Merzouga, on the edge of Erg Chebbi, is one of the most photographed landscapes in Morocco. It also attracts paraglider pilots looking for something very different from mountains or coast: a sea of sand shaped by the wind.
One point first: in the Merzouga dunes only experienced pilots with their own equipment fly. There are no tandem flights, so this is not the place to try paragliding for the first time.
How flying the dunes works
A large dune behaves like a small slope: when wind blows against it the air rises and a pilot can stay up for a while. It is dynamic flying, very different from mountain thermals.
The dunes also move. Wind reshapes them day by day, so the ridge you flew yesterday may look different today.
Who it is for
This is a destination for independent, experienced pilots comfortable with wind launches and landings, close-to-ground control and the judgement not to fly. You need complete equipment and suitable insurance.
If you are starting out, train first in a place with a school and pilots who can guide you. The dunes leave little margin for beginner mistakes.
Safety in the desert
Rescue and medical services are far away. Fly accompanied, tell someone where and when you will fly, and carry communication and enough water.
Sand, heat and sun also matter: sand damages gear, heat reduces your margin and the middle of the day is not the best time.
Getting there and respecting the place
Merzouga is several hours by road from the big cities. The in-between seasons are usually more comfortable than midsummer. The dunes are fragile and the livelihood of local families, so respect local guidance and leave no waste.
Merzouga offers a unique flight, but only to prepared pilots and without tandem. For a first flight, choose one of our tandem flights instead.
