Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga: Which Is Better
- Waleed
- Apr 10
- 9 min read
Morocco has two main areas where you can sleep in the Sahara desert: Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. Both have tall golden dunes, camel rides, and desert camps. But they are not the same place, and the experience you get at each one is quite different.
So which one should you choose? The short answer is: it depends on what kind of trip you want. If you want easy access and a more social atmosphere, go to Erg Chebbi. If you want a quieter, more remote experience, go to Erg Chigaga.
In this guide, we compare both dune areas in detail from how to get there, to what the camps are like, to who each one is best for. By the end, you will have a clear answer.
What Is Erg Chebbi?
Erg Chebbi is a large area of sand dunes near the town of Merzouga, in southeastern Morocco. The dunes are very tall (some reach up to 150 meters). They are orange-red in color, especially in the morning and evening light, which makes them great for photos.
Merzouga is a small town, but it has many hotels, guesthouses, and tour agencies. Getting to Erg Chebbi is not difficult. You can take a bus from Marrakech or Fes to Rissani or Erfoud, and then take a short taxi ride to Merzouga. Many 3-day organized tours also stop here as part of a Marrakech-to-Sahara route.
Because it is easy to reach, Erg Chebbi is the most popular desert destination in Morocco. This means more tourists, more camp options at different price levels, and more activities. You can do camel rides, quad biking, sandboarding, and stargazing. The area is well set up for travelers of all budgets.
What Is Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chigaga is a remote desert area near the town of M'Hamid El Ghizlane, in the south of Morocco. The dunes here are also tall (they can reach over 100 meters) and they stretch across a wider, more open area. The landscape feels bigger and emptier, which is exactly what some travelers are looking for.
Getting to Erg Chigaga is harder. From M'Hamid, you need about 2 to 3 hours by 4x4 vehicle on rough desert tracks. There is no public bus that goes there. You must either join an organized tour, rent a 4x4 with a driver, or go on a multi-day camel trek. The extra effort keeps many tourists away, which is a big part of its appeal.
There are far fewer camps at Erg Chigaga, but the ones that exist tend to be well-designed and peaceful. Some are luxury glamping camps with private tents and real beds. Others are more basic. Because there are fewer visitors overall, you can walk into the dunes and feel completely alone; something that is harder to find at Erg Chebbi.
Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of the two dune areas to help you decide:
Category | Erg Chebbi (Near Merzouga) | Erg Chigaga (Near M’Hamid) |
Location | Near Merzouga, southeast Morocco | Near M’Hamid, south Morocco |
Dune Height | Up to 150m | Up to 100m+ |
How to Get There | Bus + taxi, easy road access | 4x4 only, 2–3 hrs from M’Hamid |
Crowd Level | High (most popular) | Low (much fewer tourists) |
Camp Options | Many, all price levels | Few, mostly mid-range to luxury |
Cost | Budget to luxury (from ~$40/night) | Mid to luxury (from ~$80/night) |
Scenery | Tall, dramatic orange dunes | Wide open, more varied landscape |
Activities | Camel rides, quad bikes, sandboarding, stargazing | Camel trekking, walking, stargazing |
Best For | First-timers, budget travelers, short trips | Repeat visitors, solitude seekers, luxury travelers |
Getting There: How Difficult Is Each Trip?
Getting to Erg Chebbi is one of the easier parts of any Morocco trip. The town of Merzouga sits right at the edge of the dunes, and the roads to get there are paved and in good condition. You can reach Merzouga by CTM or Supratours bus from Marrakech (about 8-9 hours), or from Fes (about 9-10 hours). From Rissani, a taxi to Merzouga takes less than 30 minutes.
Many tourists also arrive on organized 3-day tours from Marrakech that include stops in the Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, and the kasbahs along the way. These tours are affordable (around $150–$300 per person including transport and accommodation) and popular with first-time visitors.
