Geographical and Cultural Significance of Erg Chebbi Dunes

Merzouga is the braided river of sand dunes of Erg Chebbi located in southeastern Morocco, about 20 km away from Erfoud, near the Algerian border. It is the only place in Morocco where the dunes are scattered in strips of oases. The dark copper mountains and the elephant toes molded from the sand dunes have ever-changing scenery. The long golden sand belt is especially beautiful and intoxicating under the sun. The tall and slender sand hills rolled up. A few smooth sandy roads of Erg Chebbi run through Erg Chebbi, a dry and wide desert. The northern part of the desert is characterized by the continuous rolling low sand hill and a sophisticated complex of sand peaks. The southern part of the dune area is long and narrow, with a soft sand slope dropping between two mountain ranges of over 200 meters in height.

Erg Chebbi has a distinctive geographical significance. It is an erg, 39 km wide to the east and 4 km to the west. The average height is 100 meters, and the highest is 150 meters. The shifting mountain range borders Morocco and Algeria. Geologists think that the sand comes from the High Atlas Mountains, and the grains are granitic. Over time, the sand moved from the east of Merzouga, with the wind. On the bottom of the sand dunes, there is the contour landscape of the ancient river, the seasonally dry riverbed, and the spring of Talbisha Lake. In the middle of the awning, the plateau slopes down and flows into the Abid River. After about 400 km, it passes through the Tafilalt and then flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The sand dunes move too quickly, but sometimes the sand movement is slow. Under normal circumstances, the last long journey of the sand dunes lasted 50 years. The old ruins of the Rissani city and the ruins of the military base at the gas station form a huge crater, and the inhabitants are rumored to see all this with their own eyes.

2. Geographical Overview

At the northwestern edge of the Saharan Desert, towering over the slumbering city of Merzouga in southeastern Morocco, is a geographical feature that has captivated travelers for centuries. Known as the Erg Chebbi, these large, captivating dunes are located far from the larger expanses of desert and are split off from the rest of the Sahara by a large hammada, or rocky desert plateau. In total, these dunes cover an area of 28 kilometers from north to south and seven kilometers from east to west. The dunes in the middle of this region reach an astonishing elevation of between 160 meters and 330 meters.

Due to Erg Chebbi’s close proximity to civilization, journeying to and from the dunes is easily accomplished via a day-long trek on camel, on foot, or in a four-wheel off-road vehicle. Although the heat can be harsh during the daytime, during all seasons but the hottest part of summer, Erg Chebbi can be an icy, frigid wonderland. A truly incredible experience, to endure life in such near-barren surroundings is to truly come to appreciate the stark beauty of these lands and the enduring spirit of the peoples that live here.

2.1. Location and Coordinates

Erg Chebbi is one of the several ergs around the Sahara Desert. It is 22 Kilometers long and 5 Kilometers wide. Its highest peak is 464 meters high. Tourists often come here to experience the feeling of staying in the middle of the desert, and having a taste of the local Berber tagine and seeing the dazzling view after a short camel ride. The Erg is located just east of Merzouga, which is a small village in the northeast of Morocco, about 35 kilometers from Rissani. It would generally take 8 hours’ drive from Marrakech to Erg Chebbi Dunes, so the best option to travel is to have a group tour from Marrakech or Fes. Local buses are also available, the bus will drop you off at Merzouga, from where you can rent a taxi or be picked up by your tour agency.

In the southeast of Morocco, right in the middle of the Sahara Desert, stretching from northeast to southeast is an extensive field of sand dunes called Erg Chebbi. The desert is always full of mystery and wild-goers always have a thing for deserts. Interestingly, the geographical position, scenic beauty and myths around the sand dunes together make it a tourist attraction. There are some Berber villages near Merzouga. There is also a lake nearby, where Pink Flamingo stops by. Because it is situated at the extreme east of Morocco, it is closer to the border crossings with Algeria. This is why there are often some western travelers who would start their desert trip from the border.

2.2. Geological Formation

The Erg Chebbi dunes have a steady, controlled growth and are formed by wind-blown sand reacting with an obstacle. This strong wind, forcing from the north and northwest, causes the dunes to grow in the direction from the north and northeast. It is a misconception that the massive Saharan winds are solely responsible for the dunes’ growth and shape. A contributing factor is the position of the rocks that are within the dune fields. These trap the fine grains and cause them to pile up around the rock. The orientation of the wind and the size of the sand grains are also contributing factors. The large grains that are bounded by grain size represented by the finest matrix experience a longer transport path over the dune, will attain higher heights and will entrain at a very late stage. These large grains, which are not bound to the matrix, will create the final structure of the dune.

Furthermore, the salt crust in the interdune depressions impedes the sand movement between the dunes. The activity of the coarse grains is highly reduced. The final result of these actions is the formation of a long, steady rolling dune with a relatively great volume of sand. The dune formation in a positive region has a particular directional variation. The prevailing winds and the most downslope aspect are best represented. The result of this selective process is longitudinally elongated dune ridges. The maximum elongation occurs when the mean wind stress is aligned with the larger slope of the cross-dunal blowouts.

2.3. Climate and Weather Patterns

The present study focused on the importance of weather dynamics on the daily sand dune shifting and merging processes. Sand dunes display a variety of scales in size, starting with the wind ripples and then increasing to the larger dune scales such as the simple crescentic dunes with sizes proportional to the largest fetch of influence available. The simple Barchan dune fields are subject to a life cycle which, as opposed to dune-free or complex compound dune terrain, is not determined purely by the underlying geology but by the fact that the morphology depends on effectively one control parameter: the wind speed and the wind direction. Seasonal and local micro-meteorological forcings also modulate the occurrences of the daily dune dynamics cycle. The energy in the saltation layer is fundamentally modulated by the intensity of the near-ground wind speed, which accelerates the sand grains, and the energy acquired is subsequently passed on when the grains collide with other sand grains. Apart from the near-ground wind dynamics, the presence of thermally convective or cloud-induced gusts and low-level atmospheric stability or extreme events caused by dust devils with a steeper pressure and temperature gradient with height are energy sources. The interplay between these driving sources and the response of the saltation layer is determined by the interaction of the wind with the malleable boundary conditions set by the dune’s profile. This linear coupling and non-linear effects back on the boundary conditions can result in the formation of forth or back coupling, or in cases where the feedback cycles are out of phase, a depinning. There is a natural interest in the background exciting properties and characteristics of these driving sources, ranging from seasonal behavior to the local variations in the approximations of the wind and the gust dependency and the thermal effects.

