Erg Chigaga (Chegaga): Guide to Morocco’s Wild Desert

Erg Chigaga: Morocco’s great wild desert

60 km from M’hamid El Ghizlane and 90 km from Foum Zguid, at the gateway to the Sahara, Erg Chigaga (also spelled Chegaga) is a sea of golden dunes, among the largest in Morocco. There is no paved road to the camp and no crowd on the dune crests: only desert tracks, silence and an exceptional starry sky.

We are a local agency based in M’hamid. We know these tracks, the nomad families of the region and the best bivouac spots. This guide covers what you need to plan your trip: where the erg is, how to get there, when to go and how to choose between 4x4, camel and trekking on foot.

Where is Erg Chigaga and how do you get there?

Erg Chigaga lies in southern Morocco, in the Zagora region, beyond M’hamid El Ghizlane, the last village before the desert. It stretches over several dozen kilometres (≈) and its highest dunes rise well above 100 metres (≈ up to 300 m according to some sources).

There is no paved road to it. From M’hamid (60 km), allow about two to three hours on desert tracks by 4x4 (≈), through very varied landscapes: palm groves, stony reg, hamada and the dry Iriki lake. This journey is what protects the calm of the place.

From M’hamid: the most direct starting point. You can reach the erg by 4x4 or on foot (trekking and hiking). See our two-day trip from M’hamid and our page on M’hamid El Ghizlane.

From Ouarzazate: the road goes through the Draa Valley and Zagora before M’hamid (≈ 4 to 5 hours’ drive). See our 4-day tour from Ouarzazate or our 2-day trip.

From Marrakech: crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass makes for a long day on the road (≈ 7 to 8 hours to M’hamid). We recommend at least four to six days to enjoy it fully, for example our 6-day tour from Marrakech.

From Agadir: the route reaches the south through the Anti-Atlas and local tracks. See our 3-day and 4-day tours from Agadir.

From Foum Zguid: another way into the erg, 90 km of track away, reachable by 4x4 only, with our 2-day trip from Foum Zguid.

What you experience at Erg Chigaga

The dunes. Golden sand and long crests that change colour all day. You climb them on foot for sunrise or sunset, run on them, slide down them. For children and adults alike, it is a huge playground.

The bivouac. The night is spent in a Berber tent or under the stars, around the fire, with a meal prepared on site and mint tea. Read more on our page about the night in a Berber tent. Comfort stays simple: that is the price of authenticity.

The starry sky. Far from any light, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on a clear night. It is one of the moments travellers remember most.

The wildlife. With a bit of luck, you may see gazelles, oryx or ostriches (depending on the area and the season, sightings are never guaranteed), as well as birds around Lake Iriki when it fills with water.

The nomads. The M’hamid region is nomad country. During your stay, you share tea, meals and stories with local families. Every year, the desert festivals in M’hamid also celebrate this culture.

How to visit Erg Chigaga: 4x4, camel or trek?

By 4x4: the fastest way

From M’hamid or from Foum Zguid, a 4x4 gets you to the erg in a few hours and lets you spend one or two nights there, even on a short trip. We stay only on existing tracks to protect the environment. See our 4x4 trip in the Moroccan desert and our 3-day 4x4 tour from M’hamid.

By caravan: the meharee

Travelling by caravan is the closest way to the nomad tradition: you walk while the camels carry the luggage, you move slowly and discover the desert at the pace of your guides. See our 4-day meharee (from €235 per person) and our 5-day caravan trek (from €275).

On foot: the trek

From M’hamid, treks and hikes are mostly done on foot: it is the most immersive option for walkers. Your luggage travels with the camels and you walk light. See our 5-day trek in the Moroccan desert.

By camel: a ride in the dunes

On site, a camel ride in Erg Chigaga at sunrise or sunset is one of the moments travellers remember most. It is a ride in the dunes, not a way of crossing the desert: treks and hikes are mostly done on foot.

Combining options

Many travellers combine them: going by 4x4 and then taking a camel ride at sunrise or sunset, or walking for two days and then reaching the dunes by vehicle. We build every programme to measure.

When to go to Erg Chigaga

The best period runs from October to April: days are pleasant and nights are cool, even cold in December and January (bring warm clothes and a good sleeping bag).

From May to September, it is very hot in the south (≈ often above 40 °C during the day). Trips remain possible but are not recommended for children or people sensitive to heat.

Sandstorms (sirocco) can occur, mostly in spring. They are rarely dangerous but can reduce visibility, which is one more reason to leave some margin in your schedule.

For the holiday season, see our New Year’s Eve in the Moroccan desert.

Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi: which one to choose?

Morocco has two great ergs. They offer very different experiences:

	Erg Chigaga (M’hamid)	Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
Atmosphere:	Wild, remote, very quiet	More touristy, very busy
Access:	Tracks: 4x4 or trek on foot	Paved road to Merzouga
Dunes:	Very vast, golden sand (≈ up to 300 m)	More compact, orange sand (≈ 150 m)
Accommodation:	Simple bivouac, few camps	Many camps, wide choice of comfort
Crowds:	Low	High, especially in high season
Journey:	Longer	Shorter
Best for:	Adventure, silence, meeting nomads	Short stay, comfort, easy access

Our honest opinion: Chebbi is easier to reach and offers more comfort. Chigaga takes more time and patience, but gives you a more authentic and quieter desert. If you have few days or want comfort, Merzouga may suit you better (see our 4-day tour to Merzouga). If you want to get away from the crowds, Chigaga is the right choice.

Erg Chigaga: who is it for?

Families. It is a great playground for children, as long as you accept track journeys and simple comfort. We adapt the stages to the children’s age. See our family trip in the Moroccan desert.

Couples. A bivouac far from everything, a sunset over the dunes, a starry night: a simple, romantic break.

Friends or adventurers. Trek, méharée, nights in bivouac, meetings with nomads: a trip for those who love the real desert.

Retreats and groups. The calm of the place is ideal for yoga and meditation or school trips.

Frequently asked questions about Erg Chigaga

Where is Erg Chigaga? In southern Morocco, near M’hamid El Ghizlane, in the Zagora region, at the gateway to the Sahara.

Do you need a 4x4 to reach Erg Chigaga? To reach the erg quickly, yes. Otherwise, you can walk there from M’hamid on a multi-day trip (the camels carry the luggage). From Foum Zguid, access is by 4x4 only.

How many days should you plan? At least two days from M’hamid. From Marrakech or Agadir, we recommend four days or more so that you do not spend the whole trip on the road.

What is the difference between Chegaga and Chigaga? None: it is the same erg. Both spellings are used.

What is the difference between Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi? Chebbi (Merzouga) is more accessible and more touristy; Chigaga (M’hamid) is more remote, wilder and quieter.

Can you sleep in the desert with children? Yes, our trips are suitable for families. Comfort stays simple (tents, basic toilets) and nights can be cold in winter.

When is the best time to go? From October to April. Summer is very hot.

Can you see wild animals? Depending on the area and the season, you may see gazelles, oryx, ostriches and many birds. Sightings are never guaranteed.

Plan your trip to Erg Chigaga

Not sure which option to choose, or want a tailor-made programme? Our local team answers you directly.