Merzouga is a town in Morocco and the Sahara Desert. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, and there are many things to do when you visit. Nearby attractions include sand dunes, palm trees, camel rides, and Berber villages.
The best thing about Merzouga is that it has something for everyone! From desert tours to camel safaris to exploring the caves near Merzouga – this destination will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Let’s check out the best things to do in Merzouga and what’s making it worth a visit.
Explore the Merzouga Sahara Desert by Camel
There’s no better way to experience the vastness and beauty of the Sahara Desert than by taking a camel ride through it. The trek will take you on an adventure through sand dunes, rocky cliffs, and scrubland, giving you a true sense of the desert landscape.
What kind of activities can I find here?
A camel trekking tour is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Most tours will teach you about the local flora and fauna, as well as how locals live in the desert now and historically. Some tours give you a chance to take part in activities like sand-boarding down the dunes. The experience of riding on top of a camel through this sparse landscape is truly unforgettable.
Why should I visit it?
The Sahara Desert is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on Earth. A camel trekking tour is an ideal way to explore it and learn about the culture and history of the area.
ATV Quad Biking
The sand dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert make for a fantastic place to go quad biking. You can explore miles of sand and scrubland as you burn up the sand on your ATV – making it an unforgettable adventure!
What kind of activities can I find here?
ATV quad biking is perhaps the best way to explore the vastness and beauty of the Sahara Desert. Your tour guide will teach you all about riding a quad, as well as how locals live in this harsh landscape now and historically. It’s also an excellent chance to take some incredible photographs.
Why should I visit it?
Quad biking across sand dunes is truly exciting – and few places allow you to do it quite like Merzouga. The landscape is beautiful and fascinating, and photography opportunities are endless!
Buggy Driving in the Sand Dunes
This is by far one of the most exhilarating things to do in Merzouga. You’ll be put into a buggy-style vehicle that will take you through dunes, over hills, and around curves with incredible speed until you feel like you’re flying.
What kind of activities can I find here?
Buggy driving is all about the adrenaline rush it gives you. Taking control of your own buggy as it races across sand dunes at high speeds will leave you breathless. The best part is that the scenery keeps changing out here!
Why should I visit it?
Buggy driving is absolutely thrilling, just make sure that you hold on tight! This activity perfectly blends desert with fun for an experience that you will never forget. A dune buggy ride is already fun enough on its own right? Well combine this with quads and you’ve got yourself the most thrilling way to explore the desert possible! You’ll zigzag dunes as your guide leads you to the top.
4×4 Excursion Around Erg Chebbi
Renting a jeep and driver and taking a four-wheel-drive excursion through the Sahara Desert is another amazing way to explore Merzouga. You can find 4x4s for rent almost anywhere in town, making it easy to set up your own adventure without joining a tour group.
What kind of activities can I find here?
The best part about going on a solo 4×4 excursion is that you don’t have to worry about coordinating with other people or following anyone else’s schedule. You can simply hop into a vehicle and head out into the desert whenever you please, stopping at dunes, ruins, and Oasis as you see fit along the way. Just make sure to bring food and lots of water, as there are not many places to stop out in the desert.
Why should I visit it?
Renting a car and exploring at your own pace is one of the most fun, flexible ways to see the Sahara Desert and the Erg Chebbi dunes. You can take breaks wherever you want, go off-road whenever you feel like it, and have all the freedom in the world as you explore this vast landscape.
See the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
One of the main attractions in Merzouga is the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. These massive dunes stretch for over 30 kilometers and reach heights of up to 150 meters. They are constantly shifting, making each visit a unique experience.
What kind of activities can I find here?
The Erg Chebbi sand dunes are a popular destination for hikers, runners, climbers and. There are also opportunities to go quad biking and sandboarding.
Why should I visit it?
The Erg Chebbi sand dunes are a beautiful and surreal landscape that is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. They change with each season and wind storm and offer an unforgettable experience.
