Sandboarding is the playful side of the Sahara. A guide leads you to a suitable slope on the Erg Chebbi dunes, hands you a waxed board and shows you how to sit, lie or stand on it before you push off. The ride down is short but fast, and the climb back up through soft sand is a proper workout, so a session is a series of runs rather than one long descent. Many people combine it with a quad ride or a camel trek, which is how this activity is most often sold. The sensation of gliding down a tall golden dune with nothing around you but sand and sky is easy to love, and most visitors laugh their way through the first few falls.
Technique is simple. Sitting or lying down is the easiest and safest way to start, steering with your feet or hands. Standing like a snowboarder takes more balance and a firmer, steeper slope. Wax on the base helps the board slide, and your guide will reapply it as needed. Soft, loose sand on the lee side of a dune is slower, while compact sand near the crest is faster. Do not worry about injury: sand is a forgiving surface, though you should keep your mouth closed, wear sunglasses or goggles and protect cameras.
The hardest part is the climb. Walking up a steep dune is exhausting, as every step sinks and slides back, so drink water, go slowly and take rests. Early morning or late afternoon is best, when the sand is cooler and the light is kind to photographs. At midday, especially in summer, the surface can be hot enough to burn bare feet, so wear shoes or thick socks. People with knee, hip or back problems might prefer to ride a quad to the top and enjoy only the descent.
Sandboarding sessions are usually offered as an add-on, so look for packages that include boards and a guide. Quality of equipment varies: ask for a board with fresh wax and, if possible, bindings or foot straps if you want to stand. Children enjoy the activity enormously, especially on shallower slopes near the camp. If you are staying overnight in the dunes, a pre-dawn session before breakfast is a wonderful way to start the day and often the quietest. After each session, shake out your clothing and shoes, because sand will follow you for days.
To get the most from a session, pick your slope with care. Gentle slopes on the lee side of a dune suit children and beginners, while steeper faces give a faster run for confident riders. Keep a bottle of water at the base, carry the board on your shoulder to free your hands for balance, and use the footprints of earlier climbers as steps. Take photographs from the top before you ride, because your camera is safer in a zipped pocket on the way down.
Sandboarding also fits neatly into a larger plan. Many camps keep boards at the site, so you can ride for free after dinner or before breakfast without a separate tour. Quad and buggy packages often include a session on the way back. If you want more coaching, ask whether the guide has experience teaching beginners, and whether snowboard-style bindings are available. Finish with a drink of mint tea and a few minutes of rest, since the climbing leaves legs surprisingly tired.
What to expect
The experience
A guided session on the dunes with a waxed board, technique tips and repeated runs, often combined with a quad ride.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the sand is cool.
How long
One to two hours, depending on the package.
Tips
Wear shoes or thick socks, sunglasses and a scarf, and drink water between climbs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who want to play in the dunes.
- Families
- Excellent for children on gentle slopes.
- Couples
- A fun way to start a morning in camp.
- Pair with
- Quad biking or a camel trek.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is sandboarding difficult?+
Not at all when sitting or lying down. Standing takes balance and practice.
Will I get hurt?+
Falls are soft, but protect your eyes and mouth from sand.
How tiring is it?+
The climb up is the hard part. Pace yourself and drink water.
Is equipment provided?+
Usually yes, with a waxed board. Check that it is included in the package.
When is the best time of day?+
Early morning or late afternoon, when the sand is cooler and the light is soft.
