The Erg Chebbi dunes near Rissani offer a camel trekking experience that strikes a perfect balance between adventure and practicality. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the vast golden ridges come alive with shifting shadows and glowing amber hues, inviting travelers to engage with a desert fiercely itself. Mounted atop steady camels, you traverse soft sand that yields beneath each step, feeling the dunes’ silent rhythms pulse beneath you.

This trek typically covers around 12 to 15 kilometers at a gentle pace, with donkeys and camels negotiating the terrain’s natural rises and falls. The dunes rise up to about 150 meters, sculpted by dry winds that still dare you to navigate their cascading slopes carefully. The ride is steady but requires a degree of balance and respect for the animal’s gait.

Starting late afternoon is crucial. The desert heat begins to abate, and the sky transforms in a display of colors shifting from harsh white light to warm oranges, reds, and deep purples. Carrying sufficient water—at least two liters per person—is essential, as the sun still commands authority even as it bows out. Closed, sturdy footwear works best; the sand remains hot long after sunset moments.

The landscape breathes as you move: the dunes seem to lean in and whisper stories of ancient trade routes and nomadic resilience. The camels, patient and sure-footed, become trusted partners in this journey through a desert that flows and settles with the wind’s will.

Evening temperatures can drop swiftly once the sun sets behind the dunes, so layer your clothing thoughtfully. Many tours conclude with an overnight stay at a Berber camp, where the open sky turns into a sprawling canvas of stars rarely dimmed by city lights.

Prepare for a moderately paced adventure requiring some physical stamina, especially if you choose to dismount and explore on foot. This trek offers a deep connection to Morocco’s desert landscape, combining vivid sensory experiences with the practical skills needed to navigate a terrain always shifting yet reliably demanding.