Khamlia Village

The village of Khamlia sits seven kilometers south of Merzouga, at the edge of the sand sea. The residents are Gnawa — descendants of sub-Saharan African slaves who developed a distinctive spiritual music now recognized by UNESCO. The music is the reason to come. Musicians gather daily in the main building to play for visitors. The guembri (bass lute), metal castanets, and call-and-response chanting create a hypnotic trance music that crosses boundaries. No ticket, no schedule — just show up. The setting matters. The village is mud-brick simple, the desert visible at the end of every street. The musicians play because this is what they do; the donations support the community. Tea is offered; photographs are welcome. The experience is authentic in ways tourism rarely is. Best time: Any time (musicians available most of the day) Allow: 1-2 hours Combine with: Erg Chebbi sunset or sunrise