Erg Chebbi Dunes

A sea of wind-sculpted Saharan dunes rising up to 150 m, famous for camel treks and sunrises.

The dunes stretch about 28 kilometers from north to south and 5 to 7 kilometers from east to west, rising out of rocky desert around them. They are famous for camel treks and for sunrises and sunsets that turn the sand orange and red. People sometimes call them the dunes of Merzouga.

Camels, camps and travelers

Camel trekking is one of the most popular things to do. Many tours, including trips from the cities of Marrakech and Fes, include an overnight stay in a desert camp near Merzouga. Guests watch the sunset over the dunes and enjoy traditional music around a campfire. The best time to visit is usually between October and April, when temperatures are milder. The nearest sizable town is Erfoud, about 60 kilometers north.

History and surprises

Nearby, the town of Rissani was once the site of a kingdom called Sijilmassa, which grew rich from the 8th to the 14th century by controlling caravan routes across the desert. Rain is rare here, but in 2006 floods near the dunes destroyed many buildings and killed three people. In the hottest part of the year, some Moroccans come to be buried neck-deep in hot sand for a few minutes at a time, a treatment they believe helps with rheumatism.

On the globe

The model shows golden Saharan dunes shaped by wind with ridges and curves. Look for the tall sand ridges.