Liwa (United Arab Emirates) and Merzouga (Morocco) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Liwa | Merzouga | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Morocco |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Zayed International Airport (AUH) | Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (Errachidia) (ERH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Big Five | — | Not all five |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Liwa | Merzouga |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Liwa if
- you are travelling in September to May
Choose Merzouga if
- you hope to see foxes and birdlife
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Liwa or Merzouga?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Liwa is stronger in September to May.
When is the best time for each?
Liwa: December to February. Merzouga: January to March.
Sources: Visit Abu Dhabi – Desert traditions itinerary · Wikipedia – Liwa Oasis · Abu Dhabi Culture – Liwa Oasis · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Visit Morocco - Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga · BestDateWeather - Merzouga (ERA5 2016-2025) · Weather and Climate - Merzouga
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.