The great dunes of Erg Chebbi
Near the village of Merzouga, the dunes of Erg Chebbi rise from the stony desert, some of them over 100 metres high. Their colour changes through the day, from gold at sunrise to deep orange at sunset.
What to do
- Camel ride at sunset into the dunes, and a night in a desert camp under the stars.
- Sunrise from the top of a dune: it is worth the early start.
- Khamlia, a nearby village known for its Gnawa music.
- Rissani and its traditional market, once the end of the caravan routes.
When to go
October to April is the most comfortable. In winter, days are mild but nights are cold, and camps add blankets. From June to August temperatures are extreme in the middle of the day.
Getting there
Merzouga is a long day’s drive from Marrakech, so most trips take at least three days with stops on the way. From Agdz, it is about five to six hours by road.
