Erg Chigaga, the Other Moroccan Desert
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If you prefer remote and wild locations, you should visit the Erg Chigaga dunes. Less famous than the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, this vast sand sea is where you will truly feel the immensity of the Sahara—and the sensation of being lost in the middle of nowhere.
Of course, you won’t actually be lost. Your guide and camp will never be too far from you. But with fewer tourists and fewer facilities around you, the feeling is completely different.
I spent more than 1 month in total in the region, and I visited Erg Chigaga twice. To be honest, I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this part of the Sahara.
If you’re reading this, I guess you’ve already heard of Erg Chigaga and want to know how to get there—and all the essential information a traveler needs.
Keep reading, I’ve got you covered.
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Plan Your Stay in Erg Chigaga in Just a Few Seconds!
In a rush to plan your trip? This mini-guide has all the essentials you need!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
- Camp Ayoub M’Hamid (the camp I go to every time)
- Oasis Source de Vie (a very budget-friendly option)
HOW TO GET THERE?
WHAT TO BRING?
- A turban or a scarf
- Warm clothes for the night
- Sunscreen
During this slow trip, I’ll take you to discover my favorite destinations, with a focus on cultural experiences that allow you to travel more consciously and connect deeply with local traditions.
Why Erg Chigaga and not Erg Chebbi?
In Morocco, 2 major dune fields receive most of the foreign visitors: Erg Chigaga (near M’Hamid) and Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga). Most travelers choose the second one.
Why, if both are at a similar distance from Marrakech?
Well, first, for marketing reasons. The tourism industry in Merzouga has done a far better job promoting the destination. A quick look at platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator will convince you that Merzouga is the only desert in Morocco.
Second, it is easier and faster to get to Merzouga, which is something significant for travelers who are in Morocco for only a few days. The road goes all the way to Merzouga, and from there the dunes of Erg Chebbi are only a 30-minute walk or camel ride away. To reach Erg Chigaga, the trip is way longer and bumpier, about 30 miles (ca. 48 km) off-road from M’Hamid.
Third, Merzouga offers a wide variety of hotels and camps, with very luxurious installations for some of them. So, the comfort is undoubtedly higher. Around Erg Chigaga, camps are far fewer and range from basic to comfortable—but not luxury.
Finally, Erg Chebbi has the highest dunes in Morocco (around 500 feet (0.15 km)), which makes it particularly attractive, right?
To resume, if you are short on time or looking for maximum comfort, choose Merzouga. You can even join a tour from Marrakech or even from Fes for more peace of mind. Again, it is perfect if you don’t have the time to organize an escape by yourself.
So why do I recommend Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chigaga doesn’t have the highest dunes, but it has a much larger surface area. From the top of a dune, the immensity is breathtaking, like a movie scene.
The journey to Erg Chigaga is not as simple as going from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi, but it is an amazing experience in itself. 30 miles (ca. 48 km) to recover from M’Hamid by 4×4, during which you will see the landscapes slowly change before you reach the dunes.
Also, the vegetation and the wildlife you will meet on your way make the experience totally stunning. A true adventure!
👉 The camp I recommend in M’Hamid
I’ve stayed there twice and loved it. Book here if you’re looking for peace and the perfect guide to explore the Erg Chigaga dunes on a one-night excursion.
→ Check availability and rates
How to get to Erg Chigaga?
In Morocco, you can get à la carte tours with almost all the travel agencies. So if you want to visit from Marrakech or Fez, it should not be an issue. You will find somebody to organize the entire tour.
The downside is the price, and negotiating without knowing the real rates can be tricky.
👉 You can also opt for tours organized by a travel platform so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
However, I recommend that you go to M’Hamid instead. There are direct buses from Marrakech and Ouarzazate. I always travel with CTM, which I find excellent, but other companies are also available.
If you’re driving your own car or a rental car, be aware that the road is easy all the way to M’Hamid. You can also travel by grand taxi.
Once you arrive in M’Hamid, you have two options:
• You’re staying in a hotel in town. In that case, you can walk there. The town is quite small.
• You’re staying outside the town. I recommend asking your host to pick you up if they don’t already offer it. I suggest this if you’re coming by bus, but also if you’re driving, especially if you’re staying in a camp outside the town: the first few kilometers of piste can be difficult without a 4×4. Your host will guide you without any problem.
Most travelers spend the first night in their accommodation before leaving the next day for Erg Chigaga.
The drive takes about 3 hours, but it can be longer if your guide stops regularly to show you beautiful spots along the way, as well as for lunch.
Along the road, you’ll see the landscapes change gradually:
• first, a vast plain of dark stones and hills;
• then, low bushes surrounded by sand;
• finally, the sand takes over until you reach the giant dunes.
