Dunes of Merzouga also known as Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s two ergs – large, wind-sculpted dune landscapes.
The dunes reach a height of 150 meters. In some places dune grasses grow after rainfall. The entire erg has an extension of 22 kilometers in a north-south direction and up to five kilometers in an east-west direction.
Various small businesses offer camel tours, hikes, motorbike and quad tours into the dunes from Erfoud, Rissani or Merzouga, also there is a variety of accommodation from traditional Berber tents to simple hostels to luxurious hotels with pools.
Access : Coordinates: 31.166667, -3.983333 / Erg Chebbi is located in Tafilalet, south-eastern Morocco, about 40 km south of Arfoud.
Highlights :
- During the hottest part of the year, Moroccans come to Erg Chebbi to take sand baths: they are buried up to their necks in the hot sand for a few minutes. This is considered to be a treatment for rheumatism.
- The spectacular golden dunes of Erg Chebbi are among the most remarkable in the Sahara. Some peak at 150 m in height.
- Erg Chebbi is the best place for many desert activities such as quad biking and 4×4 excursion. Also plenty of tourist accommodation.
Go next : The nearest major town is Erfoud, about 40 km further north, Rissani is slightly closer (about 35 km). Merzouga, the local tourist center, is on the edge of the dunes.
