Erg Chegaga vs Merzouga: which desert to choose?

This is the question I hear most: “Erg Chegaga or Merzouga?” Both are beautiful. They do not give the same experience. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.

Two great ergs, two regions

An erg is a sea of dunes. Morocco has two big ones:

• Erg Chebbi, next to the village of Merzouga, in the east of the country, near Rissani.
• Erg Chegaga, in the southwest, about 60 km of track past M'Hamid El Ghizlane, at the end of the Draa Valley (Zagora region).

Access

In Merzouga, the paved road reaches the foot of the dunes. There are many hotels and camps: it is quick and easy.

For Erg Chegaga, the asphalt ends in M'Hamid. Then it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours of track by 4x4, or several days by camel. It takes longer, and that is what keeps it quiet.

Atmosphere

Merzouga is busier: many camps, many travelers, quad bikes. The Erg Chebbi dunes are tall and very photogenic.

Erg Chegaga is larger and wilder. Camps are scattered and you see few people. If you want silence and the feeling of being far from everything, this is the place.

At a glance

So which one?

Choose Merzouga if you have very little time and want easy access.

Choose Erg Chegaga if you want a wilder desert, a real camel trek, or to combine the desert with the Draa Valley, Zagora and Tamegroute.

And if you are short on time but already in Zagora, a night at a desert camp near Zagora or M'Hamid is already a wonderful experience.

Your questions

— Mustapha, Caravane Mustapha, Zagora