Merzouga village in Morocco is a place that most travelers associate with the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert, but few take the time to explore the village itself.
A few months ago, I was sitting in a little café in Merzouga village, eating my breakfast and simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The village was quiet, with only a few locals passing by, greeting each other with warm smiles. In the distance, the towering dunes of the Sahara cast golden shadows, but here in the village, life moved at a slower, more intimate pace. I couldn’t help but wonder why so many travelers rush through Merzouga Morocco without stopping to explore its hidden gems. This place is not just a gateway to the desert—it’s a destination in its own right.
What is Merzouga village in Morocco?
Merzouga Morocco, a small village in southeastern Morocco, is best known for its proximity to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. Most visitors come solely to experience the Sahara Desert, often overlooking the village itself. However, Merzouga is a unique and quiet place, offering an authentic glimpse into local life in Morocco.
Read more about the different places to visit the Sahara desert in my article Merzouga vs Zagora for the Sahara desert trip in Morocco?
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It is the perfect destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the region. Home to around 2,000 residents, the village retains its traditional charm while welcoming visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Along with its surrounding villages, Merzouga has much more to offer, from cultural museums to historic mining sites. This guide covers things to do in Merzouga village beyond the typical desert excursions.
Best time to visit Merzouga in Morocco
Definitely not summer time! Avoid visiting the Sahara desert in July and August. Many desert camps and hotels close for this period, when the temperature hits even +50C.
How to get to Merzouga village in Morocco?
From Marrakech:
- By Bus: Supratours operates a direct daily bus Marrakech-Merzouga (~15 hours).
- By Car: Drive via the N9 and N10 highways (~560 km, 9–10 hours). More about driving in Morocco in my article Driving in Morocco, my detailed guide.
- By Desert Tour: Many tour operators offer 3-day shared group tours (book the 3-day shared Sahara desert tour here) or private tours with stops in Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, and the Todra Gorge before arriving in Merzouga. If you take a private tour, do a minimum of 4 days and 3 nights so you can stay longer in Merzouga village. Book the dream private Sahara desert tour here,
- By Flight to Errachidia:
- Ryanair offers direct flights from Marrakech (RAK) to Errachidia (ERH) (~1 hour). From Errachidia, Merzouga is a 2-hour drive (reachable by taxi, private transfer).
From Fez:
- By Bus: Supratours operates a direct daily night bus (~10 hours).
- By Car: Take the N13 highway (~470 km, 7–8 hours).
- By Desert Tour: 3-day tours, although I suggest booking 4 days and 3 nights tour (contact me)
By Flight (Via Casablanca to Errachidia):
- Royal Air Maroc operates flights from Casablanca to Errachidia (~1 hour).
- From Errachidia, Merzouga is a 2-hour drive (by taxi, private transfer, or rental car).
Merzouga village Morocco: top things to do
Restaurants/cafes in Merzouga
Merzouga village has a few local restaurants that are worth to try and immersing to the local slow life while sitting in the restaurant terrace and observing daily life.
- Restaurant Cafe Nora – nice restaurant (popular among tourist) that also serves the local famous Berber stuffed pica called Mdfouna (must try).
- Snack Mustapha – local simple restaurant, if you don’t need fancy atmosphere
- Café Itrane – for that local nous-nous coffee and delicious breakfast, right in the main street of Merzouga village, perfect to observe local life
- Cafe Snack Restaurant Hamid – more local vibes, simple local dishes
- Restaurant Jordi & Naima – bit in the outskirts, close to the road, even serves beer (ask waiter)
Merzouga lake
Also known as Dayet Srij, Merzouga Lake, is a seasonal salt lake in Merzouga village in Morocco. It fills with water after heavy rains and sometimes attracts flamingos and other migratory birds. The lake appears unexpectedly in the middle of the desert, offering a quiet spot for birdwatching and short walks. There’s also a small local coffee place/car, making it a nice place to relax and enjoy the view. After heavy rains in the fall of 2024, the lake was full of water and let’s hope, it will not dry out any time soon.
