Sandboarding is one of the smallest add-ons on a Sahara trip and one of the most consistently enjoyed — it takes twenty minutes, needs no prior experience, and turns the same dunes you've been photographing into something to actually play on.
How it actually works
A sandboard is essentially a shortened snowboard, waxed on the underside, used either standing (like snowboarding) or sitting (more like sledding) down a dune face. Most first-timers start sitting, since it's easier to control and less likely to end in a tumble, and switch to standing once they've got a feel for the slope. Camps at Erg Chebbi typically keep a few boards on hand as part of the morning activity around sunrise, before the day's heat sets in.
What it actually feels like
Slower than snow, and softer to fall on — sand has more friction than snow, so the ride is a shorter, bumpier glide rather than a fast, smooth run. That's part of what makes it approachable: a fall on sand rarely hurts, and the learning curve is short enough that most people get a decent run within a few tries.
When it happens on our routes
Sandboarding fits naturally into the morning at camp, right after sunrise and before the drive back — see our 3-day itinerary for where it sits in the schedule. It's a short window, so if it's something you specifically want to do, mention it to your guide the evening before so a board is set aside.
Is it worth trying?
For most travelers, yes — it costs nothing extra, takes little time, and adds a genuinely fun, physical few minutes to what's otherwise a morning of packing up and driving. It's not a serious sport activity on this route (for that, see our quad and buggy comparison), but as a quick, low-effort add-on at sunrise, it earns its place.
Quick answers
A few follow-up questions travelers ask about this.
Do I need any experience to try sandboarding?
No — most travelers try it for the first time at camp, and sitting-style runs are approachable for almost anyone regardless of fitness.
Is sandboarding included in the tour price?
Yes — it's a standard camp activity on our routes, not a paid add-on like the quad bike or buggy.
Is there a best time of day for it?
Early morning, right after sunrise, when the sand is cooler and before the day's heat sets in — this is also when it's already built into the schedule.
Want sandboarding built into your morning?
It's already part of our standard camp schedule — just let your guide know the evening before if it's a priority for you.
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