Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Most hotels offer excursions into the dunes, ranging from Dh100 to Dh250 for two-hour
sunrise or sunset camel treks. Overnight trips usually include a bed in a Berber tent, din-
ner and breakfast, and range from Dh300 to Dh650 per person. Outings in a 4WD are
more expensive: up to Dh1200 per day for a car taking up to five passengers. Invasive
quads (dune buggies), which level dunes and disturb residents and wildlife, are not recom-
mended.
If you show up in town unaccompanied by a guide or a dromedary, you can anticipate
repeated offers of both. Try to keep it in perspective, since getting by in the desert is no-
toriously tough. If you feel pressured, step away from the interaction.
Erg Chebbi
Shape-shifting over 28km from north to south and reaching heights of 160m, Erg Chebbi
may be modest compared with the great sand seas of Algeria, Libya and Namibia, but it is
extraordinarily scenic. The rose gold dunes rise dramatically above a pancake-flat, black
hammada
and glow stunning shades of orange, pink and purple as the afternoon sun des-
cends.
SAND DUNES
Lac Tamezguida
At the southern end of Erg Chebbi, between November and May, you'll find the seasonal
lake of Tamezguida (also known as Lac de Merzouga or Dayet Sriji). This is perhaps the
best area in Morocco for spotting many desert birds, including Egyptian nightjars, desert
warblers, fulvous babblers and blue-cheeked bee-eaters. Sometimes, in good years, the
lake even attracts flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds.
BIRD-WATCHING
Sleeping & Eating
Many hotels are reached by
pistes
that run 1km or more east off the N13 tarmac road.
Since they're strung out over 5km between the village of Hassi Labied to the north and
Merzouga to the south, book in advance and find out the exact location of your hotel. At
most places you can sleep on a terrace mattress or in a Berber tent for Dh30 to Dh50 per
person. Bring warm clothing for overnight trips in desert bivouacs as it can get very cold.
Hassi Labied
Auberge Camping Sahara
INN, CAMPGROUND
€
