MERZOUGA DUNES ATTRACTIONS

MERZOUGA DUNES ATTRACTIONS

 Merzouga is a small Saharan town located in south-eastern Morocco, 35 kilometers from Rissani and 50 kilometers from Erfoud. Merzouga is famous for its dunes in the Erg Chebbi region – the highest in Morocco. It is a man destination for tourists who wish to ride camels into the dunes and sleep in a Bedouin-style tent for the night.

Things to See and Do Around Merzouga
The desert is quite spectacular and you'll want to spend more than just 90 minutes riding out into the dunes and back, especially after a long bus ride from Marrakech or Fes. Plan to spend at least 2 nights in Merzouga and take part in a couple of different activities while you're there.

• Hop on a Camel and Camp -- You really should spend at least one night under the stars in the desert and enjoy a ride on a camel. There are lots of options and companies offering a wide variety of tents/bivouacs and also stays in remote nomad villages. Most overnight will include a traditional Berber meal by campfire and some musical entertainment. Ask your hotel for their packages, and shop around before you decide who to go with. If you want a more tranquil experience find an operator who has their own private camp so you don't end up sharing your experience with lots of other groups. Camping is basic, don't expect flushing toilets! Do get a turban of some kind, it actually does keep the sand away from your eyes and mouth and the sun off your head, so it's not just for dress up. Check these tours, to get an idea of prices. Group tours are usually cheaper, so find some fellow travelers you get along with and go together.
  
  
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• Birdwatching around the Dayet Srji -- It's surprising to come across a lake in these parts, and even stranger to see flamingos. The Dayet Srji is a salt water lake and offers excellent bird viewing with lots of Egrets, Storks and Shelducks. Take a bird guide along, unless you're an expert yourself, it is much more rewarding.
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• Quad Biking -- not as tranquil as a camel, perhaps a little obnoxious, but fun. When else can a novice pretend to be part of the Dakar Rally? Trips can last a few hours or several days and always include a guide.
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• Hot Air Ballooning -- a truly magical way to experience the desert is up in a hot-air balloon. It's around 160 Euros for an hour per person, but certainly worth it.
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• Sand Skiing -- Some hotels offer skis, boogie boards and snow boards for rent. It's quite a hike up the dunes in the deep sand and obviously there are no ski lifts, so you may want to give this activity a miss if you're not quite fit.

Best time to Visit the Western Sahara desert

The summer months between June and September can be brutally hot during the day, and not a lot of fun. Temperatures average around 115 Fahrenheit (45 C) during the summer and it's obviously dry as a bone. Nights in the desert do get much colder however and you'll need a good jacket even if you're sweltering during the day. During March and April you have a good chance of dealing with sandstorms as the Sirocco whips up. Best time to visit is from October to February.