Erg Chebbi — Merzouga Lake Bed Dispersed Camp

Dayet Srij — the seasonal lake north of Merzouga village — is one of the stranger camp spots in North Africa. When dry (most of the year), the salt flat is an almost perfectly level white surface that makes an outstanding open camp. Visibility in all directions, zero obstacles, and the Erg Chebbi dune wall rising to the south makes for one of the more dramatic backdrops you’ll find on the piste. Birders know this place in winter when the lake fills and flamingos appear; overlanders use the dry crust as a free and flat staging ground before or after the dune run. No facilities, no shade, no water.

Do not drive onto the lake bed if there’s any standing water or after recent rain — the crust turns to deep glutinous mud that swallows axles. Check local conditions in Merzouga before committing. The access track runs east from the village, visible on most mapping apps as a dirt track. Sand tyres or reduced pressure advised. Best September through May.

Flamingo salt flat — flat as glass when dry.