Stargazing in the Sahara: Why Merzouga Has One of the Best Skies in the World
No light pollution, dry air and the Milky Way from horizon to horizon: how, when and where to look at the stars in the desert.
The first night in the desert, many guests do not want to go to sleep. They lie on the sand and look up. The sky over Erg Chebbi is one of the darkest in North Africa, and on a clear night you can see thousands of stars with the naked eye.
Why is the sky so good?
- No light pollution: the nearest town is small and our camp uses very little light.
- Dry air: there is almost no humidity, so the stars are sharp.
- Wide horizon: the dunes leave the whole sky open.
When to come
The moon is the key. In the week around the new moon the sky is completely dark and the Milky Way is spectacular, especially from May to September, when its brightest part is high in the sky. With a full moon you see fewer stars, but the dunes shine silver.
What you can see
- The Milky Way and its dark clouds
- Planets such as Jupiter, Saturn and Venus
- Shooting stars, especially during the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December
- Satellites crossing the sky
The stars of the nomads
For centuries the nomads crossed the desert at night, guided by the stars. Our guides know their Arabic and Berber names and the stories behind them.
Tips for photos
Use a tripod, a wide lens, an exposure of 15 to 25 seconds and high ISO. Turn off all lights and wait 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt.
Book a stargazing night or simply sleep in our desert camp.
Ready for the Sahara?
Camel trek, a night in our camp or a private tour from any city: tell us what you dream of and we organise it.
