Few places on earth are as photogenic as the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. At sunrise and sunset, the sand changes from pale gold to deep orange and red, while long shadows reveal every curve of the dunes. After dark, the sky fills with stars.
This photography guide shares practical tips for capturing the Sahara at its best, whether you use a professional camera or just your phone.
Why Erg Chebbi Is Perfect for Photography
Erg Chebbi is a large sea of dunes in southeastern Morocco, with some dunes rising well above 100 metres. Its fine orange sand, sharp ridges and wide horizons create strong, simple compositions. Because it is close to Merzouga village, it is easy to reach at the best hours of light.
Read more about the region in our Sahara Desert travel guide.
Best Times for Photos
Golden hour at sunset
The hour before sunset gives warm, soft light and long shadows. This is when most camel treks leave for the camps, so you can photograph caravans walking along the ridges.
Sunrise
Sunrise is often the best moment of all. The air is clear, the sand is untouched by footprints after the night wind, and there are fewer people. Wake up 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise to climb a dune and be ready.
Blue hour
The 20 to 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset give soft blue tones and calm atmosphere, perfect for camp and tent photos with warm lights.
Night
On moonless nights, the Milky Way can be very visible. Around the full moon, the dunes are lit by moonlight, which creates a different, magical look but fewer visible stars.
Best Spots in Erg Chebbi
- The high dunes behind your camp: climbing even a medium dune gives you a view over the whole erg.
- Dune ridges: follow the sharp lines of a ridge to lead the eye into the picture.
- The edge of the dunes: photograph the contrast between the flat rocky desert and the rising sand.
- Your camp: tents with lanterns under the stars make beautiful night photos.
Composition Tips
- Use people for scale. A small figure or a camel on a ridge shows how huge the dunes are.
- Look for lines and shadows. Ripples in the sand and curved ridges make strong foregrounds.
- Keep the horizon straight and use the rule of thirds.
- Shoot silhouettes of camels and people against the sunset sky.
- Avoid footprints in the foreground by walking behind the scene you want to photograph.
Camera Settings
Sunset and sunrise
- Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for sharp landscapes.
- ISO: 100 to 200.
- Use exposure compensation of -0.3 to -1 to keep colours rich.
- Shoot in RAW if possible.
Night sky
- Use a tripod.
- Aperture: as wide as possible (f/1.8 to f/2.8).
- Shutter: 15 to 25 seconds with a wide lens.
- ISO: 1600 to 3200.
- Focus manually on a bright star.
Smartphone Tips
- Tap on the sky to lower the exposure at sunset.
- Use the 0.5x wide lens for big landscapes.
- Use night mode with the phone resting on sand or a small tripod for stars.
- Take a burst of photos when camels are walking.
Protecting Your Gear From Sand
Sand is the biggest risk for cameras in the desert.
- Change lenses inside the tent, never in the wind.
- Keep your camera in a sealed bag when not in use.
- Bring a blower and a microfibre cloth. Do not wipe sand off a lens without blowing it first.
- Bring a power bank, as cold nights drain batteries quickly.
What to Wear for Desert Photography
Mornings and nights can be cold, even outside winter. Bring a warm layer, a scarf to protect from wind and sand, and shoes you can walk in on soft sand. See our full packing advice in what to wear in Morocco.
Choosing the Right Camp for Photography
Camps deeper in the dunes offer views without buildings or lights. Ask your tour operator about the camp location. Compare options in our guide to luxury vs standard desert camps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is sunrise in Merzouga?
It changes through the year, from roughly 6:00 in summer to around 7:30 in winter. Check the exact time the evening before.
Can I photograph the Milky Way in Erg Chebbi?
Yes, on clear nights with little moonlight. Spring to autumn is the best season for the Milky Way core.
Is a drone allowed?
Drones are strictly regulated in Morocco and generally need prior authorisation. Do not bring one without checking the current rules.
Capture the Sahara With Us
Our desert tours are timed so you arrive for sunset and wake up for sunrise in the dunes. Explore the 2-day desert tour from Fes or all our Morocco desert tours with Fes Morocco Tours.
