Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco, about 35 km southeast of Rissani, about 55 km from Erfoud and about 50 km from the Algerian border. The village is located near the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, which are among the tallest in the Sahara. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich Berber culture, Merzouga serves as a popular base for travelers seeking adventure in the desert. Visitors can explore the sand dunes, experience camel treks, and immerse themselves in the unique traditions of the local communities. The village offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and opportunities for stargazing in one of the clearest skies in the world, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Morocco. Near the dunes of Erg Chebbi there are other known villages: Hassilabied 4 km away, Tanamoust 3 km away, Takoujt 1.5 km away, Khamlia 7 km away and Tisserdmine 15 km away.

History

Originally probably, 10,000-9,000 years ago, it was a green area, tropical jungle, full of trees and water, when the Sahara desert was covered with vegetation and lakes. Merzouga was an uninhabited oasis, but later became a transit point for merchants heading to Timbuktu. It later became a pilgrimage for the nomads of the Ait Atta tribes and eventually became a tourist destination. During French colonial rule fortifications were built by troops of the French Foreign Legion after the battles of Taflalet, which occurred between 1916 and 1932.

Rare floods

On 26 May 2006, during the night, Merzouga experienced devastating flash floods caused severe damage to buildings, cars and the traditional irrigation system. The flood left 1200 displaced people and three people died. Animals also died in their collapsed stables. On October 14, 2024, rare flooding due to intense and abundant rainfall created and renewed lakes around the town. Extremely rare episodes, but they give an idea of how in the future our planet could bring the sahara desert back to being fertile and rich in water as it was in the past about 9,000 years ago.

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