My experience in Erg Chigaga
After a short nap, you continue to the dunes and reach the camp where you’ll spend the night. Once the rooms are assigned, it’s time for traditional Moroccan tea.
Then usually comes the camel ride, which will take you as close as possible to Erg Chigaga. You’ll climb the last stretch on foot to enjoy the sunset from the top.
A sea of sand spreads beneath you.
Time stops.
Silence fills the air.
After a short nap, you continue to the dunes and reach the camp where you’ll spend the night. Once the rooms are assigned, it’s time for traditional Moroccan tea.
Then usually comes the camel ride, which will take you as close as possible to Erg Chigaga. You’ll climb the last stretch on foot to enjoy the sunset from the top.
A sea of sand spreads beneath you.
Time stops.
Silence fills the air.
After a ride back to the camp, you’ll have time to rest before dinner. If the camp is full, the guides, and hosts will gather around a fire for music. Berber music and a lot of laughs and dance!
At night, you can sleep in your room or outside after a short or long (I prefer long) gaslighting. The sky in the desert is absolutely mesmerizing, and you won’t get tired of admiring the dozens of stars shining.
The next morning will start with breakfast before heading back to the camp or hotel. Sometimes, you get the chance to stop again to discover new places; sometimes you go straight back.
What if I want to stay longer?
No problem at all!
You can stay in the dunes as long as you want—1, 2, or 3 nights, or even combine it with another erg. Just tell your guide and they’ll arrange everything. That’s the Moroccan way.
For any tour, I strongly recommend my host and friend Brahim, a great guide, funny, and with deep knowledge of the desert. You can book his camp on Booking and arrange the tour once you arrive.
Where to stay in Erg Chigaga?
Of course, if you want to stay in the dunes, you’ll need to stay in one of the camps.
In general, you don’t have to organize anything yourself, as it’s usually included in the tour, but you can also book directly.
Here are two camps where I have stayed:
You can also stay in a camp near M’Hamid, which is an excellent compromise: close to the town while still being in the heart of the desert.
As I mentioned earlier, I stayed with Brahim twice: once for 3 days and once for an entire month. Click on the image to book!
Another option is to stay in the village, especially if you don’t want to spend too much time in the desert and want to experience the local life. Here are 3 options:
- Dar Nomads ($$): This accommodation offers lovely rooms with private bathrooms. There’s also a terrace and a garden available to all guests.
- Dar Yaya ($$): Another accommodation that offers simple rooms, but with all the necessary comforts for a few nights. A good option for families or groups, as well as for couples and solo travelers.
- Dar M’Hamid ($$): Lovely and spacious rooms with private bathrooms in a welcoming property with a beautiful terrace. Ideal for couples, groups of friends, and families!
Finally, something I want to try next time is staying in a palmeraie (palm grove) outside the town. There are 2 locations on my radar:
- Oasis Source de Vie ($): A simple accommodation surrounded by greenery that offers very budget-friendly prices. For solo travelers like me, and for those on a tight budget, I think this is a very good option.
- Auberge La Palmeraie ($$): This property seems to be a true haven of peace in the shade of the palm trees. The rooms are simple and also budget-friendly.
What is the best time to visit desert?
Obviously, you don’t go to the desert in summer, except if you want to be roasted alive. So, forget about July and August. Anyway, almost all camps close during this time of year. September and June are hot, but still manageable if you enjoy warm weather.
The best months are October–November and April–May. You can visit in winter, but remember that temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
Planning your trip to Morocco?
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What to take to the desert?
Even a short desert expedition requires some preparation, and there are a few essentials you should bring to fully enjoy the experience:
- Light clothing for the daytime and warmer layers for the evenings, which can get cool
- A turban or scarf and sunglasses to protect yourself from wind and sand
- Sunscreen and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated (even though your guide will normally provide water)
- Sneakers or sandals for walking on the dunes
How to travel responsibly in Erg Chigaga?
Traveling responsibly in Erg Chigaga means respecting the desert and the people who live there.
First—probably the easiest action—you should stay in camps managed by local families to directly support the M’Hamid community.
Then, once there, save water, avoid polluting products, and leave no trace.
Do not pick plants or stones, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
If you decide to go on a camel trek, choose agencies that treat their animals well. If you’re unsure, it’s better to skip this activity.
And above all, take the time to talk with the locals: the desert is best discovered when you respect its silence… and the people who call it home.
I hope this post has answered all your questions about how to visit Erg Chigaga. I’ll finish by saying this: You will fall in love with this magical part of Morocco. I am 99% sure of it!
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