Schedule a Camel Trek
One of the best ways to explore the desert is by camel! There are companies in Merzouga that will take you on a short or long trip through the Erg Chebbi dunes, and it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
What kind of activities can I find here?
Camel trips in Merzouga range from one-hour outings to all-day treks across the sand dunes. They also provide food and tents for overnight trips – allowing you to sleep under the stars as well as see them!
Why should I visit it?
A camel trek is one of those unforgettable experiences that Morocco has to offer. Surrounded by desert on both sides and the dunes towering above, it’ll feel as though you’re at the end of the world – and that’s part of its charm.
Watch the Sunset Over the Dunes
Few things are more romantic than watching the sunset over the sand dunes. As the sky turns from blue to orange and red, the desert takes on a whole new beauty.
What kind of activities can I find here?
There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a loved one and watching the world turn to darkness. Some people prefer to bring a picnic dinner, while others enjoy buying traditional Moroccan food from a nearby stall.
Why should I visit it?
The sunset is an amazing spectacle that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime. Watching the landscape change colors as you sit under a sky full of stars is an experience that you will never forget.
Do Sandboarding Activity
Another great way to experience the Sahara Desert is with sandboarding. While it may just look like sledding, only on sand instead of snow, there’s so much more to this activity than you’d expect. It combines the thrill of speed and adventure with a taste of ancient history in Morocco.
What kind of activities can I find here?
As soon as you get your footing on the board, prepare for thrills galore! You will be able to slide down dunes up to 60 feet tall at speeds reaching over 50 kph (30 mph). Once you’ve mastered that, paragliding is another thrilling option.
Why should I visit it?
Sandboarding provides access to gorgeous scenery that looks like something straight out of an action movie – one wrong move will send you flying off the side of a sand dune, so be sure to wear your most comfortable clothes!
Sleep under the Stars
There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars, and in Morocco, you can do it in style. With its clear skies and lack of light pollution, this country is a natural for star-gazing.
What kind of activities can I find here?
Sleeping under the stars is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. In Morocco, you can do it in a luxury setting, with all the amenities you need to make it comfortable.
Why should I visit it?
Sleeping under the stars is an unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else. In Morocco, you can do it in a luxury setting, with all the amenities you need to make it comfortable. It’s a fantastic way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
Visit the Gnawa Museum & Music
If you’re interested in learning more about the local culture, the Gnawa Museum is a great place to start. It is dedicated to the Gnawa people, who are an ethnic group from Northern Africa.
What kind of activities can I find here?
The museum has exhibits on Gnawa music, dance, clothing, and history. There is also a shop where you can buy traditional handicrafts.
Why should I visit it?
The Gnawa Museum is a great place to learn about an often-overlooked ethnic group in Morocco. The exhibits are well-done and informative, and the handicrafts sold in the gift shop make for great souvenirs.
Shop at the Merzouga local souk (Market)
The Berber market is filled with stalls selling amazing hand-crafted goods – perfect for souvenirs! The items range from traditional clothing and toys to artwork and leather purses.
What kind of activities can I find here?
Spending time at the stalls is a great way to learn about the local culture. It’s also an excellent place to pick up gifts, as many craftsmen will customize items according to your specifications.
Why should I visit it?
Shopping in a local souk gives you a chance to pick out something truly unique as a memento! Many vendors are more than willing to talk with you about their work, allowing you to see where they come from and the stories behind their creations. It’s an amazing experience that you won’t find at any other souvenir shop in Morocco.
Visit the Rissani Market
One of the best ways to get a sense of a place is to explore the local markets – and the Merzouga area has some great ones. The main markets in the city of Rissani are held every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and offer everything from traditional Berber carpets and jewelry to spices and fruits. You can also find some great deals on souvenirs here.
What kind of activities can I find here?
The souks of Morocco are one of the best destinations for shopping, and they offer everything you could ever imagine. You’ll find treasures at every turn, whether you’re looking for traditional crafts or souvenirs to take home with you.
Being the biggest market in the Merzouga area, Rissani Market is a great place to buy souvenirs, as well as to try some of the local food and drink. There are usually musicians and dancers performing, making for a festive atmosphere.
