Erg Chebbi's Dunes

To observe the Sahara dune fields of Morocco, travel east of the High Atlas spine to the far eastern desert region near the Algerian border. Erg Chebbi is the most popular place for vast and rippling sand dunes.

Dune-surfing, four-wheel-drive dune-bashing, and sunrise and sunset camel trekking are all popular activities, which are generally paired with an overnight stay in a tented desert camp directly in the middle of the dune field. Even just sitting in the midst of the sand dune grandeur and gazing up at the star-filled Sahara sky at night is worth the long travel.

Erg Chebbi is the most accessible Sahara dunes in Morocco, but they are difficult to fit into a short trip because they are around 10 hours from Fez and at least as much from Marrakesh, so you'll need at least a three-day round journey to fit them in. They're best seen as part of a circle between Marrakesh and Fez, or as a loop from Marrakesh through the southern oases.

Location: Erg Chebbi, Morocco

Highlights: sandboarding, Camel riding, Stargazing, enjoying an oasis, going horse-riding, enjoying the sunset and sunrise on top of Erg Chebbi, the Berber Museum, Merzouga, ...

Best time to visit: November – March when sunrise and sunset