Erg Chebbi is not a village or a city, but rather an area in the Moroccan Sahara. Erg Chebbi is a vast field of giant and impressive sand dunes, reaching up to 150 meters (about 490 feet). The word "erg" is derived from the Arabic word "ʿirq," which means "sand sea" or "dune field." Now, would a sea of giant sand dunes be worth seeing? Obviously, the answer is YES.
Erg Chebbi is worth visiting. At least once in your lifetime, you should visit Erg Chebbi and enjoy what the Moroccan Sahara has to offer. This area provides beautiful natural scenery, a memorable cultural experience, and a wide range of activities to enjoy. Erg Chebbi is accessible by road, and the trip usually takes between 6 to 8 hours from Zagora. The journey itself is filled with beautiful scenery.
The best time to visit Erg Chebbi is from October to April. Since the Sahara can reach high temperatures during the summer, it's advisable to visit Erg Chebbi in the cooler months. High temperatures can affect your experience by limiting daily activities. However, summer nights in Erg Chebbi are more magical compared to other seasons.
So, are you interested in learning more about Erg Chebbi? If so, this post will provide you with all the information you need. From activities you can try to safety tips, we've got you covered for a successful trip to Erg Chebbi. You just have to make the decision.
Tourists Activities in Erg Chebbi Morocco
Erg Chebbi is an open world of sands and giant dunes where the sky is the limit. We'll tell you about all the exciting activities you can try. Typically, these are the same activities your travel agency will plan for you. However, always remember that in Erg Chebbi, you're in an open playground filled with sand, so your imagination is the only limit to what you can experience there.
Camels Trekking
Of course, there are camels in Erg Chebbi Morocco. In fact, camels can be found throughout the Moroccan Sahara, but riding them on Erg Chebbi's dunes offers a unique experience. Camel trekking on giant dunes will give you a glimpse into the lives of locals and ancient traders who used to traverse these wavy lands in caravans. Today, you can walk in their footsteps.
Camel trekking is a popular activity in Erg Chebbi. Almost all travel agencies operating in the Sahara offer this experience to their clients. However, it’s always advisable to inquire about it before booking your trip. Camel trekking is a must-do in Erg Chebbi, ideally for medium distances.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe. Start by wearing loose clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and sand. If you're visiting in the summer, be sure to apply sunscreen as well. Be kind to the camels and treat them gently so you won't get kicked, of course. And lastly, you may want to check whether your travel insurance covers adventure activities like camel trekking.
Sand surfing/sandboarding
This sea of sand has some big waves. Sand surfing in Erg Chebbi is fun and you should definitely try it. Of course this sport requires some skills to do it perfecty, but that shouldn't stop you from trying, falling and laughing. Getting a sand sled or sand toboggan, will be your best option as a beginner.
Unfortunately, not all travel agencies offer sand surfing equipments. You could either bring your own board, or find a travel agency that has one for you. In general, sand surfing isn't a famous activity in Erg Chebbi, but in my opinion, it should definitely be one of the main activities.
For safety, you should start with protective measures against the sun. A scarf is ideal for protecting your face from both the sand and the sun. If you don't have one, simply ask your guide to lend you one. Unlike camel trekking, sandboarding involves direct contact with the sand, but since falling on sand isn't painful, just go for it. The best time to try sandboarding is in the evening when temperatures start to drop.
Camping In Erg Chebbi
Camping in Erg Chebbi is another must-do activity. You've probably seen countless photos of starry nights in the Moroccan Sahara. While many of these photos are heavily edited to look wonderful, the night skies in Erg Chebbi are indeed magical. It is possible to watch the stars and comets passing by while listening to Gnawa music.
Usually, camping in Erg Chebbi involves other activities. Most travel agencies offer musical and dancing shows by the fire. You can either join these shows and have fun with other guests, which is what we recommend, or you can take some private time alone or with your partner to just relax and look at the sky away from the firelight.
Overall, your camping experience in Erg Chebbi will be comfortable and very relaxing. Desert camps in Morocco provides luxurious accommodations and reputable services. The food will also be good.
Riding Quad Bikes & ATVs
"Speeeed!"
This is what I was shouting while driving a quad bike down a big dune at almost full speed before I fell. I ate sand that day, but it was super fun.
Some travel agencies offer quad bikes and ATVs in Erg Chebbi. If you want an adrenaline rush, you should definitely book the experience of driving 4x4 cars, quad bikes, or other ATVs in Erg Chebbi. But don't go overboard! Even though it's all sand, accidents can still happen.
Usually, travel agencies don't allow tourists to drive 4x4 cars in Erg Chebbi, but the situation is different with ATVs and especially quad bikes. If you've never driven such vehicles, this is your chance to learn. For 4x4 cars, you can still experience the thrill of driving on dunes but with a local driver. So, if you're physically capable of driving quads, go for it. If not, enjoy a 4x4 car trip.
Needless to remind you again that this experience can be risky, so always wear a helmet and be as responsible as possible.
Conclusion:
You should visit Erg Chebbi. This sea of dunes offers so much fun during the day and a unique relaxing experience in night. So, if you're planning a trip to Morocco, Erg Chebbi is defentily worth being part of it. For at least 1 night, you'll get the chance to experince the locals lifestyle, have fun with them, and enjoy nature. And as long as you're following your guid's instructions you'll have a memorable experience to tell your grandkids about.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Erg Chebbi to help you learn more. If you have your own questions, please share them in the comments section. We'll be thrilled to provide you with answers.
Is Erg Chebbi Safe?
Yes, Erg Chebbi in Morocco is safe. In fact, Erg Chebbi and similar Saharan tourist destinations are among the safest places for tourists in Morocco. These areas are not easily accessible to most regular people, and there are no risks of encountering bandits, terrorists, or other criminals. The locals are very friendly and hospitable, and the travel agencies operating in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga are reputable and trustworthy.
So, yes, Erg Chebbi is safe, but it remains a wild area with harsh temperatures and occasional sightings of snakes and scorpions. These are the only risks in Erg Chebbi, and the travel agencies there are prepared for such rare scenarios.
By the way, Erg Chebbi is located in southeastern Morocco and not in Western Sahara, where there is a political conflict. While Western Sahara is mostly safe itself, it does not offer the unique experience that southeastern Morocco's Sahara does. That's why you'll find most Saharan tours in southeastern Sahara and not the western Sahara.
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