Erg Chebbi

Erg Chebbi is a sea of orange dunes on the western edge of the Sahara, in southeastern Morocco near the border with Algeria. The erg stretches about 28 kilometres from north to south and 5 to 7 kilometres from east to west. Its highest dunes rise about 150 metres above the rocky desert around them.

What is an erg?

An erg is a large area of dunes shaped by the wind. Around it lies the hamada, a flat, stony desert. The contrast is striking: after kilometres of dark rock, the bright orange sand suddenly rises like a wall.

Merzouga and the desert camps

The village of Merzouga sits at the western foot of the dunes and is the starting point for most visits. Many travellers ride camels into the erg in the late afternoon, watch the sunset from a high dune and spend the night in a desert camp under a sky full of stars.

Visiting tips

• The best months are October to April, when the days are warm but not burning hot.
• Nights in the desert can be cold, even after a hot day. Bring a warm layer.
• Wear a scarf to protect your face from sun and wind-blown sand.

Key facts