Merzouga

Erg Chebbi Maroc - Erg Chebbi

Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a 50-km long and 5-km wide set of sand dunes that reach up to 350 m.

Merzouga Halal Explorer

Most visitors come here to take a camel safari into the dunes, and to get a taste of remote (tourism-influenced) Berber life.

The local population is mix of Arabs and Berber, and generally welcoming and friendly.

Travel to Merzouga

By grand taxi

From Rissani to Merzouga, a grand taxi or van is 10/12 dirham. If you don't want to wait for other people to fill your grand taxi, pay 60 dirham. If you arrive before sunrise (if you come in the 06:00-07:00 bus from Fez) you can pay up to 100 dirham for a grand taxi.

Beware of guides in Rissani or Erfoud who offer to take you to Merzouga for 5 dirham each, but instead strand you at their auberge 20 kilometers north of the village. If you decline their offers of camel rides and lodging, it is often quite difficult (and expensive) to make your way back to town.

If you're continuing on to one of the small villages nearby, such as Hassi Labied and the usual tourist price is a fairly steep 50 dirham (total, not per person) for the 5-km drive. Beware that overnight buses may sometimes arrive more than an hour early, putting you in Merzouga before sunrise. If this happens, you may find yourself with no cabs available, so be prepared to wait for someone to arrive.

Travel on a Bus in Merzouga

Supra Tour buses from Marrakech and also from Fez have daily trips that stop in Merzouga village.

By car

From Marrakech, drive east to Erfoud (2 days drive, stop for the night in or near Ouarzazate). From Fez, drive south to Erfoud (1 day).

From Erfoud, continue south 14 kilometers to Rissani, carry on through the village and follow the road southeast for 40 kilometers to Merzouga. The road has been asphalted to Merzouga, and also to Taouz, a southern military border town (foreigners cannot cross here). The short access roads (1- or 2-km long) from the primary street to the hotels alongside the sand dunes are normally not asphalted, but well maintained. There is now an asphalt road to Hassi Lybed, a smaller village about 4 kilometers before Merzouga.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Merzouga

You can also fly to Ouarzazate from Casablanca and then continue to Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga.

There are also weekly flights into Errachadia, about 2 hours north of Merzouga by car.

By tour

Tour operators can arrange 4x4s with driver/guides from Marrakech or Casablanca and back.

How to get around in Merzouga

GPS 31.0970|-4.0107 The only way to get around Merzouga is on foot. It's fairly small and easily walkable, but you'll likely want to avoid the midday heat.

What to see in Merzouga

Sunrise/sunset over the dunes. Folk dances and black G'naui music. Visits to villages near Merzouga inhabited by Senegalese musicians and dancers such as Khamlia can be arranged with some guides, ask at your hotel.

Animals – See the ducks, and in early spring, flamingos, on the Dayet Srji salt lake, just west of Merzouga (according to the visitor information office in Hassilabied and there has been no water for at least the past 2 years, as of May 2023). There are many other species of birds (ruddy sheldrack and Kittllitz's plower during the spring migration, Tristram's desert warbler and the Egyptian nightjar and the Arabian buzzard and falcons), and the desert sparrows are unique to this region and can be seen all year round. There are also reptiles (Algerian sand lizards, Berber skinks and snakes), mammals such as gerbils, desert hedgehogs, field mice and desert foxes, and scarab beetles. In the morning, you can often see their tracks in the sand. Brown scorpions can occasionally be seen, but they come out at night and tend to avoid humans.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Merzouga

Camel Safaris - Almost certainly the reason you came here in the first place, and by far the best way to experience the dunes. After taking you into the village to buy a proper head scarf to protect you from the sun, you'll be thrown on a camel and lead off into the desert. Meals, water, tents, etc should all be taken care of by your leader, but naturally you'd want to confirm this when you do your negotiations beforehand and make sure you're very specific, and ask lots of questions. Speaking of negotiations, do your research before coming (ask other travelers in Marrakech, etc., for recommendations and for what they paid), and be prepared to bargain very hard. the industry here is smooth and deceivingly vicious. On the first night, most groups end up at a pre-setup camp circle at the base of some large dunes, where the various tour operators have their Berber tents set up. Dinner will be cooked here, perhaps some music played, and you can frolic on the sand dunes under zillions of stars. If you're only on a 1-day trip and then you'll wake early, have some tea/breakfast, and head back before it gets hot. Others will hang out during the day, beating the heat in the tents all day, and either spend another night here or venture further out beyond the dunes and stay with a berber family, where you'll then set out to return early on the third morning. A few operators have their own private camps that will offer a more remote experience, ask around if this is what you seek. This provides a more intimate setting with fewer people and noise where you can relax and enjoy the stars. Cost a little bit more but worth it. Also check to see if showers are included after the camel trek.

