Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chegaga – Which Morocco Desert Dunes Should You Visit?
All About Desert Dunes in Morocco
Picture yourself atop a camel, traversing a seemingly endless expanse of rolling sand dunes. As the evening sun sets in the west, it casts a striking contrast of vibrantly coloured golden sands and dune-curved shadows. By night, after enjoying a delicious tajine dinner by candlelight, you look up to a vast moon, accompanied by an abundance of stars that surpass any you have ever observed in the night sky.
One of the highlights of every trip to Morocco is venturing into the Sahara Desert and spending a magical night in a desert camp nested among the big dunes and under a sky full of stars. Morocco has several desert regions to choose from for your Saharan adventure; the Tinfo Dunes in Zagora, the Erg Lihoudi dunes in M’hamid, the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga and the Erg Chegaga dunes beyond M’hamid.
Since both the Tinfou Dunes and Erg Lihoudi dunes are not as popular, and are not as vast or beautiful, in this article, we will focus on the two main desert destinations here in Morocco; the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga and the Erg Chegaga dunes beyond M’hamid. If you are in the market for a desert trip, you have the choice between these two desert dunes in Morocco.
Erg Chebbi in Merzouga or Erg Chegaga beyond M’hamid?
Now, when it comes to the question of whether you should opt for Erg Chebbi or Erg Chegaga, let’s explore some key distinctions that can assist you in the challenging task of deciding which Morocco desert dunes align better with your preferences.
1- Landscape
Desert tours from Marrakech to any of these two dunes take you over the high Atlas Mountains and give you the opportunity to visit Kasbah Telouet, which used to be a residential palace to the Glaoui family, and allow you to explore Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, from Ouarzazate, the itinerary takes you through different routes.
Erg Chebbi dunes: The route follows the southern side of the High Atlas Mountains through the Skoura oasis, full of palm trees and crumbling Kasbahs where one of the most famous in Morocco, Kasbah Amerdhil, stands intact and beautiful. Later you pass the famous Valley of Roses, which produces cosmetic articles treasured throughout Morocco.
The Dades Valley winds a long way following the river, past gardens and fields of wheat, birches, and poplars. The river always carries water and is a welcome relief after the dryness of the mountains, and some of the terrain full of stones and rocks. The Valley has incredible rock formations and colours – not to be found elsewhere.
After the Dades Gorges, you visit the other gorges of Toudgha north of Tinghir and continue to the desert. On the way, you can go down the discover “Khettarat” a fascinating underground conduit designed to keep water fresh and free from evaporation in the extreme temperatures of summer. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are full of red sand and are particularly spectacular! It is possible to visit the Erg Chebbi over 3 days, but we recommend that you take your time over a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga to travel at a more relaxed pace.
Erg Chegaga dunes: The road goes south along the Dra’a Valley, the longest valley in Morocco. It follows the ancient Caravan Route up from the Sahara Desert. You travel partway along this road passing villages, gardens, fortified kasbahs, and green oases, giving you an impression of a way of life, scarcely changed for hundreds of years. In parts, it is quite Biblical. Life is very simple and there seem to be more donkeys here than elsewhere in the country.
The dunes in Mhamid are smaller than Chebbi and the sand is more yellow, with tamarisk trees withstanding the sand and the wind. This feels very much like the beginning of the extent of the Sahara, and you cross the “Hammada” and pass dunes until you reach the sea of sand at Chegaga. This trip takes you much further into the desert for the last two days of the trip. From there, you cross another 90 km to reach the other side of the desert, and you can collect fossils on the way if you wish! You can certainly make a visit to Erg Chegaga in just 3 days, but for a more relaxed and immersive experience, we recommend that you take your time over a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga.
2- Accessibility of Morocco Desert Dunes
When it comes to accessibility, Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga offer distinct advantages and challenges. Erg Chebbi is relatively easy to reach, making it accessible to a wide range of travellers. You can drive to Merzouga with a small rented car, and no 4×4 off-road vehicle is required. Additionally, there is a decent bus service from Marrakech and Fes, further increasing accessibility. The nearest airport to Erg Chebbi is in Errachidia, just about 2 hours away, and Royal Air Maroc offers direct flights from Casablanca. Desert tours from Ouarzazate are also very popular because there are several weekly direct flights from the UK, France and Spain.
