Encounter the Erg Chebbi Dunes in Morocco Sahara

Morocco Sahara Desert

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 Desert
Morocco Sahara Desert

When 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 Desert
Camel trek in the Sahara Desert

Book 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.

About the author

Kevin Dyck is the founder of Mosaic North Africa and has over 11 years experience living in North African countries. He is an Arabic speaker with a passion for travelers to encounter the diverse cultures and natural beauty found throughout the North Africa region. He currently lives in and works for MNA from Tunis, Tunisia.

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