Sahara Desert Tours
12 Things to Do in Merzouga Beyond the Camel Ride
Published November 4, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: beyond the classic sunset camel trek and night in a camp, Merzouga offers sandboarding, quad and buggy rides, a 4x4 loop around the Erg Chebbi dunes with nomad families and the Gnawa village of Khamlia, fossil workshops, stargazing and, after rain, a lake with flamingos. One night covers the essentials; two nights let you enjoy the rest without rushing.
The 12 best things to do
- Sunset camel trek. About 60 to 90 minutes into the dunes to your camp. Our camel trekking guide explains how it works.
- Sunrise from the top of a dune. Climb 20 to 30 minutes before dawn; the colours change every minute.
- Sandboarding. Boards are available at most camps. The higher dunes give the longest runs; expect sand everywhere.
- Quad or buggy ride. One or two hours on the edges of the erg. Ride with an operator who keeps to permitted tracks.
- The 4x4 loop around Erg Chebbi. A half-day drive around the whole dune field, the best way to see its size.
- Khamlia's Gnawa music. In this village of West African heritage, musicians play hypnotic Gnawa rhythms over tea. See our Rissani and Khamlia guide.
- Visit a nomad family. Tea in a tent with a family who still moves their herds with the seasons. Go with a guide who knows them and bring something useful rather than sweets.
- Dayet Srji lake. A seasonal lake north-west of the dunes. After good rains it fills and attracts flamingos; in dry years it is a white salt flat.
- Fossils in Erfoud. Workshops cut and polish marble full of ammonites and orthoceras, 350 million years old or more.
- Rissani market. The great market town of the Tafilalt, with its famous donkey parking and dates.
- Stargazing. Away from the camp lights, the Milky Way is clear most of the year; see stargazing in Merzouga.
- Sand bath. In midsummer, locals are buried in hot sand as a traditional remedy for joint pain. Watch, or try it with a local guide; not for everyone.
One night or two?
| Stay | What fits |
|---|---|
| 1 night | Sunset camel trek, camp dinner and music, sunrise, return trek |
| 2 nights | Add the 4x4 loop, Khamlia, nomads, Rissani, sandboarding and some rest at the camp |
Our 4 day Marrakech to Fes tour includes two desert nights and the 4x4 loop; the 3 day tour covers the essentials in one night.
Practical tips
- Best months: October to April. In summer, plan activities at dawn and dusk.
- Bring a scarf for sand and wind, sunglasses and a warm layer for the night; our desert packing list has the rest.
- Choose a camp that matches your style: compare private and group camps.
Everything about the dunes themselves is in our Erg Chebbi guide, and every itinerary is listed on Merzouga desert tours.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Merzouga?
One night covers the camel trek, the camp and the sunrise. Two nights let you add the 4x4 loop, Khamlia, nomads and sandboarding without rushing.
Can you go sandboarding in Merzouga?
Yes. Most camps lend boards, and the high dunes of Erg Chebbi give long runs, best in the cooler morning or late afternoon.
Are quad bikes allowed in Merzouga?
Yes, with licensed operators on permitted tracks around the dunes. Rides usually last one or two hours.
What is there to do in Merzouga at night?
Dinner and Berber drumming at the camp, a fire, and stargazing; the Sahara sky is one of the darkest in Morocco.
See it with a private driver
Planning a trip around this? These private, driver-guided itineraries cover it — every route can be adjusted to your dates.
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