The dunes of Merzouga

Merzouga: Erg Chebbi is a dune field of about 22 Km from north to south and about 5 Km from east to west at the widest point. The highest dune, 884 m, is in the north. Among the dunes there are several oasis and you can easily get water just by digging a little. The trip to the oasis starts with a long route by road which is an experience itself geographically speaking, and also because of the numerous stops to cool down and get in contact with the people.

Itineraries:
1. A night amongst the Merzouga Dunes

We went past the spectacular palm-area of Tinerhir wich spreads along 20 Km just like an undulating river, past the many shops where marine fossils from different quarries can be bought, then Erfoud, the doorstep to the dunes of Merzouga. It was getting late and dark. The dromedars were waiting for us to take us to our tent (haima) and spend the night there. After an hour swinging in the dromedars, going up and down the dunes and watching the sunset, we saw a little oasis with several palm trees and our haima, all lit by boufires here and there. A view that reminded us of biblical scenes.

Lahcen and Mohamed made some delicious "tajine" and proved to be excellent storytellers whose stories sounded magical in that night at the desert while having a cup of tea.

We spent the night lying on the sand, feeling the peaceful atmosphere, till dawn. Then everyone started walking around in different directions, hypnotised by the look of the dunes in the morning light, the palm trees deeply rooted in such hostile surroundings, the nomadic family in their tent with their cattle on one of the sides. A living postcard.

Before the weather would get too hot and after picking up our things, we set off for the village, amazed by the look of the dromedars walking along the fine line shaped by the Merzouga dunes.