Serving as a gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga is an atmospheric town in Morocco’s Sahara Desert. It was originally established by merchants en route to Timbuktu before becoming a pilgrimage destination for the Ait Atta, an Amazigh tribe from southeastern Morocco.
Car enthusiasts can visit the Morocco National 4x4 Auto Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of vehicles used by the royal family to explore the surrounding desert. You can climb to the top of the nearby dunes for elevated views across the Sahara or embark on an overnight camel trekking excursion to one of the Amazigh camps.
A short drive west of Merzouga is the seasonal salt lake of Dayet Srji, which attracts a huge diversity of migratory bird species on their journey between Europe and Africa. In addition to desert sparrows, houbara bustards and fulvous babblers, you can occasionally see pink flamingos in the springtime.
Getting there
Merzouga is around two hours’ drive from Errachidia’s Moulay Ali Cherif Airport, which has regular flights to Casablanca. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Merzouga and camel treks are a popular way of exploring the Sahara Desert.