good for you

Situated in the dramatic Merzouga dunes of the Sahara Desert is this friendly kasbah housed within a traditional earth building.

Run and owned by an extremely friendly Moroccan family, one of whom, Moha, has a degree in English, this lovely spot is an excellent base for an overnight stop (or two) in the dunes.

The location is superb with the desert dunes literally yards from your doorstep. From the panoramic roof terrace you can watch the shifting colours of the desert as the sun goes down or keep yourself cool in the swimming pool.

There are eighteen en suite rooms in total arranged around two pretty plant-filled paved courtyards. The decor is Moroccan and warm; cosy rooms are decorated in yellow and orange hues with richly coloured bedspreads, wall hangings and traditional Berber floor coverings.

good for morocco

With tourism one of the only sources of income in the region (if not the only source of income), the Kasbah Mohayut plays an important economic role in Merzouga. Locally owned and run a stay here guarantees that your money remains in the local community.

Through the Kasbah Mohayut, Moha and his family offer visitors an understanding of traditional Berber culture. This is seen in the architecture of the Kasbah Mohayut which reflects the traditional connection between landscape, architecture and cultural tradition, the hotel's restaurant that serves Berber cuisines and the excursions and activities that are offered.

Moha also supports a local crafts cooperative

Rooms

Food

The hotel restaurant serves up traditional Berber food. The main ingredients include 'bouchair' (a type of fine wafer without yeast soaked in butter and natural honey), 'bourjeje' (a type of pancake) and 'tahricht' (a tripe-based dish). Barbecued lamb is also a main staple of Berber food.

Don't worry about receiving large bowls of intestines however, the Kasbah Mohayut restaurant caters to visitors and its foreigner-friendly menu includes delicious tagines and steaming bowls of couscous. What's more, the restaurant caters for vegetarians.

Features & Facilities

• Swimming pool
• English & French spoken
• Restaurant
• Tours arranged

See Local Info for more

Local Info & Activities

Kasbah Mohayut organises a number of tours to the surrounding areas including overnight trips into the dunes and 4WD tours.

Bivouac Experience your very own Lawrence of Arabia moment with a camel trek into the middle of the dunes and a night spent under the Saharan sky. Moha and his team will help you explore and understand this incredible landscape and the evening is spent in traditional nomad's tents.

Erg Chebbi Adventures Explore the enormous Erg Chebbi dunes and the oasis by 4WD with a knowledgeable local guide. This vast pile of sand stretches east into the Algerian Sahara and has dunes that reach up to 50metres in height.

Camel Adventures One day camel trekking adventures are on offer with trips departing at 9am. Lunch is provided at a small oasis from where you return to the hotel after the sunset in the sand dunes.

The Kasbah Mohayut also offers two- to seven-day trips exploring the desert with a guide by camel and foot.

insider tips

Do not drink the water untreated in Morocco at any time - make sure it's bottled or has been boiled. If you're travelling for an extended period you may want to consider bringing water purification tablets with you.

Sustainability

With tourism one of the only sources of income in the region (if not the only source of income), the Kasbah Mohayut plays an important economic role in Merzouga. Locally owned and managed, your money stays in the local community.

Through the Kasbah Mohayut, Moha and his family offer visitors an understanding of traditional Berber culture. This is seen in the architecture of the Kasbah Mohayut which reflects the traditional connection between landscape, architecture and cultural tradition, the hotel's restaurant that serves Berber cuisines, and the excursions and activities that are offered. Moha also supports a local crafts cooperative.

The Kasbah has not as yet implemented any green policies and does have air-conditioning.

Getting There

The Kasbah Mohayut hotel is situated in the Merzouga dunes, off the road between Merzouga and Rissani (and onto Erfoud). If travelling from Rissani, drive for 33km and then turn left at the sign for Merzouga. Follow the track for 2.5km and you will arrive at the hotel.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All rates are in US Dollars and include breakfast. Lunch and dinner are charged at $12.00 per person. Picnics by arrangement, $5.00 per person

accommodation

Bed & Breakfast rates from US$50.00 - US$75.00 per room, per night depending on size of room.

terms & conditions

• Initial deposit is payable by credit card; final payment by cash or travellers cheque only
• Children are welcome but cots, high chairs etc are not always available. Parents may have to improvise.

booking & cancellation policy

• A 20% deposit is required to confirm the reservation. The remaining 80% is payable at time of stay. Please note that only cash or travellers cheque are accepted by the Kasbah.
• Cancellations made at any time will incur a cancellation fee of 10% deposit.
• Cancellations made nearer the arrival date will incur further cancellation fees. Full information will be provided before a booking is confirmed.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.