Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco, about 35 kilometres southeast of Rissani, about 55 kilometers from Erfoud, and about 50 kilometers from the Algerian border.
The village is known for its proximity to Erg Chebbi, a Saharan erg,
and it is for this reason a part of the itineraries of many tourists
visiting Morocco.
Merzouga has the largest natural underground body of
water in Morocco.
In 2006 Merzouga experienced devastating flash floods, displacing 1,200 and resulting in some deaths.
Near the dunes of Erg Chebbi there are some other known villages: Hassilabied 4 km away, Tanamoust 3 km away, Takoujt 1.5 km away, Khamlia 7 km away and Tisserdmine 15 km away.
Merzouga is a small desert town on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a
mesmerising sea of wind-blown Saharan sand dunes.
It is the gateway to
the wilderness of the desert interior, and the perfect place to get a
taste of Bedouin life.
Camel treks
are the easiest and most authentic way to explore the surrounding
landscape, where knife-edged dunes and blazing blue skies create the
classic Saharan backdrop.