3. Ecological Aspects

The soils of the area are characterized by low levels of organic matter, very low nitrogen levels, and high levels of electrical conductivity and phosphorus. They are not very fertile and are used intensively by the local population. In spring, vegetation consisting of steppe plants and annual grasses is formed, some of which are used for fodder. The local human population during the last 50 years has been deeply affected by the progressive desertification of the area, and the registration of precipitation data and desert winds allows for the detection of the progressive advance of the dunes over the oasis area, which is being used intensely by humans. Prevailing climatic conditions are those of a hot arid desert. The mean temperature is 22.1°C and the mean precipitation is 56 mm, including heavy rains in spring and some days in which the sirocco desert wind raises the aridity quotient to 21.

Erg Chebbi dunes formed during a period of intense regional aridification. However, general climatic conditions associated with factors such as high altitude in the hinterland, prevailing winds, and the great regional discharge in rivers have allowed the oasis to resist desertification and ensure the region’s survival. The oasis has enough water access, using a system of subterranean water and water coming from springs on the piedmont. Agricultural crops and date plantations have been planted in the oasis. The specific characteristics making this oasis stand out include its access to high-quality fruit with excellent organoleptic qualities. These date palms, close to the dunes, are elements characteristic of human populations that have used natural resources for millennia. With the help of their irrigation, they generate the survival of the characteristic ecological oasis species.

3.1. Flora of Erg Chebbi

In desert environments, high temperatures, scarce water, little soil humidity, wide variations in temperature, high levels of evaporation, strong sunlight on clear summer days, poor nutrients, poor life-support capacity, active erosion by wind, sudden floods, and other natural dangers make it extremely difficult for flora to grow. Therefore, desert flora has evolved with various physical characteristics such as long roots, small and few leaves to decrease the speed of evaporation, thorns on leaves and branches to protect the plant, water storage areas in plants, and rapid multiplication for successful reproduction. These durable and resistant plants provide significant contributions to sustain both the continuing existence of the people living in the erg and balance with the geographical structure for a long time. Plants that cover sand dunes are suitable for growing in poor habitats. One of the most notable plants in this category is the nutcracker, which grows at the edges of the vegetative cover. Several of the species that grow in the erg, such as matgrass, porcupine grass, and bristlegrass, have adaptations to withstand water scarcity. Pamcat grass, Chenopodiaceae, and wild radish are the most frequent species in the vegetative cover. These plants grow in the valley bed and are difficult to discard once they have grown in this region.

3.2. Fauna of Erg Chebbi

Although the harsh desert conditions do not support a great number of animals, the dunes are home to a surprisingly varied group of hardy desert animals and plants. Some species of rodents can live their entire lives in the dunes, digging holes that hold in the scant shade and coolness. Several species of desert lizards are common, as are the large monitor lizards, an occasional desert fox, and a variety of other mammals including gerbils. Some birds also make their homes in the sands, including sand grouse, desert warblers, eagles, falcons, and numerous other species. Despite the barren looks of the dunes and the relative lack of water, the local persons know the dunes quite well and can entertain visitors with a variety of stories about the wildlife that abounds in the area.

The Tafilala Mountains jail the Erg on the east and the Boutferda Mountains form the western boundary. The Ziz and the Rhiris pass between these rugged mountains on their way to feed the dunes. Along the Ziz grows a palmery of 10,000 trees, a part of which stretches back into the oasis of Tafilala. The Ziz and Tafilala oases are unique in that every tree was planted by humans, and it is difficult to imagine how such extraordinary beauties and benefits were brought forth in such an environment. The producers of these oases have followed the provisions of an ancient law that requires a family to allow another to plant anywhere that is not improved and then to wait three hundred years before challenging the owner. Such development is a very long-term investment when the trees need to take root before they can ever produce fruit.

3.3. Biodiversity Conservation

With the establishment of the Erg Chebbi dune system as a cultural landscape, it will be protected and conserved for the benefit of the Berber community, and special focus should be placed on biodiversity. The desire to protect and conserve biodiversity in Erg Chebbi should be spearheaded by the Berbers, who have long protected the dunes, given their ecological, economic, and cultural importance. Highlighting the billion-year-old biological mosaic provides a vision for how current land-use options can be designed to facilitate the continued participation of the Berber community as natural-resource stewards. There are several successful strategies for recognizing such contributions and using landscapes as platforms for learning how to conserve and restore natural resources, and reverse economic and cultural disinvestment in the Berber community. Already, the Berber community has started on a path towards a new strategy for such productive and natural-resource-utilizing landscapes, blending practical cultural living necessities with modern to ancient knowledge to generate traditional benefits in a contemporary, if not post-modern, global society. This new logic represents a return to an older, unfragmented reality before external influences exerted their impact on humanity.

