Merzouga sunset and cameltreck

The sunset tour begins around 5:30 pm. It takes almost half an hour to reach the biggest sand dune of Erg Chebbi riding on a camel. Then we will trek on foot for about 260 meters to reach the top of the highest dune of Merzouga for those who want to see a panoramic view. If you prefer to not climb the highest dune the nearby small dunes are also perfect to watch the sunset. After having enjoyed the short time of sunset we travel back to the village.

Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco. About 35 km (22 mi) southeast of Rissani. About 55 km (34 mi) from Erfoud and about 20 km (12 mi) from the Algerian borders.

The village is known for its proximity to Erg Chebbi dunes. A most popular destination for tourists. It’s known as  “a desert theme park”. Merzouga has the largest natural underground water in Morocco.

In 2006, Merzouga experienced devastating FLASH FLOOD. Displacing 1,200 and resulting in some deaths.

Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s several sand dunes. There are several other ergs. Erg Chegaga near Mhamid El Ghizlan along the Draa Valley. Technically all these ergs are within an area of semi-arid Pre-Saharan Steppes and not part of the desert which lies some distance to the south.

Along the Erg Chebbi dunes Lives various tribes. Hassilabied 4 Km. Tanamoust is 3 km (1.9 mi) away. Takeout 1.5 km (0.93 mi) away. Kamiya 7 km (4.3 mi) away and Tissrdmin is 15 km (9.3 mi) away.

Merzouga was uninhabited but later became a transit point for merchants heading to Timbuktu.  Later it becomes a pilgrimage for the nomads of the Ait Atta tribes. Merzouga became a tourist destination in the late 90s.