The souks are some of Morocco’s most popular attractions, offering a huge variety of items up for sale. Come here to shop until you drop – just be sure to haggle!
Why should I visit it?
The markets in Merzouga offer a unique insight into the local culture and economy. They’re a great place to buy souvenirs, and the lively atmosphere is sure to be enjoyable.
Souks are one of the most popular and best things to do in Merzouga and Morocco in general because they offer so many unique shopping opportunities. You’ll find stores filled with handmade crafts and trinkets, making them great places if you’re looking for something truly special. They’re also a great place to find souvenirs to take home with you.
See the Kasbah du Tissardmine
The Kasbah du Tissardmine is a fortress-like building in the Merzouga area. It was built as a watchtower for Berber tribes, and now houses the National Museum of Archaeology.
What kind of activities can I find here?
The main attractions at the Kasbah are the beautiful architecture, as well as the museum inside. There are also gardens and a cafe on-site, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
Why should I visit it?
The Kasbah du Tissardmine’s exquisite design makes for a great Instagram shot – that is sure to garner likes from friends back home! The museum will teach you about Morocco’s history and culture while exploring its rooms make for an interesting afternoon.
Relax at an Oasis or a Hotel
If you’re looking for some peace and relaxation, nothing beats spending an afternoon at an Oasis. Merzouga has several to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere.
What kind of activities can I find here?
Most oases have restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or drink, as well as gardens and places to rest. Some of them even have hotels attached!
Why should I visit it?
Oases are a great place to escape the busy city life. Whether you want to read a book in the shade, or lounge by the pool – an oasis is a great spot for some relaxation! Spending time under palm trees can quickly become one of your favorite things to do in Morocco.
Visit Berber Villages & a Nomad Family
One of the best things about traveling in Morocco is getting to know the local people. A visit to a Berber village is a chance to learn about their culture and lifestyle, and see how they live day-to-day.
What kind of activities can I find here?
Visiting a Berber village is a chance to see how the locals live, work, and play. You’ll get to meet the people who call this place home and learn about their customs and traditions.
Why should I visit it?
A visit to a Berber village is a unique and rewarding experience. It’s a chance to see another side of Morocco that you wouldn’t find in the big cities and learn more about the people who call this country home. It’s an opportunity to connect with the culture and get a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals.
Enjoy a meal at a Local Restaurant
Moroccan cuisine is one of the most varied in the world, and a meal at a local restaurant is a great way to try it out! You’ll get to taste some of the best food that this country has to offer, including tagine, couscous, Berber pizza, Medfouna, and harira (soup).
What kind of activities can I find here?
Eating out is one of the best ways to get to know the cuisine of a country. In Morocco, you’ll have the chance to try some of the most popular dishes, including tagine, couscous, and harira.
Why should I visit it?
A meal at a local restaurant is a great way to experience Moroccan cuisine. You’ll get to taste some of the most popular dishes in this country, and you’ll be able to do it in a traditional setting. It’s an opportunity to connect with the culture and try something new!
BarBQ Dinner
When the sun goes down and you’re ready for dinner, a delicious Moroccan BarBQ will be waiting. It’s an experience like no other: you’ll sit around the fire and roast vegetables and kebabs over an open flame as local nomads serenade you with song.
What kind of activities can I find here?
A traditional Berber meal is always accompanied by music and dance, so expect to see some hauntingly beautiful performances from locals. After dark, watch the stars come out as the Milky Way comes into view – it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen back home!
Why should I visit it?
Few things bring people together as effectively as a shared meal. It’s also a great way to taste traditional Moroccan cuisine, so be sure to try all the vegetarian options as well as meat!
Conclusions
Merzouga is a desert landscape and nature reserve in Morocco. There are many ways to enjoy the scenery such as camel riding, sand-boarding (snowboarding on sand), or experiencing an overnight stay with Berber nomads. If you’ve never been there before, we hope this blog post has inspired you to go!
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