Merzouga Desert Tour Being very close to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes has made Merzouga one of the top most visited sites. People often exclaim it to be “a desert theme park” or “an enchanting sand garden.Additionally, within this village lies Morocco’s largest natural underground lake. . merzouga desert History of Merzouga Desert People say that before, Merzouga was a village full of tropical green trees and plants. As a result, God turned it into a desert.This change of fate happened to those families, which declined offering to a poor woman . Instead, they buried them under the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi Merzouga remained an unoccupied town until explorers finally discovered it. They made it an important transshipment center for merchant caravans on their way to Timbuktu. Subsequently, people gradually turned it into a place of worship for the nomadic Ait Atta tribesmen, and it finally developed into a tourist attraction center. Merzouga or rather villages in the region have had the tradition of ancient formidable villages for centuries now. Soldiers of the French Foreign Legion added other structures after the two known battles of Taflalet that occurred between 1916 and 1932. Interesting fact about Merzouga desert merzouga desert Currently one of the leading things to do in Morocco is sand boarding at the Merzouga, dunes. Take a camel ride and spend a night in a camp in the middle of the sand for great experience. Its worthy to know that most travelers use their Marrakech or Fez to Merzouga tour and back which is not necessary. I am aware of this because I have travelled alone and currently even reside in Merzouga making me have experienced insight into it. Large village in merzoga desert Merzouga is a quite large village with approximately 1500 people living in it, located on the border of Erg Chebbi. The use of it forms the base for all dune tours DP offers.. Still, Merzouga does not have an intense tourist atmosphere. Because most travelers stop in the town for only a short time. The cafés and restaurants exclusively crowd with people chattering over cups of tea. It is only when Supratours bus is on the spot that one is likely to find some tourists strolling along the main commercial road. village in merzouga The best time to go to Merzouga The best time to go to the desert in Morocco is between October and April. Temperatures range from 15-25°C during the day to 5-15°C at night. The summer is hot with temperatures up to 50°C, it will be dangerous to go into the dunes during the day. You would leave Merzouga just before sunset and return early, just after sunrise. You will not be able to stay for a few days in the camps. Peak seasons in the desert are Spring and Autumn. Summer temperatures can get uncomfortably hot. Winter nights can get very cold in the desert camps and swimming pools are too cold to use. That said, daytime temperatures in winter are still very pleasant so, if you want fewer people to share the experience with and you can handle the cold nights, winter time can also be a good option. Whenever you decide to go, I wouldn’t leave it too long. More desert hotels and camps are being constructed all the time. If this rate of expansion continues, with the corresponding increase in visitor numbers and tour operators merzouga desert in summer How to get to Merzouga desert Generally, it is recommended that people who wants to visit the Moroccan desert, should do so between the month of October to April. These months are characterized by relatively high temperatures; it reaches 15-25 degrees Celsius in the daytime and goes down to 5-15 degrees Celsius during the night. Summer may record temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, and therefore moving around the dunes during the day may be lethal. If traveling during summer days it is recommended to only leave Merzouga the early evening and arrive back early morning during the first light. Habitation in camps for several days in this season is not at all possible. Consequently, spring and autumn become pivot seasons in the desert due to their favourable climate. Summer can become unbearably hot and winter nights could be very cold making desert camps rather uninviting. While the swimming pools are still not very inviting being too cold in winter, the rest of the day is quite warm. If you do not wish to be surrounded heavily by people, and you can stand adverse cold temperatures, the winter is perfect. However, do not Hers to wait for too long if you intend to visit at some specific time of the year. New models of accommodation like the desert hotels and camps are always put up and many tourists get attracted to this. merzouga desert Can you rent a car in Merzouga desert An independent way is to hire a car at Marrakech and drive yourself to Merzouga. There is no need for a 4-wheel drive car since the road is asphalted until Merzouga. The choice of renting a car is the most flexible. For any stops or arrival times yet it is the most expensive of all. To know more about more interesting sites to visit on the way, read this article. For instance, I hired a car in Errachidia for one week for which the cost was €30 per day. He confessed that he hired a car containing brand-new Renault Clio, which was in any case appropriate to be used on the ordinary roads in those parts. I was very satisfied with the rental agency’s service; they also have provisions for delivering cars to other promised places for a nominal charge. For your information, you are free to request the contact information whenever you want. If you are interested in a more detailed guide to getting around Morocco via public transport, you can read my post. rent a car in merzouga Where is the Sahara Desert located in Morocco? In Morocco, the Sahara Desert stretches along the southern border with Algeria, just south of the Atlas Mountains. After crossing the Atlas Mountains, you'll arrive at the fortified city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara. map of desert What is the name of the desert in Merzouga? Thus, owing to the closeness of the erg to the tourist centre.The erg is also popularly called as “the dunes of Merzouga”. In the hottest months of the year, some Moroccans go to Erg Chebbi for the purpose of being buried till the neck. . This is assumed to be a treatment for rheumatism. How many people live in Merzouga? Namely, you