Travel Guide of Erg Chebbi in Morocco by Influencers and Travelers
Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's several ergs – large seas of dunes formed by wind-blown sand. There are several other ergs such as Erg Chigaga near M'hamid.
Pictures and Stories of Erg Chebbi from Influencers
18 pictures of Erg Chebbi from Fernando Paredes Murillo, Rubén Bagüés, Andreas Kind and other travelers
- Surreal Desert Scene ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Fernando Paredes Murillo | ©Unsplash
- This is not a Windows desktop… ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Rubén Bagüés | ©Unsplash
- Capturing some flips during our Sahara desert tour ...click to read more
- Experienced by @William Pei Yuan | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Erg Chebbi ?
To get to Erg Chebbi, you'll first need to fly into Marrakech or Fes. From there, you can either rent a car or take a bus to the town of Merzouga, which is the closest town to the dunes. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Marrakech or Fes, which typically includes transportation, accommodation, and various activities in the desert.
It's essential to book a camel trek or 4x4 tour in advance, as these are the primary ways to explore the dunes. Many tour operators offer overnight stays in traditional Berber tents, providing a truly authentic desert experience. Make sure to also book any additional activities you're interested in, such as sandboarding, quad biking, or hot air balloon rides.
The costs of visiting Erg Chebbi can vary, depending on your chosen mode of transportation, accommodations, and activities. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $50-$100 per day, while those seeking a more luxurious experience may spend upwards of $200 per day.
The best things to do in Erg Chebbi include watching the sunrise or sunset over the dunes, stargazing, and experiencing the traditional music and dance of the local Berber people. Of course, the main attraction is exploring the dunes themselves, either on foot, by camel, or in a 4x4 vehicle.
For dining options, consider eating at one of the local restaurants in Merzouga, such as Cafe Restaurant Tenere or Restaurant Cafe Fatima. These establishments offer delicious Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, couscous, and mint tea. Alternatively, many desert camps provide traditional Berber meals as part of their accommodation packages.
When choosing where to stay, consider booking a room in a traditional riad or guesthouse in Merzouga, such as Riad Madu or Kasbah Mohayut. For a more immersive desert experience, consider an overnight stay in a Berber tent at one of the desert camps, like Luxury Desert Camp Erg Chebbi or Kanz Erremal.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience in Erg Chebbi, consider visiting the nearby village of Khamlia. This small, remote village is home to a community of Gnawa musicians, descendants of former slaves who have preserved their unique culture and traditions through music and dance. Visiting Khamlia offers a rare opportunity to witness a live Gnawa music performance, which is characterized by trance-inducing rhythms and spiritual lyrics. This experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of the region's history and the resilience of its people, as well as a chance to connect with the local community on a more personal level.
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About this place
The Erg Chebbi, also called the Dunes of Merzouga, is a vast expanse of sand dunes about 20 km long and 5 km wide. Located in the southeast of Morocco in the heart of the Sahara desert, this tourist mecca offers an unforgettable experience in the desert. The sand dunes can reach 150 meters high, offering a wonderful spectacle.
A nice desert experience
Former place of passage of nomadic peoples and caravanners, Erg Chabbi has now developed around tourism. Several camps allow travelers to spend the night in the desert and thus attend majestic sunrises and sunsets. Access is easy from the village of Merzouga. A paved road allows vehicles to get closer to the dunes. You will then have to continue your progression on foot, in a quad, in 4X4, or on camels. The temperature variations between day and night can be important. In winter, it can go down to 0°C. Therefore, you should have the appropriate equipment and a suitable sleeping bag. You should also bring glasses, a hat and covering clothes to face the heat and the swirls of sand.
Some tips to know before visiting this region
The distances between Erg Chabbi and the other Moroccan cities being important, it is advised to make a stopover of at least two days. If you don't want to sleep in the middle of the dunes, many accommodations are available in the village. Take the opportunity to visit the Morocco National 4X4 Museum. Finally, you can go to the Dayet Srij Lake located just next door, or observe the rock engravings of Taouz, 20km south of Merzouga.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Erg Chebbi
To enjoy your stay in Morocco, it is advisable to travel in the spring and autumn, particularly in April, May, and October. This way, you can avoid rainy or hot periods.
The landscape is very beautiful and the color of the dunes changes according to the daylight. It's like a miniature Sahara. And the sunset is very popular with tourists.
Where to Stay near Erg Chebbi
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