This accessibility has contributed to the popularity of Erg Chebbi, and it is often included in many desert tours, providing a convenient link between the well-visited cities of Fes, Marrakech and Ouarzazate. Opting for a private desert tour with a local driver or a combination of both driving and guided tours is a recommended way to explore the beautiful and varied landscape of Southern Morocco.
On the other hand, Erg Chegaga is more challenging to access. While a bus from Marrakech or Ouarzazate can take you as far as M’hamid, you will need an off-road vehicle to travel further, as the road becomes inaccessible. To simplify your journey to Erg Chigaga, it’s advisable to book a desert tour. This approach eases the stress of travel and allows you to fully enjoy the desert landscape.
Another option is to rent a car and have one of the local guides meet you in M’hamid or Zagora. The drive from M’hamid to the peaks of Erg Chegaga takes less than 2 hours. For those who prefer air travel, Royal Air Maroc offers public flights to the nearest airport in Zagora, which is about 3 to 4 hours away from Erg Chegaga and provides a convenient option for reaching the area. In summary, while Erg Chebbi is more accessible for independent travellers and those on a budget, Erg Chegaga demands more planning and the assistance of local guides or tours to navigate its remote and challenging terrain.
3- Internet Access & Phone Service
In today’s interconnected world, the availability of phone service and internet access can be crucial for many travellers. Erg Chebbi stands out as a destination that offers relatively better connectivity. Phone connections in this region are generally reliable, ensuring you can stay in touch with loved ones or access essential information. Some camps even provide Wi-Fi, with plans to expand internet access in the near future. For a consistent and strong network, Maroc Telecom is recommended as the best service provider in Erg Chebbi, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritise staying connected.
On the other hand, Erg Chegaga presents a more challenging scenario when it comes to phone service and internet access. Getting online in Erg Chegaga can be difficult, as the internet is primarily accessible by climbing some of the high desert dunes. Phone service is not as dependable either. Just like in Erg Chebbi, Maroc Telecom is the advised choice for those planning to visit Erg Chegaga, as it offers the most reliable phone service available in this remote desert area. Travellers to Erg Chegaga should be prepared for limited connectivity, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a true escape from the digital world.
4- Popularity and Crowdiness in Morocco Desert Dunes
When comparing the popularity and crowdiness of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga, it’s evident that there’s a notable disparity. Erg Chebbi in Merzouga tends to attract a substantial number of visitors, and at times, it can be quite crowded. Its relative accessibility, with easy road access and bus services from major cities, contributes to its popularity. The convenience of reaching Erg Chebbi makes it a common choice for many travellers exploring the Moroccan Sahara.
Conversely, Erg Chegaga receives significantly fewer visitors each year compared to Erg Chebbi. It’s not the primary or most popular destination for travellers heading to the Sahara Desert in Morocco. As a result, you’ll find far fewer people in Erg Chegaga. This scarcity of crowds is one of the primary draws for tourists seeking a more secluded and authentic desert experience. Those who value the tranquillity and remoteness of the desert often prefer Erg Chegaga for its peaceful and less crowded environment.
5- Size: Height and Expanse
In terms of size, the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga and the Erg Chegaga dunes beyond M’hamid offer distinct characteristics. In the battle of height, Erg Chebbi takes the lead with its renowned towering dunes, some of which can reach an impressive 160 metres, providing awe-inspiring vistas across the Saharan landscape. Conversely, the Erg Chigaga dunes, located in a more remote area, boast lower dunes, typically reaching around 120 metres in height.
When it comes to expanse, Erg Chegaga outshines Erg Chebbi. Chegaga dunes stretch across a sprawling 40-kilometre area, creating an overwhelming sense of boundless desert. The horizon seems endless, and there are no village lights or morning roosters to disturb the tranquillity. The landscape is immersive and truly makes you feel like you are venturing into the heart of the wilderness.
On the other hand, Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes cover a smaller expanse, extending for approximately 28 kilometres and averaging a width of 6 kilometres. Near the dunes’ edges, you will find numerous hotels and a significant amount of infrastructure. This presence of human activity results in more noise and light pollution, detracting from the pristine desert experience.
6- Sense of Adventure and Wilderness
When comparing the sense of adventure and wilderness in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga, it’s clear that both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. Erg Chegaga emerges as the undisputed winner for those in search of remote and wild landscapes.
