Overview: Erg Chebbi
Erg Chebbi is a sea of towering golden sand dunes located near the town of Merzouga , in southeastern Morocco, close to the Algerian border. As one of only two major ergs (large areas of shifting sand dunes) in Morocco—the other being Erg Chigaga—it is among the country’s most breathtaking desert destinations.
Reaching heights of up to 150 meters, these ever-shifting dunes offer an unforgettable Saharan experience, drawing travelers seeking adventure, tranquility, and stunning natural beauty. Erg Chebbi is easily accessible from popular Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Fes, making it a common starting point for desert tours and camel treks into the Sahara.
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Erg Chebbi is a mesmerizing expanse of wind-sculpted sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The landscape changes constantly with the wind, creating soft ridges and peaks that glow in hues of gold, orange, and red under the sun—especially during sunrise and sunset, when the dunes are bathed in dramatic light.
Most visitors arrive in Merzouga , a small desert village at the edge of Erg Chebbi, where they begin their journey atop camels known locally as the “ships of the desert.” A trek into the dunes typically lasts one to two hours before reaching a traditional Berber desert camp , where guests spend the night under the stars.
These camps range from basic nomadic-style tents to luxury accommodations offering plush rugs, comfortable beds, traditional Moroccan meals, and live Berber music around a campfire. Waking up to a Saharan sunrise over the dunes is often cited as the highlight of any visit to Erg Chebbi—a moment of pure magic and serenity.
Beyond the dunes, the area surrounding Erg Chebbi includes oasis towns, fossil mines in Erfoud , and the chance to explore local Berber culture through visits to nearby villages or interactions with desert guides who have lived in harmony with the harsh yet beautiful environment for generations.
Whether you’re riding across the dunes on a camel, stargazing in one of the world’s darkest skies, or simply soaking in the silence and solitude of the desert, Erg Chebbi offers a deeply immersive and unforgettable Saharan experience.
