Moulay Ali Cherif Airport serves Errachidia, in the southeastern region of Morocco, and is the closest airport to the famous Merzouga dunes in the Sahara.
It is a small regional airport with limited flights, often used as an alternative to Ouarzazate to reach the desert.
How to get to Moulay Ali Cherif Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ERH
Parking near Moulay Ali Cherif Airport
Right in front of the terminal there is a parking area of modest size.
The parking cost aligns with the area's standards.
How to get to Errachidia from ERH
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Moulay Ali Cherif Airport
Several car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, convenient for reaching Merzouga on your own.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card; an International Driving Permit is almost always required.
Hotels near Moulay Ali Cherif Airport
Near the airport
About 1.4 km from the terminal, reachable in a few minutes on foot or with a petit taxi.
Best for: Dawn departures or late-night arrivals, when it's best not to stray from the terminal.
- As close as possible to check-in, handy for the early-morning Royal Air Maroc flights
- Avoids haggling over the taxi fare if you arrive late and just want to sleep
- There is nothing around: for dinner you have to go back into the city or bring your own supplies
- A simple property, only recently listed on Booking: still few verifiable reviews
Errachidia
At the entrance to the city, a few minutes by taxi from the airport and from the grands taxis station for Merzouga and Rissani.
Best for: Those who want a convenient base in the city before heading on to the desert, with their own pool and restaurant.
- A pool in the inner courtyard, handy in the hot months before setting off again
- An in-house restaurant with traditional Moroccan cooking, convenient if you arrive late
- Simple room decor, designed for a practical stop rather than a multi-night stay
- An entrance area of the city, not in the heart of the historic centre
Ziz Gorges
Along the Ziz valley between Rich and Errachidia, about 30-40 minutes by car or private taxi from the airport, on the road that heads north before dropping down to Merzouga.
Best for: Those who want to break the journey between the airport and the desert with a scenic stop in a kasbah instead of sleeping in the city.
- A restored kasbah more than 200 years old, with the owner telling its history and personally overseeing the restoration
- A panoramic terrace over the Ziz canyon, among the most spectacular gorges in the region
- Off the direct airport-Merzouga route, it requires a private taxi or your own car
- Few amenities nearby: dinner is almost always at the property itself
Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi
About 134 km and 2 hours of track on the N13 from Errachidia; almost all camps arrange a private transfer from the airport, to be agreed at the time of booking.
Best for: Those flying into ERH specifically for the desert and who prefer to sleep right among the dunes instead of in the city.
- You sleep a few steps from the dunes of Erg Chebbi, with dinner and a bonfire included at most camps
- The camps handle the transfer from the airport directly, avoiding the need to find a taxi along the track
- Two hours of track separate the airport from the camp: not very practical for those with only a short layover
- Out of season (winter, high summer) some camps reduce their services: this should be confirmed at booking
Recommended hotels
- Aisha VIP Camp A camp a few steps from Erg Chebbi, run by Abdelhadi's family with a personal welcome and traditional-style tents; airport transfer on request. View availability
- Amandesertcamp A simple but well-kept camp in the dune area, with a bonfire area overlooking Erg Chebbi and a traditional Moroccan breakfast (honey, olives, homemade bread). View availability
- Bivouac Luxe Le Ciel Bleu 'Tentalow'-style tents in the heart of Erg Chebbi, about 1.7 km on foot from the main dunes, with full board and an airport transfer included among the services. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, modest in scale, handles a limited number of flights, mostly domestic.
Travelers should plan for 2 hours' buffer time before departure.
Map of Moulay Ali Cherif Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Errachidia the best airport for Merzouga?
It is among the closest to the Merzouga dunes (about 2 hours by car), although it has fewer flights than Ouarzazate: always check the current schedules before choosing this airport.
Q. What are the Merzouga tented camps?
Typical accommodations in the Sahara desert, offering the full experience of a night among the dunes, often with camel or quad-bike excursions.
Q. Are flights to Errachidia frequent?
No, it is a small regional airport with limited flights, mostly domestic: plan your trip well in advance and check the schedules.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Errachidia?
Yes, useful for reaching Merzouga independently, with car rental desks available at the airport.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights