Sleeping at the foot of the dunes in Hassilabied/Merzouga

Hi everyone,

During our road trip in Morocco in November/December, we’re planning to spend a night at the Hassilabied dunes around November 10th. We don’t want to sleep in a camp, go on a camel trek, or do a 4x4 tour—we just want to stay right at the foot of the dunes so we can walk around on our own, on foot, at sunrise and sunset. It seems like Hassilabied is better located for this (closer to the dunes) than Merzouga. Do you know of any clean accommodation with hot water, not too rustic but not too "bling-bling" either, and—most importantly—ideally located right in front of the dunes? Thanks so much for your tips! Fran

The Camels House hostel might just fit your criteria.

Thanks so much for the tip. We’re still a bit torn about Hassilabied. The area is apparently really beautiful, but very busy. That doesn’t bother us in itself, but we’re a bit worried about the engines and the noise. We’re coming more for the beauty of the landscapes than for the pools, 4x4s, and parties. Unless it’s quieter in mid-November?

hi there,

The periods from November to mid-December and January to mid-February are the quietest in Morocco in terms of tourist traffic. So you’ve picked a good time. However, around Merzouga, you’ll still hear/see quads and 4x4s used by tourists (even if there aren’t many) and by locals who use them as everyday transport. But in the dunes themselves, it should be peaceful.

There are hostels accessible via good tracks (maybe even paved roads now) located right in the middle of the dunes, mostly to the north of the erg. Personally, I’d avoid Hassilabied because the hostels are practically side by side along the erg. There are also a few hostels at the foot of the dunes in the village of Merzouga, which is much quieter than Hassilabied.

Murielle

I forgot: I highly recommend arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon (before nightfall, at any rate). The approach to the erg by road is magical. You just keep getting closer and closer—it goes on and on... and that’s a good thing. It’s beautiful!

Murielle

Thanks a million, Murielle, you gave us a great tip.

After poking around a bit on Google Maps and a few sites, right in the middle of the dunes north of the erg as you suggested, we found exactly what we needed. There’s no tarmac to get there, but we checked—it’s doable. And we’ll be far enough from Hassilabied to enjoy the silence.

Thanks for the info; we thought the only options in the sand were luxury camps, which don’t really excite us.

We’ll actually be arriving in the afternoon via Rissani. Hope the approach is as amazing as you described!

Fran

Hi everybody, I am also interested to visit Erg Chebbi as described by Fran and Murielle. Could you please indicate the name of hostel you found in the middle of the dunes north of the erg? Thanks in advance Isabelle

Hi, Morocco is absolutely stunning. But it's a victim of overtourism!! And now, even in winter, it's almost like St. TROPEZ. Merzouga is nearly at the top of the list!! Still worth seeing, though!!

Hi Isabelle,

I hope you can wait untill Thursday, as we will arrive at Hassilabied on Wednesday. I'll be able to give you more accurate information once we've spent the night there. Best regards Fran

Okay, thank you, I’ll wait. I plan to be there Saturday night

Hi Isazyr

Now that we've been to Hassilabied I can give you more indications.

Our 1rst recommendation: check the weather forecasts before you go all the way to Hassilabied/Merzouga. Yesterday afternoon and evening we've had a sandstorm, the dunes were almost invisible. Had we known it in advance, I'm not sure we've had travelled so much to see so little. The weather was better this morning when we left, the wind had fallen but still the sun was very pale, all the area was really foggy and the dunes were (more or less) visible, but not with the superb orange color you generally see on the pics.

2nd point: we cannot recommend the place we've been to. There's lots to say about it, some pros and (more) cons, but first of all: it's too far from the high orange dunes, there's no chance you can see them from this point. There's sand of course, but very small sand dunes, pale color; it looks more like any beach anywhere. As we've been back to Hassilabied this morning, I've checked which places could be suitable, i.e. I've looked for quiet places far enough from the buzz around Hassilabied, but still located near the big orange dunes. There are several places in the sand - you can get there trough trails, but they seem easy enough for a normal car - around the Auberge du Sud (GPS N 31° 12,602'; W 004° 01,430') - it's about 5-8 km north from Hassilabied, on the right side when you drive on the main road from Hassilabied direction Erfoud. Of course we've tested none of these places. I think you can check on Google Maps and read comments on them. I'm not sure they are cheap, but their location is really good. One important point: don't stay further north than this point, or you'll not be anymore located in the interesting zone.

If you have more questions dont hesitate - if I have connexion I can answer.

Best wishes for your trip

Fran

Thank you Fran for your detailed report. Really sorry you didn't enjoy. Yes, sandstorms may destroy the experience but they are not supposed in November! Anyway, i will follow your advise, check the weather and don't travel further north of Hassilabieb. Thanks again for sharing