ToursErg Chebbi — Morocco's Iconic Dunes
A complete guide to the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga: how high they are, how they formed, the best activities, photography tips and when to visit.
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Erg Chebbi is the great sand sea beside Merzouga — and the image most people carry of the Moroccan Sahara. Its dunes reach up to 150 metres high and stretch roughly 28 km north to south, glowing from pink at dawn through gold to deep orange at sunset.
How the dunes formed
An 'erg' is a sea of wind-blown sand. Erg Chebbi's dunes were built over millennia by wind carrying fine sand against the rocky desert — which is why they rise so dramatically from otherwise flat, stony ground.
Best things to do at Erg Chebbi
- Camel trek over the crests at sunset
- Sleep at a luxury camp among the dunes
- Sandboard the slopes
- Sunrise from the highest dune
- Quad biking between the dunes
Photography tips
The golden hours just after sunrise and before sunset give the richest colour and longest shadows. Climb a dune for clean ridgelines, keep footprints out of your foreground, and protect your gear from fine sand.
Frequently asked questions
How tall are the Erg Chebbi dunes?
Up to about 150 metres — among the tallest in Morocco.
How do I get to Erg Chebbi?
Via Merzouga; see our desert tours.
What's the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) is taller and easier to reach; Erg Chigaga (near Zagora) is remoter and harder to access.
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⚡ Spring & autumn dates fill fast — book ahead. · ✓ Free cancellation up to 48h before arrival.