✦ What is the Best Moroccan Sahara Desert ? Merzouga VS Chegaga
→ The Dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
Erg Chebbi is among the many ergs in Morocco, consisting of vast seas of dunes sculpted by the winds. Some parts of the Erg Chebbi dunes rise up to 150 meters above the surrounding hamada (rocky desert), covering an area of 28 kilometers from north to south and 5 to 7 kilometers from east to west, along the Algerian border. The nearest town is Erfoud, about 60 kilometers to the north, with Rissani around 40 kilometers from Merzouga. Rissani flourished from the 8th to the 14th century due to its control of caravan routes.
→ The Dunes of Erg Chigaga (M’hamid El Ghizlane)
Erg Chigaga, located in southeast Morocco, is not a mainstream destination. It attracts those in search of adventure and unique experiences, situated 60 km off the beaten path from the village of M’hamid el Ghizlane. Reaching the camp requires a 4×4 vehicle, traversing dunes, dry lakes, and rocks. Its location ensures no tourist buses or mass tourism.
Generally, you can climb to the top of the dunes to admire sunrises and sunsets and appreciate the desert’s beauty. The nearest village is M’hamid, around 60 kilometers to the north, with Zagora about 100 kilometers from M’hamid. M’hamid thrived due to its diverse cultures.
→ Comparison between the Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga dunes:
- Size
Erg Chebbi is famous for its high dunes, some reaching up to 160 meters, offering spectacular views over this part of the Sahara. In contrast, Chigaga has relatively lower dunes, about 140 meters high. Climbing a dune can be tough, and despite the best intentions, most sunrise enthusiasts only make it halfway up Chebbi’s immense dunes.
2. Distance/Space:
The vast expanse of Erg Chigaga gives an authentic feeling of being immersed in nature. Traveling about 60 km from M’Hamid through the hamada, a flat rocky area that serves as a vibrant introduction to the sand, is necessary to reach the dunes. The landscape is breathtaking, with each kilometer creating growing anticipation as the terrain becomes sandier. You also have the option to do a 4×4 circuit without retracing your steps back to M’Hamid and Zagora. The off-road route follows the Algerian border, crosses the vast dry lake Iriki before arriving at Foum Zguid.
3. Wild Nature:
Erg Chigaga offers a true immersion in the desert lifestyle, allowing exploration by 4×4 to the camp, briefly bringing you back to reality. Comparatively, Erg Chebbi, with its limited space, can be navigated by a small car. Chebbi doesn’t offer as much space as Chigaga, where all camps are close to each other.
4. Bivouac / Glamping:
The bivouacs of Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi are both situated among the dunes, with each bivouac team striving to offer a unique experience to attract more tourists. Most bivouacs offer luxury, standard, nomadic, and Berber options.
5. Sunrise / Sunset:
The views of the sunrise and sunset are magnificent at both Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi. However, Erg Chigaga stands out for its larger space, offering an even more captivating experience.
6. Stargazing / Night under the stars:
The dunes of Erg Chigaga in M’hamid have been ranked second in the world by UNESCO for stargazing and the beauty of the sky. It is an exceptional place to enjoy the celestial spectacle.
In summary, Erg Chebbi in Merzouga is more well-known and offers towering dunes, while Erg Chigaga in M’hamid is less frequented and provides a more authentic experience of the Moroccan desert.
Contact us today to start your unforgettable journey in the Moroccan desert with Voyagiste Maroc.