Quad Riding in Merzouga Erg Chebbi: Ride the Dunes

Merzouga's dunes on a quad instead of on foot

Quad riding in Merzouga's Sahara desert takes you across the dunes of Erg Chebbi on a motorcycle you control, with a professional guide, helmet and all equipment provided. You pick the timing (early morning for sunrise or late evening for sunset), and the duration from one to two hours. The guide speaks English and shares knowledge of the area and its people as you ride.

Step-by-step itinerary

Quad riding in Merzouga dunes

• Meet guide at meeting point
• Ride quad through Merzouga dunes
• Observe rare Saharan animals
• Choose morning ride for sunrise
• Or choose evening ride for sunset

The experience

Merzouga sits at the edge of the Sahara, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi rise in front of it. A quad lets you cover ground between them instead of walking, and the guide who rides with you knows which routes show the landscape and which ones might turn up rare Saharan animals. You control the throttle. The guide controls the timing and the stops. The tour can start anytime during the day, so you choose whether you want the early light of sunrise or the angle of the late evening sun across the sand.

You ride in a helmet, and the quad itself is included: no separate rental fee, no equipment to source. The guide is there the whole time, speaking English and pointing out details about the locals and the places you pass. A one-hour option covers the core experience. Two hours lets you push deeper into the dunes and spend more time at the stops the guide chooses. The half-day option is also available if you want an extended ride with more ground to cover.

Contact the operator by WhatsApp through the booking platform after you book to confirm your meeting point and start time. They'll send you the details so there's no confusion on the day.

What’s included

• Professional guide who speaks English.
• quad motorcycle and helmet.
• all riding equipment.
• tour of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi dunes.
• timing chosen by you from early morning to late evening.

Options for this experience

3 options

1-hour quad ride in the desertGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 19:00Quad Yamaha activity in the Sahara desert

2-hour quad ride in the desertGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 19:00

Quad trip lasting half a dayGuide in English · 08:00 and 09:00Tea and water

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 1h, runs every day, 10 start times, from US$ 56 per person, with a live guide in English and as a private tour.

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 19:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Visit Merzouga

Is this one for you?Book the one-hour option if you want a focused dune-riding experience without a long time commitment. Choose two hours if you prefer to explore deeper into the Sahara and spend more time discovering the landscape with your guide.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

30 verified traveler reviews

5 ★30

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I ride a quad in Merzouga if I've never done it before?

Yes. The quad riding in Merzouga is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the professional guide is there to help you through the basics and keep you safe on the dunes. Children are welcome from age one, though the ride itself is physical.

What's the difference between the one-hour and two-hour quad options?

The one-hour option covers the core dune-riding experience in Merzouga and Erg Chebbi. The two-hour option gives you more time to explore deeper into the dunes and spend longer at the stops the guide chooses to show you.

Can I choose to ride without a guide?

Driving without a guide is available as an option at checkout on some packages, so you can select it when you book if you prefer to ride on your own.

What time of day should I book the quad ride?

The tour can start anytime during the day. Early morning lets you catch the sunrise over the dunes. Late evening gives you the best light for sunset across Erg Chebbi. Both are popular choices.

What should I bring or wear for quad riding in the Sahara?

Wear clothes that cover your skin and protect you from the sun and sand. Closed-toe shoes are best. The helmet and all quad equipment are provided. Bring water and sunscreen, though food and drinks are not included in the tour price.