Getting a taste of Morocco’s vast desert landscapes doesn’t have to mean just camel rides or sunset views. One of the more surprising and fun-filled activities you can try in Merzouga is zorbing, or rolling down the dunes inside a giant plastic bubble. This Sanding Ball experience, hosted by TouaregTrails.com, offers a lively and safe way to add a splash of adrenaline and laughter to your desert adventure.
What makes this activity particularly appealing? First, it’s accessible to most travelers, with a manageable duration of just over an hour. Second, the guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge—making the experience both safe and entertaining. Third, the price point is attractive considering it’s a unique activity in a remote desert setting. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a full-day excursion, so if you’re craving multiple activities or a deep dive into desert life, this might be a quick highlight rather than a standalone adventure.
This tour is best suited for those looking for a lighthearted, novel experience that combines outdoor fun with desert scenery. Adventure seekers, families, and curious travelers who want something more than just sightseeing will find this zorbing activity worth considering.
Key Points
- Unique Experience: It’s Morocco’s first zorbing activity, offering a fun twist on desert exploration.
- Accessible for Most: The activity is suitable for most travelers, with a flexible timeframe.
- Authentic Desert Setting: The sand dunes provide a striking backdrop for the bouncing plastic bubble.
- Guides and Safety: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety while adding personality and local insights.
- Value for Money: At about $53, it’s a memorable activity that offers good value for a short adventure.
- Limited Duration: It’s a quick thrill, perfect for adding variety to a desert itinerary.
Introduction to Zorbing in Merzouga
While Merzouga is famous for its sweeping sand dunes, camels, and starry nights, the Sanding Ball activity offers a fresh, playful way to experience the desert. Instead of just watching the dunes, you get to physically partake in a lively activity that’s bound to bring out your inner child. The whole point? To slide, roll, and laugh your way down the dunes inside a giant plastic sphere, all under the guidance of experienced staff.
What truly stands out about this experience is its simplicity paired with the element of novelty. Unlike quad biking or sandboarding, which might leave you tired or dusty, zorbing offers a gentle yet exhilarating ride that even non-adventurers can enjoy. And, if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to roll in a bubble on sandy slopes, this is your chance.
Looking for more options in Merzouga? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What Makes the Sanding Ball Activity Special?
The Setting: Merzouga’s Sand Dunes
The activity takes place directly in the iconic Merzouga desert, known for its large, golden dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The sand dunes here are perfect for zorbing because of their gentle inclines and soft, warm sand. Reviewers have expressed satisfaction about the way the activity combines fun with the natural beauty of the desert.
The Experience: Rolling Inside a Plastic Bubble
Participants enter a massive plastic bubble, and with harnesses in place, they are pushed gently to start their descent. As you roll down the dune, you’ll experience a sense of lightness and freedom, bouncing and tumbling with the wind. The activity lasts about 10-15 minutes per run, but you can do multiple rounds if time permits. The key is the safety and guidance provided by knowledgeable staff, who make sure everyone is comfortable and secure before starting.
The Guides: Friendly and Informed
Reviewers have mentioned the guides by name, highlighting their friendliness and professionalism. They’re not only there to ensure safety but also to inject some humor and local insights into the experience. Their tips on how to position yourself for the best ride and what to expect help make the activity accessible and enjoyable for all.
What’s Included and Practical Details
Starting at the Sahara ATV Quad Adventures meeting point in Merzouga, the tour is straightforward to book. It operates daily from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM, offering flexibility for various schedules. The admission ticket, priced at around $52.86 per person, covers the activity itself, with no hidden costs.
The tour is designed for groups of up to 20 people, which means you’re unlikely to feel crowded. Confirmation happens immediately upon booking, and the activity is suitable for most travelers—there’s no mention of age restrictions or health limitations, but common sense and good footwear are recommended.
Additional Activities and Customization
While the primary focus is the zorbing, the tour operators can also arrange other desert activities including camel trekking, overnight stays, quad biking, or buggy rides. If you’re planning a day in Merzouga, this activity can be a perfect addition to diversify your desert experience.
