The Erg Chebbi Dunes is one of Morocco’s best Sahara desert destinations. This vast sea of dunes is a magical place with beautiful endless sand forms that rise up to 350 meters high and covering more than 50 kilometers in length. These are one of the highest naturally-formed dunes in Morocco and are considered to be the best part of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The landscapes are truly unearthly. The richly colored sands, the lights casting over the dunes, and the tracks that people and camels leave behind them makes you feel like being in another world.
The Legend of the Erg Chebbi Dunes
Like every magical place, the Erg Chebbi Dunes have their own legend. According to the story, the sands were brought to the city of Merzouga by God as a punishment for the citizens. They did not offer their help to a weary traveler and turned him down. This was a hard lesson for them so they can become more hospitable, helpful, and open.
Visiting the Erg Chebbi Dunes
Today the Erg Chebbi Dunes are very easily accessible by a 4×4 vehicle. You can organize a trip with a guide or you can travel there independently. One thing not to be missed when you are there is a camel trek. If you want to have an unforgettable experience, spend a night in the dunes.
Camel trekking is done in the typical Berber hospitality and style. The starting point is normally the city of Merzouga or one of the hotels or kasbahs found in this region. This is the best way to explore the Sahara Desert’s flora and fauna. These areas are the home of several desert animals like the Saharan hedgehog, the desert fox, the fennec, and the jerboa. In the evenings you may hear the desert sparrows, Egyptian nightjars, desert warblers, and Blue-cheeked bee-eaters. It is truly amazing how bustling with life the desert is and it is inspirational to be able to hear and listen to its heartbeat.
Morocco Sahara DesertWhen exploring the Erg Chebbi Dunes you will become immersed in the sea of sand. These Sahara dunes are also frequently visited place by the locals that believe the warm desert sands are the perfect cure for rheumatism.
Make sure you keep your camera close as riding into the sunset on a camel’s back in the Sahara dunes offers stunning photoshoot opportunities.
Camel trek in the Sahara DesertBook a Private Morocco Tour
If you are interested in visiting Erg Chebbi Dunes, our travel experts are happy to assist you to plan an unforgettable Morocco tour.