Erg Chigaga requires more planning. You first need to get to M'Hamid El Ghizlane, which is already a remote town with limited public transport. From M'Hamid, the only way to reach Erg Chigaga is by 4x4 vehicle — the tracks are not suitable for normal cars. The drive takes 2 to 3 hours each way.
Most travelers book a multi-day 4x4 tour or a camel trek that goes out to the dunes and stays overnight.
The Desert Camp Experience: What to Expect
At Erg Chebbi, you will find many camps right at the edge of the dunes or a short camel ride into them. Budget camps offer basic Berber tents with shared bathrooms, while mid-range and luxury camps have private en-suite tents, electricity, hot showers, and gourmet food. Almost all camps include dinner, a campfire, some live music, and a morning camel ride in the price.
The camps at Erg Chebbi are good quality overall. The main downside is that during peak season (October to March), some camps can feel crowded. If you are hoping for a completely silent night in the desert, you might be disappointed if there are 50 other tourists nearby. That said, you can always walk away from camp and find silence among the dunes.
At Erg Chigaga, the camps are fewer but often feel more special. The remoteness means fewer people. You are more likely to wake up and see no one else around. Some camps here offer a genuine glamping experience — real beds, solar power, and gourmet Moroccan food. Because the camp operators have to bring everything in by 4x4, costs are higher. But for many travelers, the silence and space are worth it.
Cost Comparison: Which Is Cheaper?
Erg Chebbi is the more budget-friendly option. You can find basic desert camps from around $40–$60 per person per night, including dinner and breakfast. Mid-range camps cost around $80–$150 per person, and luxury options can go up to $300 or more. The camel ride to the camp is usually included or costs a small extra fee.
Erg Chigaga is more expensive overall. You need to add the cost of 4x4 transport from M'Hamid; usually $100–$200 per vehicle per day, on top of the camp cost. Camps here generally start at around $80–$100 per person and go up to $300+ for luxury. A full 2-night Erg Chigaga trip with transport and accommodation usually costs $250–$500 per person.
If you are on a tight budget, Erg Chebbi is the clear choice. If you have a bit more to spend and want a more exclusive experience, Erg Chigaga is worth the extra cost.
Best Time to Visit: When Should You Go?
The best time to visit both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga is from October to April. During these months, daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable (around 20–28°C), and nights are cool and clear — perfect for stargazing. Spring (March–April) is also a lovely time, with mild weather and fewer tourists than the winter peak.
Summer (June to August) is very hot in both areas. Temperatures can exceed 40°C during the day, making outdoor activities uncomfortable. If you must go in summer, plan your camel rides for early morning or evening. The camps are still open, but fewer tourists visit during this time.
Erg Chebbi is busiest from December to February, which is peak tourist season in Morocco. If you visit Erg Chigaga at any time of year, you will generally have fewer crowds because the remote location naturally limits visitor numbers. Whenever you go, always bring warm clothes for the night — desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset, even in spring.
Who Should Choose Erg Chebbi?
Erg Chebbi is the right choice for most first-time visitors to Morocco. If this is your first time in the Sahara, you do not need to travel far to have an amazing experience. The dunes are tall and beautiful, the sunset is stunning, and sleeping under the stars feels magical! even with other tourists nearby.
It is also the best option if you are on a budget or have limited time. Most 3-day organized tours from Marrakech include Erg Chebbi, so you can combine it with other stops like the Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, and the Draa Valley. You do not need to rent a 4x4 or plan a complicated itinerary.
Families with children, solo travelers on organized tours, and anyone who wants a comfortable desert experience without too much hassle will be happy at Erg Chebbi. The infrastructure is there to make it easy.
Who Should Choose Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chigaga is best for travelers who have already visited Erg Chebbi, or for those who specifically want to avoid crowds. If you have been to the Sahara before and want something different, more remote, more peaceful, more raw... then Erg Chigaga will give you that.
