Erg Chebbi Sahara Loop — Erfoud to MerzougaDunes.
Distance
130 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
200 m
Erg Chebbi Sahara Loop — Erfoud to Merzouga Dunes.
A day loop from Erfoud through the medieval caravan town of Rissani to the orange Erg Chebbi dunes — the largest sand sea in Morocco, rising 150m from a black hammada plain. The route includes the Gnawa music village of Khamlia and the date-palm oasis of Hassi Labied. Best ridden October to April. Avoid summer when ground temperatures exceed 50C.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance130 km
Days1
Total climb200 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
ErfoudStart · Start in Erfoud. The N13 south to Merzouga is one of the loneliest paved roads in Morocco. Carry water — daytime summer temperatures exceed 45C.
RissaniScenic Point · Founded as Sijilmassa in 757 AD, the medieval gateway for trans-Saharan caravans bringing gold and salt to Fez. The covered Monday-Thursday-Sunday souk still trades dates and camels.
Erg Chebbi Eastern DunesPhoto Spot · The 150m-high orange dunes of Erg Chebbi rising from a black hammada plateau. Best photographed under raking morning light from the eastern piste before the sun is overhead.
Merzouga VillageScenic Point · Merzouga sits at the dunes western edge. Last fuel for the loop. Asphalt ends here and pistes begin if you intend to circle the erg.
KhamliaScenic Point · Black Berber village of Gnawa families descended from sub-Saharan slaves. Free Gnawa music sessions every afternoon — small donation to the musicians is courteous.
Hassi LabiedScenic Point · Date-palm oasis village clinging to the dunes western flank. Berber families run dune camps here for camel sunrise rides.
ErfoudEnd · Return to Erfoud via N13. The 50km piste shortcut between Merzouga and Erfoud is faster but is rutted soft sand — only attempt with a competent dual-sport bike.
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