Camel trekking
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.
Experiences
4x4 desert excursions
Explore the landscapes around Erg Chebbi by 4x4 — black-stone desert, villages, seasonal lakes and old mining areas beyond the dunes.
The dunes of Erg Chebbi are only part of the landscape around Merzouga. A 4x4 excursion takes you around the edge of the erg into the surrounding hamada — flat, stony desert — and to places that are hard to reach otherwise.
Typical stops
Itineraries vary by driver and season, but a tour around the dunes often includes:
- Khamlia, a village south of Merzouga known for its Gnawa music.
- Seasonal lakes on the edges of the erg, which hold water in some years after rain.
- Nomad areas, where semi-nomadic families graze their animals.
- Old mining areas and abandoned settlements in the hamada.
- Rissani, the historic market town north-west of Merzouga, near the ruins of ancient Sijilmassa.
Good to know
- Excursions are made in a 4x4 with a local driver, not self-drive.
- Summer heat can be intense — start early and carry water.
- 4x4 excursions are separate from the short 4x4 transfer that takes you to and from many camps.
Experiences
Sunset in the Sahara
Watch the dunes of Erg Chebbi change colour as the sun goes down — the moment most travellers remember long after their trip.
Sunrise in the dunes
Wake before dawn, climb a dune in the half-light and watch the first sun spill across the Sahara before breakfast at camp.
Sandboarding
Slide down the slopes of Erg Chebbi on a board — an easy, fun activity for families and groups, with no previous experience needed.