The great dune of Hassi-Labied

(S/E) From the campsite (or another nearby parking spot), head to the road and follow it northwest for about 1.6 km until you reach a roundabout.

(1) Take the road on the right towards the north-northeast for about 200 m until you reach a crossroads, which you will come back to at the end of the loop.

(2) Continue north-northeast for another 200 m, then north for just under 4 km.

(3) Turn right, heading north, and continue for about 300 m.

(4) Turn right and follow the "Camp Auberge Sahara", keeping it on your right.

(5) You will then begin walking in the sand. When you reach the last trees, you will see the Grande Dune d'Hassi-Labied, which you will head towards, zigzagging between the dunes to find the best route (which may differ from the recorded route).

(6) When you reach the top, descend as you did on the way up, looking for the best path through the dunes, heading towards the "Haven La Chance Desert Hotel" visible below: during the season, from September to April, many campervans park there.

(7) Turn left and generally follow a route parallel to the road you took on the way there for a little over 1.5 km.

(8) Take the road on the right that heads south-southeast for about 900 m.

(9) At the Y-junction, take the right-hand road to enter the first suburbs.

(10) Continue straight ahead on the road heading south for about 250 m, passing houses on your right.

(11) Continue along the road, which winds a little, ignoring any adjacent streets. Then keep heading south-west, turning into a street and following it for about 300 m until you reach the end of the houses in this neighbourhood.

(12) Continue in the same direction for about 400 m.

(13) Before entering this neighbourhood, turn right to the south-west and cross the road you came from.

(2) Turn left onto the road heading south-southwest and follow the same route you took on the way there to return to the car park (S/E).

• We chose to set off from our camp so that we could warm up properly before venturing into the dunes. This also allows you to admire the erg from its outskirts on an easy walk and, if necessary, add a cheche to your equipment, which will come in handy if the wind threatens to pick up, as it often does here, but also to stock up on water or food in the shops along the road.
• When walking on the dunes, if you have to follow the ridge, it is generally best to stay on the windward side, where the sand is normally harder.
• Climbing a dune is difficult, so if the wind is blowing in your face, make sure you have enough strength to get over the top of the dune quickly, as the wind blows the sand away when you cross the ridge and you'll get sand in your eyes (which is why it's a good idea to wear a scarf and sunglasses).
• For long walks in soft sand and to avoid getting sand in your shoes, you can cover them with gaiters.

Another hike in the area: Tour of Erg Chebbi via the south and ascent of the Great Dune of Merzouga