Soft sand dune

by Rita Fuchs

The vast expanse of Erg Chebbi in Morocco looks like a landscape of gold and light. Dunes metres high rise from the endless sea of sand that is the Sahara, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Wind and time constantly reshape the sand dunes, so that the contours of the shifting dunes are always changing. It is particularly in the early morning hours and late afternoon that the North African desert landscape reveals its full magic.
The warm sun bathes the sand in intense shades of ochre and gold, whilst long shadows accentuate the undulating dune ridges. Despite its apparent emptiness, the desert is full of life and stories. The shapes of the dunes are reminiscent of frozen waves from a vast ocean of sand. Horizons blur into the distance, conveying a sense of boundless freedom and tranquillity.
The Erg Chebbi, situated near the village of Merzouga, is one of Morocco’s best-known dune regions. The landscape captivates with its naturalness and quiet beauty. Deserted sandy expanses, fine drifts of sand and the unique desert flora create an atmosphere of unspoilt wilderness and adventure. Anyone visiting this part of North Africa experiences the Sahara at its most impressive. Between light and shadow, sky and sand, a timeless scene unfolds that delights photographers, nature lovers and travellers alike and remains in the memory for a long time to come.