Erg Chebbi (Arabic: عرق الشبي) is one of two Saharan ergs in Morocco (the other is Erg Chigaga near M'hamid). This portion of the Sahara desert is located in southeastern Morocco. Distinctive ergs — large dunes formed by wind-blown sand — reach nearly 500 feet high. The village of Merzouga, about ten hours from Marrakesh or Fes, is located on the edge of these distinctive dunes. Tourists flock here for the opportunity to camp, ride camels and view the incredible sunsets and sunrises over the otherworldly landscape.
The erg is 22 km long (North-South) and 5 km wide. Its dunes reach a maximum height of 150 meters. It is located roughly 40 kilometers south-east of Erfoud. The local center for tourists is the village of Merzouga. Supposedly, the locals believe that these dunes were sent as a punishment for turning away a weary traveller from the desert. They say that after they sent away this traveller, the gods made the dunes pile up right outside their town; to teach them a lesson and to never send away weary men and women ever again.[citation needed]
External links
Erg Chlebbi at Lexicorient.com
Photo gallery
 Erg Chebbi |
 A specially-equipped vehicle in the Dunes of Erg Chebbi |
 Merzouga dunes in the Erg Chebbi |
See also
Coordinates: 31°10′N 03°59′W / 31.167°N 3.983°W
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