Riad Dar Maria — Desert Oasis at the Edge of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga
🏜 Riad Dar Maria
Address: Ksar Takoujte, 52202 Merzouga, Morocco
Booking Page: Riad Dar Maria on Booking.com Booking.com
Perched near the sands of the Sahara, Riad Dar Maria offers a compelling blend of local charm, comfortable amenities, and close access to desert adventures. With an 8.8 “Excellent” guest rating on Booking.com, it is well regarded for its service, location, and desert-style atmosphere. Booking.com
🌍 The Merzouga & Sahara Region — A Quick Guide
Why Merzouga?
Merzouga, in southeastern Morocco, is the gateway to the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. Tourists come for camel treks, desert nights, panoramic vistas, stargazing, and immersion in the desert silence.
It’s also a gateway to rural desert culture — visits to small desert villages, nomadic life, and regional geology and fossil sites.
Things to Do Around Riad Dar Maria
- Sunrise & Sunset over the dunes: The dunes shift color with light — best experienced early/late.
- Camel treks & bivouac nights: Many guests stay overnight in a desert camp under the stars. (You can arrange this via the riad.)
- 4×4 or quad excursions: Off-road tours to nearby valleys, remote dunes, and desert landscapes.
- Stroll the desert plain and local paths: Walk from the riad toward dunes or nearby Ksar Takoujte.
- Local culture & villages: Explore nearby ksars, meet local guides, see traditional ways of life.
Best Time to Visit & Duration
- Best season: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) — pleasant temperatures, fewer extremes
- Recommended stay: 1 to 2 nights — one night in the desert and another to recover or explore
🏨 Riad Dar Maria — Hotel Overview & Amenities
Star Positioning & Ratings
- On Booking.com, Riad Dar Maria has a guest score of 8.8 / “Excellent” across categories like staff (9.2), comfort (8.7), and location (8.7). Booking.com
- On Skyscanner and other aggregators, it is listed with amenities including terrace, plunge pool, indoor pool, free parking, and 24-hour front desk. Skyscanner
Rooms & Ambience
- Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and garden or terrace views. Booking.com+1
- The riad includes an indoor pool and plunge / small pool feature. Skyscanner+1
- Free WiFi, terrace, garden spaces, and comfortable décor. Booking.com
- Private parking is available on site. Skyscanner+1
Facilities & Services
- Buffet breakfast is offered; with vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. Booking.com
- 24-hour front desk / reception for flexible check-in/out. Booking.com+1
- Terrace & outdoor seating for relaxing, viewing dunes, or meals. Booking.com
- Interior & garden spaces for lounging. Booking.com
- Airport shuttle / transfers available (for a fee). Booking.com
- The property accepts cash payments only. Booking.com
💬 Guest Experience & Highlights
Guests consistently mention:
- The warm, helpful staff, especially Hassan and management, who go the extra mile (e.g. in desert sandstorms) Booking.com
- The pool and terrace are favorites for relaxing after dune excursions Booking.com
- Many say the location is very good, close to dunes and desert access Booking.com
- Some note food is “normal” (i.e. sufficient, not gourmet) but acceptable given the desert setting Booking.com
Drawbacks / caveats to alert readers:
- Because it’s in desert context, amenities beyond the basics may be limited
- WiFi strength or indoor/outdoor transition may vary
- Cash-only policy means visitors must plan payment logistics
- Possibly further distance to central Merzouga village (though desert closeness is its advantage)
✈ Travel Tips & Suggested Itinerary
How to Get There
- Many travellers arrive via 4×4 or desert tour from Erfoud, Rissani, or other towns.
- Prior arrangement of pick-up or transfer is recommended, especially for late arrival.
- Confirm directions and desert road conditions with the property in advance.
Safety & Desert Advice
- Bring sun protection, hat, water, layered clothing (nights can be chilly)
- Use experienced local guides for off-road travel
- Stay aware of weather / wind / dust storms
- Respect local traditions and desert ecology
- Have contingency plans (alternate transport, backup maps)
Sample 2-Night Itinerary
Night 1: Arrive, relax, enjoy terrace views
Day 2: Sunrise camel ride into dunes, return for breakfast, afternoon 4×4 tour, evening desert dinner
Night 2: Sleep under stars or in riad
Day 3: Very early desert walk or photography, breakfast, depart
If only staying 1 night, prioritize sunset, camel ride, and stargazing.
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