Experiences
What there is to do in and around the dunes — and, for each activity, whether it is usually part of a package or arranged separately.
01
Ride a dromedary across the dunes of Erg Chebbi — the classic way to arrive at a desert camp, timed for the soft light of late afternoon.
Usually 1 to 2 hours each way
Included in many overnight packages — each package page states clearly whether a camel ride is included, optional or not offered.
Read more02
Watch the dunes of Erg Chebbi change colour as the sun goes down — the moment most travellers remember long after their trip.
About an hour, from golden light to dusk
Free to enjoy from any camp. Many packages time the camel ride or transfer so that you arrive for sunset.
Read more03
Wake before dawn, climb a dune in the half-light and watch the first sun spill across the Sahara before breakfast at camp.
45 minutes to 1 hour
Free to enjoy from any camp. Some packages return to Merzouga by camel at sunrise.
Read more04
Slide down the slopes of Erg Chebbi on a board — an easy, fun activity for families and groups, with no previous experience needed.
As long as your legs last — climbing back up is the hard part
Some camps keep boards for guests at no extra cost; others don't. Each package states whether sandboarding is included.
Read more05
Explore the landscapes around Erg Chebbi by 4x4 — black-stone desert, villages, seasonal lakes and old mining areas beyond the dunes.
Half day or full day
Not included in overnight packages unless stated. Ask us to arrange a 4x4 excursion with a local driver.
Read more06
Ride a quad bike through the dunes and desert tracks around Erg Chebbi with a guide — one of the most popular activities in Merzouga.
Usually 1 to 3 hours
Not included in overnight packages. Arranged separately with a specialist operator.
Read more07
Explore the dunes and desert tracks in a dune buggy — a side-by-side vehicle that lets two people share the ride.
Usually 1 to 3 hours
Not included in overnight packages. Arranged separately with a specialist operator.
Read more08
Meet a semi-nomadic family living around Erg Chebbi, share tea and learn about life in the desert — with respect and without staging.
About 1 hour, often as part of a 4x4 excursion
Not included in overnight packages unless stated. Can be arranged through local guides.
Read more09
Listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia, a village south of Merzouga whose community has kept this hypnotic tradition alive for generations.
About 30 to 60 minutes
Not included in overnight packages unless stated. Often part of a 4x4 tour around the dunes.
Read more10
Far from city lights, the sky above Erg Chebbi can be spectacular. When and how to see the stars on a night in the Sahara.
As long as you like
Free to enjoy from any camp, weather and moon permitting. Guided astronomy sessions are only available where a package says so.
Read more
