Morocco: Erg Chebbi Dunes

Moroccan legend says that the Erg Chebbi sand dunes were sent by God as a punishment for turning away a weary traveler from Morocco's Sahara desert. Moroccans believe that the dunes piled up outside Merzouga to teach them a lesson so that they would never refuse to help tired travelers ever again. The Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga are indisputably one of the greatest sights of Morocco. These giant hills of smooth sand line the Algerian border and are a must see for everyone.Whether you choose to go by camel or explore by foot with a Moroccan travel guide, you will have an equal opportunity to observe the desert flora and fauna. Mostly reptiles live in the desert and can be spotted by their tracks. The nighttime presents an opportunity to catch glimpses of the jerboa, desert hedgehog, and desert fox or fennec. Desert plants are a bit rare as the rainfall in this area is very brief and uncommon. In the springtime, if rain appears, pink asphodels and mauve statice can be found. Yet, best of all are the birds. Bird lovers will enjoy looking for desert sparrows, Egyptian nightjars, desert wablers, fulvous babblers, and blue-cheeked bee-eaters. Also, pink flamingos and other water birds are sometimes spotted if the spring brings rain and creates a small lake northwest of Merzouga.