The great orange dunes of the Merzouga desert is a landscape that no traveler or tourist forgets. You will be surprised to know that some of the dunes of this desert located in the southeast of Morocco, reach 200 meters in height. Also, depending on the time of day, they change their color. The most impressive thing about Merzouga is the authenticity of this place located far from urban and light pollution. It is a natural place in the heart of the Sahara desert that, sometime in your life, you must visit.
The most impressive desert in Morocco
In the past, Merzouga was one of the main oases where people stopped before heading into the desert to stock up on the necessary supply that would accompany them on their journey. Today, it is one of the main tourist attractions precisely because the authenticity of a lifestyle that, for us, can become unimaginably exotic. The interesting thing about visiting these places so genuine and unique in the world is that they offer the possibility of getting closer to local life. Take a walk, watch, sit down for tea. In addition, one of the great attractions of the population of this area is music. We encourage you to discover it, because it will surprise you.
Winters in Merzouga are cold but sunny. During the spring months they reach from 25ºC to 30ºC, being the coolest nights. Summer is hot and during the year there is occasional rain. The best months to visit the Merzouga desert are from September to May. However, the weather is not an impediment to approach this unique place.
How to get to the Merzouga desert
The Merzouga desert location is perfect for a traveler or tourist who wants to venture deep into the great dunes. Located 9 hours from Marrakech, taking the roads N9 and N12 and 7 hours from Fez on the N13. In addition, you can take advantage of the road to visit other emblematic places of the country that will catch you on the way. Just 20 kilometers from the border with Algeria and 45 kilometers from Erfoud, Merzouga is the most famous town in the Erg Chebbi.
To speak of Merzouga is to speak of one of the most unique areas of Morocco. It is about an experience worth living. When you arrive, you will realize that it is one of the places with the most extreme conditions to live, but there is something that makes it undeniably magical: being located in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, the Sahara.
What to do in the Erg Chebbi desert
The first decision you must make is whether you want to do this trip on your own or prefer to do it with a guide or agency. This adventure is one that is never forgotten and, for that alone, it is worth going there. In addition to contemplating the dunes that look like mountains with their orange and reddish color (remember to walk zigzagging, it is one of the keys to being able to walk through the dunes and not end up exhausted), you will be able to enjoy one of the most incredible and spectacular sunsets. If you decide to spend the night (and you should) the blanket of stars will accompany you until the sun rises again. There are so many stars that can be seen in the desert that they illuminate the dunes and reveal their silhouette at all times. If you visit the desert, you cannot miss the fascinating sunrise. In the desert, the feeling is that time stands still, freezes. Calm invades you, the much-needed disconnection. Life is simplified, tranquility is established.
If, in addition to enjoying these natural events, you want to take advantage of the time in another way, you can get around dunes in a 4×4 or quads; or you can also practice sandboarding and ‘surf’ the dunes. Another option is a dromedary ride, the most typical animal of this region.
Camel ride and night in the desert
If you decide to spend the night in the middle of the desert (we recommend it 100%), it is very likely that the way to get to the tents camp is by dromedary. There are different types of camps, it all depends on the budget available for this experience. In any case, the most incredible thing about this adventure is to arrive, step on the desert sand, try to climb some imposing dune, watch the sunset and, when the dark has fallen, enjoy native cuisine accompanied by its famous mint tea and go out to appreciate the silence of the night around a bonfire.
One of the greatest memories that many travelers have is having heard the stories of what life in the desert is like. Imagine, from afar, how the days go by in one of the driest areas in the world. Because one of the greatest riches of Morocco is its citizens. But we can’t tell you this, you have to find out.
If, finally, you decide to visit Morocco and include the Merzouga desert in the itinerary, see this link for basic information that will help you plan your trip.
