$114 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago. Just one comment: Erg Chebi and Merzouga are not technically part of the Sahara desert. 9 from Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl. There are beautiful Berber and African art pieces to enjoy here. , , , , "cookie". For those who prefer to fly, the closest airport to Merzouga is Errachidia, which is about 100 km away. Merzouga offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The trip was thoroughly planned and we always had something to do, in addition to well-informed guides who helpe", How to Get from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, How to Get from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, How to Get from Marrakech to the High Atlas Mountains, Luxury Grand Tour: Casablanca Round Trip - 14 Days, Casablanca Round Trip: Luxury Escape to the Sahara - 12 Days. For those who prefer street food, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, there are better options for getting to Original Merzouga Camp. The dunes are nowhere near as impressive as those in Merzouga. In Merzouga, you can park your vehicle and walk just a few metres into the dunes from your accommodation. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the city center. We were able to fully customize our itinerary to exact dates and flights, and we were easily accommodated when we arrived ", Traveled to Morocco as a group in July, 2023, "Overall, we were incredibly impressed by KimKim. Many thanks, Elizabeth, We only took the flight once but it all went off exactly as planned. Be sure to try some traditional Berber cuisine which is both delicious and unique. Were flying into Errachidia via Royal Air Maroc and were considering staying at Maison Dhotes Sahara but werent sure about the transportation to the hotel considering the flight gets in around midnight. Merzouga is the desert town on the edge of the Sahara Desert and the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Looks like they have an instagram page too if none of those first options work! Home Africa How to get to the Sahara Desert in Morocco. How to get from Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to Merzouga by plane or bus - Rome2rio Please ask for a quotation Commercial flights The nearest commercial airport is Errachidia, which is 2 hours from the camp. https://www.kamkamdunes.com/custom-journey/, I believe if you can book through this link and customize your journey. Therefore, the best time to travel is from October to February, when daytime temperatures are . Thank you so much for this informative and beautiful blog! Finally, youll have the opportunity to explore Ziz, an ancient city, and the Todra Gorges two must-see activities for visitors to Merzouga. You can rent cars, bigger vehicles, motorbikes, and 44s to get you around the desert landscape. If youre not comfortable driving, tours and taxis can take you around. Sure, if you dont have much time, plenty of money and desperate to seethe dunes, this is a sure fire way to get you to the Sahara Desert. There arey also daily buses run from major cities like Marrakech and Fes. Choose from a wide range of activities, such as camel trekking or ATVing. Exotic desert wildlife such as strange reptiles and large-eared mammals that hunt under cover of darkness in the dunes can be observed here. We live & travel full-time in our DIY Sprinter van conversion, Baloo. Additional terms apply. Of course, the Sahara also provides ample inspiration for a number ofadrenalin-fuelled activities. And as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I appreciate it might sound impossiblebut itstrue. Merzouga, a small village in southeast Morocco, gives visitors a taste of desert life, and treks to nearby villages will reward you with African revelry, including music and dance. But, to see the pristine, wind-blown sand without a trace of footprints, you may have to book a camel tour and ride a bit further than the crowds. The closest airport to Merzouga is Errachidia Airport, which is about 55 miles away. If you want to see and do things outside of Merzouga, it does require a different mode of transportation. Truly, the best way to explore the Sahara desert is with a knowledgeable local guide who will share the rich nomadic Berber history of the desert along the journey. You'll take the N13 Highway across the country towards the Eastern border. Now you know how to get to the Sahara Desert in Morocco. March and April are often plagued by the sandstorms of the seasonal Sirocco wind. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make . There are 5 flights per week from Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. Because it was now Friday afternoon, Yidar asked to leave us for 1-2 hours go to home for lunch and to pray. The property features a garden and free WiFi. I would maybe do 1 night Casablanca, fly to Errachadia/1 night Errachadia, drive to desert/1-2 nights in the desert, then either fly from Zagora to Marrakech, or if you choose to drive, then stay the night in Ait Benhaddou, then onward to a few nights in Marrakech. Were using our little corner of the internet to help you convert your own camper and inspire a few adventures too. Nearby saltwater lake Dayet Sriji provides an oasis for greater flamingos as well as a collection of egrets, storks, and ducks; while the dunes themselves harbor native desert birdsincluding sandgrouse and bustards. Recommended airport Casablanca (CMN) 14h 3m MAD 309 - MAD 504 The nearest airport to Erg Chebbi, Merzouga is Errachidia (ERH). Thanks for all the info. Camps in Merzouga offer a more authentic desert experience, with accommodations in traditional Berber-style tents. Desert camps trips and locations - Merzouga camps - Merzouga luxury There is an overnight bus service departing Fes in the evening and arriving into Merzouga in the morning, with a total travel time of 12 hours. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. At the airport, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy a bite before your flight. A car will cover the 249 miles (561 km) in roughly 9 hours. Located just south of Merzouga, Khemliya is a small village established around 1967, according to Yidar, home to mostly sub-Saharan Africans. . The hotel is run by a mother and her adult son. Hi! This ancient Arab quarter boasts over 9,500 alleys and lanes across an area of 8 square miles. For more info, please check our disclosure page. I love the area, the weather and the fact that there werent very many people there. We travel in our own vehicle and have a self imposed policy of avoiding tours unless its the only way to do a trip. In the Moroccan summer (June - September), Merzouga and the western Sahara Desert can be brutally hot, averaging around 45C/ 115F during the middle of the day. I was very confused with where the desert actually was ! In part, this is because they dont know how to get to the Sahara Desert in Morocco and in part for convenience. Registered in England and Wales. How to Get to the Sahara Desert - Best Routes & Travel Advice Family-run, this is Berber hospitality at its very best. I thought Ait Benhaddou was really beautiful, but the drive from the desert to there was not my favorite (I dont really like long drives). It's known as the door to Erg Chebbi, a huge stretch of sand dunes south of town. proaeroporty.ru , . As a One Key member, you can earn OneKeyCash on top of airline miles. Additional terms apply. Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Visiting the Sahara Desert is likely a once in a lifetime opportunity that should not be missed. Roundtrip prices range from $571 - $571, and one-ways to Merzouga start as low as $334. This airport has international and domestic flights from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and is about 340 km from the center . The views of the lake at Er Rachidia as you leave the Ziz Gorge are breathtaking. Although the town itself has little to offer the intrepid traveler (besides a handful of hotels and restaurants), it is famous as the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. It is the highest dune and is well-recognized by the tamarisk tree landmark at its base. Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara Desert in Morocco, is one of the most beautiful places in . I also loved that last picture- save the best for last! We can arrange you transportation to and from the airport. Another option is to rent a car or van and drive yourself into the desert, or opt for a camel ride instead. Many of these tours include an overnight stay at a desert campsite, or in a traditional Berber village. Taking the bus is a cost-effective option, and there are regular services available from both Marrakech and Fes to Merzouga. Border control: taking a car into Morocco, Hey thank you so much for this very complete and interesting article! The hotels are all close together and the streets are easy to walk. The second option is from Fes to . Take a bus to the Sahara? Merzouga desert tours | Excursion dsert Maroc Some can be seen year round, and there are always lizards, snakes, hedgehogs, and even desert foxes to be spotted. Riding along the back of a camel, these dunes make you feel like youve been transported into a movie, or back in time to many years ago. We love the desert and hope you get to experience it at least once in your lifetime. This is an excellent way to see all that this vibrant city has to offer while exploring its sights. There are plenty of auberges, campsites and hotels to choose from along theroute. Company Number 13558893. Dcouvrez leur utilit et comment les refuser en lisant politique de confidentialit . Enjoy the magic of the desert and all that this unique destination has to offer. What is the best desert in Morocco ? There are several options from Marrakech into the Sahara Desert, bus, helicopter or car. Youll need these useful Arabic phrases on the bus. Street vendors also offer freshly squeezed orange juice, a refreshing drink that is a popular way to beat the desert heat. The complex was almost empty, February is still considered the off-season, which seems crazy to me because the weather was perfect! Since our first visit, weve travelled to Morocco many times over andhave takenboth routes, in both directions. I personally recommend the cheap Royal Air Maroc flights similar price to driving, much shorter, and probably safer. It perfectly illustrates just how accessible the desert is in Morocco! Merzouga is located approximately 560 kilometers southeast of Marrakech. Ouarzazate is a good place to have a meal at a waterfront restaurant. Next, click on the 'Nearby . What are the best places to eat in Merzouga? Merzouga is located in the eastern part of Morocco, near the Algerian border. Continuing on the same road, you will arrive into the Azrou Forest before approaching the Ziz Valley. Overnights in Merzouga desert camp. Track prices for your flight and get notified when prices change. Temperatures during the spring range between 25 and 30 in the afternoons. The stated travel time is 12.5 hours, but they can sometimes take up to 15 to hours, and are the last resort. Search cheap flights to Merzouga (RAK) today with Orbitz. How to travel cheap from Fez to Merzouga? Merzouga, Morocco A Small Berber Settlement Surrounded by SandDunes, Merzouga, Morocco The Gateway to ErgChebbi. Did they reach out to you? And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate. You can visit a traditional Berber village and interact with the locals, taste their delicious food, and witness their centuries-old way of life. Merzouga is not directly accessible by plane or train. Along the way, plan time to admire the views of the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. $334 Cheap Flights to Merzouga - Expedia.com From tea houses in Nepal to craft cocktails in Chicago and everything in between. Bring plenty of layers, as temperatures drop dramatically after dark. FAQ - Morocco Desert Camps | Morocco Tours Additional terms apply. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make . Its also important to stay safe and respectful of the local culture. 10 of the Best Places to Visit in Morocco, The Top 15 Things to See and Do in Morocco, Weather in Morocco: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, Asilah Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information, The Complete Guide to the Atlas Mountains, How to Travel From Marrakesh to Casablanca by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The 8 Top Things to Do in Ouarzazate, Morocco, How to Travel From Casablanca to Fez by Train, Bus, Car and Plane, How to Travel From Seville, Spain, to Morocco by Bus, Car, and Plane. Flights to Errachidia Airport are limited, so most travelers prefer to fly to either Marrakech or Fes and then take a bus or private tour. While there are flights from Fez to Zagora, they are not direct, and the total travel time makes the trip longer than going by car, so it's not advisable. The nearest airport from merzouga is Errachidia (2 hours drive). The first is the most popular route from Marrakech to Merzouga and a much easier option if you're travelling by public transport.