Known for
On the edge of the desert, Merzouga gives access to the immense dunes of Erg Chebbi. A night under the stars at a desert camp, a camel ride and an unforgettable sunrise.
What to see
Dunes reaching 150 m, glowing bright orange at sunrise and sunset.
💡 Climb the big dune barefoot at sunset.
A night in a nomad tent, a tagine dinner and gnaoua music around the fire.
A sunset caravan to the camp, led by a camel driver.
What to do
Caravan to the camp at sunset.
Berber tents, dinner and gnaoua music at Erg Chebbi.
Sunrise over Morocco’s highest dunes.
Where to eat
🍽️ Tagine cooked under the stars
Usually included with the overnight camp stay.
🍽️ Berber pizza (Madfouna)
Local speciality: bread stuffed with meat.
Where to stay & book
Comfortable Berber tents, dinner and music under the stars.
Authentic nomad night, shared bathrooms.
Handy base with a pool, at the foot of the dunes.
Climate & temperature
☀️ Summer: Summer: 40 to 48 °C by day, dangerous. Mild nights.
❄️ Winter: Winter: 18 to 22 °C by day, 0 to 5 °C at night (sometimes below zero).
✅ Best time: October-April. Avoid July-August (heatwave).
🧴 Huge day/night temperature swing: cover up in the evening. · Intense sun and sandstorms: protect your eyes, skin and airways. · Bring enough water, few supply points. · Limited phone coverage in the dunes.
🎒 Chèche / scarf (sand & sun) · Warm clothes for the night · High-factor sunscreen · Headlamp & plenty of water
Safety & tips
💡 Local tip: Book a desert camp with a transfer from Marrakech or Fez (about 8–9 hours by road). Bring a scarf against the sand and warm clothes: the nights are cold.
Someone approaches you, claims your route is closed, or offers to guide you 'for free' to a square or landmark. Once there, they demand money, sometimes insistently.
✅ Refuse politely but firmly ('la, choukran' = no thanks) and keep walking. Use an offline map. A real guide carries an official badge. Never follow anyone who insists.
The driver refuses to turn on the meter ('it's broken') and then announces an inflated fare on arrival, sometimes 3 to 5 times the normal price.
✅ Ask for the meter before getting in. If the meter 'doesn't work', step out and simply take the next taxi — there are always others. If the driver insists or threatens you, call the police (19). Without a meter, agree on the price IN ADVANCE and ask your riad about the normal fare. Ride-hailing apps (inDrive, Careem) show the price upfront and avoid any dispute.
A woman grabs your hand and starts a henna tattoo 'as a gift', then demands a high price. Some black hennas contain allergy-triggering additives.
✅ Keep your hands close to you and refuse any contact. Never hold out your hand. Walk away at the very first approach.