The Ultimate Guide to the Sahara Desert: Merzouga and Erg Chigaga

The Moroccan Sahara forms part of the greater Sahara Desert, the world’s largest hot desert, spanning over 9 million square kilometers. The Moroccan portion of the Sahara, although relatively small compared to other regions, features some of the most spectacular dunes, ancient oases, and traditional Berber villages. The landscape is defined by towering dunes, rocky plateaus, and vast, empty plains that offer a serene and surreal escape from everyday life.

Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

Merzouga is a small village located near the impressive Erg Chebbi, a massive dune field that stretches for 28 kilometers in length and reaches heights of up to 150 meters. Erg Chebbi is one of the most accessible and popular areas for desert travelers in Morocco. Its golden dunes offer stunning views, and it’s renowned for sunrise and sunset camel treks, desert camps, and stargazing.

Erg Chigaga

Located deeper in the Sahara, Erg Chigaga is more remote and less frequented by tourists than Merzouga, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded and wild desert experience. The dunes of Erg Chigaga are also among the highest in Morocco, some reaching over 300 meters. While the journey to Erg Chigaga is longer and more challenging, the reward is an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

How to Get to Merzouga

Merzouga is located about 560 kilometers southeast of Marrakech and 470 kilometers from Fes. The village is easily accessible by car, and many travelers choose to visit Merzouga as part of a guided desert tour that departs from Marrakech or Fes. The drive to Merzouga offers scenic routes through the High Atlas Mountains, the Dades Valley, and Todra Gorge, making the journey as rewarding as the destination.

Top Activities in Merzouga

Camel Trekking in Erg Chebbi

Camel trekking is the quintessential Sahara experience in Merzouga. You can take a leisurely ride on the back of a camel to explore the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and witness the dramatic desert landscapes at sunrise or sunset. The gentle swaying of the camel as you traverse the towering dunes creates a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, making this a must-do activity for any visitor.

Overnight Desert Camp

Spending the night in a traditional desert camp is an unforgettable way to experience the Sahara’s tranquility. After a camel trek, you’ll arrive at a Berber camp set amid the dunes, where you can enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars. The night sky in the Sahara is incredibly clear, offering some of the best stargazing in the world. You’ll sleep in a comfortable tent, complete with carpets, cushions, and warm blankets.

Sandboarding

For a thrilling adventure, try sandboarding down the giant dunes of Erg Chebbi. This activity is like snowboarding but on sand, and it’s a fun way to get your adrenaline pumping as you slide down the steep slopes.

4×4 Desert Tours

If you prefer to explore the desert at a faster pace, you can opt for a 4×4 tour that takes you deep into the Sahara. These tours often visit nearby oases, nomadic settlements, and other hidden corners of the desert that are difficult to reach by camel.

Exploring Khamlia Village

Khamlia is a small village located near Merzouga, known for its Gnawa music traditions. The inhabitants of Khamlia are descendants of sub-Saharan Africans, and their unique spiritual music, performed with drums and castanets, is a cultural highlight for visitors. Stop by to enjoy a traditional Gnawa performance and learn about this fascinating aspect of Moroccan culture.

How to Get to Erg Chigaga

Reaching Erg Chigaga is a bit more challenging than Merzouga, as it is located about 60 kilometers from the nearest town of M’Hamid. The drive from Marrakech to M’Hamid takes about 8 to 9 hours. From M’Hamid, you will need a 4×4 vehicle to traverse the rugged terrain and reach the dunes of Erg Chigaga. Due to its remote location, many travelers choose to visit Erg Chigaga as part of a guided multi-day desert tour.

Top Activities in Erg Chigaga

Camel Trekking in Erg Chigaga

Like Merzouga, Erg Chigaga offers breathtaking camel treks across its towering dunes. The dunes here are larger and more dramatic, and because fewer tourists visit this region, you can enjoy a more peaceful and intimate desert experience. Camel treks in Erg Chigaga often include multi-day journeys, where you’ll sleep under the stars or in nomadic tents along the way.

Overnight Camping in a Desert Bivouac

Camping in Erg Chigaga is a truly wild experience. Many desert camps here are far from any settlements, offering complete solitude and immersion in the Sahara’s vast, empty landscapes. At night, you’ll gather around the campfire with Berber guides, listen to traditional music, and marvel at the millions of stars overhead.

Off-Roading Adventures

For thrill-seekers, Erg Chigaga is the perfect place for off-roading. The area’s expansive dunes and rocky plateaus provide the perfect terrain for 4×4 excursions. Whether you’re navigating steep dunes or exploring the rocky desert floor, an off-road adventure in Erg Chigaga is sure to get your heart racing.

Visiting the Sacred Oasis of Oum Laalag

Hidden deep in the desert, the oasis of Oum Laalag is a natural spring surrounded by palm trees and greenery. This oasis has been a vital stop for desert caravans for centuries. Today, it’s a peaceful and serene spot to relax and take in the beauty of the Sahara.

Both Merzouga and Erg Chigaga offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury desert camps to more traditional Berber tents. Here are some options for where to stay:

Luxury Desert Camps

For a truly unforgettable experience, many luxury desert camps offer a blend of comfort and authenticity. These camps come with private tents furnished with beds, carpets, and en-suite bathrooms, offering a touch of luxury in the middle of the desert. Some camps even offer gourmet Moroccan meals, private excursions, and activities like yoga and meditation.

Traditional Nomadic Tents

For a more authentic experience, you can stay in a traditional Berber tent, where you’ll sleep on cozy carpets and cushions under the stars. These camps are usually more basic but offer an immersive experience of the nomadic lifestyle.

Riads and Hotels in Nearby Towns

If you prefer more conventional accommodations, there are charming riads and hotels in the towns near both Merzouga and Erg Chigaga. These traditional Moroccan guesthouses are often beautifully decorated with local art and offer a comfortable base before you head into the desert.

Before you embark on your Sahara desert journey, here are a few tips to help you prepare:

Pack Light but Smart

Desert temperatures can vary greatly, with hot days and cold nights, so pack layers to stay comfortable. Bring a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen for daytime protection, and warm clothing for the cooler evenings. Don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning desert landscapes!

Bring Cash

Many places in the desert, especially in Erg Chigaga, do not have ATMs, so be sure to bring enough cash for your trip.

Stay Hydrated

The desert air can quickly lead to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Most tours provide water, but it’s always a good idea to bring your supply as well.

Book a Guided Tour

The Sahara Desert is vast, and navigating it on your own can be difficult and dangerous. Booking a guided tour ensures that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, whether you’re camel trekking, camping, or off-roading.