Merzouga
Merzouga Morocco
The Sahara Desert instantly conjures images of Morocco. The southern part of Morocco is home to a large desert. The city of Merzouga serves as a gateway to these deserts. The little desert hamlet of Merzouga is one of the highlights of any vacation to the country. If you’re looking for the best place to book your camel trekking and desert vacation in Morocco, look no further! This region is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sand dunes in the Sahara Desert. Erg Chebbi dunes, located in Merzouga, can reach heights of up to 180 meters. Incredible, life-changing, and not easily forgotten.
Merzouga’s Main Attractions
Lac Dayet Srij
Four kilometers to the west of Merzouga is a brackish seasonal lake that evaporates during the summer but fills up again after the fall rains. Even without its spectacular birdlife, Lac Dayet Srij would be stunning as a huge blue sheet against the sand dunes. Over 30 different kinds of birds, including pipits, shelducks, sandpipers, plovers, wagtails, and storks, have been observed around the lake. However, the bigger flamingos steal the show, and the best time to watch them is in March and April.
Khemliya
A tiny community of Gnawa people lives in the village of Khemliya, which is located not far from Merzouga. The Gnawa people were originally from Central and West Africa and were carried as slaves to the countries of Morocco and Algeria (the word Gnawa comes from the Berber word for “slave”). The Gnawas accepted Sufism after the abolition of slavery and the spread of Islam among the Berbers; this allowed them to continue some of their pre-Islamic customs. Musicians played bassy, driving melodies on a string instrument called a sintir during these rituals, which also included hand clapping and call-and-response singing for healing and prayer. Despite its origins in ceremonial, Gnawa music has found an audience far beyond Morocco at festivals like Essaouira’s Gnaoua World Music Festival.
Museum of Morocco’s 4×4 Vehicles
Located on the outskirts of the desert, the National Museum of Off-Road Vehicles in Merzouga is one of the more unusual attractions in town. This free attraction displays a motley assortment of 4×4 vehicles. Such as Jeeps, Fords, Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Toyotas, and vehicles from the Moroccan army, as well as some more bizarre displays, such as a single-seater buggy and an amphibious vehicle. A Ford Model T with what appear to be off-road tires is the oldest vehicle on display.
Where to Dine?
Located close to Merzouga’s central plaza, Café du Sud serves a variety of Moroccan and other cuisines. Tagines, couscous, and grilled meats are on the menu, and the restaurant offers a warm, traditional atmosphere. The desert may be seen in its entirety from the rooftop patio.
The desert is home to Restaurant Nora, a lively and welcoming Moroccan establishment. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, great for enjoying lunch while taking in the sights of the desert. Delicious pizza and authentic Moroccan fare are both on the menu. The wait staff is always pleasant and helpful, making dining here a delight. The restrooms and other facilities are spotless and well-maintained.
What to Do?
Camel Trekking
Camel trekking is a fantastic opportunity to see the desert landscape up close and personal. Riding a camel across the desert’s open landscape is a great way to take in the area’s peaceful atmosphere. There are also overnight excursions where you can pitch a Berber tent and sleep under the starry sky of the desert.
Quad Biking and Off-Roading
Exciting options for off-roading and quad biking await adventurers in Merzouga. Quad Biking and Off-Roading are two extreme sports that are very popular in Morocco. Travel the sand dunes and rugged landscapes of the desert to discover uncharted territory.
Sand Bath
A sand bath involves completely submerging yourself in a dune in the middle of summer as a kind of alternative therapy that will give you a unique experience to share with your friends and family back home. You will dig a hole in the sand that is naturally heated to above 40 degrees Celsius, and then you will lie in it with only your face exposed to the air. This therapy has been used for centuries because of its purported efficacy in treating rheumatism, back pain, arthritis, and skin conditions. You’ll have someone keeping an eye on you and giving you water so you don’t become dehydrated or sunburned, and you’ll get a blanket when you get out of the sand bath so you don’t chill down too quickly.
How to Get There?
Merzouga is an isolated town located around 350 miles (560 kilometers) east of Marrakesh. Errachidia is the closest major city. It is recommended to have a private vehicle at your disposal to enjoy all stops at ease on the way.