Last Updated on January 31, 2023
Morocco has many incredible deserts to offer, so the popularity of sandboarding as a recreational activity does not come as a surprise. You can surf on sand dunes in the majestic Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga – two major sand seas of the Sahara Desert.
The best dunes for sandboarding are located in the southern area, the Timlalin Sand Dunes in Tamri village near Taghazout and Merzouga (close to the border with Algeria), but another popular spot is located just north of Agadir on the west coast, and not too far from Marrakech, and also .
Sandboarding in Morocco
Timlalin Sand Dunes – Agadir
About a hour north of Agadir, the Timlalin dunes near Taboga Beach let you experience the thrill of sandboarding near the coast of Morocco, with the desert just next to the ocean!
The dunes are not as majestic as those of the inland Sahara desert but still very enjoyable for a ride and offer stunning views of the beach. This is also the most easily accessible location from Marrakech and Casablanca, and you get easily get there on your own with a car as you won’t have to venture into the desert wilderness.
Getting there
From Marrakech
It takes about 3 hours to drive from Marrakech to Agadir, plus another half a hour drive from there to reach the dunes.
From Casablanca
The journey from Casablanca to Agadir (passing through Marrakech) takes almost 5 hours by car. It then takes an additional 30 minutes to reach the dunes.
Recommended tours
Erg Chebbi Dunes – Merzouga
If you are looking for a sand surfing experience in the Sahara Desert, head to Merzouga.
Sandboarding is one of the main tourist attractions and there are plenty of tours that will take you on an excursion to the Erg Chebbi sand sea where you can glide down golden dunes of smooth, golden sand. You can reach the Merzouga desert also from Marrakech or Fes by bus (Supratours).
Getting there
From Marrakech
Getting to Merzouga from Marrakech can take 10 hours or more by car or public transport, driving through the desert. Public transport options are also available, a bus ride takes around 12.5 hours.
Recommended tours
Erg Chigaga Dunes – Ouarzazate
The remote settlement of Ouarzazate, often known as “The Door of the Desert”, and one of the most beautiful desert towns in the world, is located south of the High Atlas Mountains.
The neighboring Erg Chigaga is the Sahara Desert’s largest and most authentic sand sea: it is less accessible than the Erg Chebbi, but it has a raw, untamed, almost romantic reputation. You can sandboard down the high dunes in Erg Chigaga by joining a tour from Ouarzazate.
Getting there
From Marrakech
The journey from Marrakech to Ouzarzate takes around 4-4.30 hours by car. There are also public transport options via bus.
Recommended Tours
Video: Sandboarding in Tamri, Taghazout, Morocco
Sandboarding in Africa
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