Horse Riding in Merzouga — Ride the Dunes

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Written by Hassan, host at Hotel Les Roches Merzouga — hosting Sahara travellers since 2004.

Horse riding is a beautiful, quieter alternative to camels for exploring the Erg Chebbi desert. Our horses are calm and well cared for, and rides suit all levels — from a gentle hour around the palm groves to a longer ride into the dunes at sunset.

Good to know

• Suitable for beginners and experienced riders
• Helmets available; a guide accompanies every ride
• Sunset and golden-hour rides are the most magical

Combine with your stay

Add a ride to any desert camp stay or desert tour.

How to book and pay

Booking is direct and personal — no middleman and no online reseller in between. Send your dates and group size through the enquiry form or on WhatsApp, and one of the family replies, usually within a few hours, with availability and a clear all-in price. A small deposit holds your slot and you pay the balance in cash or by card when you arrive, so you never prepay in full and there are no hidden fees. We confirm your exact meeting point and time by WhatsApp the day before.

Booking direct with a local family

Hotel Les Roches Merzouga is a family business at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, hosting Sahara travellers since 2004. When you book you deal with the people who own the hotel, run the desert camp and know every guide personally — so there is no agency markup, nothing is subcontracted to strangers, and the advice you get is honest. If a different experience, or a different time of day, would suit you better, we will tell you.

The best time to go

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring the most comfortable weather. Through the summer heat we run activities at dawn or in the late afternoon and at sunset, when the light is best and the sand is cool underfoot; in winter the days are warm and sunny but the nights and early mornings are genuinely cold. Tell us your travel dates and we will suggest the best slot and time of day.

Good to know before you go

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sun cream, a scarf against the sand and closed shoes; add a warm layer from November to February. Drinking water is provided and small dirham notes are handy for tips. Children and older travellers are welcome on almost everything we offer — just tell us ages, mobility needs or dietary requirements when you book and we will shape the plan around them.