Things to do in Merzouga
Discover the best attractions and experiences Merzouga has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore remnants of ancient desert civilizations and historic trade hubs that shape the Merzouga region.
Sijilmassa ruins
Ruins of the ancient desert city once a key stop on trans-Saharan caravans; a quiet glimpse into Sahara trade history.
Rissani Old Medina
Historic market town gateway to Merzouga with traditional souks and historic ksars that echo older life in the region.
Museums
Learn about fossils, archaeology, and the Sahara’s natural history through small, local museums nearby.
Musée des Fossiles d'Erfoud
Museum in Erfoud showcasing Sahara fossils and ancient maritime life from the region.
Musée Archéologique de Rissani
Archaeology museum in Rissani with local artifacts and exhibits on early Saharan settlements.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites that reflect daily life and spiritual heritage in the Merzouga area.
Grand Mosque of Merzouga
Main mosque serving locals and travelers with simple desert architecture.
Mosque in Khamlia
Small village mosque in Khamlia that forms part of daily desert life.
National & Theme Parks
The Merzouga area is best known for natural desert landscapes rather than formal parks.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for Merzouga. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Get a feel for the different parts of the Merzouga area and nearby communities.
Merzouga (the village)
The main hub for dunes trips, nomad camps, and local markets.
Hassi Labied
A nearby village with guesthouses and access to quieter dune areas.
Khamlia
Gnawa-influenced village famed for music and desert life.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy simple, unforgettable moments in the desert without a formal itinerary.
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes
Walk to the dunes to witness a dramatic desert sunrise.
Stargazing in the desert
Escape light pollution and watch the Milky Way arc across the night sky.
Dune walk at sunset
Stroll along the rim of the dunes as the sands glow gold.
Gastronomy
Savor simple, authentic Moroccan flavors and desert-fresh ingredients.
Berber tagine experience
Sample slow-cooked tagine with vegetables or meat in a nomad-friendly setting.
Mint tea ceremony
Experience the iconic Moroccan tea ritual with locals.
Couscous with vegetables and lamb
Share a hearty, traditional dish prepared with local produce.
Nightlife
Desert evenings come alive with music, drums, and storytelling around the camps.
Berber drums around a desert camp
Live rhythm and singing around a campfire under the stars.
Gnawa music in Khamlia
Traditional Gnawa performances in the village near Merzouga.
Campfire storytelling
Local guides share legends and nomad life stories after dark.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and experiences that showcase desert traditions.
Traditional Berber dance show at a desert camp
Evening dance performances reflecting Berber heritage.
Live nomad storytelling in camp
Storytelling sessions about desert living under the stars.
Gnawa music performance in Khamlia
Authentic Gnawa music experience from the village.
Sports
Adventure and active experiences in the rolling dunes.
Camel trekking
Ride a camel across the rolling Erg Chebbi dunes.
Sandboarding on Erg Chebbi dunes
Slide down sun-warmed dunes for a thrill.
Quad biking around the dunes
Explore wide sandy tracks on a quad bike.
4x4 desert safari
Conquer remote dune valleys and vast sand seas with a guide.
Off the Track
Immerse yourself in authentic desert life beyond the main routes.
Overnight in a desert camp
Spend a night in a traditional desert camp under the stars.
Visit a nomad family
Learn about desert survival, crafts, and daily life.
Desert astronomy session
Guided stargazing with explanations of constellations and planets.