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The oasis of Merzouga was the Taouz Garrison caravan’s passage and provisions to Erfoud. This Merzouga oasis, as much as Hassi El Baid (The White Well) was on the route between Algeria and the city of Ksar Es Souk, now called Er Rachdia. What used to be the turnpike of commerce and trade is, nowadays a destinations for tourists travelling iinto Moroccos' deep south. The visit of the Erg Chebbi: probably the biggest and highest sand dunes formation of the kingdom, is the highlight of this area and is linked to the growth of Merzouga.
Up to the independence of Morocco in March the 2nd, 1956, the inhabitants were working in the lead mines of M´fis. After the closure of the mines, some went to Algeria, through the desert, others went back to sheepherding or emigrate to bigger towns. Curiously, the village of Khemilia, not far away form Merzouga, is still populated by the descendants of the slaves that were brought to Morocco from Mali during the 18th century.
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The mid 70’s were the beginning of mass tourism in the south of morocco. Coach tours reached Erfoud y Rissanias the southern point of the country. From there tourists could buy a ride in Land Rovers to admire the sunrise on the Erg Chebbi Sand dunes.
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It was a 60 kms drive through an old tarmac road that ends near the crossing of the Oued Ziz (Gazelle River). From there, a sandy and gravel track made the journey quite an adventure. Since 2004, a brand new rood links Rissani to Taouz, passing very close to the centre of Merzouga. A bridge saves the crossing of the Ziz River and the only danger you may find comes from the little sand dunes that used to appear near this bridge after windy days.
Merzouga nowadays, can easily be reached by a normal car or a coach.
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