In this guide
Sandboarding in Merzouga means sliding down the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of which rise more than 100 metres, on a waxed board, either standing like a snowboard or sitting. Most desert camps lend boards for free or for a small fee, and a private half-day 4x4 drive with sandboarding typically costs around €35–60 per person depending on group size.
Why Erg Chebbi is good for sandboarding
Erg Chebbi, the sea of dunes beside Merzouga, stretches about 22 km north to south and up to 5 km wide. The tallest dunes reach around 150 metres above the surrounding plain. The sand is fine and orange, and the steep slip faces on the lee side of the dunes are ideal for boarding. Unlike in the small dune fields near Zagora, you can pick a slope to match your nerve: a 15-metre practice run near camp, or a long, fast descent from a high crest.
How sandboarding works
The boards
Camp boards are usually simple wooden or old snowboards with basic foot straps. The base is rubbed with wax (sometimes a candle) before each run so it glides. Nobody expects technique; if you ski or snowboard you will pick it up in a few runs, and if you do not, sitting or lying on the board is just as much fun.
Standing vs sitting
- Standing: feet in the straps, weight slightly back, lean gently to turn. Sand is slower than snow, so you need a steep slope.
- Sitting: hold the front edge and dig your heels in to brake. Easiest option for children and first-timers.
- Lying on your stomach: the fastest way down. Keep your chin up and your mouth closed.
The hard part: walking back up
There are no lifts. Climbing a steep dune in soft sand takes effort; a 50-metre slope can take 10–15 minutes. Walk along the ridge rather than straight up the face, and step in the footprints of the person in front. Two or three good runs is often enough for most people.
Sandboarding Merzouga style: a typical session
A relaxed session looks like this: you walk ten minutes from camp to a steep slip face, your guide waxes the board, you try a sitting run first, then a standing one, and you finish on the ridge for tea and the view. Allow around 1 to 1.5 hours. Nobody times you, and there is no pressure to go higher than you want.
Best time of day and year
Go early morning or in the last two hours before sunset. At midday from May to September the sand can exceed 60°C and the glare is intense. October to April is the most comfortable season, though winter mornings can be chilly and the sand is slower when it is damp after rare rain. Wind is the other factor: on gusty days, sand in the face makes it less fun, so a scarf and sunglasses help.
What a 4x4 dune drive around Merzouga includes
A half-day 4x4 excursion is the usual way to combine sandboarding with the wider area. It typically lasts 3–4 hours, and a private jeep with a local driver-guide is the norm. Typical stops:
- Dune driving along the edge of Erg Chebbi, where the driver takes the vehicle over the lower dunes (not the high, fragile ones).
- A sandboarding stop on a steep slope, with boards supplied.
- Khamlia village for tea and Gnawa music; read our Khamlia and Gnawa music guide for how visits work.
- A nomad family's tent on the plain, if a family is camped nearby and happy to receive guests.
- Dayet Srji, a seasonal lake west of the dunes that holds water only after good winter rains, sometimes with flamingos.
- Old mining areas and fossil beds on the stony hamada, where the black rock is full of fossils.
Prices: what to expect
| Activity | Typical price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sandboard at a camp | Free to 50 MAD (€0–5) | Often included for camp guests |
| Private half-day 4x4 with sandboarding | €35–60 per person | Lower per person in groups of 4–6 |
| Quad bike, 1 hour | 350–600 MAD (€32–55) | Guide rides with you |
| Dune buggy, 1 hour | 700–1,200 MAD (€65–110) | For two people per buggy |
Prices shift with season and fuel costs, so treat these as ranges. Always confirm what is included: fuel, helmets, water and hotel pickup.
Safety tips we give our guests
- Check the bottom of the slope is clear before you go; no people, rocks or vehicle tracks crossing.
- Do not board down the steep face at night or alone.
- Carry at least 1 litre of water per person, even for a short outing.
- If you ride a quad or buggy, wear the helmet and follow the guide's line; dune crests can hide sharp drops.
- Keep phones in a zipped pocket. Sand gets into everything, including ports.
Respecting the dunes
Motor vehicles are part of life here, but the high dunes and camp areas deserve some care. We ask drivers to stay on established tracks on the lower dunes, keep away from camps and nomad tents, and take all rubbish back. If you want the quiet side of the desert too, a camel ride at sunset is the natural counterpart; see our first camel trek guide.
Quick FAQ
Is sandboarding in Merzouga suitable for kids?
Yes, sitting down on a small slope is ideal for children from about 5 or 6. Keep them on gentle runs and help them with the climb back up.
Do I need to book sandboarding in advance?
Not usually. If you are staying in a camp, boards are there. For a 4x4 excursion, it is best to arrange it the day before, or include it in your tour.
Can I sandboard near Marrakech?
The Agafay "desert" near Marrakech is rocky, with no real dunes. For sandboarding you need the Sahara dunes at Merzouga or, on a smaller scale, near Zagora.
Add dunes and adrenaline to your trip
Our 4-day Sahara and kasbahs loop from Marrakech (from €260 per person) gives you time in the Merzouga dunes, and because itineraries are customisable we can add a 4x4 drive and sandboarding session. Pickup from your riad in Marrakech is free. Browse all our desert journeys, then send us a WhatsApp message with your dates; there is no online prepayment.
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