Erg Chebbi Dunes: The Complete Visitor Guide

Erg Chebbi is the dune field on Merzouga's doorstep, and it is where most Sahara trips in Morocco end up. We live and work at its edge. Here is what you should know before you come.

What is Erg Chebbi?

An erg is a sea of sand dunes, and this one sits in the Sahara in southeastern Morocco. It runs for about 28 kilometers north to south and 5-7 kilometers east to west. The tallest dunes reach approximately 150 meters. The sand has a golden-orange tone that is strongest at sunrise and sunset.

How Were the Dunes Formed?

Wind built these dunes over thousands of years, piling up sand blown in from the surrounding desert. The sand is believed to come from eroded rock in the Atlas Mountains, carried here by wind and water. The dunes never stop moving, so their shapes change over time.

How to Get to Erg Chebbi

You reach the dunes through the town of Merzouga. Distances to Merzouga:

• 55 km from Erfoud
• 40 km from Rissani
• 350 km from Ouarzazate
• 560 km from Marrakech
• 450 km from Fes

A guided tour with transport included saves you the long drive and the logistics.

Things to Do at Erg Chebbi

Quad Biking

A quad bike lets you ride the dunes yourself, following a guide over the sand.

Buggy Tours

In a dune buggy you drive with a passenger beside you, which makes it a safe option to share.

4x4 Tours

Our 4x4 tour circles the whole erg, so you see it from every side.

Camel Trekking

Camels carry you out to a desert camp for sunset and a night in the dunes.

Sandboarding

Rent a board and slide down a dune. Kids and adults both enjoy it.

Desert Camping

Sleep in a desert camp with the stars overhead.

Stargazing

The skies over Erg Chebbi are dark, so on a clear night you see a great many stars.

Best Viewpoints

• The highest dune near Merzouga, with a view across the whole erg
• The camp area, a good place for sunset photos
• The eastern edge, where you watch the sun rise over the dunes

Best Time to Visit

Come between October and April. Temperatures then sit around 15-28°C, which suits time outdoors. From June to August the heat passes 45°C, and being out in the middle of the day becomes dangerous.

Where to Stay and How to Plan

You have three main choices:

• Hotels and guesthouses in Merzouga village
• Desert camps within the dunes
• Luxury desert camps with private facilities

If you are travelling in Morocco, the tall dunes and the range of things to do make Erg Chebbi worth the trip. Have a look at our Erg Chebbi tours, or contact us and we will help you plan the visit.