Frequently Asked Questions

You can book a multi-day guided tour, drive a rental car, or take the direct Supratours bus. The bus journey takes approximately 12.5 hours. Driving directly takes 9 to 10 hours.

Erg Chebbi is Morocco's most accessible desert destination, featuring taller dunes reaching 150 meters. Read more in our guide: Chebbi or Chigaga?.

The dunes in Erg Chebbi reach heights of up to 150 meters above the surrounding rocky gravel plain. The Grand Dune is the tallest peak in the area.

Pack layers. Bring a warm fleece for cold nights, which can drop to 0°C (32°F) in winter. You also need sunglasses, closed-toe shoes, and a lightweight scarf for sun and sand protection. See Desert Packing Guide.

Yes, summer midday temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F). Most tours and camps limit activities during the summer months due to the extreme heat.

Yes, the vast stargazing opportunities are excellent. Deep desert camps have minimal light pollution, making the Milky Way visible on clear, moonless nights.

No. Drones are 100% illegal in Morocco for national security reasons. Security officials will confiscate them at the airport.

Merzouga is the gateway village where roads end and hotels are located. Erg Chebbi is the actual 28-kilometer stretch of sand dunes immediately adjacent to the town.

Prices start around $136 for a 3-day guided trip from Marrakech. Local overnight excursions from Merzouga start near $56. See Tickets for comparisons.

Luxury camps offer private flush toilets and hot showers. Standard nomad camps provide basic, shared facilities. See Luxury Desert Camps for details.

Trekking from the edge of Merzouga to a deep desert camp usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Your guide will time the ride to coincide with sunset.

You can drive a standard car to Merzouga on paved roads. However, you need a high-clearance 4x4 and extensive experience to drive off-road into the sand dunes.