Hassilabied Gardens Oasis next to Merzouga
A few kilometers from Merzouga, the Hassilabied village Gardens Oasis is a lush green space amid the arid desert landscape. This oasis is essential for local agriculture, with palm trees, vegetable gardens, and irrigation channels. The water canal system comes from khetaras, a system that draws groundwater. The garden is divided into 50 plots, each belonging to families or farmers who grow corn, dates, peppers and more than 20 other varieties. The open water canal that runs down the center is a beautiful feature that ties the garden together. Little side canals water individual plots of the garden from date trees to wheat.
Visit the Gnawa Music Museum
You have probably heard about the spiritual Gnawa (or Gnaoua) music; if not, you will listen to it everywhere in Morocco. Gnawa music in Morocco is very popular; there is even a huge Gnawa music festival every summer in Essaouira.
Right next to Merzouga, you will find the Khamlia village (also called the Gnawa village), home to the Gnawa Music Museum (add to GPS Musica de gnawa, Khamlia). Khamlia village is unique because all its inhabitants are Black Africans who speak Berber as their native language. Originally taken from Mali, Sudan, and Senegal, they were displaced to Morocco centuries ago. They carried their rich folklore, which lives on through the vibrant rhythms of Gnawa music. At the museum, visitors can learn about the history of Gnawa music, see traditional instruments, and watch live performances. And of course, a lot of tea, and even dances together. The museum is donation-based, so don’t forget to leave tips/donations.
Morocco National Auto Museum in Merzouga
A lesser-known but fascinating attraction in Merzouga is the little Morocco National Auto Museum dedicated to mainly off-road 4×4 vehicles. You can see a collection of around 30 vintage Jeeps. From the early 1900s up to the 1970s to 2014, there was a car to represent every decade. These vehicles were historically used in the region and provide insight into Morocco’s military and transport history. Car enthusiasts and history buffs will appreciate the well-preserved models and their significance in desert travel.
Abandoned French Mines in Merzouga
The ghost town of M’Fis, with its kohl mines, is about 10 kilometres east of Merzouga village. The M’Fis mine was home to miners extracting kohl, an ancient eye cosmetic commonly used as eyeliner. Once active during the early 20th century, the abandoned French mine town is now a remnant of Morocco’s colonial past. Long story short, in 1956, when Morocco gained independence from France, the French left the M’ifis mines, taking their equipment and military with them.
Local Amazigh (Berber) workers tried to keep the mines running with basic tools, but the deep pits were too dangerous, and when the mines ran out of resources, the people left M’ifis town and moved to Merzouga. You need a 4×4 to get there, or it’s best to ask some local tour drivers or your hotel to provide you with a tour there. If you have a jeep, search on Google Mifis Mine.
Hotels to Stay in Merzouga Village
For those who want to experience Merzouga beyond a desert tour and a night in the desert camp, staying in the village is a great option. You are free to explore the dunes, walk or get a camel tour, and stroll through the village yourself. Some of the best accommodations include:
- Kanz Erremal hotel right on the dunes, beautiful swimming pool, in the nearby Hassilabied village
- Riad Chebbi – if you want to stay right in the Merzouga village, close to everything
- Dar Morocco – right in Merzouga village, simple
- Riad Serai – in Hassilabied village, a big territory, beautiful pool, had this luxurious feeling
- Kasbah Hôtel Tombouctou – perfect for big groups, big hotel, next to the dunes, Hassilabied village
Staying in the Desert Camp
For most, Sahara desert is all about spending a night or few in the desert camp. There are so many desert camps in Merzouga and the surrounding villages. These camps provide an opportunity to sleep under the stars, enjoy traditional Berber music, and experience the tranquility of the Sahara. Make sure to double-check if the camel ride is included in the price, as well, order dinner separately.
In 2019, the local government of Merzouga forced all desert camps to relocate. Camps moved from the ‘middle’ of the dunes to around the dunes’ perimeter. It was done for environmental reasons (waste, sewage disposal, and water usage by camps). Therefore, most of the desert camps have changed their location. They are still in the desert, but farther from the dunes.
You can reach your desert camp on a camel (often included in the price), or, get there with camp’s 4×4 vehicle (also included in the price). Normally, it’s max 10-20min ride by jeep or 40 to 1 hour ride with camel, and these rides are done for the sunset, first stopping to see the beautiful views and only then heading to the desert camp. Many camps provide sandboarding experience – sand boards are in many camps to use for free. I will not list desert camps, as there are so many for any budget to choose from.
