sit in silence and watch the sun go down over the Sahara. The next morning, you ride back after watching the sunrise over Erg Chebbi.
Tip: wear long trousers for the saddle, and keep a scarf ready in case of wind. See our Sahara packing list.
2. A Night Under the Stars
Far from city lights, the sky above the dunes is one of the darkest in Morocco. After dinner and music around the fire, walk a few steps away from the camp and look up: on clear nights you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes. Read what to expect from the tents, bathrooms and food in our guide to desert camps in Merzouga.
3. A 4×4 Tour Around Erg Chebbi
A 4×4 day around the dunes shows you the other side of the desert: the black volcanic plains, old mining villages, small oases and the edge of the great dunes. It is the best way to understand how people live in this region, and a great choice for families.
4. Visit a Nomad Family
A few nomad families still live around Merzouga, with their goats and camels, in simple tents or stone houses. With your guide, you can visit a family, share a glass of mint tea and learn how they live with very little water in the heart of the desert. It is a quiet, human moment that many guests remember most.
5. Gnawa Music in Khamlia
The village of Khamlia, a few kilometres from Merzouga, is home to a community of Gnawa musicians. Their music, with drums, iron castanets (qraqeb) and deep chants, has roots in West Africa. You can sit with them, drink tea and listen to a live performance.
6. Quad or Buggy Ride in the Dunes
For a bit of adventure, try an optional quad or buggy ride in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. It is fun for couples, friends and older children, and the views from the top of the dunes are amazing. Always ride with a local guide who knows the safe areas.
7. Rissani Market and Erfoud Fossils
Rissani was once the end of the great caravan routes across the Sahara. Its traditional market is full of spices, dates and local life, especially on market days. Nearby, Erfoud is famous for its fossils, some of them hundreds of millions of years old, which are cut and polished in local workshops.
How Much Time Do You Need?
| Time in Merzouga | What you can do |
|---|---|
| 1 night | Camel ride, sunset, the camp night and sunrise |
| 1 full day + 1 night | Add a nomad family, Khamlia music and a quad or buggy ride |
| 2 full days | Add a 4×4 tour, Rissani and the fossils of Erfoud |
With our 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech you have the essential night in the desert. To enjoy more, choose the 4 Days or 5 Days Desert Tour. Read how many days you need from Marrakech to Merzouga to decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Merzouga?
The camel ride at sunset and the night in a desert camp are the highlights. If you have more time, a nomad family visit and Gnawa music in Khamlia are very special.
Can children do these activities?
Yes. Camel rides, nomad visits and music are fine for most ages. For quads and buggies, check the age limits with your guide.
Are the activities included in your tours?
Each tour page lists what is included. Optional activities, like quad or buggy rides, can be added to any private tour: just ask us.
Ready for your Sahara adventure?
Tell us what you would love to do in the desert, and we will build your private tour around it.
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