can have a wonderful desert experience by traveling to Merzouga .hich is a small village (around 400 people) in southeastern Morocco, only about 50 km (31 miles) to the Algerian border. Can I go to the Sahara Desert in Morocco? A:Yes, you can visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco. It's a popular attraction. Tours offer different activities and cater to a variety of budgets. Multi day trekking around Merzouga desert If you are up for a real adventure you should consider a multi-day trek to or from Merzouga. It can be anything from 3 days to 3 weeks or more. As mentioned above, I went on a 16-day-trip from Zagora to Merzouga in November 2018. The landscape is amazing and more varied than one would think when imagining what the desert looks like. traccking in merzouga Camel ride in Merzouga desert Afterwards you can sit around the fire, listen to some Berber music and look for shooting stars. In the morning you can climb up the dunes again for sunrise or ride straight back to Merzouga. You only take what you need into the dunes in a small bag Most camps (and this is where the price makes a difference) have a tent with toilets/showers. Not all have running water.In some you have to “flush” the toilet from a bucket and also take a bucket shower if you really want one. But the hotel you kept your things at will offer a shower once you go Gnawa music in Khamlia in merzouga desert – Another thing to do in Khamlia is listening to the traditional gnawa music. The music goes back to the times when people from more southern places were brought to Morocco as slaves. And Khamlia is a village where many of those former slave families still live. There are a few bands that play their music at local weddings. But they also get invited to events all around the country, e.g. the Essaouira gnawa music festival. After listening to a few songs, please throw some money into the hat, so this tradition can survive Gnawa music in Khamlia in merzuga . Rissani market merzouga desert If you happen to be here on a Sunday you might want to consider going to Rissani. Sunday is the big market day .The city is full with people coming in from the surrounding villages riding donkeys or driving horse pulled carts. You can buy everything from fruit and veggies to donkeys and sheep. It is really fun to watch everyone going about their business. Multi day trekking around Merzouga For those seeking a real adventure, a multi-day trek to or from Merzouga is a must. These treks can range from 3 days to 3 weeks or even longer. In November 2018, I embarked on a memorable 16-day journey from Zagora to Merzouga. The landscape is incredibly diverse and far more varied than one might expect when picturing the desert. Luxury camp in Merzouga desert night view in merzouga Merzouga Desert Camp Nestled in the vast and captivating expanse of the Sahara Desert, the main camp in Merzouga offers an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, culture, and tranquility. Merzouga, located in southeastern Morocco, is renowned for its towering sand dunes, particularly the iconic Erg Chebbi, which attracts travelers from around the globe. A Majestic Arrival As you approach the main camp, the mesmerizing sight of golden sand dunes rising against the azure sky greets you. The camp is strategically positioned to offer breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, painting the landscape in a symphony of colors. The journey to the camp often includes a thrilling camel trek, allowing you to traverse the undulating dunes just as the nomadic Berbers have done for centuries. Accommodation The main camp in Merzouga seamlessly combines traditional Moroccan hospitality with modern comforts. Spacious and well-appointed tents provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. Each tent is tastefully decorated with vibrant rugs, comfortable bedding, and traditional lanterns, creating an ambiance that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Some luxury camps even offer en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay in the heart of the desert. Cultural Immersion Staying at the main camp offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. The friendly Berber hosts are eager to share their traditions, stories, and music. In the evenings, you can gather around a crackling campfire, listen to the enchanting rhythms of Berber drums, and savor a delicious Moroccan feast under a canopy of stars. The traditional mint tea, lovingly prepared and served, is a highlight of the hospitality, symbolizing the warm welcome extended to all visitors. Activities and Adventures The main camp serves as a base for a variety of exciting activities that cater to different interests. Adventurous souls can embark on sandboarding down the dunes, explore the desert on quad bikes, or take a guided 4x4 tour to discover hidden gems and ancient fossils. For those seeking a more serene experience, sunrise or sunset camel rides offer a peaceful way to connect with the desert's timeless beauty. Stargazing and Serenity One of the most magical aspects of the main camp is the opportunity for stargazing. Far from the light pollution of urban areas, the desert sky is a canvas of countless stars. Whether you choose to gaze at the Milky Way with the naked eye or use a telescope provided by the camp, the experience is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The silence of the desert at night, interrupted only by the whisper of the wind and the occasional call of a desert fox, adds to the profound sense of serenity. Night view of merzouga desert night view of merzouga desert insight view of room merzouga conclusion The main camp in Merzouga Desert is more than just a place to stay; it is an invitation to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Sahara. Whether you are seeking adventure, cultural connection, or simply a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the camp offers an experience that will linger in your memories long after you leave. The captivating dunes, the warm hospitality, and the endless starry nights create a desert oasis that truly embodies the magic of Morocco.
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Jonathan Bach is a concept artist at Strange Frog Productions in LA. He's been running a blog since 2009 and treats us with an update now and then.
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