Merzouga: One Night or Two in the Desert?

The short answer: One night in Merzouga is enough for the essential experience: sunset camel ride, dinner and music at camp, the stars and sunrise on the dunes. Choose two nights if you want a full day around Erg Chebbi, for example to visit Khamlia, the Rissani market, nomad families or to try sandboarding at a relaxed pace.

One night vs two nights

What to do with an extra day

• Khamlia, a village known for Gnawa music: see our Rissani and Khamlia guide.
• Rissani market, one of the oldest in the south.
• Sandboarding and walks in the dunes.
• A 4x4 loop around Erg Chebbi, with its lake in wet years and fossil areas.

More ideas: things to do in Merzouga.

Who should stay two nights

• Photographers, for more chances of perfect light.
• Families with young children, to break up the drive.
• Anyone travelling in summer, to avoid long midday drives.

Sample 4-day itinerary with two desert nights

Frequently asked questions

Can the second night be in a hotel instead of a camp?

Yes. Many travellers spend one night in a camp and one in a kasbah hotel at the edge of the dunes.

Is one night enough for a first visit?

Yes, most travellers are happy with one night.

Choose your desert tour: 3 days from Marrakech (one night) or 4 days Marrakech to Fes. Any tour can add a second desert night on request.

Plan it with us: Sahara desert in Morocco, Desert tours from Marrakech and Morocco desert tours.