Firstly, the Merzouga 4×4 desert excursion offers an electrifying introduction to the Erg Chebbi sands. Moreover, you’ll ride in a robust, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle—courtesy of Antares Desert Camp—across rippling dunes and volcanic plains. As a result, every participant experiences the true essence of a Sahara adventure, whether at dawn’s first light or during the warm glow of late afternoon.
Furthermore, our expert driver-guides share local insights at each stop. Consequently, you’ll explore hidden fossil mines at M’fis, sip refreshing mint tea with Berber nomads, and capture sweeping panoramic views. Therefore, this off-road tour combines adrenaline-packed dune-bashing with cultural immersion, ensuring memories that endure long after you leave the desert.
To begin with, your journey starts at your Merzouga accommodation or desert camp. Then, after a comprehensive safety briefing, the 4×4 rumbles toward the Black Desert’s basalt fields. Next, you’ll disembark for a short hike through the M’fis fossil mines—where ancient seashells lie embedded in volcanic rock—before returning to the jeep for more dune-bashing thrills.
Additionally, the tour proceeds to Khamlia village, home to dynamic Gnawa musicians. Here, you can not only stroll through the winding alleys but also try traditional instruments and savor sweet mint tea. Subsequently, the return route includes visits to nomad family tents, where you’ll enjoy authentic Berber hospitality and, optionally, a traditional lunch prepared for you by Antares Desert Camp’s local partners.
Firstly, Antares Desert Camp stands out because of our modern, meticulously maintained 4WD fleet. Moreover, our vehicles feature reinforced suspension and safety harnesses—thus guaranteeing a comfortable ride even on the Sahara’s most challenging terrain. Furthermore, every guide is native to Merzouga and fluent in English, Arabic, and French, ensuring clear communication and deep cultural exchange.
In addition, we offer customizable excursions to suit your interests. Consequently, you can select a half-day sunrise tour, an afternoon sunset safari, or an extended multi-day desert trek. Finally, with door-to-door pick-up, flexible departure times, and bespoke add-ons—such as camel rides, stargazing sessions, or traditional cooking classes—your Merzouga 4×4 desert excursion becomes truly personalized.
If you're traveling from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, the most convenient and affordable option is the Supratours bus. This direct bus departs from Marrakech every morning at 08:00 AM and arrives in Merzouga around 9:00 PM. The journey offers scenic views of the Atlas Mountains and Moroccan countryside along the way. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s recommended to book your bus ticket in advance, especially during high tourist seasons.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive from Marrakech to Merzouga, which takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. This allows you to explore the route at your own pace, with opportunities to stop in Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley, or Todra Gorge before reaching the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
For those coming from Fes, the best option is also the Supratours night bus, which departs daily at 7:00 PM and arrives in Merzouga the next morning at around 6:00 AM. This overnight journey is efficient and saves you the cost of a night’s accommodation. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable, making it a good option for long-distance travelers.
If you prefer a private transfer or a rented car, the drive from Fes to Merzouga takes about 7 to 8 hours, offering beautiful views of the Middle Atlas, cedar forests, and the Ziz Valley. Either way, reaching Merzouga from Fes is both scenic and rewarding.
No matter how you arrive, we make it easy to meet us at the edge of the Merzouga dunes.
1. If you're driving a rented car, we will meet you directly at our partner hotel near the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll receive the exact GPS location upon booking, and we will welcome you upon arrival.
2. If you're arriving by Supratours bus, we will be waiting for you at the Merzouga bus station to take you to the starting point of your desert adventure. We monitor all arrival times to ensure a smooth pickup—even if the bus is delayed.
With Antares Desert Camp, your desert journey starts the moment you arrive in Merzouga.
The package includes round-trip 4WD transportation, a professional driver-guide, bottled water, and all desert permits. Moreover, optional upgrades—like Berber lunch, camel rides, or overnight stays—are available through Antares Desert Camp.
Standard half-day tours run about 3 hours, perfect for sunrise or sunset experiences. Conversely, full-day tours span 6–8 hours, and multi-day safaris can extend up to several days for deeper Sahara exploration.
Yes. Although dune-bashing can be lively, physical activity is limited to brief, guided walks at fossil sites and village visits. Therefore, children over age 5 and seniors in reasonable health can comfortably join.
The ideal season is October to April, when temperatures range from 15 °C to 25 °C. However, sunrise and sunset tours remain spectacular year-round. Furthermore, booking in advance—especially during peak months—is recommended to secure your preferred date.
Wear breathable layers, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Additionally, bring a reusable water bottle and small backpack for personal items. Finally, inform us of any dietary requirements or mobility needs when booking with Antares Desert Camp.
