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Let’s be real — the main reason most people make the long journey from Marrakech all the way to Merzouga is for one thing only… to visit the Sahara Desert.
Merzouga sits right on the edge of the Sahara, around an eight-hour drive from Marrakech (yep, it’s an absolute mission). Unless you’re some sort of driving fanatic, you’ll definitely want to break up the trip with stops in places like Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, and Todra Gorge.
Seeing those golden dunes in real life is a proper pinch-me moment. But here’s the thing not all desert camps near Merzouga are actually in the Sahara Desert. Some, especially the ones around Erg Chebbi, are technically just outside it. Cue me having a mini meltdown after booking my accommodation, frantically double-checking if I was actually staying in the Sahara (I was… but it wasn’t exactly the dream stay — more on that later!).
Merzouga itself is tiny, and honestly, you don’t need long here. One or two nights is plenty – enough time to experience the Sahara and do all the fun desert activities.
To help you plan the ultimate trip to Merzouga, I’ve popped together this guide – packed with the best things to do, where to stay, and, of course, where to find the tastiest food (because priorities!).
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Ultimate Guide to Merzouga Morocco Overview
I’ve pinned all the must-see spots, best hotels, and must-try restaurants in Merzouga on this Google Map below.
How To Get From Marrakech to Merzouga
Book a Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
One of the best ways to visit Merzouga is on this 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour. It's one of the most popular tours from Marrakech. On your way to Merzouga, you'll explore Ouarzazate, visit the ancient city of Ait Ben Haddou, discover the incredible Todra Gorge, stop off in Boumalne Dades, and spend a night under the stars in the Sahara. It’s the perfect way to see all the must-see places in southern Morocco in a nutshell.
Hire a Car in Marrakech and Drive to Merzouga
I hired a car in Marrakech and road-tripped all the way to Merzouga – and honestly, it was one of the best decisions of my whole Morocco trip. On the way there, we drove from Dades Valley to Merzouga, taking the most direct route (about four hours). Then, on the way back, we mixed things up and took the more scenic route through Ziz Canyon to Tinghir, which also took around four hours.
One thing to know about driving in Morocco – getting from place to place always takes hours. The country is huge, and the roads can be pretty slow-going at times. But having a car gave us total freedom to explore at our own pace, stop off wherever we fancied, and take those random detours. So for me, it was absolutely worth it!
If you’re thinking of doing the same, check out DiscoverCars or AutoEurope for car rental quotes. And don’t forget to read my guide to 9 Road Signs in Morocco so you’re fully prepped before you hit the road!
Marrakech to Merzouga Bus
Taking the bus from Marrakech to Merzouga isn’t exactly the most glamorous way to travel – but if you’re on a budget, it’s definitely a solid option.
Sure, you won’t get to stop off at those epic scenic viewpoints along the way, but you can still sit back, relax, and watch Morocco’s stunning landscapes roll by from the comfort of your seat (or, well… as comfortable as Moroccan buses get!).
There's only one bus company that goes direct from Marrakech to Merzouga:
- Supratours: Runs one bus per day at 2.50pm | Direct | Costs about £34/€40 one-way | Takes around 15-16 hours
Instead of heading straight from Marrakech to Merzouga in one long, mind- and bum-numbing journey, why not break it up a bit? You could hop on a bus from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, then make your way from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley, and so on. It’s a great way to see a bit more of Morocco along the way!
Private Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
If the thought of driving in Morocco fills you with dread, squeezing onto public transport isn’t exactly your idea of fun, or you just can’t face being herded around on a group tour – then a private tour from Marrakech to Merzouga might just be the dream solution.
You can sit back, relax, and watch the scenery roll by – no dodging potholes, no fighting for legroom on a bus, and no forced small talk with random strangers (unless you’re in the mood!).
And the best part? You can ask your driver to stop whenever you fancy — whether that’s for a jaw-dropping photo spot, a roadside snack, or just to get out and have a little wander. Total freedom without the stress!