4. Cultural Significance

The presence of Erg Chebbi dunes has contributed to the investment of expressive significance by local religious and cultural communities. Oral traditions and expressions demonstrate how communities have embraced the dunes, further reflecting their long-term relationship with them as spiritual, symbolic, and ecological resources. Rituals and festive events held around the sand dunes reflect the strong cultural connections between these communities. One of these events is the yearly religious Moussem for the ‘Aissawa’ religious group, where local, national, and international participants come for blessings, trade, and exchange of different products, such as crops and cattle, musical records, artifacts, and other local and regional service items. Another traditional event is a visit to the mausoleum of ‘Thami El Glaoui’, a powerful southern leader. The mausoleum is located between Rissani and the River Ziz, and it takes place during the first week of May. Locals believe the elements of the natural world have both secular and spiritual meanings. Erg Chebbi dunes are products of geological processes, with the sand dunes contributing to sustaining the scenic beauty of the area. One of these activities is a moussem or local religious event celebrating the end of the held season by asking for resources. These events feature traditional dances, rituals, and folklore demonstrations. They demonstrate enculturation in the local communities living near the sand dunes. At the level of individuals and groups, locals embrace and admire the aesthetic appeal of the impressive sand dune vistas and horizons that add to the beauty and visual and sensory experiences of the area. Tourists experience the magic and mystery of Erg Chebbi by dressing in local robes before booking reservations to go on nighttime camel treks. Locals capitalize on the seductive appeal of the dunes and the desert environmental settings for their town, tribe, region, and ethnic-cultural identity. They understand the aesthetic, sensory, and spiritual values present in the area. Nearly three-quarters of visitors get information about the dunes’ beauty from advertisements or the informed recommendations of previous visitors.

4.1. Indigenous Communities

The northern sector of the Erg Chebbi Dunes encompasses the traditional territory of an indigenous people known as the Beni Guil, a group comprising descendants of tribes due to the patronymic loyalty surrounding the tribal alliance between the tribes Trarza and Oulad and their respective tribal chief. The Beni Guil are the historical tenants of the northern front of the Saguía el Hamra river and the southern part of the eastern Río Moulouya basin since ancient times. For many centuries, sedentary and semi-nomadic subsistence carried out by families of many members shared pastures during the spring season in the south of the Gourrama mountainous massif, the opposite slopes of the Moulouya, and the Mezguitem plate lens.

Therefore, the Beni Guil are keepers of a true historical, genealogical, oral, and traditional memory which records the lairs of powerful empires such as Mauritania or Tripolitana. However, from 1882 to 1910, the indigenous population known by the popular name of Tarfaya did not manage to bring the predominantly Sahrawi character of the territory as a whole to Franco-Spanish diplomacy, and consequently, all their political efforts to make them participants were frustrated in the beneficial decisions taken regarding the configuration of the protectorates of Northern and Western Morocco. This objective toward the east was linked preventatively to the aggressive territorial pretensions of the belligerent neighbor: the Kingdom of Mut Bidhah, an independent entity of the Sahara, with which the ancestral conflicts transmitted by oral memory continue to this day, although without shooting, thanks to the virile resistance of the tribes Banum Zawiyah al-Tarfifah.

4.2. Traditional Practices and Customs

The only semi-nomadic population in Saïdia lives around the Erg Chebbi dune system and practices seasonal farming. The day-to-day lifestyle of the majority of inhabitants who live on the borders of the Merzouga dunes is inextricably bound up with the dune ecosystem, and their culture depends on its healthy functioning. Changes in the dune ecosystem also signify changes to the social structure in villages around the dunes, affecting their very essence and identity. Villagers located around the Erg Chebbi dunes have used water from the dune aquifers and Lake Merzouga to grow barley that they store to feed their animals in winter. However, in recent years, most of the population has given up this practice. These people still maintain Berber ceremonies and traditional crafts, displaying these practices to visiting tourists. The geographical area of Erg Chebbi is unique for its specific traditional lifestyle and customary crafts that contribute to the local culture through its religious, popular, and marketing aspects.

Tourism has become the principal means of income in the local community of Merzouga, and every year during the fêtes, an enormous array of people come to take part in the dance, music, and craft groups. The local authorities, for pragmatic reasons, have added value to September 5th, often accompanied by a natural blessing while surrounded by the spiritual and traditional village elders, in an attempt to promote tourism. Their belief holds that they can read in the stars and divinely interpret planetary messages, guaranteeing a certain equilibrium through their offerings. Religious practices are inspired by the sacred subliminal entities that the local populations consider to hold force, sometimes fused with Islamic motifs, and are recognized in the ordinary sense of the term for their cultural significance. Ta Liouat, Taouz, and Jdayd are celebrated meeting centers for Mylilem or Mlilyan.

4.3. Festivals and Celebrations

A few kilometers south of Merzouga village, there lie Africa’s famous Erg Chebbi dunes. They establish a concave border to the northwest of the whole Oulad Atari region. The Oulad Atari people use the dunes to their geographic and economic advantage, and it can clearly be seen in their daily lives. This significant geographical formation is home to a few Zuwiyyas, and many group pilgrimage visits to these sacred places could be observed during the time of festivals for asking blessings for this community, agricultural activities, and for their animals and their well-being. Festivals, rituals, and beliefs all serve to unite the population and spread benefits that widely affect the identity of the region. Religious events at religious buildings visited by members of the same groups have their rites, in which families with financial difficulties become part of a distribution system established by those with more ease. This festivity also includes distributions of meat, as happened on the day of the sacrificial rites, family connections, as well as strategic future marriages, which are always tied to the high number of pilgrims to these social places of worship. Each family, depending on the number of members, has to slaughter a sheep. Festivities were also organized by the local Moussem in the autumn, which were spread over three days and one night. These are also major gatherings for the locals, in which respect for older family members is given, and during which time coming West Moroccan people are reminded of their morals, traditional values, and family connections.

5. Tourism and Economic Impact

The dunes of Erg Chebbi have become an important and highly valuable international tourist attraction visited by travelers and vehicle enthusiasts from all over the world. The scale of the tourist development is huge and continues to grow, with the dunes and surrounding oasis village of Merzouga acting as the center of the attraction. This boom will create both positive and negative impacts. The potential economic benefits for both the rural region and the nation could be immense, but the dunes will also be under pressure, as will the intended, authentic, traditional Berber way of life.

