10 Best Things to Do in Merzouga in 2026: A Local Guide

1. Ride a Camel into the Erg Chebbi Dunes

For most visitors, a camel trek in Merzouga is the first thing they want to experience — and for good reason.

In the late afternoon, you'll leave the edge of the dunes and slowly make your way into Erg Chebbi. The pace is gentle, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the changing colors of the sand and take photographs.

The camel ride to the desert camp usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the camp and route. Our favorite time to leave is before sunset: the temperature is more comfortable, and the light becomes beautiful as the sun gets lower.

2. Spend a Night in a Merzouga Desert Camp

The desert feels completely different after dark.

After arriving at camp, you can have dinner, relax around the campfire, and listen to traditional music before heading to your tent.

Depending on the camp you choose, accommodation can range from simple traditional tents to private luxury tents with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. One of the nicest parts of the experience is simply stepping outside at night. Away from the lights of the towns, the sky can be incredibly clear.

3. Try Sandboarding on the Dunes

You don't need snow to enjoy a board.

Sandboarding in Erg Chebbi is simple to try, and you don't need to be an expert. The dunes near the desert camps provide plenty of slopes for beginners. The hardest part is usually walking back up the dune with the board!

If you're staying overnight, ask your guide or camp staff about the best nearby slopes. Sandboarding is often combined with a camel trek or desert camp stay.

4. Explore the Desert by 4x4

A camel ride lets you experience the dunes slowly. A 4x4 desert excursion lets you see what lies beyond them.

A typical excursion around Erg Chebbi can include a visit to a nomadic family, Khamlia village, the old M'Fis mining area, fossil sites, and viewpoints overlooking the dunes.

The nomadic visit can be one of the most interesting parts of the day. Rather than simply driving through the desert, you get an opportunity to meet local people and learn about life in an environment where water and resources are limited.

5. Go Quad Biking or Ride a Buggy

If you prefer something faster than a camel, quad biking is one of the most popular activities around Erg Chebbi.

You can ride across the sandy plains and around the dunes with a local guide. Routes can be adjusted depending on your experience and the conditions on the day.

Safety comes first, so listen to the guide's instructions and wear the provided safety equipment.

6. Listen to Gnawa Music in Khamlia

About a short drive from Merzouga, Khamlia is known for its Gnawa music.

The music has deep roots in the history of Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa. Performances traditionally feature the guembri, a three-stringed instrument, together with metal castanets called qraqeb.

Visiting Khamlia is a nice way to add a cultural experience to a desert trip. Many travelers combine it with a 4x4 excursion around Erg Chebbi.

7. Visit the Rissani Souk

If you're interested in everyday Moroccan life, make time for Rissani.

The town is historically important to the Tafilalt region and is known for its traditional market. The main market days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

You'll find dates, spices, clothing, household goods, and local produce. Rissani is also known for Madfouna, sometimes called Berber pizza, which is worth trying if you have the chance.

Go in the morning when the market is at its busiest, and remember to ask before photographing people.

8. Watch the Sunrise Over Erg Chebbi

Sunset gets most of the attention, but sunrise is just as special.

If you're staying in a desert camp, wake up early and walk to a nearby dune before the sun appears. The first light slowly changes the color of the sand, and the desert is usually very quiet at this time of day.

Bring a jacket, especially outside the warmer months. Desert mornings can feel surprisingly cold.

9. Stargaze in the Sahara

One of the simplest things to do in Merzouga costs nothing: look up at the sky.

The area around Erg Chebbi has relatively little artificial light compared with cities, making clear nights excellent for stargazing.

On a good night, you can see a huge number of stars, and sometimes the Milky Way is clearly visible. If you're interested in photography, bring a tripod and a camera capable of long exposures. Even if you're not taking pictures, spending a few quiet minutes outside the camp is something you'll probably remember.

10. Visit Dayet Srji Lake When Conditions Are Right

It might seem strange to find a lake beside the Sahara, but Dayet Srji can fill with water after sufficient rainfall.

When conditions are right, the seasonal lake attracts birds and can become an interesting stop for photographers and nature lovers.

The important thing to remember is that it is seasonal. Don't plan your entire visit around seeing water or flamingos, because conditions change from year to year.

If the lake has water during your visit, it's a worthwhile addition to a 4x4 excursion.