Major city · Morocco
Merzougaمرزوقة
Give Merzouga 1–2 nights: one night in a desert camp on Erg Chebbi, one in a village guesthouse if you want a shower and a real bed.
Merzouga is a small village on the western edge of Erg Chebbi, a 50 km-long dune field that rises up to about 350 m above the plain. Almost everyone comes for one thing: a night in the sand, either on a camel trek or in a camp. The village itself is walkable in 20 minutes, the heat is the main enemy, and the touts are the second. One night is enough for the dunes; two lets you add Khamlia, the salt lake and a slow morning.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MAD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (extreme heat), and the cold nights of Dec–Jan if you camp
- Airports
- ERH · OZZ · RAK · FEZ
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- North Africa ↗Plan links between North African countries by air or by ferry via Europe; the only regularly usable land borders for visitors are Tunisia–Algeria and Morocco–Mauritania via Western Sahara.
- North Africa ↗Book Saharan nights (dunes, desert camps, oasis tours) between October and April; from May to September desert day temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and many tours stop.
- Morocco ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Moroccan consulate or official government sources before booking; visa exemptions depend on nationality.
- Morocco ↗The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency: you normally obtain it on arrival (ATMs, exchange desks) and change leftovers back before departure, keeping exchange receipts.
- Morocco ↗Do not bring a drone without prior authorisation: drones are routinely confiscated at customs.
- Morocco ↗During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in the street in daylight; tourist restaurants and hotels still serve.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Merzouga19 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Merzouga, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).Morocco-wide
- SIM or eSIMMaroc Telecom, Orange and inwi sell tourist SIMs at airports and shops with a passport; 20–50 GB costs about MAD 100–200.Morocco-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated in cities but most visitors drink bottled; carry water in the south.Morocco-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10%.Morocco-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Morocco-wide
- SafetyMerzouga is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are heat, dehydration, unlit dune walks at night and hard-sell touts.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and restaurants; squat toilets in older cafés and on the road.Morocco-wide
- Emergency numbers19 police · 177 Gendarmerie · 15 ambulance and fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckFriday midday prayers slow business; many shops shut on Eid holidays; museums often close one day a week (usually Tuesday — check).Morocco-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckERH Errachidia (About 2 h north by car; weekly flights (check schedules).).
- Getting aroundOn foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomMAD 170
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomMAD 350
- High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomMAD 700
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MAD 300 · Mid MAD 600 · High MAD 1,200
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ERH Errachidia (About 2 h north by car; weekly flights (check schedules).) · OZZ Ouarzazate (Fly from Casablanca, then continue by road via Erfoud and Rissani.) · RAK Marrakech (Main gateway; intercity bus or a 2-day drive via Ouarzazate.) · FEZ Fes (Intercity bus or a 1-day drive south to Erfoud.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Feb
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Jul
Avoid
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
Aug
Avoid
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
Sep
not flagged
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Oct
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Care
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov. Mixed: Dec–Jan. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)), coolest Jan (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jan (2 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Merzouga: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
2 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Jun
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
0 rd
Jul
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
0 rd
Aug
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
1 rd
Sep
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot. Merzouga is small and flat, but avoid walking at midday in summer. Grand taxis and vans run to Rissani (about 12–15 MAD, every 30 min) and Erfoud (about 25 MAD, every 1–2 h). A 5 km hop to Hassi Labied is usually quoted at about 50 MAD for the car, not per person. Camel treks and 4x4 tours are arranged through your guesthouse or a local operator.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Rissani
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Grand taxi or van, about 12–15 MAD, every 30 min
Market town and the last real supply stop before the dunes; stack up cash here.
Erfoud
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Grand taxi, about 25 MAD, every 1–2 h
Fossil workshops and a bigger town; useful if you need an ATM or a pharmacy.
Khamlia
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Local taxi or arranged with your guesthouse
Gnaoua music evenings; ask at your hotel to arrange a visit.
Ouarzazate
overnightDoor to door: 6–8 h
Drive via Erfoud and the Todra or Dades valley
Too far for a day; break the Marrakech–Merzouga drive here.
M'Hamid
skipDoor to door: 8 h+
Long drive via Zagora
A different dune field; no reason to do both on one trip.