There is evidence that the local community is prepared to accept the economic benefits brought by having a tourism industry in close vicinity to their village, which would partly explain the surge in the number of guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants that have appeared. The trend is expected to continue with a range of investors looking to benefit by constructing even more establishments. However, some of these investors could fall short if they do not take the time to consider and adhere to the constraints of the dunes environment. The consequences of neglect could be controversial and immensely adverse for other tourism-based businesses, as well as the environment, with poor quality of service being the most likely outcome. The local culture and foreign perception of the area could also be easily affected and lose much of the intended originality, mystery, and tradition.

5.1. Tourism Infrastructure

The desert of Erg Chebbi is without any doubt the best known, most beautiful, and most frequently portrayed in Morocco. It is very easily accessible despite its location on the edge of the desert and exists a few kilometers south of Merzouga, a huge tourist hub that can handle many visitors. Erg Chebbi and Merzouga have profited greatly from the international recognition of the desert that took place due to the outstanding scenery and spirituality it offers. The two sites are unforgettable. It is also during these last few years that tourist infrastructures in this area have experienced an unprecedented expansion. Guesthouses and restaurants have proliferated, playing an important role in creating these new tourist habits. There are always more restaurants and hotels of medium and top level that are always in demand and receive tourists from almost every country in search of camps and total relaxation. Small swimming pools in the inner courtyards, hammams or small Arab-style bathhouses, and traditional music form part of the services in these enclosures. In addition to the lodging infrastructure, the large number of professional specialized services Merzouga offers is considerable. These include transportation through the dunes: trips as well as dromedary rides, desert guides, access to rentals, satellite telephones, and souvenir shops.

5.2. Visitor Demographics

Visitor demand is partly driven by how the visitor perceives the quality of recreation, which varies by social and demographic characteristics. This section provides visitor demographic characteristics at three levels of tourism development, which include neighbors, Moroccan nationals, and non-Moroccan nationals. In general, nearly all residents of all five villages have visited the dunes. Visitors from all three development levels similarly rated the colors of the dunes as one of the improving social and cultural experiences that are unique to the dunes. Visits by neighbors involved dune- and village-based culturally unique activities. National visitors added yet another unique social and cultural choice regarding how Berber camp hosts impact their experience.

According to answers about how seeing the dunes would be different for non-visitors, place attachment and variables that consider the dunes as part of the village urban scene influence visitation. Neighbors and Moroccans were asked to rate an initial list of cultural indicators reflecting the dunes’ characteristics. The most frequently rated high values helped identify the top six characteristics that shaped the dunes’ social and cultural distinctiveness. To have data for both necessary uniqueness perspective and willingness to equate non-visitors’ characteristics, non-visitor participants were paid, and the others were asked how seeing the dunes is different.

5.3. Economic Contributions

While the Sahara presents many challenges to human livelihood, it also presents numerous opportunities. There are several economic benefits to the region, ranging from tourism to mining. The area’s unique landscape draws tourists from around the world who come to experience the great desert environment and recreational activities while seeking an escape from busy urban lives. Local people and the government are working on developing the area, providing essential infrastructure and a growing range of services to support the increasing numbers of visitors. There is a large international tourist industry here, supported by excellent transport and communications links to the rest of Morocco.

While large volumes of people cross the desert, camels are the true beasts of burden of the desert, and the camel trek is important to the economy of the area. In addition to tourism, there are traditional activities such as foraging by the nomads living along the edges of the desert, finding fresh pasture for their animals. In addition, the people are involved in the arts and crafts such as weaving, carving, making jewelry, and stuffing leather bags that provide a source of income. With the demand for more goods and services, the need for improved transport and communications links grows rapidly. Such connections are necessary for tourism, defense, mining, the importation of energy, and many other economic activities. The expansion to the area is a rare opportunity to stimulate wider economic growth through investment.

6. Activities and Attractions

There is much more to do in Erg Chebbi than just relax. You could try quad biking, sandboarding, go on a desert safari, and visit nearby towns and local nomad markets. One of the well-promoted activities is a camel trek, though to really appreciate the grandeur and silence of the dunes, we would recommend walking. Obviously, the larger and more established hotels offer these various activities, as do local operators, and to be honest, the earlier you book, the better.

Your friendly guide at Taouz Cobracamp is another option to lead your Sahara adventure. You can drive with him to visit his nomadic family, a trip that gives you a chance to see the real desert and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Berbers, gaze at the marvelous view of an oasis surrounded by palm trees, and take a wander through the gnarly gold mines. Horse riding is also popular, though do be careful as it can be quite expensive for only a few hours of riding. The surrounding area has some truly amazing historical and archaeological attractions and is steeped in the vibrant culture and traditions of the local Berbers, making this a really unique and magical place to visit.

6.1. Camel Trekking

This experience is likely to change your perspective on the intensity of the sun. As a wise man once said, “It is What It IS,” so bring plenty of water and take it all in. You will never truly understand the magic of the Sahara or the strength of a camel until you experience the toils of hiking it or the comforts of riding it. Our equipment was stored in heavy duty saddle packs which were strapped to the camels. Joining us just before the long walk was Mohamed, an all around awesome guide. While we walked alongside the camels up over and through the sandy hills, Mohamed would say some of the most thought provoking, conversation inspiring things. Our stops were a wonderful mix of rest or just simply admiring our surroundings, taking photos, or watching our guide brew mint tea over a small charcoal fire. Walks in the 38C heat quickly make time fly by. That night, we visited with a Berber family and had an authentic dinner around another charcoal fire, before spending the night inside another luxurious oasis camp.

Next up, I will do a follow up to my prior post and explore the sunrise, the pressures of a pre-dawb Sahara bedchamber, more white wine blister pictures and of course, sunset. The most unique hotel that you could ever find in Merzouga must be “The Magic Room.” Their advertising claims that “Every night is guaranteed a surprise.” Funds permitting, there are still a number of other local activities we would have enjoyed such as an off road excursion to the nearby salt mines, Merzouga’s largest tamarisk tree, and camping with the Cherbanou tribe on the Day of Eid-ul-Adha, as our guide has done in the past. Also in the area are the local museum and the municipal library, and in Hassilabied, the local marabout. Our journey back to Marrakesh from Merzouga was quite a bit more eventful than one would normally hope for and worthy of a separate post solely on the subject.

