Morocco has two main Sahara Desert dune fields that tours typically visit, and travelers researching a desert trip often come across both names without a clear sense of how they differ.
Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga)
Erg Chebbi is the more accessible of the two, reached via Merzouga at the end of a paved road from Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate or Errachidia. Its dunes reach around 150 meters at their highest points and stretch roughly 22 km north to south. Because of its accessibility, it’s the standard choice for most standard multi-day tours, including all of ours.
Erg Chigaga (near M’Hamid)
Erg Chigaga sits further southwest, near the town of M’Hamid, and is generally considered larger and more remote. Reaching it typically requires driving to M’Hamid and then continuing by 4x4, since the final stretch isn’t accessible by regular vehicle. This adds time and cost compared to Erg Chebbi, but appeals to travelers specifically looking for a more remote, less-visited desert experience.
Which should you choose?
For most travelers — especially those with 3 to 5 days available and Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate or Errachidia as a starting point — Erg Chebbi is the practical choice: it’s well connected, well set up for camps and activities, and doesn’t require an extra 4x4 transfer. Erg Chigaga suits travelers with more time, a specific interest in a quieter, more remote dune field, and a starting point already closer to the M’Hamid area (typically via Zagora).
How our tours use Erg Chebbi
All of our current Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate and Errachidia desert tours are built around Erg Chebbi and Merzouga, reflecting the fact that it fits comfortably into a 2 to 4 day itinerary without requiring extra transfers or driving days.