Erg Chigaga

Erg Chigaga is the desert for people who want it to feel far away. The tarmac ends at M'Hamid, and the last stretch is a 4x4 crossing over hardpan and dry lake beds before the dunes rise out of nothing.

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What stands out

Why this place stays with people

Remote dunes with few camps
4x4 crossing from M'Hamid
Dry lake of Iriki nearby
Night skies with almost no light around

Best time to go

October to April. Summer heat out here is serious, and I'd rather plan a different route than push it.

From the driver's seat

It's further than Merzouga and the last part isn't a paved road, so it needs a proper multi-day trip. The payoff is quiet — far fewer people share the dunes with you.

Visitor guide

Your guide to Erg Chigaga

How long to stay Two days from Zagora or M'Hamid.

Getting there M'Hamid is about an hour and a half south of Zagora; from there it's about 60 km of desert track.

Worth seeing

Dunes taller and emptier than Erg Chebbi's
The crossing of the dry lake of Iriki
A camp far from any other camp, and a very dark night sky

Good to know

It's reached only by 4x4 from M'Hamid, about two hours off-road.
Plan for two days. This is a trip in itself, not a stop.
Far fewer people come here than to Merzouga. That's the reason to come.
Nights are cold for much of the year. Bring a warm layer.

Questions

Planning a visit to Erg Chigaga

How do you get to Erg Chigaga?

The paved road ends at M'Hamid. From there it's about two hours off-road across open desert. On my 5-day route we leave by a different track toward Foum Zguid, so we don't drive the same way twice.

How many days do I need for Erg Chigaga from Marrakech?

Five is what I recommend. Four is possible, but it turns the trip into mostly driving. It's further than Merzouga and the last part can't be rushed.

Is Erg Chigaga better than Merzouga?

Different, not better. Chigaga is remote, with fewer camps and almost no light at night. Merzouga's dunes are taller and easier to reach. If you want the desert to feel empty and you have the days, Chigaga is special.

Is the off-road part rough?

It's bumpy in places, not dangerous. Around two hours in and a longer piste out. If anyone in your group has back problems, tell me and we'll talk it through honestly.

Erg Chigaga, your way

Tell me when you're coming

Send your dates and who's travelling, and I'll suggest the best way to fit it into your trip.