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Merzouga and the Sahara travel guide

Camel treks and desert camps in the dunes

The Erg Chebbi dunes. Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 15mflight from London
ERHnearest main airport
34° in Julwarmest month
9° in Jancoolest month

Merzouga is a small village at the edge of Erg Chebbi, a sea of orange dunes on the Sahara's edge. Visitors ride camels out to Berber camps to watch sunset and spend the night.

Most people come on a three-day tour from Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas past Aït Benhaddou and the Todra Gorge.

Good forAdventureStargazingPhotographyRoad trips

What Merzouga is known for

  • Sand dunes

    Up to 150 metres high.

  • Starry skies

    No light pollution.

  • Camel treks

    Ride out at sunset.

  • Aït Benhaddou

    A film-set kasbah on the way.

Top things to do in Merzouga and the Sahara

  1. 1

    A camel trek to camp

    Sunset ride and a night in the dunes.

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  2. 2

    Sandboarding

    Slide down the biggest dunes.

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  3. 3

    Aït Benhaddou

    A mud-brick UNESCO village.

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  4. 4

    Todra Gorge

    Red canyon walls and palm groves.

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See all tours and tickets in Merzouga

Where to stay in Merzouga and the Sahara

Find a hotel in Merzouga

Best time to visit Merzouga and the Sahara

Best value: May, Sep. October to April; summer is far too hot.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
9.3 C9°J11.4 C11°F15.8 C16°M20.2 C20°A24.8 C25°M29.9 C30°J33.8 C34°J32.9 C33°A27.8 C28°S22 C22°O14.6 C15°N10.2 C10°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Merzouga and the Sahara, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 15m from London to ERH, and flights from most UK airports.

Join a tour or hire a driver. Errachidia airport is two hours away.

Find flights to Merzouga (ERH)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Nights get cold, even in spring.
  • Bring a scarf for sun and sand.
  • Tours vary a lot, so check reviews.
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Merzouga and the Sahara FAQ

How long from Marrakech?

About nine hours, usually split over two days.

Is one night in the desert enough?

Yes, for most people.

More places in Morocco

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