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.
During the hottest part of the year, Moroccans come to Erg Chebbi to be buried neck-deep in the hot sand for a few minutes at a time, a treatment they consider effective against rheumatism. It happens on the same dunes where camel treks run.
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