Sandboarding in Merzouga — Surf the Erg Chebbi Dunes

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Written by Hassan, host at Hotel Les Roches Merzouga — hosting Sahara travellers since 2004.

There is a particular kind of laughter you only hear on the dunes of Erg Chebbi — the half-scream, half-giggle of someone sliding down a 100-metre wall of soft sand for the first time. Sandboarding is the most spontaneous thing to do in Merzouga: no lift queues, no lessons, no lycra. You climb a dune barefoot, point a waxed board downhill, and let the Sahara do the rest. It is free for guests staying with us, and after fifteen minutes of trudging back up you will understand why the walk is the only hard part.

What sandboarding in Merzouga is actually like

Unlike a groomed ski slope, a dune has no fixed run — you and the wind choose the line. The star dunes of Erg Chebbi rise up to about 150 metres, and the tall face directly behind our hotel is the one most guests use: steep enough for a proper glide, but with a soft, forgiving run-out at the bottom. Beginners sit or lie on the board like a sledge; the more confident stand and carve, snowboard-style. The sand is finer and slower than snow, so falls are gentle and nobody gets hurt — you simply sink into a cushion of Sahara.

Highlights

• Surf the tall dunes right behind the hotel — no transfer needed
• Free boards and basic wax for our hotel and camp guests
• Works sitting, lying or standing — genuinely all ages and abilities
• Golden-hour runs with the low sun turning the dunes copper
• Pairs naturally with a sunset camel trek to the camp

How it works & what's included

• Board & wax: provided free at the hotel and camp — just ask at reception
• Guidance: a member of our team shows you the safest, fastest dune and how to wax the base
• No booking needed: if you are staying with us it is simply there whenever you fancy it

Best time of day & year

Sand gets hot at midday from June to September, so aim for the first two hours after sunrise or the last two before sunset, when the surface is cool underfoot and the light is best for photos. In spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) you can board comfortably for most of the day. Even in winter the dunes are pleasant by late morning once the chill lifts.

What to wear & bring

• Closed shoes or sandals for the climb (the sand is warm)
• Sunglasses and a scarf — sand does fly on a fast run
• Clothes you don't mind getting sandy; long sleeves reduce board rash if you stand
• Sun cream, a hat and water for the walk back up

Great for families

Sandboarding is one of the few desert activities that genuinely suits every age at once — grandparents can slide sitting down while children race each other back to the top. There is nothing to hire, no minimum age and no danger beyond a mouthful of sand, which is why it is the activity parents thank us for most.

Make a half-day of it

Most guests fold sandboarding into a wider desert afternoon: a quad ride or 4x4 excursion out to the nomad country, back to the dunes for a few runs as the heat drops, then a camel trek into our desert camp for the night. See the full list of things to do in Merzouga to build your day.