Erg Chebbi — Auberge Dunes d’Or Piste Dispersed Camp

The piste running north-south along the western face of Erg Chebbi offers a handful of flat, wind-scoured hardpan pullouts where overlanders have been laying down camp for years. The ground here is compacted reg — easy to level on, decent drainage, and positioned so the dune wall blocks the worst of the easterly wind. No facilities, no signs, no fences. You’ll have company most nights in season; this stretch sees a steady flow of 4x4s heading toward Merzouga from Erfoud. Light pollution is minimal once trucks stop on the N13.

Sand encroachment is real — don’t park in a low hollow or you’ll be digging out by morning. Best approached from the Erfoud–Merzouga piste rather than the tarmac N13. High-clearance recommended; 4WD mandatory if you push toward the dune base. October through April is prime. Summer temps exceed 45°C.

Sleep where the dune wall meets the reg.