Quick facts
MAD (Moroccan Dirham) Currency — Cash preferred; cards at hotels and riads
Arabic & Tamazight Language — French widely spoken; some English in tourism
WET (UTC+1) Timezone — Morocco stays on UTC+1 year-round
Oct – Apr Best Months — Cooler temperatures; summer exceeds 45C
~$30–70 USD Daily Budget — Budget desert camp to mid-range experience
Visa-free for most Visa — EU/US/UK/AU visa-free 90 days
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-20 | $35-55 |
| Food | $8-12 | $15-25 |
| Transport | $2-5 | $10-20 |
| Activities | $20-30 | $40-60 |
| Daily Total | $40-65 | $90-150 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Health & Safety
- Merzouga is very safe — the biggest risks are dehydration and sunburn, not crime.
- Carry at least 2 litres of water per person when entering the dunes. More for longer treks.
- The nearest pharmacy is in Rissani (35km). Bring any medication you need. The nearest hospital is in Errachidia (130km).
Connectivity
- Mobile coverage (Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi) works in the village but not in the deep dunes.
- WiFi at riads exists but is slow. Embrace the disconnection — it is part of the desert experience.
- Buy a Moroccan SIM card at any telecom shop for MAD 30-50 with data.
Getting There
- From Marrakech: 10-11 hours by bus via Ouarzazate, or 2-3 day tour via Ait Benhaddou and Dades Gorge.
- From Fes: 8-9 hours by bus via Errachidia, or 2-day tour via the Ziz Gorge.
- Nearest airport: Errachidia (130km, limited flights to Casablanca).
Money
- No ATMs in Merzouga — withdraw cash in Rissani or Errachidia before arriving.
- Most riads accept cash only. Some larger establishments accept cards.
- Haggling is expected for souvenirs and taxis. Fixed prices at riads, restaurants, and formal tours.
Weather
- October to April: comfortable daytime temperatures (18-28C), cold nights (can drop below 5C). Best season.
- May to September: extreme heat (40-50C during the day). Only visit if you handle heat well.
- Sand storms can occur any time but are most common March to May. They pass quickly but visibility drops to zero.
Packing Tips
- A shemagh or scarf is essential — protects from sun, wind, and sand. Buy one in Merzouga for MAD 30-50.
- Closed shoes for dune walking. Sand gets into everything; sandals are for camp only.
- A warm layer is essential October through April — desert nights are cold. A headlamp for camp.
