Discovering Merzouga

It is a desert region that encompasses everything that can make a desert an extraordinary place, from beauty to Camels, along with the warmth of its sands that offer healing for people.

This is the town of Merzouga, famous for its vast desert sands stretching as far as the eye can see. It is located in southeastern Morocco, about 130 kilometers from Errachidia and around 50 kilometers from Erfoud.

In the past, the area was not inhabited, only later becoming a transit point for traders heading to or coming from Timbuktu in Mali. Merzouga gained fame when it became a haven for nomads from the Ait Atta Berber tribes, who eventually settled and invested in it, turning it into a premier tourist destination.

Now, Merzouga’s reputation has spread across the globe, attracting tourists from all over the world seeking the desert paradise, whether for relaxation or healing.

Getting to Merzouga

You can reach Merzouga directly by land, via public buses from Casablanca, or by air from Casablanca to Errachidia, which serves as a main transit point to the area. From there, you can continue by land in a taxi towards Merzouga.

Accommodation

The accommodation in Merzouga is inspired by the region’s rich nature. Most stays here consist of fully equipped tents, some luxurious, and others affordable for all societal levels.

Merzouga also has a few traditional riads that strive to provide visitors with all the comfort they need for an unforgettable journey. Prices range from 300 MAD per night to 1500 MAD, depending on the visitor’s preferences.

What Does Merzouga Offer?

In the morning, you will be greeted by the desert sunrise after a night spent in one of the camps. The sunrise reflects off the dunes, casting natural artistic shadows that captivate the soul.

After breakfast, followed by a unique local tea, you can meet the nomads, learn about their traditions, and explore the desert sands on camelback tours.

During migration season, from November to April, Dayet Srij Lake becomes a haven for diverse wildlife — swallows, pink flamingos, larks, quails, black storks, and Barbary falcons in a breathtaking natural scene.

Sands That Heal

If the allure of Merzouga’s beauty and excitement draws visitors year-round, then summer is the ideal time for those who have heard of the healing properties of its hot sand baths.

The burial process, known locally as ‘redm,’ lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. During this time, a supervisor offers small sips of water to prevent dehydration. For the locals, preparations begin early in the morning to ensure the pits absorb more heat from the sun.

Once the burial process is over, you are pulled out and wrapped in a wool blanket to avoid cold drafts. Afterward, you are taken to a nearby tent to relax and drink a hot herbal beverage to promote sweating.

In 2023, the travel platform Time Out ranked Merzouga third among the top 30 tourist destinations worldwide.

A Unique Culinary Experience

Merzouga presents a culinary art that requires special knowledge and expertise. Here, you can taste the region’s staple vegetable tagine, as well as pastries made from dates and delicious barley semolina with camel milk.

However, the dish that Merzouga is most famous for is the ‘Madfouna’ — a bread stuffed with camel meat, herbs, onions, and various spices, all cooked in a sand oven.