Sandboarding & Stargazing in Erg Chebbi

This evening session is for travellers in Merzouga who want an easy, active few hours on the dunes without staying overnight at a camp. It suits families, friends and anyone curious about the night sky, and no experience is needed for either sandboarding or stargazing.

Sandboarding at golden hour

We meet you at our base in Merzouga about two hours before sunset and walk or drive a few minutes to a group of dunes with long, smooth slopes. After a short demonstration, you try the board sitting down first, then standing if you feel confident. Sand is slower than snow, so falls are soft, and the only hard part is walking back up. We bring several board sizes and a sledge-style board for younger children.

Sunset from the ridge

As the light gets low, we climb to a high ridge to watch the sun go down over the dunes. We serve mint tea and dates on the sand, and there is time for photos while the shadows stretch across Erg Chebbi.

Stargazing in the Sahara

When it gets dark, the reason people travel so far becomes clear. Merzouga has very little artificial light, and on a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Our guide uses a laser pointer to show you the main constellations, the planets visible that season and how desert travellers found north using the Pole Star. We lay out blankets so you can simply lie back and watch for shooting stars.

Honest notes on the sky

The number of stars you see depends on the moon. Around full moon, the dunes are beautifully lit but fainter stars disappear, so if stargazing is your priority, ask us which dates fall near the new moon. Dust in the air, more common in spring, can also reduce visibility. Evenings in winter can drop to near freezing, so bring a warm jacket; we bring extra blankets.

We return to our base about an hour after sunset. If you want to spend the whole night under the stars instead, book our overnight camel trek and desert camp in Merzouga, where sandboards are also available.