Town in Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Merzouga
Tiny Sahara village at the Erg Chebbi dunes, base for camel treks, desert camps and sandboarding. Remote, hot in summer and focused on organised trips; clean sky, good stargazing, long drives from cities.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$708–1,010Comfortable, one person · DH7,000–10,000Details
- Value for money90/100Better value than 89% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 42°CDetails
- Internet57 MbpsFixed broadband, Morocco medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is untreated or variable; drink bottled water and carry extra for dune trips.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–30Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTour or private driverYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyCash only at most camps and shops; a few hotels take cards.Details
Where to stay in Merzouga
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hassilabied | Desert-edge kasbah hotels and camps with dune views |
| Merzouga village | Basic shops, cafés and guesthouses |
| Khamlia | Gnawa music community and quieter stays |
Apps that work in Merzouga
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ONCF: Train times and e-tickets
- CTM: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: No ride apps. Book transfers through your camp or hotel; agree fares in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Morocco.
- Cash only Cash only at most camps and shops; a few hotels take cards. ATMs are in Rissani and Erfoud, so withdraw before arriving.
- Currency: Dirham (MAD). US$1 ≈ DH9.88 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Plentiful in cities, scarce in desert and mountain villages; dirhams can't be bought abroad, so withdraw on arrival.
- Tipping: Expected: about 10% in restaurants, 10–20 DH for porters and small help, more for guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals in cities; local wallets need a Moroccan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-required nationalities can often apply online through the official eVisa portal (acces-maroc.ma); avoid paid look-alike sites.
- Passport must be valid at least 3 months on arrival and undamaged; damaged passports have been refused entry.
- Make sure your passport gets an entry stamp; travellers without one have had trouble leaving.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150
Plugs
Type C, E · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi kiosks at airport arrivals and shops everywhere; data top-ups are cheap. Passport needed to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Morocco
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.