If there is one destination that every trail and adventure motorcycle lover should experience at least once in their life, it is Erg Chebbi , the majestic sea of dunes that rises in the Sahara Desert, in southern Morocco.
Touring the Erg Chebbi on a trail bike is much more than a route: it's a journey back in time , a physical and mental challenge, and a total immersion in desert culture. From the historic village of Merzouga to the oases hidden among the golden sands, every kilometer you ride is a story to tell.
Today we invite you to discover why riding around Erg Chebbi is a must-do experience, what secrets this legendary corner of Morocco holds, and how to live this adventure to the fullest with Escuela Trail RM Motos .
The Erg Chebbi Desert: History and Legend
What is Erg Chebbi?
The Erg Chebbi is one of the two great ergs of the Moroccan Sahara. An erg is a vast sea of dunes shaped by the wind over centuries. In the case of the Erg Chebbi, we are talking about dunes that can reach up to 150 meters in height , stretching some 28 kilometers from north to south and 5 to 7 kilometers from east to west .
It is one of the most impressive and accessible places in the great desert, and its beauty has fascinated explorers, caravanners, and adventurers for centuries.
Merzouga: the golden gateway to the desert
Merzouga is the small town located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi. Its history is closely linked to the caravan routes that crossed the Sahara to trade salt, gold, textiles, and spices. For centuries, this was a strategic resting point for caravans crossing the sandy hell, an oasis of life in the middle of nowhere.
Today, Merzouga is known as the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara . Although it has evolved to welcome travelers from around the world, it still retains its authenticity: dusty streets, adobe houses, local markets, and, of course, the legendary hospitality of its Berber inhabitants.
Touring the Erg Chebbi on a trail bike: pure adventure
A magical motorcycle route
The Erg Chebbi tour is a circular route around this sea of dunes. It doesn't directly cross the erg—which would only be accessible to light motorcycles and dune experts—but rather skirts it, traveling along compact sand tracks, dirt areas, and small, more accessible stretches of dunes.
The route, approximately 80 to 100 kilometers , varies slightly depending on sand conditions and seasonal rains, which sometimes create ephemeral lagoons.
Along the way you will discover:
Nomadic camps where Berber families continue to live in a traditional way.
Hidden oases of palm trees and springs.
Ancient wells that served caravaners for centuries.
Rock formations and desert plains that look like they're from another planet.
Sections of small dunes , perfect for testing your skills on the sand.
Unique panoramic views of Erg Chebbi at sunrise and sunset, when the dunes magically change color.
What technical level is needed
The Erg Chebbi trail ride is no walk in the park, but it's not mission impossible either if you have a minimum of skill and a good guide.
At RM Motos Trail School, we adapt the level of difficulty to the participants, teaching you to:
Controlling the motorcycle on soft sand.
Using inertia to your advantage.
Stay calm in difficult areas.
Read the terrain to anticipate hazards.
The key is not to run, but to flow with the desert.
With proper preparation, anyone with an adventurous spirit can complete this route and experience an unforgettable experience.
What to see and do around Erg Chebbi
1. Merzouga and its charm
Before or after your motorcycle tour, explore the village of Merzouga . Don't miss:
The local market.
Traditional cafes where you can try an authentic Berber mint tea .
The small desert museum , where you can learn about Saharan culture.
Performances of Gnawa music, brought by the descendants of former African slaves.
2. Camel ride
Can you imagine exploring the desert in the traditional way? You can take a camel ride to explore the deepest dunes, especially at sunset, when the sun turns the sand shades of gold, red, and purple.
3. Night in Haima
One of the most magical experiences is sleeping in a Berber camp in the middle of the desert, in traditional tents . Under an unimaginable blanket of stars, the absolute silence of the Sahara envelops you and connects you with nature in a unique way.
4. Visit to the oasis
Around Erg Chebbi, there are several small oases, such as the Tisserdmine Oasis , where water miraculously flows between the dunes. It's an ideal place for a break during your motorcycle tour.
5. Desert fauna
With a bit of luck, you might spot:
Fennecs (small desert foxes).
Wild dromedaries .
