Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga: Which is Better?

When planning a Morocco desert tour, one of the most common dilemmas travelers face is: Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga? hese two incredible dune fields in the Moroccan Sahara each offer a one of a kind experience, with their own unique charm, vibe, and accessibility. Whether you’re looking for comfort, adventure, or authenticity, choosing the right erg will shape your desert journey.

Erg Chebbi, located near Merzouga, is perfect for those seeking accessibility and luxury, while Erg Chigaga, near M’Hamid, offers a more remote and wild adventure. This guide will help you decide between Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga, comparing size, location, activities, and the overall desert experience in Morocco to find the best fit for your trip.

What is an Erg? Understanding the Dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga

An erg is a vast area of sand dunes formed by the wind. In Morocco, the two main ergs are Erg Chebbi, located near Merzouga, and Erg Chigaga, close to M’Hamid. Both offer great experiences in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, but they differ in size, accessibility, and atmosphere.

Comparing the Landscape and Size of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga

Erg Chigaga is considered the wildest and most remote. Its dunes stretch for around 35 km long and 15 km wide, offering a more untouched desert feel. Because of its vastness and lack of development, it’s a great option for travelers seeking the best desert experience in Morocco without the crowds.

Erg Chebbi, on the other hand, is more accessible and just outside Merzouga. It’s slightly smaller, with dunes measuring 25 km long and 5 km wide, but the golden sand hills can reach heights of 150 meters. This makes it perfect for photography enthusiasts and those visiting for the first time.

Which Is Easier to Reach to the Desert?

If you’re deciding how to reach either Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, accessibility is a crucial factor to consider.

Erg Chebbi is more easily accessible. It’s about 550 km from Marrakech via paved roads, and you’ll pass through scenic spots like the Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, and the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. Many Morocco desert tours from Marrakech or Fes follow this route.

• Check our our desert tours from Marrakech
• Check out our desert tours from Fes

Erg Chigaga requires a bit more effort. You’ll need to reach Zagora or M’Hamid first about 350 km from Marrakech and then continue off-road for over 100 km in a 4×4 vehicle. The route takes you via the beautiful Draa Valley, home to the largest palm grove in the North Africa.

Comfort vs Adventure in the Desert

If you’re looking for more comfort and convenience, Erg Chebbi is your answer. It offers a wider range of Berber desert camps, from budget to luxury desert camps in Morocco. There are also many available activities like camel trekking, quad biking, and 4×4 desert tours.

Erg Chigaga is ideal for those who want a real adventure. It’s less commercial and more immersive. The desert camps here are more rustic, giving you a chance to disconnect and enjoy an authentic Moroccan Sahara experience.

Which Desert Offers Better Camel Trekking?

Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi is more common and usually shorter, catering to a wide range of travelers. Most treks take you over the dunes to watch the sunset and spend a night in a desert camp.

In Erg Chigaga, camel treks are usually longer and more immersive. You can join a multi-day camel trek that gives you a true taste of nomadic life in the Sahara Desert Morocco.

Nomadic Culture in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga

Both dunes provide a unique opportunity to engage with Berber nomadic culture. In Erg Chebbi, these experiences are often part of organized cultural programs. In Erg Chigaga, they feel more authentic and spontaneous, offering a closer look at traditional nomadic desert life.

Best Time to Visit Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga

The best time to visit Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga is between October and April, when the temperatures are more moderate. Summer can be extremely hot, particularly in the afternoons.

Which Dunes Are Better for Photography?

Erg Chebbi is a dream for photographers. Its tall, sharp dunes, golden sands, and ease of access make it ideal for sunrise and sunset shots. The surrounding area also offers dramatic landscapes and kasbahs.

Erg Chigaga, on the other hand, offers stunning, untouched landscapes with fewer tourists. If you love wide, open horizons and a sense of isolation, this is the place for you.

Price Differences and Tour Options

Erg Chebbi is typically more affordable due to its easier accessibility and the wide range of available camps. Many tours from Marrakech to Merzouga are available for all budgets.

Erg Chigaga tours tend to be more expensive, as they require 4×4 transport and longer travel times. A 4-day tour or more is ideal if you want to include Chigaga in your itinerary.

Sleeping Under the Stars in the Sahara

One of the highlights of any Morocco desert tour is spending a night in the dunes. In both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, you’ll enjoy traditional Berber music, local cuisine, and crystal clear starry skies.

Conclusion: Which Desert to Choose?

So, Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga what’s the final word?

If you’re short on time, prefer comfort, and want more activities and photo opportunities, Erg Chebbi is the ideal choice. It offers a range of luxury desert camps and easy access to Morocco Sahara Desert, making it perfect for those seeking a quick yet unforgettable adventure.

However, if you’re looking for a more authentic desert experience, Erg Chigaga offers solitude, raw nature, and a true off-the-beaten-path feel. It’s perfect for those who crave adventure, want a less touristy destination, and enjoy 4×4 off-road travel through stunning desert landscapes.

In the end, both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga provide the best experiences. No matter which one you pick, your desert journey in Morocco will create memories that will stay with you forever.