Merzouga Erg Chebbi: Quad tour with local guide

Summary

Quad biking through the Sahara’s golden dunes in Merzouga—guided, bumpy, and way more fun than I expected

You’ll ride a quad bike across Merzouga’s famous Erg Chebbi dunes with a local guide who knows every curve and story of the desert. Feel the rush of climbing sandy hills, catch glimpses of Saharan wildlife if you’re lucky, and watch the colors shift at sunrise or sunset—a memory that sticks long after you shake out your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—quads humming like bees as we waited at the edge of those wild Erg Chebbi dunes. Sand everywhere, even in my shoes before we’d started. Our guide, Hassan, handed me a helmet and grinned, “Ready?” I nodded, but honestly, my hands were already sweaty inside the gloves. The air smelled dry and warm, almost like toasted bread. There was this little kid waving from behind a date palm—he kept shouting something in Arabic that made Hassan laugh.

We set off slow at first, following Hassan’s tracks up the smaller dunes near Merzouga. The quad felt heavier than I thought it would—like steering a stubborn camel on wheels. Every time we crested a dune, the view just exploded open: endless sand waves under that hard blue sky. At one point, Hassan stopped us to point out some tiny tracks—he said they belonged to a desert fox (I didn’t see it, but still cool). The wind picked up and stung my cheeks with sand; I tried to say “thank you” in Darija but probably butchered it because Hassan just smiled wider.

I chose the late afternoon slot for this quad tour because someone at our guesthouse said sunset over Erg Chebbi is “the real show.” They weren’t kidding. The light turned everything gold-orange and suddenly it was quiet except for our engines cooling down and one distant call to prayer drifting over from Merzouga village. We sat on our quads for a minute longer than necessary—I guess none of us wanted to break that silence yet. My shoes were full of sand by then (still are), but honestly? Worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad Riding in Merzouga Dunes

• Ride dunes on quad in Merzouga
• Explore Erg Chebbi at sunrise or sunset

Top questions

What does the Merzouga quad tour include?

The tour includes use of a quad bike, helmet, and guidance from a professional local driver/guide.

Can I choose when to start the quad biking tour?

Yes, you can start anytime during the day—morning or evening slots are available.

Is this quad tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Where does the quad biking take place?

The tour takes place in Merzouga and covers the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara Desert.

Will I see wildlife during the tour?

You might spot rare Saharan animals like desert foxes if you’re lucky.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting point details are provided after booking.

How do I get more information about meeting points?

You’ll receive details about where and when to meet after booking your spot on the tour.

What’s included

Your experience includes use of a quad bike and helmet plus guidance from a professional local guide throughout your ride across Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes—you’ll get all instructions needed before heading out into the Sahara sands together.