Morocco Desert Adventures: Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga
Planning a trip to Morocco? Chances are, the Sahara Desert is somewhere near the top of your list—and rightly so. Nothing says “epic adventure” quite like camel trekking across golden dunes, sleeping under the stars, and enjoying the timelessness in the heart of the desert. But here’s the thing: Morocco has two famous dune regions: Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. While they might seem similar at first glance, each appeals to a different kind of traveler. So, how do you choose?
Let’s break it down.
First Things First: Why Visit the Sahara Desert?
The Sahara isn’t just a vast sea of sand—it’s a place where time slows down, where silence speaks, and where travelers rediscover their sense of wonder. Morocco is one of the few places where the Sahara is so accessible and immersive.
This part of the world offers a soul-deep calm you can’t find elsewhere. Picture sipping mint tea under a tent while the sun dips behind a wave of sand, or waking up to the sounds of wind brushing against dunes as your camp slowly stirs. It’s a different kind of travel—a kind that invites reflection and real connection.
What Makes Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga Special?
So, what exactly is an “erg”? In short, it’s a large, broad, flat area of desert covered with wind-swept sand and little to no vegetation. Think the classic “Sahara” look. Both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga are iconic examples in Morocco, but they deliver completely different experiences.
Erg Chebbi is the more famous of the two. Located near the village of Merzouga, it’s known for dramatic, compact dunes that glow golden and salmon at sunset. It’s easier to access, offers a wide range of accommodations, and tends to be a favorite for first-time visitors or families.
On the other hand, Erg Chigaga is for the wild at heart. It lies far off the beaten track, 60 to 90 kilometers from the nearest paved roads. The dunes here are more expansive and rugged, the stargazing is unparalleled, and you’ll likely see more camels than tourists. If you want that untouched, remote desert feel, this might be your spot.
Accessibility
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga):
Erg Chebbi is easier to reach. A paved road takes you right to the village of Merzouga, with options for hotels and camps nearby. For a more authentic experience, a 4×4 is necessary, especially if you want to venture off the main road into the dunes.
Erg Chigaga (Chigaga):
Getting to Erg Chigaga is truly an adventure. Located 60 km off-road from M’Hamid and 90 km from Foum Zguid, it requires a professional driver and a sturdy 4×4. There are no signs, no villages—just sky, sand, and silence.
➛ Choose Erg Chebbi if you want easy access. Go for Chigaga if the journey itself is part of the experience.
Terrain and Dune Type
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga):
Famous for its compact, salmon-colored dunes (the only ones of their kind in the world), Erg Chebbi delivers dramatic desert views. The tallest dunes reach up to 150 meters, creating a picture-perfect landscape. There is little to no signage, so a professional driver is recommended.
Erg Chigaga (Chigaga):
Chigaga feels wilder and more expansive. The dunes stretch for about 25 km, rising up to 200 meters. With no signs or nearby towns, it’s a raw and rugged desert that feels endless. Going on your own is highly discouraged.
➛ Erg Chebbi is a photographer’s dream and incredibly photogenic, no matter the time of day. If your dream is to wander through a true sea of sand, Chigaga is calling.
Accommodation and Activities
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga):
More tourist-friendly, with a broader range of accommodations: from luxury glamping setups to basic nomadic tents and hotel-style lodgings in Merzouga. This range makes it ideal for all budgets and comfort levels. Many camps include camel treks, sandboarding, traditional music around the fire, and Moroccan meals. The vibe is social but not overwhelming. And for families, having a toilet and shower in the tent can be a game-changer.
Erg Chigaga (Chigaga):
Fewer visitors mean fewer camps. In Erg Chigaga, you’ll find mostly off-grid desert camps and many wild camping opportunities. While the choices are not abundant, they are adventures in themselves. Longer treks are possible here, with a sense of isolation and timelessness. Other available activities include meeting local nomads, hearing untold stories, and sharing traditional meals.
➛ If you need a hot shower and WiFi, go Chebbi. If you want silence and stars, go Chigaga.
Cultural Immersion and Desert Life
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga):
Merzouga is still a small village, and with the right guide, you can meet local families, visit traditional markets, and learn about desert customs. But beware: many tours here are commercialized and filled with staged performances. Choose a responsible tour operator to get beyond the tourist traps.
Erg Chigaga (Chigaga):
Because of its remoteness, Chigaga offers deeper cultural moments. This is where camel trekking becomes a spiritual experience, and a simple conversation around a fire becomes the highlight of your trip.
➛ Want to go deeper into Morocco’s cultural soul? Chigaga is the better bet.
Stargazing and Night Skies
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga):
With minimal light pollution, the stars are impressive, but nearby villages can slightly dim the experience.
Erg Chigaga (Chegaga):
One of the absolute highlights of Erg Chigaga? The night sky. With zero light pollution, the stars here are dazzling. You’ll see the Milky Way with your naked eye and constellations you didn’t know existed. If you’ve never experienced total darkness paired with total silence, prepare to be changed by it.
➛ If stargazing is on your bucket list, Erg Chigaga wins this one.
Which Desert Is Right for You?
- For families and first-time desert visitors: Erg Chebbi offers comfort and convenience without sacrificing the magic.
- For off-the-beaten-path adventurers: Erg Chigaga delivers the wild, raw beauty that many imagine when they think “Sahara.”
- For photographers and stargazers: Both offer epic views. Erg Chebbi is photogenic due to its unique salmon-pink dunes, while Chigaga is unmatched in its night skies and untouched terrain.
- For cultural travelers: Chigaga allows deeper connections, but only with the right guide. Erg Chebbi can be enriching too—if you avoid the mass-tourism traps.
Visit Both with Open Doors Morocco
Whether you choose Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, our guides make sure you get the most from your Morocco desert adventure. We handpick your route, your camp, and your activities so that they align with your travel style and values. No commission-based detours. No gimmicks.
Just real Morocco.
Ready to Start Planning?
Still not sure which spot is right for you? That’s what we’re here for. Contact us and let us help you design a journey that fits your sense of adventure, comfort, and curiosity.
