Morocco provides truly unique travel experiences. This remarkable country in northwest Africa is home to the bustling cities of Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains, and the fringes of the Sahara desert.
At Desert Luxury Camp, we provide Morocco luxury holiday packages designed to showcase the best that this captivating country has to offer. We have two luxury desert camps in Morocco, one at Erg Chebbi by Merzouga, and the other at Erg Chigaga by M’hamid. In this travel guide, we focus on Erg Chebbi.
If you’re daydreaming about adventures in a mesmerizing expanse of golden sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see, this Erg Chebbi Travel Guide is for you! It is the perfect companion to our Ultimate Guide to the Erg Chebbi Desert, Morocco. Together, you have all the information you need to start planning your one-of-a-kind Sahara experience.
So, let’s get started! If any questions come to mind as you read, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Erg Chebbi is nestled in the southeastern part of Morocco, near the town of Merzouga. The town is known as a gateway to Erg Chebbi as the dunes lay around a 10-minute drive to the north. This majestic desert landscape is renowned for its towering sand dunes, some reaching heights of up to 500 feet (150 meters).
Both Merzouga and Erg Chebbi are close to Morocco’s border with Algeria. The colossal dunes are the first to rise in this part of the Sahara, starting a continent-wide expanse that stretches across to the Red Sea.
Measuring 22km long and 5km wide, Erg Chebbi is a destination that embodies the essence of desert beauty and tranquility, offering travelers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Getting to Erg Chebbi is all part of the adventure. Many visitors arrive via the city of Marrakech or Fes, both of which offer convenient transportation options. From Marrakech, you can embark on a scenic drive along the N9 and N12 roads. The route is more than 550km (350 miles) long and takes around 9 hours to complete, but you’ll be treated to some of Morocco’s most spectacular scenery along the way, including the Atlas Mountains, charming Berber villages, and the Draa Valley.
Alternatively, you can opt for a more direct route from Fes along the N13 road. This route is a touch over 450km (280 miles), takes around seven hours and 20 minutes, and passes Ifrane, Mldelt, and Erfoud.
Once you reach Merzouga, you’ll transfer to 4×4 vehicles for a thrilling journey through the desert terrain. Your once-in-a-lifetime Sahara experience starts here!
When you join one of our Morocco luxury holiday packages from Marrakech, Fes, or Casablanca, you have the ideal combination of a multi-day experience and local expertise. We break the journey to Erg Chebbi down into manageable sections and stop at the best places along the way.
For example, our South Morocco Tour departing from Marrakech is a 4-day experience that includes visits to Ait Benhaddou, Nekob, the Todra Gorge, and an overnight stay at Erg Chebbi.
But no matter which of our tour packages you choose, we take care of everything, allowing you to soak up every second of your experience.
At Desert Luxury Camp, we offer a variety of tour packages that include unforgettable stays in Erg Chebbi. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a cultural exploration, we have the perfect itinerary to suit your preferences.
If you’re pushed for time, our desert trips from Marrakech start with the three-day Dunes and Desert Tour and the Taste of the Desert experience. For a four-day excursion, we have the South Morocco Tour, while our Kasbah and the Desert Tour is a fun-filled five-day adventure.
When it comes to luxury desert tours from Fes, all of our itineraries visit Erg Chebbi, with three- and four-day itineraries to choose from. Are you looking for luxury desert tours from Casablanca and other cities? Our Traversing to South tour is an extraordinary four-day experience, while the Popular Morocco Tour is our longest at seven days.
No matter your starting point, our desert tour packages allow you to immerse yourself in the magic of Erg Chebbi, with activities such as camel trekking, sandboarding, sunset/sunrise dune excursions, and traditional Moroccan entertainment under the stars. Discover more about our full range of Erg Chebbi experiences and then dive into our picks for the top 10 fun things to do in Erg Chebbi, Morocco.
All our tours include pick-up and drop-off in the city of your choice. Our team is here to guide you on every aspect of preparing your adventure, so please browse our itineraries and get in touch with any questions you may have.
For the ultimate personalized experience, we can also craft a custom Morocco trip tailored to you and your specific needs.
Our luxury desert camps at Erg Chebbi are designed to provide you with the utmost comfort and convenience amidst the desert landscape. Each tent is elegantly furnished with plush bedding, traditional Moroccan decor, and modern amenities to ensure a relaxing stay.
Our camp facilities include:
Ultimately, the facilities you can expect depend on which part of the camp you choose to stay in. Learn more about the Royal Camp, Dome Tent, Superior Camp, and Main Camp on our Erg Chebbi Desert Camp page. We also recommend reading our blog Which Morocco Desert Camp is Right for You?
Erg Chebbi and the surrounding region have a changeable, seasonal climate, so you can visit year-round. As you might imagine, rainfall is incredibly rare, so you won’t need to worry about waterproof gear or an umbrella!
Ultimately, the best time to visit Erg Chebbi depends on your preferences. Many people prefer the cooler months of October to April when the weather is more temperate and conditions for outdoor activities are more comfortable. At this time of year, you can enjoy the warmth of the sun during the day, but be prepared for the temperature to drop at night. It can reach -5°C in the desert.
During this time, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the stunning contrast of the desert landscape against the clear blue skies. The enchanting desert night sky is also crisp and perfect for stargazing. Be sure to read our blog Visiting Morocco in January to learn more.
However, if you prefer warmer temperatures and don’t mind the heat, the summer months from May to September offer just as memorable a desert experience. Temperatures can reach highs of 45°C, so outdoor activities tend to take place during the cooler mornings and evenings, when the mercury drops to around 25°C.
We hope this Erg Chebbi Travel Guide has inspired you to start turning your daydreams into a bucket-list adventure. Start planning your escape by browsing our Morocco luxury holiday packages. Our team is here to help, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.