Best Things to Do in Merzouga Desert
There’s not a whole lot going on in Merzouga itself, to be honest. The main reason most people travel here is to experience the Sahara, so naturally, most of the activities are all about making the most of the desert.
Trek into the Desert on a Camel
If you’re looking for a more traditional way to experience the Sahara’s iconic sand dunes, a camel ride is a great option! Back in the day, camel caravans would trek for miles across the unforgiving desert, braving the harsh conditions to trade precious goods like gold and salt along the famous Trans-Saharan trade route. Ait Ben Haddou just so happened to be one of the key stops along the way.
Camel rides are an extremely popular activity in Merzouga, but not all operators treat their camels the same. Sadly, some camels are poorly treated, overworked, and not properly cared for. If this is something you’re concerned about, definitely do your research. Look for operators that prioritise animal welfare and responsible tourism, so you can enjoy your camel ride guilt-free. Or, if you'd rather skip the camels altogether, you could always opt for a jeep tour (more on that further down!).
Go Quad Biking
One of the top things to do in Merzouga is go on a quad bike or an ATV tour — like this epic one-hour quad-biking safari with sandboarding. Zipping across the dunes of the Sahara is an experience you’ll never forget – and honestly, I think it’s way better to do it here in Merzouga than in places like Ouarzazate. There’s just something about it being the Sahara Desert that makes it all the more epic!
If you’d rather stay in a luxury riad on the edge of the Sahara instead of camping right out in the dunes, don’t worry – you won’t be missing out on any of those epic desert adventures. Most places can easily arrange tours for you (or you can book with companies like GetYourGuide or Viator), so you'll still get the chance to venture into the Sahara. The best of both worlds – gorgeous accommodation with luxuries like a swimming pool and air-con (which you’re unlikely to find in a desert camp!) and unforgettable Sahara experiences!
Go Sandboarding Down the Dunes
A lot of camps in the Sahara Desert offer sandboarding for free, and if that’s the case at your accommodation, you’ve got to give it a go! It’s like snowboarding but on the dunes. Just a tip, though: make sure to pack some goggles to protect your eyes from that sneaky sand kickback. Because trust me, when you’re in the Sahara, sand will get everywhere – and you definitely don’t want it in your eyes!
If you’re after something a little different, you could even try zorbing down the dunes. Yep, you heard that right – zorbing in the Sahara! Now that would be a unique way to experience the desert!
Do a Spot of Stargazing
If you’re lucky enough to get clear skies when you visit the Sahara, you’re in for an absolute treat – it’s hands down one of the best places in the world for stargazing. With barely any light pollution and nothing but open desert all around, you might even catch a magical glimpse of the Milky Way! However, if you’re planning to visit between May and September, just a heads up — the intense heat can create a bit of a haze, making a clear night sky far less likely. For the best stargazing experience, winter’s your best bet.
There’s not much to do in the Sahara other than the desert activities, but staying for a couple of nights will also give you a better shot at witnessing at least one epic, clear night sky.
Embark on a Jeep Tour of the Local Area
Depending on where you're staying in the Sahara, you might have the option to take a camel ride or jeep tour to your accommodation (just a heads up – it’ll probably cost extra!). I spent a night at a desert camp and opted for the camel ride there (which, thanks to a sandstorm, turned into a bit of an uneasy adventure!) and then took a jeep back. However, just bear in mind that these trips are mainly just to get you to and from your accommodation, so you won’t get to see a whole lot on the way.
If you're looking to cover more ground and explore a bit more, a jeep tour through Merzouga and the Sahara Desert is definitely the way to go. You’ll get to visit the seasonal Merzouga lake, stop by Khamlia village for some authentic Gnawa music, enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals, and even head out on an excursion to meet the nomadic families living in their traditional Berber-style tents. It’s a great way to experience the desert’s culture and beauty all in one trip!
