The Ultimate 2026 Merzouga & Sahara Desert Travel Guide
Your complete guide to exploring Morocco’s magical Sahara Desert in 2026
Overview of Merzouga & the Sahara Desert
Are you dreaming of exploring the golden dunes of Merzouga, one of the most magical regions in Sahara Desert Morocco? Whether you want to experience camel trekking Merzouga, explore stunning dunes, or book Merzouga tours 2026, this guide will help you plan your perfect desert adventure, step by step. Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco, near the Algerian border. It is the gateway to the stunning erg Chebbi dunes, which rise up to 150–200 meters. The Sahara offers a mix of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, palm oases, and Berber culture. Learn more on Morocco Tourism Official Site.How to Get to Merzouga
- From Marrakech: ~560 km (9–10 hours). Route via Ouarzazate and Dades Valley. Ideal: 3–4 day guided desert tour.
- From Fes: ~470 km (7–8 hours). Route via Ifrane, Midelt, and Ziz Valley. Includes Todra Gorge and Erfoud.
- From Errachidia: ~100 km (2 hours). Scenic drive through oasis towns, perfect for shorter trips.
Best Time to Visit Merzouga & the Sahara Desert
- Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, perfect for trekking and photography.
- Autumn (September–November): Warm days, cool nights, fewer tourists.
- Winter (December–February): Cold nights, excellent stargazing, low crowds. Check weather updates here.
- Summer (June–August): Hot days, manageable early mornings and evenings.
Top Tours & Itineraries
Camel Trekking & Desert Camping
Ride a camel into the dunes for sunrise or sunset. Spend the night in a Berber camp with traditional meals and music.4x4 Dune Adventures
Explore hidden desert spots, sand tracks, oases, and remote villages. Half-day or full-day trips available.Multi-Day Tours (Marrakech/Fes → Merzouga)
3–5 day tours include camel treks, desert camps, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Atlas Mountains. Visit Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO site along the way.Special Experiences
Sandboarding, hot air balloon rides, photography tours, and stargazing nights.Accommodation Options in Merzouga
Luxury Desert Camps
Private tents with bathrooms, traditional Berber meals, private camel treks.Budget & Mid-Range Camps
Shared tents, basic facilities, camel trekking and campfire dinners included.Hotels & Riads
Private, comfortable stays combined with day desert tours.Travel Tips & Cultural Info
- Dress appropriately: Lightweight clothing during the day, warm layers at night, comfortable shoes for sand.
- Stay hydrated: Carry water on camel treks and excursions.
- Respect local customs: Ask before taking photos, wear modest clothing.
- Photography: Sunrise and sunset are best for photos.
- Safety: Book tours with reputable companies, inform guides of solo treks.
