Sandboarding in Merzouga:Sliding Down the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Sitting or standing: how does the descent work?

The principle borrows from snowboarding or sledging, applied to sand: a waxed board, a dune slope, and a descent that rarely lasts more than a few seconds.

You climb to the top of a dune chosen for its even gradient, sit or stand depending on your comfort, and let yourself slide.

The vast majority of travellers opt for the seated position, sled-style, which is more stable and accessible without prior experience, while the standing position requires a bit more balance, closer to surfing or snowboarding.

Where can you go sandboarding in Merzouga?

There is no need to venture deep into Erg Chebbi to find a good slope: the dunes accessible within a few minutes' walk of the village hotels already offer enough height for fun, with fine sand ideal for sliding.

The desert camps in the heart of the dunes offer even more direct access to the best slopes, without having to walk far from the camp.

How much does it cost to hire a sandboard?

Many camps, whether budget or higher-end, make a few boards available to their guests free of charge in the evening, as a complement to dinner and the desert camp.

Is sandboarding difficult?

The only real constraint is physical: climbing back up a dune of loose sand takes more effort than walking on solid ground.

Bring water and take regular breaks between runs, especially in the full heat.

Unlike water skiing, the board itself needs no complex setup: a smooth base is enough to glide on sand. On very hot or dry sand, applying a little wax or vegetable oil under the board noticeably improves the slide — a trick well known to regulars of the dunes, from the Sahara to the Peruvian Andes.

When is the best time to go sandboarding?

Many travellers combine their sandboarding session with sunset on Erg Chebbi, sliding one last time before the light fades completely over the dunes.

These cooler time slots match the climate recommendations published by the Moroccan National Tourist Office (visitmorocco.com) for physical activities in the southern desert.

Who is this activity for?

Sandboarding is well suited to slightly older children and adults in reasonable physical shape.

For very young children or people who prefer to avoid the effort of repeated climbs, a simple walk on the dunes at sunset remains a calmer and equally memorable alternative.

Equipment-wise, closed shoes are recommended for the climb, even though the descent is often done barefoot: sand heated during the day can quickly become uncomfortable under thin-soled shoes on a slope you have to climb.