Seas Of Dunes ‘Erg Chebbi’-The Moroccan wonder
Erg Chebbi
Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s notable ergs, which are large seas of dunes formed by wind-blown sand. It is located on the far western edge of the Sahara Desert. Morocco has several other ergs, such as Erg Chigaga near M’hamid. The dunes of Erg Chebbi can rise up to 150 meters above the surrounding hamada (rocky desert) and cover an area approximately 28 kilometers from north to south and 5–7 kilometers from east to west, bordering Algeria.
The nearest sizable town is Erfoud, located about 60 kilometers to the north. Another nearby city is Rissani, around 40 kilometers from Merzouga. Rissani was once the site of the kingdom of Sijilmassa, which thrived from the 8th to the 14th century due to its control of the caravan routes. Although rainfall is rare, in 2006, flooding near the dunes destroyed many buildings and resulted in three fatalities.
What is Sand Dune
A dune is a landform composed of sand driven by wind or water, typically forming a mound, ridge, or hill. An area with dunes is known as a dune system or dune complex. A large dune complex is called a dune field, while broad, flat regions covered with wind-swept sand or dunes, with little or no vegetation, are referred to as ergs or sand seas. Dunes come in various shapes and sizes, but most have a longer upflow side where the sand is pushed up and a shorter slip face on the lee side. The valley or trough between dunes is called a dune slack.
Dunes are most common in desert environments, where the lack of moisture prevents vegetation growth that would otherwise impede their development. However, sand deposits are not limited to deserts; dunes are also found along sea shores, along streams in semiarid climates, in areas of glacial outwash, and in regions where poorly cemented sandstone bedrock disintegrates to produce loose sand. Additionally, subaqueous dunes can form from the action of water flow on sand or gravel beds in rivers, estuaries, and on the seabed.
Erg Chebbi and Tourism
Erg Chebbi’s iconic dunes are situated, near the Algerian border. Although many consider it part of the Sahara Desert, its semi-arid climate is classified as part of the Pre-Saharan Steppes. The area has gained popularity since the 1980s due to its proximity to Merzouga, the local tourist hub. Merzouga hosts over 70 hotels and numerous camps in the dunes, making tourism the main source of income for the region. Many hotels offer camel trips to Erg Chebbi and luxury camping experiences. As Morocco’s ergs have become more accessible, visitors from around the world come to experience the authentic desert environment.
Activities
Camel Treks- One of the most popular activities in Erg Chebbi is camel trekking. You can embark on a guided tour, riding camels across the vast expanse of dunes, typically culminating in a night spent in a traditional Berber camp. Sandboarding- The tall dunes provide an excellent opportunity for sandboarding, similar to snowboarding but on sand. Stargazing- The remote location and lack of light pollution make Erg Chebbi an ideal spot for stargazing. The night sky in the Sahara is incredibly clear and filled with stars.
Sunrise and Sunset Views- Watching the sunrise or sunset over the dunes is a breathtaking experience, with the shifting light creating an ever-changing landscape. 4×4 Tours- For those seeking a more adrenaline-filled adventure, 4×4 tours across the dunes are available.
Camping in Erg Chebbi
Luxury Camps- These camps provide high-end accommodations with amenities such as comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, gourmet dining, and sometimes even air conditioning. Standard Camp- More basic but still comfortable, these camps offer traditional Berber tents with shared facilities and simple meals. Nomadic Camps- For a more authentic experience, some camps mimic traditional nomadic Berber lifestyles with minimal amenities.
How to Reach Erg Chebbi
Erg Chebbi, known as the Sea of Dunes, is located west of Marrakech near the town of Merzouga. The nine-hour drive from Morocco’s capital brings you to towering wind-blown dunes. There are several routes to reach the Erg Chebbi desert dunes, depending on your starting point. You can travel from Rissani or Erfoud, both about half an hour north of Erg Chebbi, or from Merzouga, which is just a 10-minute drive south of the dunes. The most common way to arrive is by car, 4×4, or bus. Alternatively, you can choose a more traditional camel ride or a modern quad bike for a unique journey.
