Erg Chebbi & Merzouga

The Erg Chebbi is Morocco's most famous dune field — and rightfully so. Sand dunes up to 150 meters high stretch over about 22 kilometers in length and 5 kilometers in width. The colors change depending on the time of day from pale gold to deep orange to bright red at sunset. It is a landscape that seems unreal — and yet lies just a short camel ride away from the village of Merzouga.

Merzouga itself is a small Berber village at the edge of the dunes, entirely dedicated to desert tourism. Dozens of auberges (guesthouses) and luxury desert camps offer everything from simple Berber tents to air-conditioned glamping tents with private bathrooms. Most visitors come for one or two nights — but those who have more time will be rewarded with a depth that day visitors never experience.

★★★ Dunes at Sunrise and Sunset

The absolute highlight. An hour before sunset, the camel caravans set off (approx. 1.5 hours to the camp). Climb the highest dune at 5 a.m. to experience the sunrise over the Sahara — a moment that burns into memory. The shadows of the dune crests form geometric patterns in the low light, turning every photo into a work of art.

★★ Khamlia (Gnaoua Village)

South of Merzouga lies the village of Khamlia, inhabited by descendants of sub-Saharan slaves. Here, one can experience authentic Gnaoua music — trance-like rhythms with Guembri (bass lute) and Krakeb (iron castanets). The musicians play in simple houses for visitors; a tip of 50-100 MAD per person is appropriate.

Hassi Labied & Rissani

Hassi Labied, north of Merzouga, has some of the best accommodations with dune views. Rissani (35 km) is the nearest larger town with a lively souk (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday) — the last trading post before the desert, founded in the 7th century as Morocco's first Islamic city.