| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Sandboarding |
Sandboarding Merzouga: Surfing the Sahara’s Golden Waves
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to snowboard on a sea of warm, orange silk, Sandboarding in Merzouga is your answer. Set against the backdrop of the Erg Chebbi dunes—some of which tower over 150 meters—this is one of the most exhilarating and visually stunning sports in Morocco.
Unlike the icy slopes of the Alps, the Sahara offers a "forgiving" terrain where a wipeout usually results in nothing more than a few handfuls of sand in your pockets and a great story to tell.
1. The Experience: Pure Desert Joy
Sandboarding is surprisingly accessible. Whether you are a seasoned pro or have never touched a board in your life, the soft, fine-grained sand of Merzouga makes it easy to learn.
The Sensation: Gliding down a massive dune provides a rush of adrenaline similar to surfing. The sound is different, though—a soft, rhythmic "shhh" as your board carves through the sand.
The Climb: Be prepared—the most challenging part of sandboarding isn't the descent; it's the hike back up! There are no ski lifts in the Sahara, so every ride down is earned with a rewarding (but calf-burning) trek up the dune.
2. When and Where to Go
The Golden Hours: The best time to sandboard is at sunrise or sunset. Not only is the lighting cinematic, but the sand is much cooler. During the midday heat, the sand can become too hot to touch and too "heavy" for a smooth glide.
Pro-Tips for Your Ride
The Wax Factor: Unlike snowboards, sandboards often require a specific wax (or even floor wax) on the base to reduce friction. Many local guides will help you "prep" your board for maximum speed.
Footwear: While some prefer to go barefoot, closed-toe sneakers are recommended to keep the hot sand off your skin and provide better ankle support.
Eyes and Skin: Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from blowing sand, and don’t forget the high-SPF sunscreen. The desert sun reflects off the sand, hitting you from all angles.
Program:
You can take the sand boards with you on the camels or in a 4x4WD when you head into the desert. There once at your camp at one of the largest dune enjoy sliding down the mountain of sand on your board. It is challenging but fun at the same time.
The larger the dune, the longer the ride down.
Sandboarding is a wonderful way to discover the dunes of Merzouga. When booking your tour to Morocco, ask us about the possibility of hiring sand boards.
