The small Saharan oasis of
Merzouga, much damaged by
floods in 2006, is famous for
its location at the foot of the
Erg Chebbi Dunes. These
photogenic dunes, which rise
up out of the stony, sandy
desert, extend for 30 km
(19 miles), and reach a
maximum height of 250 m
(820 ft). At sunrise or dusk,
the half-light gives the sand
a fascinating range of colours.
Although they are nearer
to Rissani, Merzouga and the
Erg Chebbi dunes are easier
to reach from Erfoud. The
services of a guide are not
necessary, except when high
winds whip up the sand.
From Erfoud, going in the
direction of Taouz, the
metalled road degenerates
into a track after 16 km
(10 miles). Beyond the
Auberge Derkaoua, visitors
should follow the line of
telegraph poles. The
dunes come into
view on the left. At
Merzouga, camel
drivers offer onehour to two-day
tours of the dunes.
Dayet Srji, a small
lake west of the
village, sometimes
fills with water
during the winter,
after sudden rainfall.
It attracts hundreds
of pink flamingoes,
storks and other
