Best Desert to Visit in Morocco Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga

For anyone planning a trip to Morocco, spending a night in the desert is often highlighted as a must-do experience. It's a magical adventure that many dream of, and if you're considering this for your itinerary, you've come to the right place. This guide will delve into the best deserts to visit in Morocco, comparing the renowned Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, helping you decide which one is right for your journey.

Morocco is a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, and when it comes to experiencing the Sahara Desert, you have two incredible options: Erg Chigaga, accessible from Zagora or Mhamid, and Erg Chebbi, located near Merzouga. If you're short on time and can only choose one, our comprehensive comparison will clarify which desert suits your desires and expectations.

It's essential to understand that these two famous areas are not separate deserts but rather parts of the vast Sahara Desert. This means that even if they are situated far apart, they both share the unique characteristics of a desert environment. Deserts aren't just endless dunes; they also consist of rocky plains known as hammada and sandy dune fields called erg.

For instance, if you opt for Erg Chigaga, be prepared to traverse a rocky landscape before reaching the stunning dunes, a journey that adds to the adventure.

Where are the deserts in Morocco?

Both deserts are located in southeastern Morocco, close to the Algerian border, although they are separated by approximately 260 kilometers in a straight line (around 400-500 kilometers by road). Here's how to access them:

• Erg Chigaga: Starting points are Zagora or Mhamid.
• Erg Chebbi: Accessible from Merzouga.

The most notable difference is that Erg Chigaga is situated about 40 kilometers from Mhamid and approximately 65 kilometers from Zagora, necessitating a jeep tour that typically includes stops at Berber camps, oases, and more. This journey takes roughly two hours.

In contrast, Erg Chebbi is just a stone's throw from Merzouga and Hassilabied, allowing you to easily walk to nearby dunes from your accommodation or take a significantly shorter jeep ride. While camel rides are an option, we found them less appealing.

What does this mean for your experience?

Erg Chigaga offers a much more remote experience, being far from the nearest towns, which adds an enchanting sense of isolation.

On the other hand, Erg Chebbi is the more tourist-friendly of the two due to its accessibility. It often features in multi-day packages in Morocco, leading to better-organized camps, but it can also feel crowded.

Regarding costs, if you plan to travel independently, visiting Erg Chigaga is generally more expensive (approximately €80), while a night in a camp at Erg Chebbi can be around €50.

Natural differences between the deserts in Morocco

Even though both deserts are part of the Sahara, they have distinct characteristics that may influence your choice. Here’s a breakdown of each based on our experiences:

• In terms of size, Erg Chigaga is larger, measuring about 25 x 15 kilometers, while Erg Chebbi is approximately 20 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide.
• When it comes to the height of the dunes, the tallest dune in Erg Chigaga reaches roughly 300 meters, compared to Erg Chebbi's highest dune at about 150 meters. However, our experience showed that the actual height isn't as critical as being near a decent-sized dune. Use Google Maps or Google Earth to check nearby dunes before booking your camp.
• The color of the sand also varies: Erg Chigaga features a yellowish hue, while Erg Chebbi showcases more reddish tones. Personally, we preferred the latter's vibrant color.

While none of these factors are deal-breakers, they are worth considering as you plan your trip.

How to choose a good camp?

Deciding which desert to visit is just one part of the equation; finding a great camp is equally crucial to enhance your overall experience. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

First and foremost, consider the location. Camps cannot be established deep within the desert itself; they are usually situated at its edges. Therefore, ensure your chosen camp is close to a cluster of sizable dunes so you can stroll up to one and soak in the views. We recommend avoiding any tours that involve camel rides for sunset viewing.

Use Google Maps (satellite version) or Google Earth to confirm the camp's exact location and check for sizable dunes within a 500-700 meter radius. Walking over a kilometer up dunes can be exhausting.

Next, decide whether you prefer a standard camp or a luxury camp. Luxury camps often offer private bathrooms, higher quality food, and additional amenities like electricity and decorative touches, while standard camps typically have shared facilities. However, none will have air conditioning—remember, this is a desert experience!

Some recommendations include:

Erg Chebbi: We stayed at the Akabar Luxury Desert Camp and had a wonderful experience. Alternatively, consider the Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp, which looks fantastic but is a bit pricier.

Erg Chigaga: Check out Bivouac Erg Chegaga Nomademoi for good facilities (shared bathrooms) and proximity to a large dune. The M’hamid Bivouac – Chez Naji offers private bathrooms and beautifully decorated tents. We stayed at La Mer De Sable, but it seems to be closed now.

Booking a desert tour in Morocco

Camps are usually booked as part of a package, which typically includes meals, transportation, activities, and entertainment like dance performances at night, in addition to a night in a private tent (of varying quality). These packages can be arranged in several ways:

• Negotiate directly in nearby cities with local agencies.
• Book online through the agency websites or platforms like Booking or Airbnb, but it’s wise to follow up after booking to confirm the package details and final price to avoid unexpected charges.
• Include it in a larger multi-day package in Morocco (for example, this 3-day tour to the Merzouga desert from Marrakech).

While the camps are similar in both deserts, we sensed that Erg Chebbi's camps are generally better maintained, with more attractive tents and superior facilities. Being more accessible makes upkeep easier. However, at the Erg Chigaga camp, we were allowed to bring the beds outside to sleep under the stars—an unforgettable experience!

So, which desert should you visit in Morocco?

Before our trip, we were convinced that the experience in Erg Chigaga would be more special. Its remoteness, larger size, taller dunes, and lower tourist traffic made it appealing. And indeed, those expectations were met.

In Erg Chebbi, while the camp was superior, we found ourselves surrounded by other camps filled with tourists. Although there was no interaction with neighboring camps, it didn't provide the authentic sense of isolation we were seeking.

In terms of beauty, both deserts offer stunning landscapes. The experience will be unforgettable regardless of which one you choose.

To sum up our preferences based on different factors:

• Isolation feeling: Erg Chigaga
• Less touristy atmosphere: Erg Chigaga
• Dune size and scenery: both are equally beautiful
• Camp quality: Erg Chebbi
• Cost: Erg Chebbi
• Ease of access: Erg Chebbi

If you have enough time and your itinerary allows, we would recommend Erg Chigaga. However, if Erg Chebbi fits more seamlessly into your plans, you can rest assured that your experience will be equally wonderful. We had the luxury of visiting both, which allowed us to enjoy the best of both worlds.

We hope this guide helps you decide between the two deserts and enhances your upcoming adventure in Morocco. Have you visited either? Which one is your favorite?

Stay updated on our day-to-day travels in Morocco through our Instagram stories.

Top 5 Excursions from Marrakech You Can't Miss