6.2. Sandboarding

The 150-meter dunes near the town of Merzouga offer the ideal conditions for sandboarding, a sport that particularly appeals to snowboarders long accustomed to the snowy slopes of the winter sports resorts in the Alps. The desert, with temperatures up to 45°C, makes the experience even more challenging and exciting. There is also the chance to stay out overnight with the Berbers and experience a magical, silent evening of countless stars away from the lights of the towns and cities. Sandboarding on these dunes is not as easy as traditional snowboarding. However, the variation of the sand shape means many stunts are possible. As the sand offers less resistance than snow, it is best to take a winding route down the hill and only when you can no longer control your moves, break slightly by skillfully swinging your hips. There are countless dunes in the Merzouga area awaiting the visit of sporting enthusiasts who should start their sandboarding experience early in the morning or at around 5:30 p.m. at the end of the day, particularly in the summer months. The sand is cooler then and the sunset is an unforgettable sight.

6.3. Stargazing Opportunities

Considered the stargazing capital of the world, Erg Chebbi offers desert stargazing at its finest – a true window to the universe. Light pollution is minimal here, which allows one to see up to 10,000 stars on a dark night. On a clear night, one may even see satellites and shooting stars galore. Also, one can never tire of gazing at the sheer beauty of the desert skyline filled with countless stars. Experienced visitors can even use the stars to guide themselves as if out at sea. Traveling with guides who are well-versed in stargazing will greatly enhance the experience. These epic dunes truly come alive under a starry night. Visitors should consider spending at least one night in a traditional nomadic tent on the desert’s edge, laying out and relaxing as they come to understand what peace and tranquility are, becoming one with nature as the dunes whisper softly to the soul and sing a lullaby aiding in much-needed sleep. Stargazing tour services can also be pre-booked. A professional astronomer will accompany such tours. However, before starting these tours, visitors can use stargazing apps to familiarize themselves with the positions of stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way. It is best to use these apps with a wireless service, as network services are not so reliable in remote areas.

6.4. quad biking & dune buggy

The merging of powerful vehicles and their drivers with the grandeur of these ancient dunes results in any number of thoughts and comments, positive, negative, and possibly neutral. Examining and observing the problem without shortchanging the richness of the resolution is my goal in this section. Then the focus begins to shift, drawing the dunes into the spotlight; perhaps then, dialogue will flourish and a vibrant, engaging dialogue will ensue. If this publication only sparks curiosity, provides a multimedia springboard, or encourages people to head out into the desert, it has not been a failure.

Driving recreational off-road vehicles in a kaleidoscope of forms, both sanctioned and outlawed, over scenic sand dunes poses any number of problems: perpetual misunderstandings plague the issue, and as people’s desires, attitudes, and expectations towards natural resources shift, relative concerns wax and wane, placing further stress upon the issue. The heart of the matter, however, revolves around wilderness values and commercial tourism. Activities such as dune-bashing testify to the seemingly unbeatable attraction of a desert setting and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The spirited freedom found upon the shifting sands of a dune or desert setting is the magnet that attracts countless four-wheel-drive tourists from around the globe every year.

6.5. glamping experience

In addition, people no longer want to disconnect from the outside world while they are in the desert. Glamping, the new fashion statement in the tourism industry, is where stunning nature meets modern luxury. It’s a way to experience the untamed and completely unique parts of the world—without having to sacrifice creature comforts. Luxury desert camp offers everything from spacious tents with four-poster king-size beds to private plunge pools overlooking the desert. It is a chance to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty and serene ambiance of the legendary Moroccan Sahara Desert while lodging in Africa’s top-ranked luxury desert camp.

These desert lodgings are located approximately half an hour camel ride into the edges of the Erg Chebbi dunes, with only the open expanse of sand as far as the eyes can see. Thus, the traditional look of the environmentally friendly tents meets the appointments of Western luxury, creating a feeling of being lodged in a setting that is exclusive and graceful. The starry nights that tourists are able to experience far out in the open desert are absolutely breathtaking. When the sun sets at night, it is still light enough to see the dunes, which seem to appear more mystifying and change color to numerous shades of red in the disappearing sun. The sunsets are absolutely amazing and beautiful, and the moonlight and cool night air are not to be missed.

6.6. Trekking and wild camping

Making the trek into the Sahara on foot or by camel is a romanticized activity, particularly as more comfortable ways of sightseeing the dunes become increasingly popular. However, many people do still traverse this desert on camel, and it offers an unforgettable and generally safe experience. While the dunes are incredibly advanced, driven by natural wind patterns and powered by their resources and boundary with the outside world, the same elements can also tie up the unwary wanderer in sandstorms, rains, or nightfall. Guides know when to play and when to be serious, and when a potentially hard trek turns dicey, they simply turn back. Washing, changing, and eating, traditional music in the camps, and sleeping on carpets or sand under the stars all combine to make it a unique and eventually commercial experience.

6.7. Yoga

In the silence of the desert, Yoga meditation can provide a welcome change, rest and relaxation, and mental peace and clarity. We will gladly be your guide. We can also provide Yoga-tentions, comfortably furnished with mattresses and cushions. Let your thoughts wander whilst you practice your favourite positions. Trends of unknown vitality and power, lying dormant within you, are just waiting to be awakened. A local resident lives in this charming little village and for several years has led this voyage of exploration through yoga therapy. If you are interested in living this experience, the magical desert of Merzouga together with the vitality of the Yoga Heart Village will definitely fulfil your secret wishes.