Take a Cooking Class with Berbers
Around 80% of the Moroccan population identifies as Berber or Amazigh. This ancient tribe has inhabited Morocco for thousands of years, and their rich culture is deeply woven into the very fabric of the country.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in their traditions, a cooking class with Berbers is an absolute must. You’ll be using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to whip up Berber pizza while learning all about the spices and herbs that give Berber cooking its distinctive flavour. Along the way, you’ll get an insider’s view of the history of the Berber tribe, straight from the locals. After all that hard work, you’ll sit down with a traditional glass of Moroccan mint tea and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Who knows – you might just find a new favourite dish to cook when you’re back home!
Stop-off in Ziz Canyon
If you’re like us and heading back to Tinghir or Dades Valley after your desert adventure, you might want to switch things up and take the more scenic route via Ziz Canyon. Sure, it adds about an extra hour to the journey, but it’s totally worth it for a change of scenery. Instead of retracing your steps through endless barren landscapes, this route takes you through dramatic canyon views, little towns, and a slice of Morocco’s countryside you might’ve otherwise missed. It’s a great way to see a different side of this beautiful part of the country.
Magical Hotels in Merzouga Morocco
All the options below were selected with peak season in mind and for two people sharing. So if you're flying solo, you're in luck – it'll be even cheaper for you!
Our stay in Merzouga was hands down the worst accommodation of our entire Morocco trip. And guess what? The place we stayed had a 9.3/10 rating on Booking.com. I’m 1,000% (yep, that extra zero is intentional) convinced they’ve bought their reviews - and I'm sure other hotels in Merzouga are doing the same!
The place we stayed doesn't deserve such a high rating. For starters, the reception was literally in the middle of nowhere, with no actual road leading to it so we had to off-road for 10 minutes to get to it. The staff seemed more interested in selling us stuff than welcoming us - honestly, we’d barely stepped foot in the door before they started pushing tours and extras on us. And the food was just awful - up there with the worst things I've ever eaten (no exaggeration)!
Watch out for the small print and sneaky extra charges! A lot of things you’d think are included… aren’t. For example, if you’re staying at a desert camp in the Sahara, the transfer to actually get to the camp (whether by 4x4 or camel) is often not included in the price you see online.
In our case, our accommodation was £40 per person - but then we were hit with an extra £34 each for the transfer to the camp. Considering this was close to the same price as the overnight stay, it's a big hidden charge, which we were only emailed about after we booked!
If you’re heading to Merzouga, do yourself a favour and properly read the reviews before booking anywhere. Look out for anything a bit dodgy - like loads of reviews with the exact same title, super vague comments that don’t mention anything specific about the place, or weirdly no negatives at all (these are all big red flags and signs that the reviews may not be real!). Definitely check reviews across multiple websites - a sky-high rating on one site doesn’t always mean it’s legit. Also, double-check what's actually included in the price - the last thing you want is to be hit with any sneaky hidden costs. Oh, and don’t worry - I haven’t linked the place we stayed at below!!
Budget Hotels in Merzouga (£0-50 per night)
- Riad Mamouche - With this place, you really do get the best of both worlds – a gorgeous spot to stay and it’s right on the edge of the Sahara Desert, so you can still head off on all those epic desert adventures. Oh, and it’s budget-friendly and has a pool? Total win-win!
- Boho Glamping - If you’re dreaming of spending a night actually in the desert, then this place (and the one below) are your budget-friendly options. The rooms here look clean and stylish. Plus, if the weather’s on your side, you can even dine outside for a super memorable night.
- Luxury Berber Style - The rooms here look super comfy, and each one even comes with its own little outdoor patio – perfect for sitting enjoying your morning coffee or watching the sunset. There’s also a coffee shop on-site and loads of activities to keep you busy, from sandboarding to yoga… though you’ll need to pay extra for those!
Mid-Range Hotels in Merzouga (£50-100 per night)
- Riad Madu - This place is the perfect balance if you fancy being close to the Sahara, but don’t quite fancy spending the night in a desert camp. You’ll get epic views of the dunes, a pool to cool off in, and spacious rooms with that all-important air con (trust me if you're staying in the summer, you’ll need it!). Some rooms even come with a balcony – ideal for watching the sunset over the Sahara.
