Hotel Kasbah Erg Chebbi takes its inspiration from the fortified earth houses of southern Morocco. Built in the rammed-earth style, with thick walls, small windows and a central courtyard, it keeps interiors cool by day and warm by night. This architecture suits the climate and gives the hotel a distinctive look that photographs well. It sits in the Erg Chebbi area, close to the dunes, and offers the comfort of a hotel with the sense of place of a kasbah. Guests use it as a base for camel treks, quad rides and day trips to Rissani and Khamlia, and it is also a convenient place to stop on a multi-day tour.
Location and setting
The hotel is in the Erg Chebbi area on the edge of the desert, so you have the dunes close at hand and the village within reach. Mornings are quiet, and sunsets from the roof are rewarding. Because it is outside the main village, you may rely on the hotel for meals, but local restaurants are a short ride away.
Rooms and atmosphere
Rooms are usually decorated in a Moroccan style, with tiled floors, carved furniture and woven fabrics. Courtyards and terraces provide shade, and some properties include a small pool, though you should confirm this. Air conditioning and heating differ by room. Breakfast is typically served on a terrace, and dinner may be available on request.
Who it suits and good to know: couples, families and travellers who prefer a hotel stay to a tent. The thick-walled design helps in summer, and a pool, if available, is welcome after a day in the heat. If you want to sleep in the dunes, the hotel can often help organise a camel trek and store your luggage. Check current facilities, what is included in the rate and the best arrival times. Tell the staff about dietary needs, and carry small bills for tips.
To enjoy the kasbah setting, spend time in the courtyard in the early morning and at dusk, when the earth walls glow and the air is cool. Ask whether there is a roof terrace for sunset, and whether the hotel can pack a picnic for a day trip. If you want to dine in, order early, since kitchens in remote hotels shop day by day. Carry a light jacket for winter evenings and a hat for summer afternoons.
The architecture is worth noticing in its own right. Rammed earth, palm beams and carved plaster have been used in this region for centuries, and the thick walls are well suited to extremes of heat and cold. Ask the staff how the building was made and maintained, and look for geometric patterns around doors and windows. Early morning is a good time to photograph the walls, when light is soft and the courtyard is quiet.
Why stay here
- ✓Dune or desert views
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Dinner on request
- ✓Terrace or courtyard
- ✓Camel trek and excursion bookings
- ✓Air conditioning or heating (varies by room)
- ✓Wi-Fi in common areas
- ✓Airport or transfer help on request
Good questions
Does the hotel have a pool?+
Confirm when you reserve, since facilities can differ between seasons and rooms.
Is it close to the dunes?+
Yes, it is in the Erg Chebbi area, within a short distance of the first dunes.
Can I store luggage during a camp night?+
Many hotels allow this. Ask at check-in.
