Are you trying to decide between a trip to the Merzouga or Zagora desert in Morocco? Both destinations offer stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, but there are some key differences to consider when making your decision. In this blog, we’ll compare the Merzouga and Zagora deserts to help you choose the best destination for your trip. We’ll cover the terrain, activities, and accessibility of each desert, as well as the cultural experiences and attractions that they offer.
When it comes to visiting the desert in Morocco, two popular destinations are the Merzouga and Zagora deserts. Both offer stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and opportunities for adventure, but there are some key differences between the two.
Merzouga Desert – Erg chebbi
The desert of Merzouga is located in eastern Morocco, near the Algerian border. It is known for its towering sand dunes, which are some of the highest in North Africa. The most popular activity in the Merzouga desert is camel trekking, which allows visitors to explore the dunes and experience the desert in a traditional way. Many camel trekking tours include overnight stays in the desert, either in traditional tents or in more luxurious accommodations.
In addition to camel trekking, there are many other activities and experiences to be had in the Merzouga desert. These include sandboarding, quad biking, and stargazing. The desert is also home to a variety of wildlife, including desert foxes, gazelles, and snakes.
The town of Merzouga itself is small, but it has a few hotels and guest houses that cater to tourists. There are also several restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Moroccan food.
Overall, the desert of Merzouga is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a range of cultural and adventure experiences. It is a perfect destination for those looking to get off the beaten path and experience the rugged beauty of the desert.
Zagora Desert
On the other hand,
The desert of Zagora is located in southern Morocco, in the Draa Valley. It is known for its palm groves, kasbahs (fortified villages), and ancient ruins. The town of Zagora itself is small, but it has a few hotels and guest houses that cater to tourists.
In addition to the natural beauty of the desert, there are several cultural attractions to visit in the Zagora desert. One popular destination is the ancient city of Tamegroute, which is home to a famous green-glazed ceramic pottery workshop and a library with thousands of ancient manuscripts. Visitors can also visit the well-preserved Kasbah Tamnougalt, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and has gardens that showcase traditional Moroccan agriculture.
In terms of activities, visitors to the Zagora desert can participate in camel trekking and quad biking, as well as explore the local markets and visit the traditional villages of the Draa Valley.
The difference between the Merzouga and Zagora deserts
One key difference between the Merzouga and Zagora deserts is the terrain. The Merzouga desert is characterized by its towering sand dunes, while the Zagora desert is known for its palm groves and kasbahs (it is a rocky desert without dunes).
Another difference is the accessibility of the two deserts. The Merzouga desert is located a bit further from the main tourist hub of Marrakech, which means that it may be a bit more difficult to get to. On the other hand, the Zagora desert is located closer to Marrakech and is more easily accessible.
Overall, both the Merzouga and Zagora deserts are beautiful and unique destinations that offer a range of cultural and adventure experiences. Which one you choose will depend on your interests and preferences, as well as your travel plans and budget.
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