Camel Trekking in Merzouga Morocco: Complete Desert Guide
Camel trekking in Merzouga is a must for those dreaming of where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi expand like a scene from a desert fairy tale. As a Moroccan who’s swayed atop a camel under a starlit Sahara sky and savored Berber pizza by a campfire, I can tell you this experience is pure magic. Merzouga, Morocco, a small village on the edge of Morocco’s Sahara, is the gateway to unforgettable desert adventures.
This guide weaves my experiences with those of travelers to uncover the best of camel trekking in Merzouga, from the Merzouga Village to unique Merzouga attractions.
Whether you’re dining at Merzouga restaurants, staying in Merzouga accommodations, or planning a desert trip, here’s everything you need for an epic journey.
Why Camel Trekking in Merzouga?
In Merzouga, Morocco, the tall Erg Chebbi dunes can reach heights of up to 150 meters.
When you go camel trekking in Merzouga, you are able to experience adventure, culture, and peace. The rides take you to desert camps where you can sleep outside. It was exciting to see the dunes turn gold as the sun went down, and I still remember it. Health tourists come to the area from June to September for sand baths and trekking. Moroccans use sand baths for skin problems and rheumatism.
Tip: Visit in spring or fall (15-25°C) for comfortable trekking; summer (June-September) is ideal for sand baths.
Merzouga: Village Charm
The Merzouga Village, which is made up of a few mud-brick buildings, is the center of village life. I walked through its quiet alleys and looked at the stalls that sold Berber scarves ($5–$10) and camel milk ($2–$3). It’s smaller than other medinas, so it’s more personal, and locals greet you with warm “salam” greetings.
Time to spend: 1–1.5 hours.
Entry: Freae (souvenirs $3-$15).
Walking time: Central to most Merzouga accommodations.
Tip: Visit early morning for cooler strolls.
Merzouga Restaurants: Desert Dining
Dining in Merzouga Morocco is simple yet soulful, with Berber flavors shining. Here are top Merzouga restaurants I’ve enjoyed, plus traveler picks:
Merzouga Attractions: Beyond the Dunes
While camel trekking in Merzouga is the star, other Merzouga attractions enrich your desert trip:
Sand Bath Therapy
From June to September, sand baths in Erg Chebbi attract health tourists. I watched locals bury visitors in hot sand for 10 minutes, believed to ease rheumatism and back pain.
Time to spend: 30 minutes-1 hour.
Cost: $10-$20.
Location: Near desert camps.
Tip: Book via your camp; hydrate well.
Sunset and Sunrise Camel Treks
A 1-hour camel ride to watch the sunset or sunrise over Erg Chebbi is a must. I felt the desert’s stillness atop my camel, the dunes glowing orange.
Time to spend: 1-1.5 hours.
Cost: $15-$25 (included in tours).
Location: Starts from medina or camp.
Tip: Hold the saddle’s metal bar; bring painkillers for back comfort.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding down Erg Chebbi’s dunes is thrilling. I tried it at camp, sliding down under the stars.
Time to spend: 1 hour.
Cost: Free with camp stay.
Location: Desert camps.
Tip: Best after sunset for cooler sand.
Khamlia Village
This Gnawa village, 7km from Merzouga, offers music performances. I clapped along to hypnotic Gnawa rhythms, a cultural highlight.
Time to spend: 1-1.5 hours.
Cost: $5-$10 (performance tip).
Travel time: $5 taxi or tour.
Tip: Respect performers; no filming without permission.
Fossil Mines
Merzouga’s desert hides ancient fossils. I joined a 4×4 tour to see trilobite quarries, holding 400-million-year-old relics.
Time to spend: 1-1.5 hours.
Cost: $10-$15 (tour).
Travel time: $5-$10 4×4 from medina.
Tip: Wear closed shoes for rocky terrain.
Day Trips from Merzouga
For a broader desert trip, these excursions complement camel trekking in Merzouga:
A 2-hour drive, this dramatic canyon offers hiking and palm groves. I marveled at its 300m cliffs.
- Time to spend: 3-4 hours.
- Cost: $20-$30 (tour).
- Tip: Pair with a Berber village visit.
I also visited the Underground Canal Walk (3 km) – an ancient irrigation system in Todra, where a cool underground path reveals how locals once channeled water through the valley.
A 5-hour drive, this UNESCO kasbah is a film set gem. I explored its mud-brick alleys, feeling like a movie star.
- Time to spend: 4-5 hours.
- Cost: $40-$60 (tour).
- Tip: Book via GetYourGuide from Marrakech.
Merzouga Accommodations: Where to Stay
Merzouga accommodations range from desert camps to village stays. Here are my top picks:
Practical Tips for Camel Trekking in Merzouga
From my journeys and traveler insights:
FAQs for Camel Trekking in Merzouga
Camel Trekking in Merzouga: Your Sahara Dream
Camel trekking in Merzouga is a journey into the heart of the Sahara, where dunes, stars, and Berber culture create memories that last a lifetime.
From the intimate Merzouga village to thrilling sand baths and Merzouga attractions like Khamlia, this desert village captivates.
As a local who’s dined on couscous by campfires and haggled for camel milk, I urge you to embrace this adventure.
Stay in Merzouga accommodations, savor Merzouga restaurants, and follow these itineraries for a desert trip you’ll never forget!
