Erg Chigaga consists of several ergs and it’s the largest golden sand sea in Morocco, located approximately 45 km from the small Berber oasis town of M’Hamid El Ghizlane in the province of Zagora, Morocco.
Erg Chegaga or Erg Chigaga could be an excellent destination for people who want to see the real Sahara desert when staying in Marrakech. Erg Chegaga is known for its high sand dunes and is located in the Souss-Massa-Draa region, about 45 km from the Berber town M’hamid and 98 km from the provincial town of Zagora. It is Morocco’s largest golden sand sea, winding along the horizon for approximately 35 km with a peak at 300m.
The journey from Marrakech takes about nine hours, however, it is only accessible by 4X4 or by camel because the road is unpaved once you pass the gate when approaching the city of M’hamid. M’hamid is a small administrative center and the last oasis in the Sahara desert. To the south lies a rock desert, Hammada du Draa. In M’hamid Wadi Draa disappears under the sand dunes.
If you come from Zagora you will pass first through Amazrou, Tamegroute, Tinfou dunes, and M’hamid. Since you are traveling via this caravans route, you can stop at Tamegroute, here you can visit the Zawia Nasri Library which was founded in the 17th century by Mohamed Bou Nasri, and enjoy all kinds of pottery.
Once you arrive in Mhamid, many guides are offering one-night stays in Erg Chegaga in a desert camp and camel treks. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a night in the middle of the dunes under the shine of a thousand stars.
Due to its difficult access, Erg Chegaga is not as crowded and touristic as Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga region, which makes it very interesting. It is considered to be more a romantic Erg. The golden sand dunes of Erg Chigaga are loved by photographers, artists, and adventurers for their perfect solitude and tranquility.
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