Sandboarding in the Dunes

What it is

Sandboarding is riding down a dune standing on a board, as on snow, or sitting or lying down if it is your first time. In Erg Chebbi the dunes reach about 150 metres and the sand is fine and loose, so there are slopes for every level a few steps from any camp. There are no lifts: each run is paid for with a walk back up, and that is what limits how many you do.

Who offers it and what it costs

Almost all the camps in Erg Chebbi have boards for their guests and lend them for free or for a little money, and many excursions with a night in camp include it. On the edge of the dunes they also rent out boards separately; guides cite about 50 dirhams per board, but that figure is of uncertain date. Ask when booking the camp whether they have boards and whether they are included, and at your Merzouga hotel, such as the Kasbah Mohayut or the Auberge Derkaoua, whether they lend them.

The camps' boards are usually basic, sometimes without proper bindings, and are waxed with a candle or a piece of wax so they slide better. Do not expect snowboard-shop equipment.

How it is done

Choose a slope with a uniform gradient and no drops at the end. The leeward faces, the steepest on the dune, are the best to ride. If you have never snowboarded, start sitting or lying face down with your feet behind: it is easy and very fast. Standing, turn sideways as in snowboarding, with your weight slightly back, and let the board run. Falling on sand does not hurt, but it gets everywhere.

Each climb takes effort: the sand gives way at every step. Climb along the crest, where it is firmer, with the board under your arm. With three or four runs on a medium dune your legs will be heavy. Allow an hour.

When

Late in the afternoon, on arriving at the camp, or first thing in the morning, after the sunrise from a dune. At midday the sand burns and the heat is exhausting, especially from June to August, when it often exceeds 40 °C. In spring and autumn the conditions are best. In a strong sandstorm, leave it for another time: you cannot see the slope and the sand hits your face.

What to bring

Sunglasses or ski goggles for the sand, a scarf for your mouth and nose, water, sun cream and clothes that can fill with sand. Leave your phone at the camp or keep it in a sealed bag: fine sand ruins cameras and phones. Ride barefoot or in socks; trainers fill with sand straight away.

With children and teenagers

For teenagers it is usually the best thing about the stay in the dunes. Children enjoy it sitting on the board, on short slopes and with an adult at the bottom to brake. Make sure they do not slide towards other people or the camp, and that they do not climb big dunes alone. It is a good way to round off the sunset camel ride before dinner.