Erfoud to The Sahara

1. Erfoud

A short trip from Erfoud is a sunrise opportunity well worth the effort of rising early for. The sun will slowly rise over the golden desert dunes and you can ride a camel back to your hotel afterwards!

Erfoud is known as the "Gate of Sahara Desert" and is famous for the date festival. Held every October this 3-day festival is not to be missed.

Try the most beautiful fresh dates in the world, if you are lucky enough to be travelling through this region during harvest. 

Erfoud is also well-known for fossils. Visit a fossil shop and see how large slices of rock are cut exposing fossils of a bygone era from ammonite, crinoids, orthoceras, stromatolites and more.

2. Rissani

Rissani, once called Sijilmassa, was the meeting place for the salt caravans coming from Timbuktu in Mali.

Wander slowly through the local souk discovering exotic spices, vegetables and textiles.

3. Merzouga

Take a 4 WD off-road tour from Erfoud through sand dunes via the oasis of Merzouga to the nomadic depository of Khamlia. In Khamlia you can meet desert nomads in their tents, and discover a their unique way of life.

On the way to Khamlia you can stop at the lake of Merzouga and spot exotic bird populations.

Visit the Gnawa people’s village, where you can experience their spiritual music. The Gnawa people were originally brought to Morocco as slaves and are now world renowned for their unique musical style and traditions.

4. Erg Chabbi — The Sahara

A night stop over in Merzouga will allow you to experience a Kasbah hotel at edge of the golden sand dunes.

If you choose to stop over, you can relax by the pool and get ready for an evening you won’t forget — a live blues band in the desert.