Riad Akabar Merzouga

A riad with an inner garden in Merzouga Centre

Located in Merzouga Centre, Riad Akabar Merzouga offers an inner garden and spacious rooms, within walking distance of the Erg Chebbi dunes. To build a complete stay, many travellers check Excursion Merzouga first to combine an overnight stay with a desert tour. It is an option for a stop on a 3-day tour from Marrakech or a longer stay at the foot of the dunes.

On arrival, the welcome includes mint tea and dates from Tafilalet. The building is made of local materials — terracotta, traditional rammed earth, palm wood. The patios and terraces look out over the Erg Chebbi dunes.

The location offers direct access to the desert landscapes without the noise of busier areas.

The riad offers rooms in the main building or a night under canvas in a nomad tent.

Rooms and comfort

The rooms and suites at Riad Akabar Merzouga benefit from the natural insulation of thick traditional walls, topped up with individual reverse-cycle air conditioning.

The decor draws on Moroccan craftsmanship: zelliges, tadelakt, locally woven wool rugs and hammered copper light fixtures. The en-suite bathrooms have walk-in showers and argan-oil toiletries.

Several accommodation categories are available, from the standard double room to family suites sleeping up to 5 people, with private terraces.

Meals and dining on site

The cook prepares home-made dishes with produce bought each morning at the Rissani souk. The menu draws on recipes from southern Morocco.

Among the dishes served at dinner: Madfouna (traditional bread stuffed with minced meat, spices and eggs), slow-cooked lamb tagine with prunes and toasted almonds, Moroccan harira and royal couscous with seven vegetables. Meals are served under the large caidal tent or on the outdoor terrace.

The buffet breakfast includes squeezed orange juice, Moroccan pancakes (msamen and baghrir), eucalyptus honey, olive oil from the region, fresh cheese and hot drinks. Vegetarian or gluten-free options on prior request.

Activities nearby

Located in the Merzouga Centre area, the property makes it easy to arrange Sahara excursions with no transport constraints:

With no light pollution, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye from the roof terrace.

Families and services

Riad Akabar Merzouga welcomes families with children and small groups. Cots and high chairs available free of charge on request. Staff speak French, English, Spanish and Arabic.

Free high-speed wifi in the common areas and rooms, laundry on request, free secure private parking 24/7, and the possibility of organising private events (birthdays, themed evenings or Berber weddings in the desert).

What travellers say

Reviews of Riad Akabar Merzouga regularly mention the cleanliness of the facilities, the authenticity of the local cooking and the kindness of the staff. Average rating of ⭐ 4.5/5 from 64 reviews. Find other recommended properties on Excursion Merzouga.

The property suits both a 24-hour stopover and a longer stay. Its proximity to the Erg Chebbi sand ridges means you can watch the sunrise and sunset without a long journey.

GPS location & interactive Google Maps

To easily reach Riad Akabar Merzouga, use the Google Maps map below. The property's exact GPS coordinates are: Latitude 31.094, Longitude -4.008.