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?
Can it combine a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere with moments of breathtaking adventure and excitement? Yes, in Merzouga, this is possible and more.
In the morning, you will be greeted by the desert sunrise after a night spent in one of the camps, behind one of the area's massive sand dunes, which can reach up to 150 meters in height. The sunrise reflects off the dunes, casting natural artistic shadows that captivate the soul, making you start your day with joy and a readiness to explore this mesmerizing area.
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.
As for peace and nature, a visit to Dayet Srij Lake, just a few kilometers from Merzouga, might be a perfect option. The lake fills with water during the winter and dries up in the summer.
During migration season, from November to April, the lake becomes a haven for diverse wildlife, home to various bird species that use this natural reserve as a seasonal stop. You will witness swallows, pink flamingos, larks, quails, black storks, and Barbary falcons in a breathtaking natural scene.
After these peaceful moments, you may seek some adrenaline and excitement. This is where quad bike tours through the dunes come in, or perhaps trying sandboarding down the dunes.
For an even stronger dose of excitement, paragliding over the Erg Chebbi dunes might be the perfect choice.
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.
With the rising temperatures that heat the sands, tourists flock to seek relief from various joint ailments in the heart of the dunes.
This is no myth or superstition but the real-life experiences of thousands who have recovered from joint pain after an unmatched sand bath.
In the area, there are simple clinics set up under small tents by locals who know the therapeutic effects of the hot sand on bodies affected by the cold. The healing process takes place in sand pits, following special rituals and safety precautions that reduce any health risks, especially considering that the sand can reach temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius.
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 caused by the hot sand’s absorption.
For the locals, preparations begin early in the morning to ensure the pits absorb more heat from the sun, making them ready for those seeking treatment.
Once the burial process is over, lasting no more than 15 minutes, you are pulled out and wrapped in a wool blanket to avoid any cold drafts. Afterward, you are taken to a nearby tent to relax and drink a hot herbal beverage to promote sweating.
After your healing session, you can head to one of the traditional baths in the area for a warm water bath to wash off the remaining sand and prepare for a new level of health.
If you have any doubts or fears about the risks involved, remember that Merzouga's reputation has spread far and wide, and no serious health issues or fatalities have ever been reported since people began seeking healing through this process.
It’s worth noting that the sands of Erg Chebbi, which distinguish Merzouga, earned a prestigious spot in the global tourism scene in 2023. The travel and tourism platform "Time Out" ranked Merzouga third among the top 30 tourist destinations worldwide, based on contributions from visitors to these destinations who wrote brief notes about them, which were compiled to form impressions of these top spots.
Is this the end of the story?
Not at all. Like the rest of Morocco’s enchanting regions, Merzouga has more secrets and beauty to offer.
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.
Merzouga is truly a mix of tranquility, magic, excitement, healing, and unique cuisine. It is a true legend that leaves visitors with a different feeling than any other place in the world—it stays with you even if you don’t stay with it!
