Erg Chebbi dunes, Moroccan Sahara desert
Morocco is one of those countries that has a very varied landscape, Authentic Medinas, vast oceans, high mountains, and massive Sahara dunes. Without hesitation, the Erg Chebbi dunes are one of the best dunes you can visit in Morocco. Its easy accessibility allows travelers from all over the world to choose it from other Ergs in the country.
Erg Chebbi dunes, Situated in the Moroccan Sahara desert on the southeast side of the country. The Erg is situated in proximity 30km from Erfoud, and Rissani towns, and 558 from Marrakech.
The Erg Chebbi desert is among lots of other Sahara dunes in Morocco, Formed by the blown- sand in the Arid land of the South East and covers an Area of 28km with a riding of 250m high. The Dunes here are reddish colored that brighten with the sunset and sunrise rays. Make it the most magical view you can see during your vacation to Morocco.
Erg Chebbi dunes from Marrakech
Different excursions from Marrakech are heading to the Sahara desert. Either to Zagora or Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi.
3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes would be the shortest time to get explore the Erg Chebi and a few other interesting parts in the south East such as Ait Ben Haddou and Todgha Gorges. You can continue your vacation in Morocco towards Fes and the blue city of Chefchaouen or other travel attractions in the country. This is one of the best ways to get to explore the Sahara.
At Erg Chebbi Dunes You can experience camel riding, Quad biking, horse riding, and sand surfing. However, camel riding and spending the night in a desert camp are highly recommended.
Merzouga dunes from Marrakech would take you a full day of 9 hours drive if you want to make it straight to the dunes.
Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga?
If It’s your first time traveling in Morocco, Both the two Ergs would be the right choice to get the best experience. Both would need at least 3 days from Marrakech. However, the Erg Chigaga remains wilder and vaster, Requiring driving off around for 3-4 hours from Mhamid. The Road from Mhamid to Erg Chigaga is a harsh road that is often rocky and often sandy. you defiantly need a 4wd car to reach the big dunes.
Erg Chebbi dunes are more easy access, the paved road will take you to the center of Merzouga and other little villages. Only a few meters from the reddish dunes distinguish it from other Sahara dunes in Morocco. At Merzouga, you will find access to the internet, a cafée, and hotels if you are not thinking to spend the night in a luxury desert camp that also has all the luxury assets.
For the best Sahara desert wildlife observation, Erg Chigaga is highly recommended
Luxury desert camps in Erg Chebbi
In 2005 the tourism industry in Morocco revived, and more hotels are founded. The services become much better and the requirement for a more luxurious option appeared. That’s when Luxury desert camps started to settle by different companies. You find all the means of comfort with a stunning view and night entertainment. Wifi can also be found in some of those desert camps.
recently Sahara luxury camps are only allowed around the Erg Chebbi dunes by the government. To save the environment and keep the dunes clean as much as possible.
Here is a list of some of the best desert luxury camps:
Erg Chebbi weather:
Like in most of the country, summer can be hot and winter can be cold. At Erg Chebbi Merzouga the temperature can reach -3 to 5C° from December to March and from 30 to 49c° from June to August. The best time to visit the Erg Chebbi dunes is from September to November and from March to May when the weather is slightly great.
For those who like trekking in the Sahara desert, winter is still the best time to go for such an adventure. usually, winter is less windy and it’s funny most of the time. It’s better to avoid camel trekking during summer, it can be really hot and even windy at the same time.