When people picture the Sahara, they usually picture Erg Chebbi without knowing its name: tall, smooth, golden dunes rising in waves, camels walking along a ridge at sunset, a camp of tents hidden in a valley of sand. This is Morocco's most famous sea of dunes, and the reason most travellers make the long drive to Merzouga.
This guide explains what Erg Chebbi is, how the dunes change colour through the day, the best things to do there, where to sleep, the villages around it, when to go and how to get there from Marrakech and Fes.
What is Erg Chebbi?
An erg is a large area of wind-blown sand dunes. Erg Chebbi lies in the south-east of Morocco, in the province of Errachidia, close to the border with Algeria. It is a compact sea of dunes, roughly twenty-odd kilometres from north to south and a few kilometres wide, surrounded by flat, stony desert called hamada.
What makes it special is the height and the shape of the dunes. The highest rise to around 150 metres above the surrounding plain. Because the erg is surrounded by flat land, the dunes look even bigger: they appear suddenly on the horizon like a golden mountain range.
Good to know
Morocco has two main dune areas for travellers: Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M'hamid. Erg Chebbi is easier to reach on a paved road and has a much wider choice of camps. Read Merzouga or Zagora: which part of the Sahara to choose?
The colours of the dunes
The sand of Erg Chebbi is rich in iron oxide, which gives it its famous orange and pink tones. The colour changes completely during the day:
- Sunrise: soft pink and pale gold, with long blue shadows in the valleys between the dunes.
- Midday: bright yellow and almost white under the strong sun. The light is flat, so it is the least interesting time for photos.
- Late afternoon: warm orange, then deep red as the sun goes down. This is the classic Sahara picture.
- Night: silver under the moon, or completely dark under a sky full of stars when there is no moon.
The shape of the dunes also changes slowly with the wind. The sharp ridges you photograph today will not be exactly the same next year.
Things to do in Erg Chebbi
Camel trek at sunset
The most iconic experience. A caravan of camels, led by a local camel handler, walks through the dunes for about an hour to reach a camp or a high dune for the sunset. It is calm, slow and beautiful. Children and beginners are fine, as the camels walk slowly.
Climb a big dune for sunrise
Wake up before dawn, climb a high dune near your camp and watch the light arrive over the desert. Climbing soft sand is tiring, so go slowly and follow the ridges, not the steep faces.
A night in a desert camp
Dinner under the stars, drums around the fire and a sky with almost no light pollution. Camps range from simple tents to luxury tents with private bathrooms. Read Luxury or standard desert camp: which one to choose?
Sandboarding
Slide down the dunes on a board, standing or sitting. It is easy to try and a favourite with children and teenagers. Read our guide Sandboarding in Merzouga.
4x4 tour around the dunes
A half-day or full-day tour around the erg reveals another side of the desert: nomad families, old mines, fossil beds, black volcanic plains and small oases. See our experiences in Merzouga.
Quad bikes and buggies
For more adrenaline, quads and buggies ride along the edges of the dunes with a guide. Ask about age and safety rules if you travel with children.
Stargazing
On a moonless night, the Milky Way is clearly visible. Turn off your torch, lie on the sand and let your eyes adjust for a few minutes.
The villages around the dunes
- Merzouga: the main village at the foot of the dunes, with small hotels, shops and the starting point for most camel treks.
- Hassi Labied: a quieter village on the western edge of the dunes, with many guesthouses facing the sand.
- Khamlia: a village known for its Gnawa music, played by families whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa. A visit to hear the drums and the metal castanets (qraqeb) is one of the most memorable cultural stops of the region.
- Rissani: the historic town about 40 minutes away, with a lively traditional market and the old ksour of the Tafilalet oasis.
- Erfoud: famous for its fossils and marble workshops. Read Moroccan fossil decor.
Dayet Srji, the seasonal lake
West of the dunes lies Dayet Srji, a seasonal lake that fills after rare heavy rains. When there is water, it can attract migrating birds, sometimes including flamingos. In dry years it disappears completely, so do not count on it, but if it is full when you visit, it is a surprising sight in the desert.
When to visit Erg Chebbi
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days, pleasant evenings. One of the best seasons. Some windy days with sand in the air are possible. |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot, often above 40 °C by day. Camel rides early and late only. Some travellers sleep outside the tent under the stars. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Excellent: warm days and comfortable nights. |
| Winter (December to February) | Sunny days, cold nights close to 0 °C. Clear skies for stars. Bring warm clothes. |
More in The best time to visit Morocco and the Sahara.
How to get to Erg Chebbi
- From Marrakech: about 9 to 10 hours by road. Most travellers split the drive with a night in the Dades Valley, passing Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorges. See our 3-day tour from Marrakech and 4-day Marrakech to Fes tour.
- From Fes: about 7 to 8 hours through the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley. See our 3-day tour from Fes.
- By air: the nearest airport is Errachidia, a little over 2 hours away by road. Flights are limited.
Read what you see on the way in Marrakech to Merzouga: what you see on the road, and plan the length of your trip with How many days do you need in Morocco?
Practical tips
- Wear a scarf (chech) to protect your face from sun and sand. Your guide can show you how to tie it.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, even in winter.
- Keep phones and cameras in a closed bag. Fine sand gets everywhere.
- Walk barefoot only in the cooler hours. At midday in summer, the sand can be very hot.
- Take only photos and leave only footprints: take your rubbish back with you.
Full packing list in Before your Sahara trip: what to know and pack.
Frequently asked questions
How high are the dunes of Erg Chebbi?
The highest dunes rise to around 150 metres above the surrounding plain, which makes them among the most impressive in Morocco.
Is Erg Chebbi the real Sahara?
Yes. Erg Chebbi is part of the Sahara Desert, on its north-western edge, close to the Algerian border.
How many nights should I spend in Erg Chebbi?
One night is the minimum. Two nights are ideal: you rest after the long drive and have a full day for the dunes, Khamlia and a 4x4 tour.
Can I visit Erg Chebbi without sleeping in the desert?
Yes, you can stay in a hotel in Merzouga or Hassi Labied and do a sunset camel ride. But the night in a camp is the highlight for most travellers.
Is Erg Chebbi good for children?
Very. Camels, sandboarding and rolling down the dunes are favourites. Read Morocco with kids.
Keep reading: Sandboarding in Merzouga · Luxury or standard desert camp · Sahara desert tours