Astrophotography Guide: How to Photograph the Milky Way in Merzouga

The Sahara’s dry air and vast horizons make Merzouga an incredible place to photograph the Milky Way. With a bit of planning and the right technique, you’ll come home with images that capture the magic of Erg Chebbi’s dunes under a star‑filled sky.

This guide covers best months and times, essential gear, camera settings, composition ideas, safety, and a quick editing workflow.

When to Photograph the Milky Way

• Season (Northern Hemisphere): best visibility of the galactic core is roughly April–September, with peak months May–August.
• Moon phase: aim for new moon ±3 days (or shoot after moonset/before moonrise). Use apps like PhotoPills, Stellarium, or Sky Guide.
• Timing: the core is generally visible from late evening to early morning depending on month—your guide or camp can help plan exact times.

Essential Gear Checklist

• Camera with manual mode and good high‑ISO performance (full‑frame or APS‑C).
• Fast wide‑angle lens (e.g., 14–24mm, f/1.4–f/2.8).
• Sturdy tripod + remote/intervalometer (or camera self‑timer).
• Headlamp with red‑light mode; spare batteries and memory cards.
• Warm layers (nights can be cool even in warm seasons) and a microfiber cloth for dew.

Go‑To Camera Settings (Starting Point)

• Mode: Manual (M)
• Focus: Manual; pre‑focus at infinity on a bright star using live view (magnify to check).
• Aperture: f/1.4–f/2.8
• Shutter: 10–20 s (use the NPF rule or 500 rule to avoid star trails)
• ISO: 1600–6400 (adjust to taste and camera noise profile)
• White balance: 3500–4200K (shoot RAW for flexibility)
• Noise reduction: Long exposure NR off (do it in post), High ISO NR minimal

Pro tip: Use the NPF rule (via PhotoPills) for sharper stars instead of the older 500 rule, especially on high‑resolution sensors.

Composition Ideas in Erg Chebbi

• Dune ridges and leading lines: place a curving ridge to guide the eye into the Milky Way.
• Camel silhouettes or nomad tents: ask your guide for safe, respectful setups.
• Human scale: a figure with a dim headlamp (briefly) adds scale and narrative.
• Foreground textures: wind‑etched ripples look amazing under low‑angle sidelight.

Keep lights low and brief to preserve night vision and avoid disturbing others.

Simple Field Workflow

1. Arrive before dark; scout compositions at twilight.
2. Set focus on a bright star; tape the focus ring if needed.
3. Shoot test frames at high ISO to refine framing.
4. Capture a series for stacking (5–15 frames) to reduce noise later.
5. Optionally, shoot a separate low‑ISO foreground at blue hour and blend in post.

Quick Editing Tips (Lightroom/Photoshop)

• Raise exposure gently; add contrast and dehaze sparingly.
• Adjust white balance toward neutral/cool (3500–4200K).
• Boost texture/clarity selectively on the Milky Way band.
• Use noise reduction and masking; avoid plastic skies.
• Consider stacking (Sequator, Starry Landscape Stacker) to clean up noise.

Safety and Etiquette in the Desert

• Tell your camp/guide your plan and expected return time.
• Bring water, layers, and protect gear from sand.
• Mind dune edges; avoid wandering far alone at night.
• Keep light pollution minimal; coordinate with others shooting nearby.

When to Combine With a Tour

• Best paired with a private Merzouga camp so you can step out after dinner for night shooting.
• Ask to include a sunrise camel trek the next morning for a perfect 24‑hour photo combo.

Book or customize:

• From Marrakech (3–5 days):
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• From Fes (2–4 days):
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Contact Us

For more information or to book your adventure, contact us at:

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp/Phone: +212675203319 / +212668534981