Sahara (Merzouga)

Sahara (Merzouga)

Dunes, desert camps, and star-filled skies

Last reviewed February 14, 2026

Where to stayTop toursGetting around

Quick facts

Best time

October to April

Safety

Safe with reputable tour operators

Costs

Tours vary widely, mid-range offers the best comfort

How many days

2 to 3 days

Local insights

Local rhythm

If you want fewer crowds in Sahara (Merzouga), aim for weekday mornings and pre‑book popular experiences.

Planning tips

Sahara (Merzouga) pairs well with nearby day trips—keep one flexible day to explore beyond the core sights.

  • Book a guided medina walk early in your stay.
  • Pick a central base to walk between sights.
  • Save one evening for a rooftop dinner.

Stay + day trips

Stay central in Sahara (Merzouga) so you can walk to major sights and book tours with easy pickup points.

  • Book stays before popular weekends.
  • Add one guided tour for context.

Top things to do

Sunset camel trek

Classic Sahara experience with a night in camp.

Stargazing

Clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Desert music night

Local drums and tea by the fire.

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Best experiences in Sahara (Merzouga)

GetYourGuide

Choose from highly rated day trips, guided medina walks, and desert adventures.

  • Instant confirmation
  • Free cancellation on many tours
  • Local guides
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Where to stay

Full stay guide

Merzouga village

Base for tours and supplies

Erg Chebbi camps

Overnight dunes experience

Find hotels and riads in Sahara (Merzouga)

Hotels

Compare riads, boutique hotels, and resorts with flexible cancellation.

  • Filter by neighborhood
  • Free cancellation options
  • Great for short stays
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Getting around

Transport guide
  • • Plan a multi-day tour from Marrakech or Fes.
  • • Private tours are more flexible than group buses.
  • • Pack a jacket for cold nights.

Compare car rentals in Sahara (Merzouga)

Car Rental

Great for flexible itineraries, desert routes, and coastal drives.

  • Free cancellation on many bookings
  • Compare local and global providers
  • Transparent pricing
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Suggested itinerary

View itinerary

A classic desert loop via the Atlas, with overnight camp and sunrise dunes.

Day 1

Atlas crossing

Day 2

Desert camp

Day 3

Return

Popular routes from Sahara (Merzouga)

Quick links to the most searched routes starting in Sahara (Merzouga).

Sahara (Merzouga) → Marrakech→Sahara (Merzouga) → Fes→Sahara (Merzouga) → Ouarzazate→Sahara (Merzouga) → Dades Valley→Sahara (Merzouga) → Todra Gorge→

FAQ

Can I visit the Sahara in one day?

No, the drive is long. Plan at least two days.

Is the desert safe for families?

Yes with reputable operators and a comfortable camp.