About the Sunrise Buggy Tour in Merzouga
The sunrise buggy tour in Merzouga is the calmest drive of the day. You meet before dawn, drive into the dunes of Erg Chebbi while the air is cool and the sand is smooth, and arrive at a viewpoint just as the sun rises over the desert.
In summer this is the most comfortable time to be in the dunes. In winter it can be chilly before sunrise, so bring a warm jacket. The early light is soft and pink, and the dunes show every ripple — wonderful for photos.
Sunrise times change through the year, from about 06:00 in early summer to about 08:00 in winter. We confirm your meeting time the evening before.
If you are staying in a desert camp, a sunrise buggy ride is a wonderful way to start the day before breakfast. Tell us the name of your camp when you book; depending on where it is, we can often meet you nearby. And because a buggy seats two side by side, it is a lovely way for couples to share the first light of the day together — with a hot coffee waiting afterwards.
Highlights
- Watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi
- Cool air and calm conditions
- Smooth, clean sand
- Side-by-side seating
- Back in time for breakfast
Is the Sunrise Buggy Tour right for you?
Ideal for early risers, couples and visitors in the hot months who want cool, quiet conditions.
What happens on the day
Here is how the Sunrise Buggy Tour works, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.
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Confirmation
Meeting time confirmed the evening before.
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Early briefing
Controls, seat belts and helmets.
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Dawn drive
Drive to an east-facing viewpoint.
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Sunrise
Watch the sun rise over the desert.
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Return
Drive back in the morning light.
Route and what you will see
The sunrise buggy route heads to an east-facing viewpoint in Erg Chebbi, chosen on the day.
What you will see
- Sunrise over the Sahara
- Soft dawn light on the dunes
- Caravans leaving the camps
Sunrise times and departure
Today (11 October 2026) the sun rises at about 06:16 in Merzouga. For a ride on a similar morning, we would meet at about 05:31.
Sunrise and sunset in Merzouga change by more than two hours through the year. The table below gives approximate times; we always confirm your exact meeting time when you book.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| January | 08:14 | 18:36 |
| February | 06:56 | 18:03 |
| March | 06:25 | 18:24 |
| April | 06:47 | 19:44 |
| May | 06:20 | 20:04 |
| June | 06:11 | 20:21 |
| July | 06:22 | 20:21 |
| August | 06:41 | 19:59 |
| September | 07:00 | 19:22 |
| October | 06:18 | 17:44 |
| November | 06:43 | 17:18 |
| December | 07:06 | 17:15 |
What is included
Included
- Buggy and fuel
- Helmets
- Safety briefing
- Local guide
- Sunrise stop
Not included
- Breakfast
- Hotel transfer outside the pickup area
- Tips (always optional)
Who can take part
- Minimum driver age
- 16 years
- Children
- Children from 4 years old can ride as passengers. Under 16s ride as passengers with an adult driver.
- Sharing a quad
- Two people can ride one quad: one driver and one passenger, for the price of one quad.
- Driving licence
- Not required
- Fitness
- Normal good health. No experience needed unless stated.
Riding is not recommended during pregnancy, with serious back or neck problems, or after drinking alcohol. If you are unsure, ask us before booking.
What to wear and bring
Sand, sun and wind are the three things to prepare for. Simple, comfortable clothes are best.
- Closed shoes, long trousers and a light long-sleeved top
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf to protect your face from sand
- Water — especially from May to September
- Phone or camera in a zipped pocket or small bag
- A warm layer: desert mornings and nights can be cold
Read our full guide: what to wear for quad biking in Merzouga
Pickup and meeting point
We meet guests at our base in Merzouga village or pick them up in Merzouga village and nearby hotels and desert camps. When you book, tell us where you are staying and we will confirm the exact arrangement.
Pickup is free from some hotels; from others a small fee applies. We tell you which when you book.
Price of the Sunrise Buggy Tour
€130–140
per buggy
Merzouga buggy prices are per vehicle, not per person. Our buggies are 2-seaters, so two people share one price.
Prices are for private excursions. If only one quad goes out with a guide, a small single supplement may apply.
- Payment
- Cash (MAD or EUR) on the day
- Deposit
- A deposit may be required in some cases; we always tell you before you confirm.
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellation policy
What riders say
We only publish genuine reviews from real guests, with their permission. Read what riders say about us on our public review profiles.
Sunrise Buggy Tour: frequently asked questions
What time is the sunrise buggy tour?
About 45 minutes before sunrise; confirmed the day before.
Is it cold?
From November to March, yes, before the sun rises. Bring a warm layer.
Can you pick us up from a desert camp?
Often yes, depending on the camp location. Tell us when you book.
Sunrise or sunset buggy?
Sunrise is cooler and quieter; sunset has warmer colours and a later start.
How do I book the Sunrise Buggy Tour?
Send us a message on WhatsApp or use the booking form with your date, number of people and hotel. We confirm availability and the exact time, usually within a few hours. No online payment is needed to request a booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If strong wind or a sandstorm makes riding unsafe, we reschedule or cancel without charge.