Every year the first international yoga and meditation meeting takes place there, in which teachers and therapists from different countries participate. In addition, the village can host groups of 12-16 people and can provide couples and small groups with en-suite double rooms. They can also provide guidance and trekking material. The special touch of dancing in the sand at sunset followed by a drum concert, usually given by the guides from the village, will introduce you to a new world full of charm, magic and enchantment, full of positive forces and experiences. When the first International Sand Art Festival was held at the front of the dunes of this village, it was a great success. Hundreds of artisans and craftsmen and women from all over Morocco worked with intrepid dedication, lovingly moving sand and creating structures and forms. Their beautiful creations were made using only sand and water, and in a very short time they transformed Erg Chebbi into a surprising, fantastic and colourful wonderland, attracting artists and audiences, both curious and fascinated, from the corners of every country. They were happy with the result, both figuratively and artistically.

7. Challenges and Threats

Despite the potential, there are several challenges and threats to ecotourism development. This section reviews some of the main challenges, including conservation threats and the consequences of development in Erg Chebbi. Currently, physical accessibility to Erg Chebbi dunes is a significant challenge for both visitors and operators. The infrastructure surrounding Erg Chebbi is deteriorating and has not expanded since its construction, even though visitor numbers continue to increase. The existing infrastructure is overwhelmed by visitor volumes. The lack of suitable infrastructure and services is the second major challenge because the resources available are often poor or inadequate for the needs of most eco-tourists.

Development pressure on the local physical environment is a major concern. The most significant threat comes from the existing development pressure on the natural dune system. When experiencing visitation pressure from increasing tourist numbers, the area surrounding Erg Chebbi is becoming more crowded. Moreover, the local community exploits the surrounding environment legally and illegally for economic incentives. A demand for wood is being met by cutting down local acacia trees. The main outcome is the usage of scarce resources and the illegal exploitation of other resources. Additionally, the lack of available development land within Merzouga village induces a need for the development of new tourist camps within a full APA, despite the presence of a dune landscape and a fragile ecosystem; this potential situation further fragilizes the site.

7.1. Environmental Degradation

The Erg Chebbi dunes, located near the Moroccan village of Merzouga, are a place of considerable natural beauty. This place of grandeur and tranquility is of great cultural interest where many traditional festivals and sporting events are held, especially during the hot summer months in the midst of the sun’s rays which contrast with the refreshing vibrant colors of this scattered Sahara. Environmentally, it could represent a place of meditation and wonder if no casualties were reported due to drowning in the rice fields of the Hassi Labied spring and its natural vegetation which is key to maintaining the proper balance of this fragile ecosystem. Such deaths by drowning are attributable to the concentration of water and the seasonal flooding of the riverbed that feeds the natural eucalyptus plantation.

Another problem is the uncontrolled waste of the area which at times seems to be drawing increasingly nearer to the refuge of the Saharan springs. There are also some abandoned areas which would degrade the desert’s appearance. Here too there are many other environmental hazards: sandstorms that can damage this region of tourism and make it less inviting, pollution caused by burning tires and other abandoned waste, and scouring. Also, remember that because some traditional festivals and sports make use of the dunes to give the horse momentum which can cause accidents for both humans and animals, it would be much better to have control of the area to ensure the necessary insured safety.

7.2. Cultural Erosion

Since the Saharan region is highly conservative regarding traditional sociocultural beliefs and practices, cultural erosion is strongly opposed by the local authorities. The government of Morocco has taken several initiatives in this respect. Since interaction with civilized society always brings change, most Asian and African governments try to protect the authenticity of the ethnic life of their citizens. In some countries, this protection is invoked just so that the tourists’ interest can be found in these elements. Of the many aspects of cultural erosion, the potential impact on indigenous folklore could be classified as the first one, even though it is, in fact, the wrong process. These mistakes occur when some cultural interference—usually an artificial one—delimits a particular aspect of the culture from the rest of the cultural system. With similar artificial treatments, one could make, for example, a planetary system without a central star, or a character without a companion.

In reality, indigenous folklore is totally interrelated with the rest of the traditional cultural systems of indigenous societies; if the original culture disappears for any reason, the folklore, as well as other aspects deeply rooted in this culture, will disappear or at least lose their originality too. Therefore, a single culture cannot be treated as a category of museum exhibits with “Please don’t touch” signs. Such artificial isolation of indigenous folklore or other parts of a culture is the result of ignorance and narrow cultural parochialism. The greater the danger of cultural erosion, the more fiercely local and central authorities strive to uphold the culture concerned.

7.3. Impact of Climate Change

Climate change has the potential to cause large-scale changes to the soil surface and lead to a radical shift in the general mean state of the aggregation pattern of soils, exerting feedback to the climate system and enhancing the rate of climate change. As a result of increased rainfall variability, water scarcity in dry areas may be expected to increase in the future and contribute to a reduction in plant productivity. The shift in the composition and pattern of landscapes due to climate change is expected to result in pronounced changes in the size and function of soil-plant-water relations and may lead to wastage in the ecosystem. Consequently, it is hoped that the results of this investigation will help in the implementation of feasible measures or strategies to cope with unfavorable scenarios of climate change. The study of dunes and the processes that occur on them could be enhanced by a new research approach and improved spatial and temporal resolution, such as satellite imagery analysis, extensive monitoring, and genetic information to discriminate the patterns and process responses to climate change.

Major features of a dune system, including local sediment sources, processes conducive to the formation and movement of dunes, and plant cover, are critical for assessing the vulnerability of a dune system to climate change. These features in dune landscape units are strongly influenced by the occurrence of disturbances determined by other dominant ecosystems that directly depend on soil moisture and organic matter content. Aside from climate, these detrimental effects are mainly related to shifts in the abundance and spectrum of exotic herbs, which are already a distinctive trait of the dunes’ surrounding ecosystems. With climate change, the positive feedback is predicted to exacerbate desertification processes. As a consequence of this prediction, inactive dunes are expected to expand from their origins into the semi-arid dunes, and the number of native species will decrease. The accumulation of non-climate-related constraints makes it difficult to obtain a realistic climate change scenario and elaborate a proper conservation strategy to tackle the numerous issues that characterize active dunes and the surrounding environment.

