Erg Chebbi, Sand dunes in southeastern Morocco
Erg Chebbi is a sand dune field in southeastern Morocco with orange formations that rise up to 150 meters above surrounding rocky terrain. The landscape consists of rolling dunes interspersed with flat desert floor and small settlements at its edges.
The city of Rissani nearby was once called Sijilmassa and served as a major trading hub along caravan routes from the 8th to 14th centuries. This connection shows how the area mattered to commerce spanning the Sahara.
The Berber people living near these dunes practice tea-making traditions and share daily customs with visitors who journey into the sand. Their presence shapes how the desert feels as a lived-in space.
Merzouga is the closest town and serves as the main entry point with lodging and organized camel tours available. Start your visit early and wear loose clothing with sun protection, as the midday heat becomes intense.
Moroccan visitors come here for sand therapy treatments, burying themselves neck-deep in heated sand to ease rheumatic pain. This local healing practice takes place alongside regular tourism.
Elevation above the sea: 730 m
GPS coordinates: 31.16667,-3.98333
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Morocco offers a wide range of subjects for photographers. Cities like Marrakech and Casablanca have mosques, palaces, and gardens where colors, geometric patterns, and craft skills come together. You can photograph the 210-meter minaret of the Hassan II Mosque facing the ocean, the blue walls of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains, or the courtyards and mosaics of the Bahia Palace. The land of Morocco has many different landscapes, from the dunes of the Sahara to the peaks of the Atlas. The Todra Gorges show limestone cliffs that narrow in some places, while the Ouzoud waterfalls fall in three steps into a wooded valley. The medinas reveal the busy markets and narrow streets where artisans work. On the coast, beaches and forts add more scenes to explore.
The deserts of the Middle East contain many places that see few visitors each year. This collection introduces historical sites, natural formations, and cultural landmarks spread across the region's sandy plains and rocky wilderness. From ancient ruins to geological features, these locations show the region's long history and varied landscapes. The places listed here range from northern Saudi Arabian rock formations like Qasr al-Farid to Morocco's colored sand dunes. Oman holds green valleys and underground lakes, while the Emirates and Qatar feature plateaus and coastal shapes. Each location has its own story: some served as trade centers, others as shelters or sacred sites. Visitors to these places encounter landscapes full of contrast. Limestone cliffs meet sand dunes, green oases emerge suddenly from dry land, and coastal areas support their own ecosystems. Those who explore these regions learn not just about nature, but also how people have lived and worked here for many centuries.
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