Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes

Erg Chebbi (عرق الشبي‎) is one of Morocco's two Saharan ergs – large seas of dunes formed by wind-blown sand. The other is Erg Chigaga near M'hamid.

The dunes of Erg Chebbi reach a height of up to 150 meters and altogether spans an area of 50 kilometers from north to south and up to 5-10 kilometers from east to west.

The nearest sizable town is Erfoud, about 60 kilometers further north. One other city is Rissani, around 40 kilometers from Merzouga, and from the 8th to the 14th century there was a separate kingdom, known as Sijilmassa, which was prosperous due to caravan routes. Merzouga, the local tourist center, is located near the edge of the dunes. A number of companies offer camel trips from Merzouga and into the desert, taking tourists on overnight trips several kilometres into the erg, which is enough to bring the village out of sight.

During the warmest part of the year, Moroccans come to Erg Chebbi to be buried neck-deep in the hot sand for a few minutes at a time. This is considered to be a treatment for rheumatism.

In 2006 flooding adjacent to the dunes destroyed many buildings and killed three people.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is it Safe in the Sahara Desert?

We are often asked if it is safe to travel into the Sahara and the answer is Yes! . For many the desert is the highlight of their trip.

Things to do in Desert

1- Camel Trekking for overnight in desert camp

2- Camel trek for sunset / sunrise

3- 4x4 Off-road desert tour

4- Quad bikes in dunes

5- Trekking in desert (Walking)

6- Dune buggy driving

7- Yoga in Desert

8- Camel trek for serval days in desert (Visiting the mountains and nomads)

9- Sandboarding in dunes

10- Desert cooking (Berber food)

Click here for more informations

How to reach the desert from Marrakech ..Fes ?

1- Use CTM or Supratours bus (Supratours is more recommended)

2- Book a 2- 10 days tour from Marrakech / Fes to the desert via the Atlas mountains

3- Fly from Casablanca to Errachidia (New) the closets airport to the desert

Click here for more informations

What to Bring on a Camel Trek ?

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Bottled water minimum 1.5 litres

Matches or a lighter.

Medical Supplies (e.g. prescription drugs, painkillers, bandages - various sizes, topical disinfectant, eye drops, diarhea medication)

Moisturiser/lip balm 15 SPF or higher.

Rubbish bag

Sunscreen SPF 15 or higher and good quality UV sunglasses.

Toilet Paper (buy in Morocco)

Torch/Flashlight

Wet-wipes

Zip Lock style baggie(s) for just about everything.

Click here for more informations

What to Wear on Camel Trek ?

A long cotton scarf to wrap around your head is recommended if sand is blowing, you can buy one for about 50-100 dirhams (depending on size) if needed. They’re great for keeping sand out of your hair, nose and eyes. Longer pants are most comfortable on camels. It can also be cold in the desert at night November to April, so bring warm clothing for this time; sweater and jacket, hat and gloves. Walking shoes with socks are best, sandals will fill with sand and irritate your skin. Winter nights (December, January and February) you'll need to also wear warm socks, long pants, plus bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves

Click here for more informations

Is it Safe in the Sahara Desert?

We are often asked if it is safe to travel into the Sahara and the answer is Yes! . For many the desert is the highlight of their trip.

Click here for more informations

What about scorpions and snakes?

Unless you like rumaging around in river bottoms and high grass you'll never see a black cobra or any other snake in Morocco except in the Jma El Fna square in Marrakech. Scorpions by nature are nocturnal, and hybernate during winter months. They also avoid anywhere that they have no protection from the hot sun, and you'll have to go hunting turning over rocks to find them. Snakes and scorpions don't want to have anything to do with humans, meaning they'll prefer to run away if given a chance.

Click here for more informations