8. Conservation Efforts

The dunes themselves are comprised almost entirely of dry, pounded sand, making it difficult for flora to stay alive. One of the few plants that can survive the tough, brutal climate is the date palm, which weaves a vital web of roots and helps to anchor the sands of the dunes in place. Most of these trees need only 20 years of care. Still, tapping the underground river, they are able to grow and drink while their roots naturally help to aerate and anchor the dune. The area surrounding the dunes is inhabited by well over twenty very small subcultures, such as the Gnawa, who have developed many of their own beliefs and traditions, which are almost entirely reliant upon the geographical location of their dwellings and their proximity to Erg Chebbi.

The Erg Chebbi locals have a varied range of conservation techniques, all aimed at helping the stability and protection of the erg. Firstly, the visible river used to water the surrounding date palm trees is allotted to individual gates for only a few settlers. This method keeps the river from becoming overstressed or dried out and gives each individual full responsibility for the efficient but limited use of its water. Various drainage facilities help avert roads from being covered in sand and permit the strong rains that do reach the Erg to drain back into its subsurface. These systems comprise subterranean pipes and stone dams that break up the stream underneath the sands, allowing the water to drain back evenly to its source. These practices have allowed the people of the Erg Chebbi to maintain the stability of their circular ecosystem. They are even further improving it, knowing that an increase in the quality of the surrounding palm trees will permit an even easier way for the sand to be kept stable.

8.1. Protected Areas and Policies

18. Introduction The concept of protected areas has played a central role in Mohammed VI’s vision for the improvement of the environmental, economic, and social conditions and long-term prosperity of people in Morocco. There has been national and international recognition of his vision and leadership in establishing a nationwide system of protected areas and a new generation of clear and systematic conservation policies. However, problems have arisen in implementing these forward-looking policies. The number and degree of protected areas have increased, but the ownership of the land has not been fully clarified for the original population living in the areas. To avoid the unproductive creation of “paper parks,” where in reality land is neither protected nor opened for productive and sustainable land uses, it is important that all main concerned actors, including local people, are involved in the delineation and management of protected areas. In many cases, especially in mountainous and semi-desert areas, local people need a national and international-level organization to support their demands to take part in the negotiation and implementation of land ownership rights. Given the increasing attention worldwide on the importance and interests of the main actors in the preservation, protection, and sustainable use of the environment of protected areas, it is time to emphasize the importance of property rights for the local people living in these areas. This chapter analyzes different land tenure arrangements in the establishment of protected areas in Morocco. This is illustrated by the experience from two different types of protected areas found in Morocco, namely the World Heritage Sites and Poor Rural Communities Development projects. Residents in the area of the World Heritage Site can indirectly influence the area around the protected sites through government actions elsewhere complemented by the support of national and international organizations. In the case of PADEV, the main purpose is to support and promote the indigenous land use systems in the immediate vicinity of the protected sites through a combination of microcredit and green credit, by effectively allowing untitled access to those parts of the protected site for certain land use activities and, in parallel, setting priorities for regional complementary activities around the protected area site, particularly targeting standard living improvements for community members with particularly high dependence on specific land resources of the region.

8.2. Community Involvement

The local community can be actively involved in the management, use, and benefit from deserts through both formal, organized means such as associations and more informal collective activities. The small community around the wide Erg Chebbi dunes is an example where the protection and reforestation of the environment is a reality. Members of this walled community use materials found in the bungalows and nomadic tents to make products to sell to travelers who visit their village. Baskets made from reeds, colorful rugs woven with pressed leaves, and leather bags carrying the recognized emblem of the desert lama are available for purchase. Other organized excursions such as camel rides, dune sledding, and an evening under the night sky are part of this cultural interaction that broadens the visitor’s understanding and the camel driver’s earnings. Each Wednesday, a carved carving is set up in the locality and the residents of Hassi Labied and Khamlia gather to buy and sell locally. The town has approximately 365 families. Each family has its own water supply. There is not yet a water supply for the city, but funds are organized to bring water from Rissani City to Hassi Labied and Khemliya.

Businessmen and officials in this community encourage the development of this dispersed compact building as it promotes their business activities and benefits schools and manages important public services. However, outside these formal institutions, villagers organize and participate in other aspects of communal life. Associations contribute to the well-being and development of rural areas. A reliable and respectful source of advice is the experienced and dedicated individuals behind these local organizations. They know the area and its inhabitants, their customs and traditions. They can act as intermediaries between politically or environmentally motivated inputs and desert dwellers who fit their urban policies or new business projects. By communicating with associations, the results of policies and initiatives are based on local motives and abilities, ultimately drawing on the accumulated knowledge and skills from the few generations who lived in the desert. Small projects have an important impact. In the local context, for example, collecting garbage and conserving water and plants are additional aspects of an established reforestation process. These can all be useful responses to attracting tourists. Enjoying the desert landscape and wildlife is a unique experience that can benefit everyone. It’s been lost for a long time, for everyone. All these changes and activities, guided by necessary research and facilitation, are changes in income and employment and constitute a positive energy to maintain support for cultural and environmental values.

8.3. Sustainable Tourism Practices

In general, tourism that does not depend on drawing in numbers of tourists, but on giving value to the existing potential, a smaller but quality tourism, is what is meant by ‘sustainable and responsible tourism.’ This is a form of tourism that, because of the conditions that it envisages and proposes, is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. The idea is that tourism should not simply consist of selling overnight stays, adventures, or leisure time, but rather that it should also make it possible for value to be conserved and environmental conditions improved. The real challenge consists of maintaining and preserving the necessary balance between development, culture, history, the environment, and human settlement. There are several forms of sustainable tourism applied in different areas, but, in one way or another, they all have the main objective of making sure that natural and cultural resources remain as they are and encourage local arts and crafts to carry on. All of this must be done without making people more selfish than generous, and making sure that the tourist always shows respect to the local population and that the awareness is in favor of the most vulnerable communities in question, but without making them objects of unfair social conflict. The main areas where sustainable tourism can operate are economy, employment, culture, arts and crafts, education, and most importantly, the maintenance of nomadic and local traditions, which are under threat, particularly in Eastern Morocco. In the latter aspect, it plays a vital role in changing the attitude of the global population in relation to human migration.

