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Adventure activity · Erg Chebbi, Merzouga
Sandboarding the Erg Chebbi Dunes
One of the most underrated things you can do in the Sahara — and you do not need any experience to do it. Here is everything you need: which dune, what to rent, what it costs, and when to go.
Omar Benali· Sahara & Southern Routes Editor
A former desert driver turned writer, Omar has guided and travelled the routes from Ouarzazate to Merzouga and Zagora for years. He writes about the Sahara, kasbah roads and the Draa and Dades valleys. Ouarzazate · 14+ years covering Morocco
Published 27 July 2024 Last updated 2 April 2026
Sandboarding at Merzouga is exactly what it sounds like — riding a board down the face of a Sahara dune — but the reality is better than the concept. The Erg Chebbi dunes rise up to 150 metres above the desert floor, which gives you long, fast descents on a surface that is far more forgiving than snow. Falls are soft. Climbs are genuinely hard work. The view from the top, with nothing but orange sand and sky in every direction, is worth it even before you push off.
Most visitors to Merzouga stick to camel trekking, which is wonderful but unhurried. Sandboarding adds speed and physicality to the same landscape. You can do both in a single afternoon if you time it right — board down for an hour before sunset, then swap to a camel for the slow ride back to camp as the sky turns red.
The logistics are simple. Every guesthouse and desert camp along the Merzouga dune road can arrange board rental and point you toward the right face. A private guided excursion takes the guesswork out entirely: a guide leads you to the steepest rideable slip face, carries the boards up the first time, and keeps the session moving efficiently so you spend more time sliding than walking.
Best timing
Sunrise or late afternoon
Guided excursion from
~200–400 MAD pp (indicative)
Suitable for
All fitness levels · kids welcome
How to Go Sandboarding at Merzouga
A private guided excursion is the easiest option — it handles transport, board quality, and dune selection. But independent arrangements work fine too. Here is the step-by-step either way.
1. Choose your timing
Sunrise is the gold standard: the sand surface is firm after a cool night, air temperatures are tolerable, and the light is extraordinary. Late afternoon (from about 4 pm) is the second-best window — the surface softens mid-afternoon but cools again and the low sun makes for dramatic photos. Avoid 11 am–3 pm in any season; the surface bakes hard and the heat is brutal.
2. Get to the dune
Most sandboarding sessions start from the edge of Merzouga village or from your desert camp. You walk, ride a camel, or take a short 4x4 transfer (10–20 minutes) to reach the base of the Erg Chebbi slip face. If you are with a private guide, they will take you to the steepest, smoothest section — not the gentle tourist-facing dune near the car park.
3. Rent the right board
Ask for a laminate board with foot straps if you want to stand up. A basic plywood board works fine for seated or crouching runs. Check that the base is smooth and not too badly scratched — deep grooves slow you down significantly. A quick wax (surfboard wax or candle wax) on the base before the first run makes a visible difference.
4. First run: sit down
Even experienced snowboarders should take the first dune descent seated, facing downhill with feet forward. It lets you gauge the gradient, the speed, and how to brake (lean back and dig your heels into the sand). Once you are comfortable with the surface, standing runs on shallower sections are straightforward for most people.
5. Climb back up and repeat
This is the hard part. A 100-metre dune face takes 10–15 minutes to climb in soft sand, and most people are surprised by how exhausting it is. Pace yourself, zigzag rather than going straight up, and take two or three runs per session rather than burning out on the first. Bring 1.5 litres of water minimum.
The Erg Chebbi dunes rise to 150 m — serious height for a serious descent.
Six Things That Make the Difference
Go at sunrise
Sand is firm and cool in the first two hours of daylight — the fastest and safest runs of the day.
Negotiate bundles
Combining sandboarding with a camel trek or desert camp overnight cuts the per-activity cost significantly.
Dress for it
Long trousers protect knees during falls; closed shoes stop sand from packing in (flip-flops stay behind).
Watch the wind
Strong wind (common March–May) blasts sand into eyes and slows the board. A buff or scarf is essential.
Wax the base
A pass of surfboard or candle wax on the bottom of your board adds real speed on a warm afternoon surface.