Motor Safaris – It is also feasible to tour the dunes on ATVs, but this is strongly discouraged. You're destroying the beauty of what you came to see in the first place, and severely ruining the remote experience. (But of course, beauty lies in the eyes of the observer.)

Halal Restaurants in Merzouga

Most people eat meals at their lodge, but a few basic restaurants are scattered around the town if you are in need.

Haven La Chance - Hassi Labaid ☎ +212 66859-9340 Arrange lunches at Haven La Chance Desert Hotel, either at the hotel or in the desert itself. A popular item is pizza cooked in the sand as the nomads do.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Merzouga

Merzouga - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Merzouga, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merzouga. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Merzouga and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Merzouga. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Merzouga. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMerzouga: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Merzouga.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Merzouga: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Merzouga, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Merzouga.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Merzouga, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Merzouga, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Merzouga and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Merzouga, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Merzouga, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Merzouga without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merzouga is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Merzouga.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Merzouga is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Merzouga, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Merzouga Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are about 50 small hotels of varying categories along the sand dunes, and most of them own camels or can at least arrange your trip into the dunes.

name=Auberge Soleil Bleu - albergue@ Merzouga-Hassilabied Off the primary street between the villages of Merzouga and Hassilabied ☎ +212661792455 or +212670362697 +212535578890 Rooms starting at 90 dirham - A locally-owned and -operated traditional Kasbah hotel five minutes' walk from the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The hotel has a roof terrace and provides food for their guests from their kitchen. They also organise a wide range of excursions in the area, including desert camping and camel treks. Free pickup for reserved guests from the local bus stop. English, French, and Spanish are spoken.

Complexe touristique de Merzouga - chez@ centre taouz cercle rissani 500 m from the centre of merzouga ☎ +212 535576322€30 per person, breakfast and dinner included - This is the nearest hotel to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, and offers 42 rooms, a restaurant, snack bar, bar, terrace, swimming pool, bivouac and provides excursions by 4x4 or camel.

Les pyramides hotel - Ksar Merzouga - GPS: On the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi ☎ +212 67013-7673€20 per person, breakfast and dinner included
Auberge Berberes - auberge@ - ☎ +212 6810-3178€20-30 per person, breakfast and dinner included - Located right on the edge of the dunes, offering single, double and triple rooms.

Auberge du Sud - ☎ +212 66121-6166 +212 3557-8631€15-40 per person, breakfast and dinner included - On the edge of the dunes, all rooms come with private bathroom. Swimming pool, camel safaris.

Auberge Les Dunes D'or | ☎ +212 6135-0665 +212 3557-7146 - 35 rooms. Children's activities, restaurant, room service, shuttle bus service, swimming pool, airport transportation

Auberge Sahara Hotel - @sahara-merzouga.com Ksar Hassi Labiad ☎ +212 3557-7039, +212 6676-6355 (Mobile) +212 3557-7303 - Clean hotel in a oasis at the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes run by flexible staff. Swimming pool, restaurant, free parking, and a variety of accommodation options including camping under palm trees. Camel safaris and various trips around the area can be arranged.

Chez Julia - ☎ +212 3557-3182, +212 7018-1360 (Mobile) From 130 dirham - Spotless, very friendly French/English/German-speaking staff, great meals (tajines can be shared).

Dar el Khamlia - Ksar Khamlia ☎ +212 7091-4351 - Dar el Khamlia is just outside of Merzouga, offering lodging for those who like to be more near the local people. Comfortable rooms, meals included. Camel trekking into dunes, excursions by 4x4, pick up at airports of Errachidia, Ouarzazate or Marrakech.

Desert Fish - ☎ +212 7208-5113 Right next to the sand dunes. A bivouac with a space to eat and relax and very nice, comfortable Berber tents. The place is managed by some very friendly young boys. The Berber tents are nice and clean and there are three good showers and the food is good and they play live Gnaoua music after dinner.

Auberge Haven La Chance Desert Hotel - @otel.com Hassi Lybed ☎ +212 53557-7269, +212 66859-9340€17-30 per person with half board - Modern, comfortable hotel right next to the sand dunes and palm trees in a private setting. A swimming swimmingpool (11 m by 6 m) has been added amongst the olive trees and roses. 15 rooms are en-suite with toilets and showers. 12 Berber tents next to the hotel for the more adventurous. Singles / doubles/triples/quads with en-suite toilet and shower. Home made local food for dinner as well as breakfast is included in the price. Brand new restaurant with unique arches has just been finished. The owners also run a tour company, www.bluemenofmorocco.com, that can organize custom private tours around Morocco for individuals, families and small groups. Caravan parking with showers also located by the hotel. Wifi connection available by the swimmingpool and around the hotel for clients. N31.08'031" W004.01'128"

Hotel Yasmina - ☎ +212 3557-6783 +212 3577-4071from €20-45 per person, breakfast and dinner included - Yasmina is located right on the bottom of the dunes of Erg Chebbi, on a hill with great views of the dunes. Pool, on site restaurant and camel safaris.