Its sheer remoteness, open spaces, and the challenge of getting there contribute to an unparalleled sense of adventure. The vast wilderness of Erg Chegaga is an invitation to those seeking the thrill of a genuine desert escapade, where solitude and excitement blend harmoniously.
Conversely, Erg Chebbi offers its own desert quest but, due to its popularity and accessibility, it may lack some of the solitude and excitement that desert adventurers often seek. Despite the majesty of the desert in Erg Chebbi, the proximity of other camps can impact the feeling of true wilderness.
However, it’s worth noting that some camps are situated in remote and isolated locations, allowing visitors to get away from it all and experience a sense of solitude and adventure. In essence, while Erg Chegaga stands out for its untouched wilderness, Erg Chebbi provides a more accessible adventure with opportunities for both social interaction and remote escapes.
7- Feeling of Luxury and Camps
The feeling of luxury and the camp scene in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. In Erg Chebbi, luxury is synonymous with proximity to essential amenities and a sense of opulence.
Luxury camps in Merzouga present glamping tents equipped with adequate heating during winter and cooling systems for the summer, ensuring comfort in varying seasons. Solar power and generators provide electricity to the tents, catering to those seeking a truly lavish experience.
In Erg Chegaga, the camps are beautifully appointed with Moroccan carpeting and ensuite bathrooms that feature running water and flush toilets, offering a sense of comfort and convenience. However, the heating during winter months may not be as satisfactory, relying on gas bottles that are turned off at night for safety reasons. In the summer, cooling is provided by fans, which might be less effective in combating the desert heat.
Despite these considerations, there is proper electricity in the tents, allowing visitors to charge their equipment and fully functional bathrooms. It’s worth noting that, in Erg Chegaga, a focus on convenience and comfort coexists with the authentic desert experience, as it is one of the few camps in the area offering flushing toilets and running water. Read our blog to dive deeper into the camps in Merzouga and Erg Chegaga.
8- Seasonality
The seasonality of desert camps in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga showcases distinct patterns. In Erg Chebbi, the desert camps operate year-round, catering to visitors in every season. While the peak tourist season typically falls between October and April, with milder temperatures, summer months see fewer tourists due to the scorching heat. However, some camps remain open even during the summer for those who can endure the high temperatures, offering a quieter and more affordable desert experience.
Conversely, Erg Chegaga experiences a more pronounced seasonality. Due to its remote location and harsher conditions, desert camps in Erg Chegaga are primarily operational during the cooler months, from October to April. Summer, with its extreme heat, makes the area less attractive to visitors. During the peak season, the camps in Erg Chegaga provide a tranquil and less crowded desert encounter, with the added benefit of more moderate temperatures. This distinct seasonality in Erg Chegaga aligns with the preferences of those seeking a quieter and more authentic desert experience while avoiding the scorching summer heat.
9- Activities
Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and Erg Chegaga both offer an array of captivating activities to immerse visitors in the desert experience. In Erg Chebbi, the towering dunes beckon for camel treks, providing a chance to explore the mesmerising sandscapes and witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.
Quad biking and buggy adventures offer an exhilarating ride over the dunes while sandboarding enthusiasts can surf down the golden slopes. For a glimpse into local culture, Berber camps offer a unique opportunity to stay in traditional desert tents, complete with delectable Moroccan cuisine and mesmerising stargazing nights.
Erg Chegaga, on the other hand, offers a more remote and adventurous experience. Beyond the traditional camel treks and dune exploration, this area presents the thrill of off-roading with 4×4 desert tours through its challenging terrain. Guided excursions to the dried-up Lake Iriki and the rocky desert scenery showcase the diverse landscapes.
Erg Chegaga’s isolation provides an authentic desert feel, allowing travellers to fully embrace the solitude of the Sahara. Whether you choose the accessible elegance of Erg Chebbi or the rugged adventure of Erg Chegaga, both destinations offer a range of activities to make your desert experience truly memorable.
To sum it up, whether you opt for an adventure in the popular Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga or the less-travelled Erg Chegaga dunes further from M’hamid, both Morocc0 desert dunes ensure a remarkable experience. These destinations present awe-inspiring desert vistas, guiding you through enchanting valleys, ancient kasbahs, and oases, granting you a glimpse into a time-honoured way of life that has persevered for centuries.
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