Start seated
First run seated facing downhill — it is the safest way to gauge dune gradient and build confidence before standing.
Sandboarding vs Quad Biking at Merzouga
Both are booked through the same operators and cover the same dunes — the choice comes down to what kind of experience you want.
| Factor | Sandboarding | Quad Biking |
|---|---|---|
| Noise level | Silent | Loud engine throughout |
| Physical effort | High (climbing back up) | Low (engine does the work) |
| Atmosphere | Immersive, peaceful | Energetic, adrenaline-focused |
| Cost (indicative) | 200–400 MAD guided | 300–600 MAD 1–2 hrs |
| Best time of day | Sunrise or late afternoon | Late afternoon (cooler) |
| Suitable for kids? | Yes (sitting runs) | Usually 12+ and adult supervision |
Prices are indicative and subject to negotiation; private tours usually bundle activities at better rates than walk-up prices.
Best Time to Go and What to Bring
Best Months
- October – November: Warm days, mild dunes, ideal surface — the sweet spot.
- December – February: Cold nights, crisp mornings; the sand firms up beautifully.
- March – April: Good, but spring winds can make it sandier than you expect.
- May – September: Workable early morning only; midday heat above 40 °C is dangerous.
What to Bring
- Closed shoes or trainers (not flip-flops)
- Long trousers — protects knees in a tumble
- Buff or scarf to cover face in wind
- Sunglasses with side coverage
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — reflection off sand is intense
- Surfboard or candle wax for the board base
Merzouga Sandboarding FAQs
Can you go sandboarding at Merzouga?
Yes — sandboarding is one of the most popular add-on activities at Merzouga, alongside camel trekking and quad biking. Most guesthouses and camp operators in the village can arrange board rental and guide you to a rideable dune. The Erg Chebbi dunes reach up to 150 metres, which gives you long, fast descents when conditions are right. You do not need to book far in advance; same-day arrangements are usually possible between October and April.
How much does sandboarding cost in Merzouga?
Board rental typically runs 50–120 MAD per hour (roughly $5–12 USD, indicative). A half-day guided sandboarding excursion — which includes transport to the dune by camel or 4x4, use of boards, and a guide — generally costs 200–400 MAD per person (around $20–40 USD, indicative). Prices are negotiable if you are visiting with a private tour operator. Bundling sandboarding with a camel sunset trek or a desert overnight is usually better value than booking each separately.
Do I need experience to go sandboarding in the Sahara?
No experience is necessary. Sandboarding is beginner-friendly: the sand is forgiving compared to snow, you can sit, crouch or stand depending on your confidence, and falls are soft. The only real challenge is climbing back up after each run — the steep Erg Chebbi dunes are genuinely hard work in the heat, so pace yourself, drink water, and go early in the morning when the sand is firm and cooler. Most visitors manage several runs within an hour.
What is the best dune for sandboarding near Merzouga?
The northern flank of Erg Chebbi, accessed via Merzouga village or the Auberge Kasbah area, offers the tallest and steepest faces — some over 100 metres drop. Guides tend to take sandboarders to the slip face (the leeward side) because the wind keeps it smooth and free of wind ripples. Avoid the windward (north-facing) side, which is firmer and slower. Arrive early morning for the best surface: midday sun bakes the top layer, slowing you down considerably.
Can I rent a sandboard in Merzouga?
Yes. Most desert camp operators and guesthouses along the Merzouga dune road keep a stock of plywood or laminate sandboards for hire. Quality varies — plywood boards slide adequately but professional laminate boards with foot straps are noticeably faster and safer for standing. If you plan to do more than one session, ask specifically for a board with foot straps. Bring your own wax (surfboard wax works) if you want the fastest surface; locals sometimes use candle wax on the base.
Is sandboarding better than quad biking in Merzouga?
They offer different things. Sandboarding is physical, silent, and intimate — it is just you and the dune. Quad biking covers more ground faster and gives an adrenaline rush, but the noise and exhaust are hard to ignore in the desert. Sandboarding fits better with a camel trek or a sunrise hike because it does not disturb the atmosphere. Quad biking works well as a standalone afternoon activity for those who want speed. If you have time, do both — many private tours bundle them into a half-day desert programme.
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