SAHARA EXPLORE

Dunes & play

Sandboarding in Morocco’s Sahara

Sandboarding is a simple dune activity best added to an existing desert stay, with the slope, board and timing chosen for current conditions.

At a glance

Typical duration
Usually 30–60 minutes
Best for
Active travelers and families after supervision check
Where
Erg Chigaga, Erg Lihoudi and Erg Chebbi
Format
Private and route-dependent

Why it matters

Sandboarding is simple, physical and entirely optional.

Sandboarding is a simple dune activity best added to an existing desert stay, with the slope, board and timing chosen for current conditions.

Why choose it

Why a short dune session is usually enough.

What makes it worthwhile

Enjoy a playful activity without needing a separate motorized excursion.

Local context

Learn where climbing and sliding cause the least disturbance.

A realistic pace

Take turns and rest; repeated dune climbs are physically demanding.

How it fits your route

Combine it with a camp stay rather than adding a long transfer.

Local perspective

Check heat, dune conditions and suitability first.

What changes the experience

Start with the conditions that actually change the activity.

The climb is the real effort

Sliding is brief; climbing loose sand repeatedly is demanding. Start with one manageable dune, pause between runs and stop before heat or fatigue affects balance.

A camp add-on, not a reason for extra driving

Boards vary in design and condition. Sandboarding works best when equipment is already available at the camp and a team member can identify a safe slope away from camel and vehicle lines.

Experience flow

What usually happens on the day.

Arrival and briefing

A camp team selects a suitable slope and checks the board.

Begin the activity

Receive basic stance and stopping guidance.

Main experience

Start on a gentle line and increase only when comfortable.

Finish and continue

Return the board and continue with the camp program.

Plan well

Details to confirm before you book.

Suitability

Requires balance and a climb back up loose sand.

Season and timing

Avoid midday summer heat and strong wind.

What is confirmed

Board availability and inclusion must be confirmed.

Respectful participation

Stay away from animals, walkers and vehicle tracks.

What to bring

Bring what the day actually needs.

Participate responsibly

Use an already disturbed slope, carry equipment back and never leave broken boards or litter in the dunes.

Experience questions

Questions to ask before confirming

Is it included at camp?

Often at selected stays, but only the proposal confirms it.

Do I need experience?

No; begin on a gentle slope with guidance.

Is it safe for children?

Suitability depends on age, balance, slope and supervision.

Can we do it in summer?

Only at safe cooler hours if conditions allow.

Continue planning

Routes where sandboarding can be added easily.

Where to experience it

The far Sahara

Vast, untamed dunes reached only by 4×4—the Sahara at its most elemental.

Best October–April

Golden dunes

Morocco’s most iconic dune landscape, with sunrise camel rides and accessible desert camps.

Eastern Sahara

Gateway to the desert

A frontier oasis where the paved road ends and Saharan journeys begin.

Zagora Province

Journeys that fit

Short escape

M’hamid · Erg Lihoudi

A beautifully paced introduction to the Sahara with camel trekking, campfire music and dune silence.

3 days · From Marrakech · from €450

Desert

Marrakech · Erg Chigaga

Cross the High Atlas, follow the Draa Valley and spend two unhurried nights beside Morocco’s wildest dunes.

4 days · Private 4×4 · from €595

Family

Morocco · Family

A child-friendly route balancing short drives, hands-on culture, pools, wildlife, camel rides and room to rest.

10 days · Family private tour · from €1,820

Useful planning guides

Family guide

How to plan drive times, stays, food and experiences for a relaxed private family journey.

13 min read

Tailor-made in Morocco

Add it only where it fits the route.

Tell us your dates, group and any health, mobility or dietary needs. We’ll confirm the exact place, timing, provider and inclusions before you book.

Adding sandboarding to a desert stay?

Keep it short and check the conditions.

Tell us the group’s ages and desert location. We’ll confirm whether equipment and a suitable dune are available.