- Sky View Camp - You’ll definitely feel the step up in quality here compared to the more budget-friendly desert camps. Each unit has a huge comfy bed, sky-gazing windows, plus both indoor and outdoor seating areas to kick back and relax. Oh, and there’s a heater too – perfect if you're visiting during the chillier months!
- Kasbah Mohayut - All the rooms are arranged around a lovely swimming pool or patio, giving the place a really chilled-out vibe. If you're after a good night’s sleep before your big desert adventure, you might want to splash out on the room with the extra-large double bed — plenty of space to sprawl out and fully relax. And the best bit? You can still soak up the stunning night sky from the terrace.
Luxury Hotels in Merzouga (£100 or more per night)
- Sahara Pearl Hotel - If I ever find myself back in Merzouga, I’d totally treat myself to an overnight stay here. Sure, it’s a bit on the pricey side, but it's absolutely stunning! There’s an outdoor pool with jaw-dropping views of the dunes, and the rooms are styled to perfection, with some even having their own balcony. Oh, and to kickstart your morning, your room comes with a coffee machine!
- Imperial Glory Lodges - The superior bungalows here look out of this world. Sure, they aren't the cheapest option, but when else are you going to have the chance to stay in the Sahara?! Just imagine running yourself a bath in the middle of the desert, then stepping outside to watch the sunset over the dunes. Sounds absolutely perfect!
- Aiour Luxury Camp - Each tent is decked out with gorgeous decor and comes with air conditioning to keep things cool in the summer and warm in the winter (yep, air con in the Sahara — how wild is that?!). Plus, you’ve got your own little outdoor seating area to soak up the views over the endless dunes.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Merzouga Morocco
Since most of the Merzouga Desert camps are pretty remote, they usually take care of all your meals while you're there. But, if you're heading into Merzouga when you arrive or depart and fancy grabbing a bite, here are some top-rated restaurants you should definitely check out:
- Restaurant Nora: Moroccan and African Cuisine | Vegan, Vegetarian and Halal Friendly | Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Options
- Café Restaurant Chez Ibrahim: Moroccan and African Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Early Dinner Options
- Restaurant Hassilabiad Appart Chez Toupie: Moroccan and Mediterranean Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Options
- Café Restaurant Alla: Moroccan and African Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly | Lunch and Dinner Options
- Restaurant Café Fatima: Moroccan and African Cuisine | Vegan, Vegetarian and Halal Friendly | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Options
Merzouga Weather and Best Time to Visit
Summer: Lows 15-20°C | Highs 36-40°C
Autumn: Lows -2-15°C | Highs 17-36°C
Winter: Lows -2-4°C | Highs 17-23°C
There were three reasons we decided to road trip from Marrakech to Merzouga:
- One – it just sounded like an epic adventure. I mean, driving over 800 miles from Morocco’s capital all the way to the edge of the Sahara Desert? I was instantly sold.
- Two – to actually see the Sahara Desert in real life and tick off stepping foot in one of the largest (and most iconic) deserts in the world.
- And three – the stars. I had this idea that the further we drove into the depths of Africa, away from all the city lights, the clearer the night sky would be. I was fully expecting to see the Milky Way.
Now... we managed to tick off the first two. But the third? Yeah, that didn’t quite go to plan. We got caught in a full-on sandstorm. And let me tell you – a sandstorm in the desert is no joke. The tents were absolutely battered, the wind was howling, and we ended up spending most of our time hiding away inside. Safe to say, there wasn't much chance of any stargazing happening that night.
But to be honest, I don’t think the sandstorm was the only thing getting in the way of those starry skies. We never really got a clear night sky the whole time we were in Morocco – and I reckon that was down to the time of year we visited. We went in July when it was absolutely scorching every single day (40°C+), and the heat created this constant hazy sky.
So, if you’re dreaming of seeing that magical blanket of stars over the Sahara? Definitely avoid summer. Winter is the best time to visit if you want clear skies – cooler temps mean less haze and a much better chance of seeing the Milky Way in all its glory!
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