How to Get to Merzouga Desert Camps
Merzouga sits in the far south-east of Morocco, a long way from the big cities — which is exactly why the desert feels so remote. Here are the main routes and ways to travel, so you can plan your arrival at the camp.
Approximate Distances and Driving Times
| From | Distance | Driving time | Main route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | about 550–560 km | about 9–10 hours | Over the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, then Ouarzazate, the Dades valley, Tinghir and Erfoud |
| Fes | about 460–480 km | about 7–8 hours | Through the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and Midelt, then the Ziz valley to Errachidia and Erfoud |
| Ouarzazate | about 360–370 km | about 5.5–6.5 hours | East along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs via Boumalne Dades, Tinghir and Erfoud |
| Errachidia (airport) | about 130 km | about 2 hours | South via Erfoud and Rissani |
Driving times are approximate and exclude stops. Actual travel time varies with the route, road works, weather, traffic in towns and how often you stop — plan extra time, and aim to arrive in Merzouga well before the camel trek meeting time.
Marrakech to Merzouga
This is the most common route and one of the most scenic drives in Morocco. The road climbs over the High Atlas at the Tizi n’Tichka pass, drops down to Ouarzazate, then follows the valleys east through Kalaat M’Gouna, Boumalne Dades and Tinghir before reaching Erfoud, Rissani and finally Merzouga.
Doing it in one day is possible but long and tiring, and you would arrive too late to enjoy the sunset. Most travellers split the journey with a night in the Dades valley or near the Todra gorge, then drive the last stretch in the morning and arrive in Merzouga with time to spare.
Fes to Merzouga
From Fes, the road crosses the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and Azrou, continues to Midelt, then follows the Ziz valley past the palm groves south of Errachidia to Erfoud and Merzouga. It can be done in a single day if you leave early. Many travellers do a loop: Fes → Merzouga → Dades → Ouarzazate → Marrakech, or the reverse.
Ouarzazate to Merzouga
From Ouarzazate, head east through the Dades valley and Tinghir (a good lunch stop near the Todra gorge), then on to Tinejdad, Erfoud and Merzouga. It is a comfortable one-day drive, and the easiest way to combine the desert with the kasbahs and gorges of the south.
Errachidia Airport to Merzouga
Errachidia’s Moulay Ali Cherif airport is the closest airport with regular flights, around two hours’ drive from Merzouga. Flights are mainly domestic connections, often via Casablanca, and schedules change by season, so check current timetables with the airlines. From the airport you can rent a car, take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to Merzouga.
Rental Car
Driving yourself gives you the most freedom. The roads to Merzouga are paved, and you don’t need a 4x4 to reach the village — only to drive into the dunes, which you won’t do yourself. You drive to the agreed meeting point on the edge of the dunes, leave your car there during your stay, and continue to the camp by camel or 4x4. We send the exact meeting point after booking. A few tips:
- Fill up the tank in the larger towns (Errachidia, Erfoud, Tinghir, Ouarzazate).
- Avoid driving the last stretch after dark: watch for animals, pedestrians and unlit vehicles.
- Expect police checkpoints; keep your licence, passport and rental papers handy.
- Keep a small overnight bag separate so you don’t have to unpack at the meeting point.
Private Transfer
A private driver is the most relaxed option if you don’t want to drive long distances, and it lets you stop along the way at your own pace. Transfers are available from Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate and Errachidia airport. Ask us when you book your camp and we’ll advise on the options for your route.
Public Transport
Long-distance buses run by the national companies (such as Supratours and CTM) connect Merzouga with Marrakech and Fes, and there are shared taxis between the towns of the region, usually changing in Rissani or Erfoud. Buses are the cheapest option, but journeys are long and some services run overnight. Check current timetables and book ahead in busy seasons. Tell us your arrival time and we’ll help you plan the connection to the camp meeting point.
Arriving at the Camp
However you get to Merzouga, the last part of the journey is the same: from the meeting point you ride a camel or take a 4x4 across the dunes to your camp. Plan to arrive at the meeting point with plenty of time before sunset. Read how the camel trek works and choose where you’ll sleep in our guide to Merzouga desert camps.