Quick answer: Sandboarding in the Sahara means sliding down steep dunes on a board, either standing like a snowboarder or sitting or lying on it like a sled. In Erg Chebbi near Merzouga it needs no experience, boards are provided, and the best time is late afternoon when the sand has cooled. The hardest part is walking back up the dune.
Sandboarding is one of the simplest pleasures in the desert and one of our favourite ways to see guests laughing. There are no lifts, no queues and no expensive gear; just a board, a big dune and a lot of soft sand to fall into. Here is how to enjoy it, even if you have never stood on a snowboard.
Why Erg Chebbi is great for sandboarding
The dunes of Erg Chebbi rise to around 150 metres, and many have long, smooth, steep faces on their sheltered side, called the slip face. These slopes are ideal: steep enough to get moving, with soft sand at the bottom. Because the dunes lie right next to Merzouga and Hassilabied, you can reach good slopes within minutes from most camps and auberges.
Three ways to ride
Sitting (sand sledding)
The easiest option and perfect for children and first-timers. Sit on the board, hold the front edge, lean back slightly and push off. Steer by leaning and dragging your hands or heels.
Lying on your stomach
Faster and more thrilling. Lie head-first with your elbows up, hold the sides and keep your feet slightly raised. Only do this on smooth slopes with a clear run-out, and never head-first towards anything.
Standing
This is sandboarding proper, similar to snowboarding. The boards usually have simple foot straps. Start sideways on a gentle part of the slope, keep your knees bent and weight slightly on the back foot, and look where you want to go. Sand is slower than snow, so you rarely go very fast, but it is also less forgiving of turns.
Technique tips for beginners
- Wax the board before each run. We rub candle wax on the base; it makes a surprising difference.
- Choose steep, smooth faces. Gentle slopes simply do not move on sand.
- Lean back more than you think. Leaning forward digs the nose into the sand.
- Keep it straight on your first runs, then try gentle turns.
- Fall on purpose if you lose control; sit back into the sand rather than trying to save it.
The climb back up
Every thrilling descent means a hard climb. Walking up soft sand is tiring: your feet sink and slide back. Walk along the dune ridge rather than straight up the slip face, take small steps, and rest often. Most people manage somewhere between four and ten runs before their legs tell them to stop, which is plenty for a memorable session.
Safety
- Check the slope and run-out before going down; make sure there are no people, rocks or plants at the bottom.
- Go one at a time.
- Avoid lying head-first on very steep or unknown slopes.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses; sand flies up on every run.
- Drink water regularly; the climbs are a real workout.
Best time of day and season
We sandboard in the late afternoon or early morning. At midday, especially from May to September, the sand is too hot to touch and the climb is exhausting. Afternoon sessions have the extra advantage of ending with a sunset. Spring and autumn are perfect; in winter, the sand is cool and pleasant but the wind can be chilly after sunset.
A typical session with us
We usually meet about two hours before sunset, walk or ride a short distance into the dunes to a slope that suits the group, and start with sitting runs so everyone gets a feel for the speed. Those who want to try standing get a quick lesson on stance and balance, and we move to steeper faces as confidence grows. Mint tea and water are never far away, and the session ends on a high ridge watching the sun go down over the sand sea.
What to wear
- Light, loose clothes you do not mind filling with sand
- Bare feet or socks for standing boards; shoes fill up quickly
- A scarf, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Pockets that zip, or leave your phone with a friend at the top
A little background
Sandboarding as a sport grew in places with huge dunes, such as Peru, Namibia and Egypt, and Morocco's ergs have become a natural home for it. In Merzouga, boards are usually simple wooden or composite planks with foot straps, made or maintained locally, rather than high-tech gear. That is part of the charm: this is play, not competition. There is no need to bring your own board, and snowboards are not recommended, because sand damages their bases quickly.
Who can try it?
Almost anyone who can walk up a dune. Children love sitting runs and are usually the first to ask for "one more". Standing runs suit teenagers and adults, and snowboarders or skaters will pick it up quickly. If you have knee or back problems, stick to sitting runs on moderate slopes.
Combine sandboarding with stargazing
After sunset, the dunes turn quiet and the sky over Erg Chebbi fills with stars, with very little light pollution. We love to combine an afternoon of sandboarding with an evening of stargazing on the same dune. Our article on stargazing in the Moroccan Sahara explains what you can see and when.
Looking for more adrenaline? Read our Merzouga quad biking guide. Prefer something slower? Our camel trek guide covers the classic ride to camp.
Try sandboarding with our team
Our sandboarding and stargazing session in Erg Chebbi starts from €35 per person, with boards, wax and a local guide who knows the best slopes. It fits easily into any stay in Merzouga. Get in touch to add it to your trip or to ask about family sessions.