It is also a great choice for couples looking for a romantic escape, or for luxury travelers who want a high-end glamping experience in the middle of nowhere. Some of Morocco's best desert camps are located at Erg Chigaga, and the experience of waking up in the dunes with no one else in sight is truly special.
If you enjoy adventure and do not mind the extra logistics like booking a 4x4, planning the route, spending more money, etc... then Erg Chigaga is worth every bit of effort. Just make sure you have at least 2 nights to fully enjoy it, because the travel time to get there means a one-night trip feels rushed.
Can You Visit Both?
Yes, you can visit both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga on the same Morocco trip, but you need at least 10–14 days to do it comfortably. The two areas are in different parts of southern Morocco — Erg Chebbi is further east (near the Algeria border), while Erg Chigaga is further south. Driving between them takes about 5–6 hours.
A possible route would be: Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Dades Gorge → Erg Chebbi (1–2 nights) → Rissani → Zagora → M'Hamid → Erg Chigaga (1–2 nights) → back to Marrakech. This is a long road trip but gives you a full picture of southern Morocco.
If you only have one week in Morocco, it is better to pick one and do it well rather than rushing between both. Most travelers who pick just one are fully satisfied with their choice.
You May Also Be Wondering...
Is Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga better for first-time visitors?
Erg Chebbi is better for first-time visitors. It is easier to reach, more affordable, and has more options for camps and activities. You can have a great Sahara experience without renting a 4x4 or spending a lot of money. Most 3-day organized tours from Marrakech include Erg Chebbi.
How do I get to Erg Chigaga without a tour?
You need to get to M'Hamid El Ghizlane first, which you can do by bus from Marrakech (about 7 hours) or by shared taxi from Zagora. From M'Hamid, you must hire a 4x4 vehicle with a driver — there is no public transport to Erg Chigaga. You can arrange this through guesthouses or tour agencies in M'Hamid.
Are the dunes at Erg Chigaga bigger than Erg Chebbi?
Not necessarily taller, but the dune field at Erg Chigaga is wider and more spread out. Erg Chebbi's dunes reach up to 150 meters and are very dramatic. Erg Chigaga's dunes are generally a bit lower, but the overall dune area is larger and feels more open. Both are genuinely impressive.
Is it safe to sleep in the desert in Morocco?
Yes, sleeping in the desert in Morocco is very safe. The camps are run by local Berber guides who know the area well. The biggest risks are the heat (in summer), sandstorms (rare), and getting lost if you walk far from camp at night. Always tell your camp guide if you plan to walk alone into the dunes after dark. Morocco has a US State Department Level 1 travel advisory — the lowest risk level.
Do I need to book a desert camp in advance?
At Erg Chebbi, you can often find a camp on arrival in Merzouga, especially outside of peak season. But during December, January, and February, it is wise to book 2–4 weeks in advance. At Erg Chigaga, you should always book in advance because there are fewer camps, and your camp will also be arranging your 4x4 transport.
What should I bring for a night in the desert?
Always bring: warm layers for the night (even in spring, temperatures drop to 5–10°C), a headlamp or flashlight, sunscreen and sunglasses for the day, a hat, and enough water for the journey. Your camp will usually provide blankets, but bringing a light sleeping bag is a good idea. Leave high heels and heavy luggage at your hotel in Merzouga or M'Hamid.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
So, Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga: Which Is Better? The final answer actually depends on you and your own preferences.
If you are visiting Morocco for the first time and want to see the Sahara, choose Erg Chebbi. It is beautiful, easy to reach, and gives you everything you are looking for, like tall dunes, camel rides, a campfire under the stars, and a sunrise over the sand. You will not be disappointed.
If you have been to Morocco before, or if you specifically want peace, space, and fewer tourists, choose Erg Chigaga. The extra effort and cost are worth it for the experience of real solitude in one of the world's great desert landscapes.
Either way, a night in the Moroccan Sahara is something you will remember for a long time. The stars are brighter than you expect, the silence is deeper than you think, and the dunes are more beautiful in person than in any photo. Just go.
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