Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
Sahara · 2 days suggested
A village at the edge of Erg Chebbi: golden dunes, camel rides and starry nights.
Verified on 24 September 2026 · Wikidata (new tab), Wikidata (new tab)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, see the credits
Getting to Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
Approximate driving times from the guide’s other towns, without traffic or breaks (OSRM calculation on OpenStreetMap data, accessed 4 October 2026).
- Dadès Gorges≈ 5 h · 272 km
- Ouarzazate & Aït Benhaddou≈ 6 h 30 min · 361 km
- Meknes≈ 8 h · 448 km
- Fez≈ 8 h · 462 km
- Oujda≈ 9 h · 614 km
- Rabat≈ 9 h 30 min · 584 km
Things to do in Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
All things to do-
Desert camp night in Erg Chebbi
Sunset over the dunes, dinner by the fire and sunrise in the desert. Choose a licensed operator.
Verified on 24 September 2026 · Wikidata (new tab)
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Erg Chebbi dunes
The great golden dunes next to the village: the first ones can be climbed on foot at sunset. Bring water and avoid the hottest hours.
Verified on 4 October 2026 · Wikidata (new tab)
Around town
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Khamlia
A village south of Merzouga known for its Gnawa music tradition.
Verified on 4 October 2026 · Wikidata (new tab)
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Dayet Srij lake
A seasonal lake at the edge of the erg: depending on rainfall it may hold water or be completely dry. Ask locally before going.
Verified on 4 October 2026 · OpenStreetMap (new tab)
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Rissani
A historic Tafilalet town north of Merzouga, a former caravan stop, with its monumental gate and large souk.
Verified on 4 October 2026 · Wikidata (new tab)
Where to stay and eat
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Kasbah Tombouctou
A hotel in Hassilabied, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Location verified on 24 September 2026 · confirm opening hours and prices with the venue · OpenStreetMap (new tab)
Good to know
Checked practical tips: these are not commercial offers.
Free or low budget
Climbing the first Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset costs nothing; bring water.
Verified on 4 October 2026 · Wikidata (new tab)
Practical
The French Foreign Ministry lists the south of the Algerian border as an area of heightened vigilance and advises against off-road driving: check its map and stay on known routes, with a licensed desert operator.
Verified on 4 October 2026 · diplomatie.gouv.fr (new tab)
Getting there and around
Nearest airport: Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH), about 121 km by road.
Verified on 4 October 2026 · Wikidata (new tab)
Plan your stay in Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
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