What to do in Merzouga?
You’ve finally decided to book your tickets to Morocco and you’re in the middle of planning your trip. Only, you don’t know what to do in Merzouga, a town from which you can access the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.
By the way, the famous Erg Chebbi is the town’s main attraction. All the activities offered by tourist agencies revolve around a visit to the desert.
However, even though everything revolves around this sand field, you’ll find something to suit every taste. Whether you’re a family, a couple or a group of friends, there’s sure to be something to suit you. For example, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the area on foot or on camelback. But for the more adventurous and thrill-seekers, quad or buggy outings should satisfy your thirst for adrenalin.
Finally, whatever the time of day, you can enjoy an incredible experience. Whether early in the morning or late at night, there’s always something to do in the Merzouga desert.
Go for a Camel ride in Merzouga
Take a stroll and travel in the Berber tradition. This nomadic Moroccan people once used dromedaries to travel long distances in the desert.
From Merzouga, the famous blue-coated camel drivers take you on the back of their beasts for an incredible discovery of the desert. Whichever option you choose, they’ll take you through some incredible scenery.
Pass through the dunes and let yourself be lulled by the movement of the animals. The tranquility of the area will allow you to take full advantage of the panorama offered by this wilderness.
Experience a sunset in the Merzouga desert
Speaking of panoramas and wilderness, you won’t believe your eyes when the sunlight starts to fade.
Indeed, some camel rides are organized to take advantage of an incredible sunset. That’s why, if you set off at the end of the day, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour ride during which you’ll watch the dunes change hue over time.
This incredible natural spectacle will leave a lasting impression on you. And don’t forget to take a few photos, as it’s such an ideal location.
Hike in the Merzouga desert
For many of you, travel means hiking. After all, it’s the best way to discover the natural world around you. The Erg Chebbi desert is no exception to this rule.
Beware, however, and we advise you to hire a guide. The desert may be magnificent, but it’s no less dangerous. A mistake in your itinerary can have serious consequences in a desert where the temperature soars above 40°C.
What’s more, they’ll take you through some incredible corners. Despite their company, you may well feel alone in the world. However, you’ll be filled with a sense of fulfillment at the sight of nature.
Read also: trekking experience in the erg chebbi dunes
Take a 4×4 tour of the dunes
Climb aboard this all-terrain vehicle. The local driver will collect you from your accommodation and take you on a tour of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
You’ll then cross mountains of sand in 4×4 vehicles. This experience will shake you up, both literally and figuratively.
Stop off at a Berber camp. Here you can discover local traditions. You’ll share a meal with a nomadic family. What’s more, they’ll introduce you to their traditional music and unusual instruments.
Spend a night in the desert
Many desert camps have all the comforts of a real hotel room: bedding, private bathroom and meals. However, hotels do not offer the chance to spend a night in a tent, lulled by the natural music of the desert.
An incredible experience awaits you. First, you’ll arrive by 4×4 or camel. Then you can enjoy the sunset from the camp. Then, after a hearty traditional dinner, you can settle down around a warm campfire. You’ll then be able to watch a magnificent starry sky against a backdrop of traditional music.
Discover our selection of the best desert camps in Merzouga
Go quad biking in Merzouga
The Erg Chebbi desert lends itself perfectly to this kind of activity. Indeed, quad biking in Merzouga is the perfect activity for driving enthusiasts.
These motorised vehicles will take you through some incredible places. You’ll ride over sandy dunes and through rocky desert landscapes. You won’t be afraid of the rough roads.
A guide will take you to isolated corners of nature. You’ll also stop for tea with a Berber family. They will welcome you with open arms and you will learn a little more about the local culture.
Sandboard down the dunes
If you were looking for an original activity, you’ve found it. In fact, the only slopes you’ve descended so far have been covered in a thick blanket of snow. What’s more, you were warmly dressed in gloves, a hat and a winter coat.
Just imagine being able to ride in a T-shirt on sand. That’s exactly what sandboarding offers at Merzouga.
From the heights of the dunes, you’ll set off for a supernatural sliding session. You’ll rediscover the sensations of winter sports, except that here you’ll enjoy warmer temperatures.
Sandboarding in Merzouga is a fun way to enjoy the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Kitesurf on the sand
Is adrenalin what you’re looking for? In that case, opt for kitesurfing in Merzouga.
The air currents in the Erg Chebbi dunes are ideal for kitesurfing on the sand. Accompanied by a guide or not, alternate short flights and gliding moments on the sand. Play with the relief offered by the dunes.
You’ll feel as free as a bird with this activity. What’s more, it’s a way of exploring the desert while respecting the environment.
Take a buggy tour of the Merzouga dunes
Get off the beaten track and set off on an adventure in the dunes.
After a short introduction to driving this motorised vehicle, you’ll be able to cover long distances in the desert. This way, you’ll see as much as possible in as little time as possible.
Here too, accompanied by a guide, you can visit a Berber family. Moroccans are very attached to their customs. So you’ll share a mint tea with them before setting off again.
The desert has many surprises in store for you. You’ll discover some sumptuous panoramas during your excursion.
Paraglide over Erg Chebbi
If there’s one way to get an overview of the Erg Chebbi desert, it’s from a great height.
With a guide, why not opt for paragliding in Merzouga? Let yourself be carried away by the wind and discover the desert from a whole new angle. Like a bird, you can soar over the dunes as you please.
This activity gives you an unrivalled sense of freedom. You’ll feel like you’ve opened up a whole new world of possibilities in this beautiful playground that seems to have no limits.
