Desert Activities

Desert Activities in Merzouga

Merzouga sits on the edge of Erg Chebbi, the great sea of dunes that most people picture when they imagine the Sahara. Rising up to 150 metres and shifting colour through the day, these are among the tallest and most striking dunes in Morocco — and the base for a whole range of desert activities, from the timeless to the adventurous.

However you like to travel, there’s a way to experience the sand here. Ride a camel over the dunes for sunset and spend the night in a desert camp under a sky thick with stars. Take on the dunes by quad bike or buggy, slide down them on a sandboard, or explore the wider desert by 4×4 — Khamlia and its Gnawa music, the black desert, the old mines, and the nomad families who still live out among the dunes. Prefer to go on foot? Guided treks range from a short sunrise walk to multi-day hikes between camps.

The nights are as memorable as the days. Camps range from traditional Berber tents with communal dinners and music around the fire to luxury setups with private en-suite tents, fine dining, and all the comfort of a hotel in the middle of the Sahara — ideal for couples, families, and first-time desert travellers alike.

Most activities can be combined and tailored to suit your time, budget, and pace, whether you have a single afternoon or several days to spend in the dunes. Browse the options below, and get in touch if you’d like help putting together the perfect desert experience.