The Experience Itself: What to Expect
Arrival and Safety Briefing
Upon reaching the meeting point, expect a brief safety orientation from the guides. They will explain how to enter the bubble, what to do during the ride, and how to get the best experience. This orientation is valued by reviewers, who appreciated guides that made them feel confident and relaxed.
The Zorbing Run
Once inside the bubble, you’re secured with harnesses. The guide then pushes or gently rolls you down the dune, controlling the speed and ensuring your safety. The sensation is akin to a gentle roller coaster—bouncy, fun, and surprisingly smooth considering the sandy slopes.
Post-Ride and Additional Rounds
Many reviewers mention that they did multiple runs, enjoying the thrill repeatedly. After each descent, you get out, shake off the sand, and prepare for the next ride if desired. The whole activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes including setup and breaks.
Authentic Desert Vibe
One of the best parts? The desert scenery. The vast dunes, blue sky, and warm sun create a striking backdrop that makes each ride memorable. Some reviewers found that the guides’ local knowledge added a friendly, authentic dimension to the experience.
Authentic Insights from Reviewers
A reviewer named Touareg_S shared that they booked through TouaregTrails and enjoyed multiple activities in Merzouga, including this zorbing experience. They praised the combination of fun and professionalism, recommending it highly. They also mentioned the availability of luxury tent stays and sandboarding as part of their broader desert adventure.
Another reviewer appreciated the guides’ friendliness and felt the activity was “so much more” than just a simple ride. Their enthusiasm underlines how this activity, while short, can be a highlight of your trip when guided well.
Pricing and Value
At around $52.86, this activity offers good value considering its uniqueness in Morocco. It’s a quick, high-energy activity that can be a highlight of your desert time without requiring much planning or expense. It’s also a great way to break up longer desert excursions with something playful and memorable.
Who Should Consider This?
This zorbing activity is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a lighthearted adventure. It suits those who are keen on trying something different without the physical exertion of quad biking or camel riding. Plus, if you’re traveling with children or teenagers, zorbing can be a safe and amusing activity that keeps everyone engaged.
It’s especially recommended if you’re looking for a photo-worthy experience because of the stunning desert backdrop. However, those expecting a full-day adventure or intense adrenaline rush might find this more of a fun side activity rather than a main event.
The Sum Up
This Sands Ball zorbing activity in Merzouga offers a joyful, authentic way to engage with the desert landscape. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a quick dose of fun, lighthearted adventure, paired with the stunning scenery of Morocco’s iconic dunes. The guides are knowledgeable and attentive, making sure everyone feels comfortable and has a good time.
The activity’s affordability and simplicity make it accessible for most visitors, and the opportunity to do multiple runs keeps the fun going. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, zorbing on the dunes provides a memorable, laughter-filled addition to your desert itinerary.
If you’re craving a playful break from traditional sightseeing, this activity is definitely worth considering. It’s a chance to experience Morocco’s desert in a way that’s active, fun, and authentically memorable.
FAQ
Is the Sanding Ball zorbing activity suitable for children?
While the tour states most travelers can participate, specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned. It’s best to confirm with the operator beforehand, but generally, younger children may need supervision or might be limited based on their size and comfort.
What should I wear for the activity?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor desert activity is recommended. Since it involves sand, wear light, breathable clothes, and bring sun protection like hats or sunglasses.
How long does each ride last?
Each run is approximately 10-15 minutes, but with multiple rounds, the total activity lasts around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Can I cancel the activity if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.
Is the activity safe?
Yes, the guides are experienced and will ensure proper harnessing and safety measures are in place. The activity is designed to be light-hearted and safe for most participants.
What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the zorbing activity itself, with the meeting point at Sahara ATV Quad Adventures. Additional activities or services are optional.
What time does the activity run?
It operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, offering flexibility to fit into your desert schedule.
Is there transportation included?
Transportation isn’t explicitly included, but the activity starts and ends at the specified meeting point in Merzouga, which is accessible near public transportation.
In sum, zorbing in Merzouga’s dunes offers a playful, memorable way to experience the Moroccan desert, especially for those eager to try something different. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and good value, this activity deserves a spot on your desert adventure list.