9. Future Prospects

The future prospects for Erg Chebbi are likely to be a continuation of the increase in visitors, but it is clear that good environmental management will be essential. An integrated approach is necessary, which should address transport, any development of tourist facilities, management of the natural environment that makes the dunes so special, and visitor pressure. This last issue is essentially a matter of information and regulation, and more guidance or control may be needed. Without significant care and management, the very reasons for visiting the area may be destroyed, and tourist interest will rapidly decline. It is important, of course, to ensure that local people also benefit from tourism development.

However, the dunes face considerable threats from the expanded use of groundwater for agriculture. This is leading to desiccation of the oasis environment and, in the long term, could lead to the demise of the very specific Erg Chebbi environment. Water use will need to be managed if this is to be avoided. The Saharan region is facing a variety of future threats, especially from the prospects of changes in temperature and rainfall patterns due to global warming. The region is working on several future impacts of climate change on the region as a whole, but the impacts on nature, heritage, and tourism, all closely linked in the desert regions, are not always well understood. It is important to recognize that a key aspect of desert tourism is the interaction of people with desert space, and that the attraction is deeply linked to the authenticity of experience, including forecasts of heat, cold, and discreetly the risks of sand movement. This is especially acutely felt in the luxury accommodation segment. Small changes, such as in temperature or humidity, could have significant impacts on this rather fragile market. It is a market segment that is growing and has notable impacts on desert locations.

9.1. Ecotourism Development

The area surrounding the Erg Chebbi dunes is extremely varied and fluctuates from stark desert-like landscapes to rolling sand dune slopes, down to lush, palm-lined oasis valleys. This rich and diverse environment acts as a lifting actor, creating a place of such high geographical and cultural significance that it is also a major tourist attraction within Morocco. However, with the range of diverse and ecologically sensitive environments that have been stretched into a relatively confined geographic area, the pressure from heavily competing demands of rapid tourism development has created situations of problematic magnitude and imbalance, threatening its long-term sustainability.

The current situation is that the huge and growing numbers of visitors to the area have caused substantial disturbances to its natural vegetation and wildlife in the areas of the highest tourism visitation focus, particularly around the oasis of Merzouga and at the base of the noted Erg Chebbi dunes. In accordance with such extensive clearing of the area for tourism-related infrastructure, a naturally visually beautiful location becomes visually degraded, which in turn leads to erosion in community spirit and place attachment. As places receive negative aesthetic values, they also receive negative social values and vice versa. This is the case for the loss of genuine ‘authentic experience’ of a place that creates a retreat for individuals from their everyday routines, encouraging them to interact with a particular location in a uniquely personal way. In so doing, individuals are motivated to protect the place from the excesses of mass tourism commercialism.

9.2. Research Opportunities

There are many opportunities to conduct different, unique research in Erg Chebbi that can be expected to advance the understanding of geomorphology and geodiversity. The significance of desert areas on Earth is undeniable, but these areas are typically understudied. A detailed geo-ecological survey would enable us to understand and appreciate the multitude of awe-inspiring geomorphological features to be found in deserts like Erg Chebbi. Unique research topics are possible due to the dune’s significant dimensions and considerable movement rates. No other climatically comparable large-area sand massifs on Earth are known to present similar movement. Similarly, the presence of a present-day phreatic layer on the desert’s surface and the significant meteoric events give the potential to date the sedimentary layers, an opportunity to learn more about the history of the region, including recent climatic aspects, which are matters of considerable interest today.

Based on the observed geomorphologic features of Erg Chebbi and its surroundings, some research ideas are summarized here. This list is not exhaustive, as breakthrough research can be expected in hydrogeology, nature conservation, or educational geography, to name but a few. There is much to study about the main morphogenetic factors contributing to dune development and the internal spatial nexus between geomorphological formations; the proportion and the quality of aeolian sands at consecutive growth phases in the dune’s internal parts; the nature of secondary sedimentation processes, the index of abrasion, and the extent of the impact of nebkha on the movement of the sands and on the emergence of the dune; the origin of the fractures in the dune. Information on fracture depth is necessary to assess the level of the present-day water table. Through the investigation of seismic effects, three theories on crack formation were developed that indicated a possible relation with the oscillation of the groundwater table. Furthermore, the dune system with its complex structure can be expected to be utilized for the investigation of insulating properties and regional stability.

9.3. Long-term Sustainability

Balancing preservation with tourism access is the essential question that has been attempted at Erg Chebbi. A modern, well-paved road connects Merzouga to Rissani and the larger town of Erfoud, making the rise of tourism simple and easily accessible. The El Khamlia Gnaoua residents, a cultural treasure of Moroccan history who were regenerated in Merzouga and Hassilabied, have opened their village for tourists to witness their music and dance. However, it has been at least sixty years since their original ceremony was held, a victim of modernization and tourist promotion. It must become clear to the Gnaoua de Khamlia that this is a double-edged sword. This entire area must recognize what happens when people are no longer authentic. Guest houses abound, but there is little in the way of providing authentic cultural experiences for quality-seeking tourists.

The Merzouga Festival of World Music made an initial attempt at moving up the quality chain. By combining camel trekking with world-class music, it presages what the area shifting from volume to quality must do if it is sustainable. Therefore, the festival of world music should be considered as being no less important than the camel festival in order to provide artistic and cultural tasks that must be accomplished. As part of such activities, the camel culture must be maintained, with race camels still being raised in the traditional method. If local people lose interest in their camels, why should foreign tourists be expected to express more than a passing interest? It is arguable whether the festival is directed as much to the village tourists as to the foreign ones.