How to Get to Merzouga Desert from Meknes

Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are about 460 km (285 miles) south-east of Meknes. The road crosses the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley, and the trip can be done in one long day. Here are your options.

1. By private car or private tour (recommended)

The drive takes 7–8 hours without stops. Before you leave, it is worth seeing Volubilis, the Roman ruins just north of Meknes. On the way south you pass:

• El Hajeb and Ifrane – green hills and the chalet-style “Switzerland of Morocco”.
• Azrou cedar forest – ancient cedars and wild Barbary macaques by the road.
• Midelt – views of the High Atlas, often snowy in winter and spring.
• Ziz Gorges and Ziz Valley – a dramatic canyon, then miles of palm groves.
• Errachidia → Erfoud → Merzouga – arrive for a camel ride at sunset.

See our tours from Meknes – desert trips that can end back in Meknes or Fez, or continue to Marrakech.

2. By bus

CTM and Supratours run buses from Meknes towards Errachidia, Rissani and Merzouga, often overnight. The journey takes around 9–11 hours. It is the cheapest option, but you see little of the scenery.

3. By rental car

The roads are good. In winter, check the weather before crossing the Middle Atlas near Ifrane and Midelt, where snow and ice are possible, and avoid driving at night.

4. By plane?

Meknes has no airport. The nearest are Fez (about 1 hour away) for international flights and Errachidia (2 hours from Merzouga) for domestic flights via Casablanca. For most travellers, driving from Meknes is simpler and faster.

Which option is best?

• Comfort and scenery: a private tour, ideally 3 days so you have a full day in the dunes.
• Tight budget: the overnight bus.
• Seeing more: a one-way trip from Meknes to Marrakech via Merzouga, the Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate.

Practical tips

• Leave Meknes early to reach the desert before sunset.
• Bring warm clothes from November to March – mountain passes and desert nights are cold.
• Carry some cash in dirhams for the road.

This is a private tour, so you travel only with your own group. Groups of friends, students and families get a discount – contact us on WhatsApp or by email for a quote.