Drive further through Zagora to M'Hamid for trips in the desert by camels, 4x4 or quad bikes.
There is a bus line which runs from Ouarzazate to Er Rachida, a mid-sized administrative town which can be a good launching pad for Merzouga and the desert, note that on this line touts will join the bus at stops along the way and try to lever you into going on a 'discounted' desert tour. They are persistant and will ask you about yourself. Claiming to be a 'veteran' of Saharan travel perhaps more convincing if you can speak French and already booked into a hotel at your destination may help convince them to let you be.