Ksar Bicha - 31.10730, -4.01058 ☎ +212 5355-77113 +212 5355-73410 - A traditional, family-run kasbah with views of the dunes from the roof terrace. En suite rooms arranged around two plant-filled courtyards. English, French, (Spanish), German and Italian are spoken.

Les Portes du Desert - ☎ +212 7369-4601 +212 3557-7930€26-50 per person, breakfast and dinner included - A comfortable hotel decorated in a mix of Arabesque, Andalusian and European styles. Pool, on site restaurant, and camel safaris.

Morocco Sahara - El Bourki Lhou, Hassilabied ☎ +212 1560-5886 Camel trekking and tours of the dunes and wadis, sleeping in furnished traditional Berber tents. Camel tours in groups or individually with a sensitive and knowledgeable guide/camel driver from a traditional nomad family. Sleep in Berber and Tuareg encampments or in seclusion. Tailored service. Comfortable clean tents, some with sprung mattress beds. Great traditional food.

Nasser Palace - Ksar Hassilabied ☎ +212 7078-0028 +212 3557-8010€25-45 per person including breakfast and dinner - Nasser Palace is a hotel with swimming swimmingpool and spa located on the dunes of Merzouga. 20 rooms with private toilets, bivouac and camel treks on Sahara dunes.

Hotel Nomad Palace - Ksar Merzouga 52202 ☎ +212 662191244 - Hotel Nomad Palace is located outside Merzouga, on the way to Taouz, before Khamlia. Comfortable, quiet, with terraces, swimming pool, restaurant, all rooms with private bathrooms, suite with king size beds. Half board included. Camel treks, 4x4 tours and pick up form any airport. Other tours can be arranged.

Riad Aicha Hotel @icha.com ☎ +212 71153311 +212 0535577986 - Ksar Hassi Labiad

Snacks Hassi Labied - center of village Hassi Labied. Hassi Labied 30 m near the school ☎ +212 662042881 - Snacks Hassi Labied located in center of Hassi Labied. tagine, couscous, Kalia, jusice and sandwiches. Snacks Hassi Labied can arrange also camel trekking into desert, ski with sand boards, rent bike, quads, excursion with 4x4.

Hotel Kasbah Mohayut - 31.13115, -4.01723 ☎ +212 666-039-185 Check-in: 12:30PM Monday - 11PM / Check-out: noon-1PM Beautiful hotel with a friendly and knowledgeable staff, fluent in English/French/Arabic/Berber and other languages. Many rooms include terraces overlooking the Erg Chebbi and air conditioning. Rooms are comfortable and clean, with private bathrooms (Western style). Hotel also features a swimming pool, free internet connection, and a restaurant. You can arrange for desert excursions by camel with guides and Berber tent accommodations.

Hotel Kanz Erremal - Touz Haci El Bide from Rissani 33 kilometers, left at sign and then 2½ kilometers on track ☎ +212 55577265 - €44 Hotel Kanz Erremal is located at the base of the desert dunes Erg Chebbi, in the southeast of Morocco. Kanz Erremal has a haimas camp and also organizes a ridding a camel trip in order to spend a night in the desert. Furthermore, it organizes seven-road trips to explore the spectacular places that the landscape offers. The rooms have a traditional decoration, typical from the region. They have air conditioning, free wifi access, bathroom and great external views, most of them to the dunes. The swimmingpool is located in front of the dunes, so swimmers have the impression to swim in the middle of the desert. The hotel offers a good example of traditional Moroccan cuisine based on natural ingredients.

Auberge Ksar Sania - GPS: through gate at Merzouga, right, immdiately left, follow signs for 800 m ☎ +212 55577414 - single 300-400 half-board; double 200-300 dirham per person half-board; night in the desert 350 dirham per person half-board; camping 25 dirham Camels 60 dirham/hour. Excursions available.

Stay Safe

As with many places, be cautious with anyone who seems interested in romantic entanglements, as incidents of foreign women being charmed by local residents and then discovering that the "romance" was merely a cover to obtain sex, money, or other services are not uncommon and increasing. This seems especially true for young foreign travellers. The cosy camp surroundings and maybe some does the rest.

News & References Merzouga

Travel Next

Supra Tour Buses travel from the center of Merzouga village north to Meknes, Fez and also over to Ouarzazate and then Marrakech. This is new and an affordable way to get to the desert- but there are no stops to visit the Todra Gorge, Dades valley or Ait Ben Haddaou or Ifrane. Or to take rest stops at your leisure! They travel overnight from fes and during the day from Marrakech.