In this article
Morocco has two great ‘ergs’, or seas of dunes: Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga beyond M’Hamid. Both are spectacular, but very different. Here’s how to choose.
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
It’s Morocco’s most famous desert. The dunes reach about 150 metres in height and have an intense orange colour, especially at sunset. It’s reached by paved road all the way to the village of Merzouga, so it’s convenient and suitable for everyone, families included. There are camps for every budget, from the simplest to luxury, and plenty of activities: camel, quad, buggy, sandboarding and 4×4.
Erg Chigaga (M’Hamid)
It’s bigger, wilder and further away. You drive to M’Hamid, the last village in the Draa valley, and from there continue for about 60 km on a 4×4 track. Camps are few and scattered, and the feeling of isolation is total. The dunes are a little lower, but the surrounding landscape, with dry lakes, acacias and oases, is more varied.
The comparison
| Erg Chebbi | Erg Chigaga | |
|---|---|---|
| From Marrakech | about 9-10 hours | about 8-9 hours + track |
| Road | paved to the dunes | last 2 hours on a 4×4 track |
| Dunes | higher and orange | more extensive, lower |
| Camps | many, for every budget | few and isolated |
| Activities | lots (quad, buggy, camel…) | mainly camel and trekking |
| Ideal for | first-timers, families, limited time | those seeking silence and adventure |
What about Zagora?
Zagora is often sold as the ‘desert in 2 days from Marrakech’. The dunes near Zagora are small: it’s a great choice if you’re short on time, but don’t expect the great dunes of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga.
Why not both?
With a week or more you can see both: our grand southern loop in 7 days spends a night on Erg Chebbi and one on Erg Chigaga, with Aït Ben Haddou and the canyons in between.
