The dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental rise directly above Taghit, forming a wall of golden sand hundreds of metres high on the edge of town. You can walk up from the centre in about 20 minutes and find yourself on a ridge looking out over an ocean of dunes stretching to the horizon. The abruptness of the transition — palm trees and gardens on one side, pure Sahara on the other — is what makes Taghit special.
Sunset from the dunes is the essential Taghit experience. As the light drops, the sand shifts through shades of gold, orange, and red, and the shadows between the dune ridges deepen. Bring a scarf against the wind and stay until the stars come out — the night sky from the dunes, far from any light pollution, is spectacular. Dawn is equally good if you can manage the early start.