A Morocco desert trip is a must-do experience — and one of the most magical highlights of any visit to the country. But when it comes to choosing between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, many travelers aren’t sure which one is right for them.
Both offer stunning Sahara landscapes, camel rides, and Berber hospitality — but each has its unique vibe, accessibility, and experience. In this guide, Ema Travel Morocco breaks down the differences to help you decide: Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga — which is best for your desert trip?
What Are Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga?
Before we compare, let’s define what we’re talking about.
- “Erg” means a sea of sand dunes in Arabic — vast, windswept landscapes typical of the Sahara.
- Erg Chebbi is near the town of Merzouga, close to the Algerian border.
- Erg Chigaga is located near M’Hamid El Ghizlane, about 60 km from the nearest paved road.
Erg Chebbi: The Iconic, Accessible Desert Experience
Location: Near Merzouga, southeast Morocco
Access: Paved roads all the way
Dune Height: Up to 150 meters
Best for: First-time visitors, families, ease of access, comfort
Erg Chebbi is the more popular and accessible of the two. It’s easy to reach via a paved road, with Merzouga offering a range of accommodations — from budget riads to luxury desert camps. Many travelers choose Erg Chebbi because it’s logistically simpler and still offers spectacular desert scenery.
Pros of Erg Chebbi:
- Easier to reach by car or bus
- Higher dunes for dramatic sunset views
- Greater choice of desert camps and hotels
- More tourist infrastructure (restaurants, shops, ATMs)
- Shorter camel treks available
Cons of Erg Chebbi:
- More crowded during peak season
- Slightly less “wild” or off-the-grid
- Less isolated feeling due to proximity of hotels to dunes
Popular Activities:
- Camel trekking at sunset and sunrise
- Sandboarding
- Visiting Gnawa musicians in Khamlia village
- 4×4 adventures and quad biking
Erg Chigaga: The Raw, Remote Sahara Experience
Location: Near M’Hamid El Ghizlane
Access: 2+ hours off-road drive from M’Hamid
Dune Height: Up to 300 meters
Best for: Adventurers, off-the-beaten-path travelers, authentic Sahara feel
Erg Chigaga is larger and wilder than Erg Chebbi — less developed and harder to reach. You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced driver to get there. But for those seeking solitude, silence, and a true feeling of being deep in the desert, Erg Chigaga is unmatched.
Pros of Erg Chigaga:
- Fewer tourists and camps — more solitude
- Deeper immersion in the Sahara
- Great for multi-day treks and adventure seekers
- More “authentic” desert feel
Cons of Erg Chigaga:
- Harder to reach (requires 4×4 and off-road drive)
- Fewer accommodation options
- Less convenient for tight itineraries
Popular Activities:
- Extended camel treks with nomads
- Deep desert stargazing
- Off-road adventures through dry lakes and rocky plains
- Visiting nomadic families
Which Is Best for You? Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Erg Chebbi | Erg Chigaga |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Easy (paved roads) | Hard (requires 4×4) |
| Dune Size | High (150m) | Very High (300m) |
| Tourist Level | Popular | Remote |
| Accommodation | Wide range | Fewer, more rustic |
| Activities | Camel rides, quads, sandboarding | Camel trekking, raw nature |
| Time Required | 1-2 nights | 2+ nights recommended |
| Best For | First-timers, families, comfort | Adventurers, photographers, solitude lovers |
Ema Travel Morocco Tip: Combine Both!
Why not experience both worlds? At Ema Travel Morocco, we can organize a route that includes both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, along with the Draa Valley, ancient kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages.
Our suggested 4 to 6-day Sahara circuit includes:
- Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
- Erg Chebbi → Rissani → Zagora → M’Hamid → Erg Chigaga
- Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → Taznakht → Marrakech
You’ll witness the full diversity of Morocco’s desert landscapes.
Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert
Both dunes are best visited in:
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov): Ideal temperatures
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold at night but sunny during the day
- Summer (June–Aug): Extremely hot, less recommended
What to Pack for a Desert Trip
Some universal tips for both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga:
- Lightweight clothes for day, warm layers for night
- A scarf or turban for sand protection
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Power bank (limited electricity in remote areas)
- Water bottle (hydration is key!)
- Travel insurance
Final Thoughts: Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga for Your Morocco Desert Trip?
Both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga offer unforgettable desert experiences — it all depends on your travel style.
- Choose Erg Chebbi if you want an easier trip with amenities and shorter drives.
- Choose Erg Chigaga if you want adventure, raw landscapes, and solitude.
- Or do both with a custom itinerary from Ema Travel Morocco!
Whichever you choose, a desert trip in Morocco is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and we’re here to make it truly special.
Ready to Explore the Sahara?
Let Ema Travel Morocco craft your dream desert experience. Whether it’s the comfort of Erg Chebbi or the wild beauty of Erg Chigaga, we’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the magic.
📩 Contact us today to plan your Morocco desert trip!