Zagora
overnightDoor to door: 6 h+
Drive via Rissani and the Draa valley
Another desert gateway; pick one, not both.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Merzouga village
Guesthouses and small hotels, one ATM, walkable to the dunes. Best for a first night with bags.
Hassi Labied
About 4 km (2.5 mi) north of Merzouga, on the asphalt road; quieter, more guesthouses, still on the dune edge.About 2.5 mi (4 km) north of Merzouga, on the asphalt road; quieter, more guesthouses, still on the dune edge.
Desert camp (Erg Chebbi)
Tents inside the dunes, reached by camel or 4x4. One night is the point; showers are not guaranteed.
Khamlia
Small village south of Merzouga known for Gnaoua music; a few guesthouses, more local feel.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MAD 250–450 excl. bed
- Mid
- MAD 450–900 excl. bed
- High
- MAD 900+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double room1 × 1 night × MAD 350 | MAD 350 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MAD 600 | MAD 1,200 |
| Camel trek, one way to camp2 × MAD 200 | MAD 400 |
| 4x4 region tour, 2 h2 × MAD 800 | MAD 1,600 |
| Grand taxi Rissani → Merzouga2 × MAD 15 | MAD 30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MAD 150 | MAD 300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MAD 388 |
| Trip total≈ MAD 2,134 per person per day, bed included | MAD 4,268 |
2026 estimate in dirham; flights and long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Mint tea | MAD 10–20 |
| Tagine or couscous | MAD 60–120 |
| Bottled water, 1.5 L | MAD 6–10 |
| Camel trek, one wayNegotiable; confirm meals and water. | MAD 150–300 |
| 4x4 region tour, 2 h | MAD 800 per vehicle |
| Guesthouse double room | MAD 170–300 |
| Desert camp night, half board | MAD 250–1,200 per person |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Touts in Rissani and Erfoud offer cheap rides to Merzouga and strand you at an auberge 20 km (12 mi) north: agree the destination and price before you get in.Touts in Rissani and Erfoud offer cheap rides to Merzouga and strand you at an auberge 12 mi (20 km) north: agree the destination and price before you get in.
- There is one ATM at the north entrance of the village and it is unreliable: bring cash from Erfoud or Rissani.
- Camel-trek prices are negotiable; ask other travellers what they paid and confirm meals, water, tents and showers in writing before you go.
- Overnight buses can arrive more than an hour early, before sunrise, when no taxis are running: be ready to wait.
- Summer daytime heat is dangerous; carry more water than you think you need.
- The Dayet Srji salt lake has been dry for years at a time (check locally before planning a birding stop).
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 19
- Gendarmerie
- 177
- Ambulance and fire
- 15
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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Merzougaمرزوقة
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
لهذا العنوان عافاكTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police19
- Gendarmerie177
- Ambulance and fire15
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies in Merzouga; most are in Rabat, with consulates in Casablanca and Marrakech. US citizens: check the US Embassy Rabat page.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Grand taxi Rissani → Merzouga: MAD 12–15, about 30 min
- Grand taxi Erfoud → Merzouga: MAD 25, every 1–2 h
- Supratours bus Merzouga → Marrakech: MAD 160, departs 07:30MAD 160, departs 7:30 AM
- Supratours bus Merzouga → Fes: MAD 160, departs 22:30MAD 160, departs 10:30 PM
Say or show
- السلام عليكم — Hello (as-salamu alaykum)
- شكرا — Thank you (shukran)
- بشحال؟ — How much is it? (bechhal?)
- غالي بزاف — Too expensive (ghali bezzaf)
- فين الطواليت؟ — Where is the toilet? (fin twalet?)
- ما محتاجش دليل — I don't need a guide (ma mehtajch dalil)
Carry cash; the single ATM in the village is unreliable.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Merzouga. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (extreme heat), and the cold nights of Dec–Jan if you camp · month by month →
- 4 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for ERH, OZZ, RAK and FEZ: last bus and grand-taxi departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Merzouga village, Hassi Labied, Khamlia and the dune camps.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Grand Dune, Dayet Srji, Khamlia music) and eat pages with last orders.
- Camp and camel-trek fixtures so gates A–D can go green on price, inclusions and shower reality.