The Moroccan Desert

ERG-CHIGAGA The Moroccan Desert

Are you looking for an exceptional adventure in the Sahara Desert with towering sand dunes away from the usual tourist spots? Look no further: explore this comprehensive guide on how to travel to Erg-Chigaga (Erg-Chegaga), a majestic jewel of the Sahara Desert nestled in Morocco.

Within this guide you will discover all the essential information for your expedition on the Erg-Chigaga (Erg-Chegaga). I will illustrate the route to reach this fascinating destination, I will delve into the accommodation choices and I will talk about my personal encounter with this breathtaking desert place. Additionally, I will provide captivating images from my trip, helping you prepare for an unforgettable visit to this extraordinary place.

Erg-Chigaga, also known as Erg-Chegaga, is a hidden oasis away from the typical tourist routes of Morocco. Its sheer beauty and isolation from bustling tourist centers make it a paradise for artists and photographers alike. Nestled in a sea of sand dunes, some exceeding 150 meters high, Erg-Chigaga is surrounded by a Hamada landscape with pockets of verdant oases dotting the dunes. This desert oasis is more than a two-hour drive from the nearest city or village, offering an ideal Sahara Desert experience that feels worlds away from civilization.

ERG-CHIGAGA (ERG-CHEGAGA): A FASCINATING RETREAT IN THE MOROCCO DESERT

Although Morocco boasts several desert locations that showcase golden and orange sand dunes, offering a glimpse into the desert’s enchanting starry nights, most of these are located in close proximity to urban centers.

For example, the Tinfou dunes are just 6km from Tamegroute, Erg-Lihoudi can be reached by car in just 45 minutes from the nearest village, and Erg-Chebbi is a short camel ride or hour’s walk from Merzouga. Erg-Chegaga stands out as Morocco’s only desert destination where you can truly immerse yourself in the Sahara desert experience. Located 60km from the nearest town, the journey to the camps takes 3 days by camel or 2.5 hours of driving by 4×4 vehicle from M’hamid el Ghizlaine.

Here you will encounter the highest sand dunes in Morocco, with heights exceeding 150 metres. As you gaze into the distance, you’ll be mesmerized by an endless expanse of orange sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Erg-Chegaga offers an authentic Sahara Desert experience that transports you away from the trappings of modern life.

WHERE TO FIND ERG-CHIGAGA (ERG-CHEGAGA)

Erg-Chigaga is located about 60 km from the Moroccan city of M’Hamid El Ghizlane, not far from the Algerian border.

This extraordinary desert enclave is located in the heart of the Sahara Desert, ensuring an authentic desert experience where neither light nor sound will disturb your immersion in Morocco’s most authentic desert landscapes.

To help you locate Erg-Chigaga, here is a pin on the map. However, I strongly advise against venturing there independently, as it can be dangerous. The region lacks geographic orientation signs, given its remote desert location, and many areas have no mobile network coverage, underscoring the importance of seeking a professional guide for your trip.