Stargazing in Merzouga is one of the best parts of a night in the Sahara. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are far from any city, the air is dry, and the sky above your camp is full of stars. This guide explains the best time for stargazing in Merzouga, how the moon changes the view, what to wear and how to photograph the sky.
Why Stargazing in Merzouga Is So Good
Merzouga sits at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, far from the tourist hubs. There is almost no light pollution in the dunes, and the dry desert air keeps the sky clear. The tall dunes also hide the few lights of the villages.
The result is a sky that most travelers have never seen. Our guide to a night in a Sahara desert camp describes how the evening builds toward it.
What You Can See When Stargazing in Merzouga
On a clear night you can see the shapes of the constellations, planets as bright points and the Milky Way as a pale band across the sky. Shooting stars cross the sky from time to time.
Best Time for Stargazing in Merzouga
You can enjoy stargazing in Merzouga all year, because clear nights are common in the desert. Two things change the view: the season and the moon.
The season
The bright center of the Milky Way is visible from about February to October. It is at its best around June and July. From November to January the center is not visible, but the sky is still full of stars, and the long winter nights give you more time. Winter nights are cold, and they can drop close to freezing. For the heat of the summer months, read our guide to Morocco in summer.
The moon
The moon matters more than the season. Around a new moon the sky is darkest, and the stars look their best. Around a full moon the sand glows, but the faintest stars disappear. Both are beautiful. Choose a new moon for the Milky Way, and a full moon for the glowing dunes.
What Time to Look for Stars in Merzouga
Wait until the sun has fully set and dinner is finished. Your eyes need about 20 minutes in the dark to see the faint stars. Walk a short way from the lights of the camp, sit on the sand and look up. A phone screen ruins your night vision, so keep it in your pocket.
What to Wear for Stargazing in Merzouga
The temperature falls fast after sunset. Bring a warm jacket, a hat, a scarf and long trousers, even if the day was hot. Our guides on what to wear in the Sahara desert and what to pack for the Sahara list everything, from a head torch to warm socks.
Stargazing in Merzouga From a Desert Camp
The easiest way to do stargazing in Merzouga is to sleep in a desert camp. You ride a camel into the dunes at sunset, have dinner and listen to music by the fire. Then you step outside, and the sky is there. Read about the camel ride in Merzouga and the best sunsets in Morocco to plan the whole evening.
In the morning the stars fade into the sunrise, and a short climb up a dune gives you a second show. For more ideas around the dunes, see the best things to do in Merzouga.
How to Photograph the Stars in Merzouga
A modern phone can take good photos of the sky. Use night mode, keep the phone very still and rest it on your bag or on the sand. Take a few photos, because the first one is rarely the best. Include a camel, a tent or a friend as a silhouette to give the picture a sense of scale.
Plan Stargazing in Merzouga With Us
Our 3 and 4 day desert tours from Marrakech include a night in the dunes. Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681 or use the contact page. Tell us your dates, and we will check the moon with you before you book. For the weather in each month, see the best time to visit Morocco.
Ready to sleep under the Sahara stars?
Message us on WhatsAppStargazing in Merzouga FAQ
What is the best time for stargazing in Merzouga?
Choose a clear night around a new moon. The center of the Milky Way is visible from about February to October.
Do I need a telescope for stargazing in Merzouga?
No. The stars, the constellations and the Milky Way are all visible with your eyes.
Is it cold at night in Merzouga?
Yes. Nights can be cold, and in winter the temperature can drop close to freezing. Bring warm layers.
Can I see the Milky Way in winter in Merzouga?
The bright center is not visible from November to January. The sky is still full of stars.
Is a full moon bad for stargazing in Merzouga?
A full moon hides the faintest stars, but it makes the dunes glow. The dunes look very beautiful in that light.
Navigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your stargazing in Merzouga.
More Navigate Morocco guides: riad vs hotel in Morocco, Merzouga vs Zagora, dirt bike rides in Merzouga, sandboarding in Merzouga, the Gnawa village of Khamlia.
