Merzouga et les dunes du Sahara

Merzouga se situe à la lisière de l'Erg Chebbi, le champ de dunes le plus haut et le plus accessible du Maroc, et constitue la base habituelle pour les randonnées à dos de chameau et les bivouacs nocturnes dans le Sahara.

C'est la manière la plus pratique de découvrir de véritables dunes sahariennes lors d'un itinéraire marocain classique, accessible par la route depuis Marrakech ou Fès en environ 8 à 9 heures.

• Sunset camel trek into the dunes, followed by an overnight stay in a desert camp.
• Sandboarding or 4x4 dune excursions.
• Stargazing: Merzouga's minimal light pollution makes for exceptional night skies.

October–April avoids the extreme daytime heat of the Sahara summer, when temperatures regularly pass 40°C (104°F). Desert nights are cold year-round, especially in winter; pack layers regardless of season.

Most visitors book a desert camp (ranging from simple shared tents to "luxury glamping") as part of a guided overnight package rather than booking separately.

Almost all visitors arrive as part of a multi-day guided tour from Marrakech or Fez, since public transport options to Merzouga itself are limited. A private driver is the common independent alternative.

Erg Chebbi's dunes (some reaching 150 meters), the small Khamlia village known for Gnawa music, and the Dades and Todra Gorges typically visited en route.

A 2-3 day guided desert tour from Marrakech, including transport, camel trek, and one night in a desert camp, commonly runs $100–250 per person depending on comfort level and group size.

The overland drive is long; break it up rather than attempting Marrakech-to-Merzouga in one day. Bring a scarf or buff for dust protection during the camel trek and dune excursions.