Migratory birds that use the lagoons as a resting point.
Unique sensations on the motorcycle
The sand challenge
Sand demands technique, but also humility . No matter how many miles you've covered on other terrains, here the desert dictates the rules.
The thrill of immensity
Riding for hours, seeing only sand, horizon, and sky, makes you feel small and free at the same time . It's a difficult feeling to describe, one you only understand when you're there.
Camaraderie
Sharing this adventure as a group creates a unique team spirit . Every stop, every mutual aid, every piece of advice forges bonds that will be remembered forever.
How can you experience this with Escuela Trail RM Motos?
At Escuela Trail RM Motos we organize expeditions to Erg Chebbi designed for you to enjoy without worries :
Previous training in sand piloting techniques.
Technical assistance on the road.
Expert guides who know the area.
Support vehicles for greater security.
Selected campsites and accommodations combine adventure and comfort.
We accompany you every mile so your only concern is enjoying the trip .
Tips for navigating Erg Chebbi
Prepare your motorcycle : suitable tires (preferably studded), check suspension and pressure.
Stay hydrated : the heat can play tricks on you.
Wear sunglasses and sun protection .
Travel light : Extra weight makes handling in sand difficult.
Keep an open mind : every day is a new adventure.
An experience that marks you forever
Riding around the Erg Chebbi on a trail bike isn't just ticking off a destination on your bucket list: it's a personal transformation .
It's feeling the bike float over the sand, seeing the sun melt into the endless horizon, hearing the wind whisper through the dunes, savoring a cup of tea under a sky filled with stars.
It is understanding, at the end of the journey, that you did not conquer the desert : it was the desert that conquered a part of you.
Do you dare to live this great adventure with us? RM Motos Trail School takes you to discover the soul of the Sahara... on the back of your trail bike.
Hacer la ruta en moto alrededor del desierto de Erg Chebbi es más que un paseo: es un rito personal. Lo que comienza como una ruta técnica sobre dunas se convierte en un encuentro íntimo con la inmensidad, el silencio, la cultura y el desafío. El desierto no es un terreno que tú domines: es él el que, al final, conquista una parte de ti.
Aprende cómo iniciarte en el Trail con rutas fáciles, seguras y espectaculares. En Escuela Trail RM Motos te acompañamos con cursos adaptados a todos los niveles y rutas guiadas paso a paso.
Creemos que la Rieju 307 Rally será la moto trail definitiva para iniciarse en el off-road o tener una segunda moto ligera y divertida. Con alma de rally, 293 cc y 137 kg en seco, es perfecta para TET, Marruecos o entrenamientos técnicos. Descúbrela con nosotros.
Cogimos el curso de regalo para nuestro hijo de 7 años. Y Tras la realización nos ha indicado que, ojalá poder volver y realizar el curso avanzado. Ha quedado contentisimo, mil gracias a Jose el instructor y Ricky tambien, por hacer tan ameno el curso. Son super atentos y cercanos con los niños. Nos hemos quedado con ganas de mas.
¡HASTA LA PRÒXIMA!
El curso one to one con Monje es una maravilla. Sabe sacar lo mejor de cada piloto y consigue que al final de la jornada se consigas hacer cosas que no pensaban jamás. Muy pero que muy recomendable.
Clase personalizada, entretenida y muy didáctica, ya que casa explicación iba razonada. Un espectáculo de cursos.
He comprado este curso basandome en las reseñas e incluso he conducido desde Valencia para poder tomarlo. Ha valido cada euro y kilometro hecho. Monje es el mejor instructor con el que te puede topar, cada cosa que indica viene con una explicación detallada del porque hacerlo y como. He aprendido mucho mas de lo que esperaba, me he quitado todos los miedos, bloqueos mentales e inseguridades. Ahora solo queda practicar hasta alcanzar el nivel requerido para poder tomar el siguiente nivel. Muchas gracias, Monje!
Fuimos con un grupo de amigos, y cada uno tiene su nivel.
Monje ha estado con cada uno de nosotros y todos hemos salido del curso con más confianza y tecnicas de conducción .
100% recomendable
