Planning how to get to Merzouga is the first step of any trip to the Sahara. This guide explains every option, from driving and buses to flights and private transfers.
Merzouga sits on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in south-east Morocco, a long way from the big cities. That distance is part of its magic, but it means a little planning. Here are the main ways to reach Merzouga and our camp, with realistic travel times.
Where is Merzouga?
Merzouga is a small desert village in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, about 35 km south-east of Rissani and roughly 130 km from Errachidia. Dihya Desert Camp is located near Khamlia, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
From Fes by car (about 7 to 8 hours)
The road from Fes to Merzouga is roughly 460 km. Most travellers drive through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, stop for lunch in Midelt, then follow the Ziz Valley south through Errachidia and Erfoud. The roads are paved all the way to Merzouga and the trip takes around 7 to 8 hours with short stops.
From Marrakech by car (about 9 to 10 hours)
From Marrakech it is about 560 km over the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and Tinghir. It is a beautiful but long day, so many travellers split it into two days with a night in the Dades or Todra Gorges.
By plane to Errachidia
The closest airport is Errachidia (Moulay Ali Cherif, code ERH), about 2 hours by road from Merzouga. It has domestic flights from Casablanca and a few other routes, some of them seasonal. Schedules change often, so check current flights before you book. We can pick you up at the airport: private taxi €100 one way, or a luxury 4×4 or minivan €200 one way.
By bus
Supratours and CTM run buses to Merzouga from cities such as Fes and Marrakech. They are the cheapest option but slow: expect 10 to 12 hours or more. Let us know your arrival time and we will help you get from the bus stop to the camp.
Driving the last kilometres to Dihya Desert Camp
You do not need a 4×4. The camp can be reached with a regular car: the last 3 km are an off-road track, but it is in good condition. Parking at the camp is free. If you prefer not to drive the sand track, we can pick you up by 4×4 in the village: €40 per vehicle, one way.
Private transport and tours
If you would rather not drive at all, we organise private transport from anywhere in Morocco, and multi-day desert tours from Fes and Marrakech that end at our camp.
Need help planning?
Send us your dates and where you are coming from, and we will suggest the best route. Contact us on WhatsApp +212 661 108 807.
How to Get to Merzouga: Quick Summary
- By car: the most flexible option. Fes is about 470 km away and Errachidia about 127 km.
- By plane: fly to Errachidia, then take a private taxi to the camp (€100 one way).
- By bus: the cheapest way; we collect you in Merzouga village by 4×4.
- On a tour: see our desert tours from Marrakech and Fes.
Whichever way you choose, plan to arrive before sunset. The last part of the journey to the camp is a sand track, so we pick you up in the village by 4×4 for €40 per vehicle, one way, and free parking is available for your car.
Which option is best for you?
If you have little time, flying to Errachidia saves a long day on the road. If you want to see the mountains, valleys and kasbahs of southern Morocco, driving or joining a tour is more rewarding. Travelling on a budget? The bus is comfortable and inexpensive, and we will meet you in the village.
Still not sure how to get to Merzouga from where you are? Read our getting there page or message us on WhatsApp +212 661 108 807.
