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Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga: Which Dunes?

Two great dune seas — which one is right for you?

Morocco has two spectacular dune seas: Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M'Hamid. Both are magnificent, but they offer different experiences. Best Sahara Tours explains the difference so you can choose well.

Erg Chebbi: the accessible icon

Erg Chebbi is the postcard Sahara — tall, sculpted dunes rising straight from the village of Merzouga. It is easy to reach by paved road, with camps just a short camel ride from the roadside, which makes it ideal for most travellers, families and first-timers. It is where our signature tours go.

Erg Chigaga: the remote wild

Erg Chigaga is larger, wilder and far less visited. Reaching it requires a long 4x4 drive across open desert from M'Hamid, so it suits adventurous travellers with more time who want solitude and a sense of true remoteness.

Which should you choose?

For most people, Erg Chebbi offers the best balance of drama and accessibility, especially on a 3-day tour. Choose Erg Chigaga if remoteness is your priority and you have extra days for the rougher journey.

Frequently asked questions

Which dunes are taller?

Both have very high dunes; Erg Chebbi's tallest reach around 150 metres and are famously photogenic.

Which is easier to reach?

Erg Chebbi, by far — it is beside a paved road at Merzouga. Erg Chigaga needs a long off-road drive.

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