Erg Chigaga Morocco is a magical part of the Moroccan Sahara Desert that remains untouched, peaceful, and far from tourist crowds. It is wild, beautiful, and full of silence and stars. This area is not like Erg Chebbi, which is more famous and has many camps. Erg Chigaga is for people who want something real, quiet, and deep. I spent two unforgettable weeks exploring this amazing desert and want to share everything you need to know about visiting this special part of Morocco.
How to Get to Erg Chigaga Morocco
Getting to Erg Chigaga is not easy, but that is part of the adventure. It is far away from big cities and can only be reached by 4×4 vehicles. You can come from the south, west, or north. Depending on where you start, your journey will be different.
Coming from the South
If you are starting from Agadir or Guelmim, the best stop is Foum Zguid. This small town is a great place to rest before you enter the deep Sahara.
Coming from the West (Marrakech)
From Marrakech, you must cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass. This road is long and can be tiring. It’s best to stop in Agdz or Zagora for the night before continuing your trip to Erg Chigaga.
From Merzouga or Errachidia by Moto Tour
You can also reach Erg Chigaga from Merzouga or Errachidia by a 5-day moto tour from Merzouga. This adventurous route takes you across the desert landscapes on a KTM Enduro motorbike. The journey passes through small and charming villages such as Jdaid, Ouzina, Tafraout, Sidi Ali, and M’Hamid El Ghizlane, before finally reaching the vast dunes of Erg Chigaga. This is a perfect choice for those seeking thrill, freedom, and deep connection with the land.
Coming from the North (Fez)
From Fez, you can come down through Todra Gorge, Erfoud, or Merzouga. You’ll have to cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Good places to stop are Todra, Tinejdad, or Erfoud. From Erfoud, it’s about 3.5 hours to Zagora.
Taking one night in a nearby town before you reach the dunes is smart. It helps you rest, prepare your small bag, and buy anything you forgot like chapstick or sunscreen.
What Can You Do in Erg Chigaga Morocco?
Erg Chigaga is part of Lake Iriqi National Park, a protected area with fewer than 25 desert camps. It covers a huge space with high dunes, old salt roads, and endless silence. Here are the top things to do in Erg Chigaga:
Walk the Ancient Salt Road
This road was once part of a 52-day caravan route from Zagora to Timbuktu. Walking a part of it is like stepping into the past. You can imagine traders carrying salt, gold, and even slaves across the desert. While walking, you will learn about desert plants and animals that live in the sand.
Picnic in a Desert Oasis
One of the most special experiences in the Sahara is a picnic in a palm oasis. You can help make traditional food like sand bread or abadir (bread filled with meat and vegetables, cooked under the sand). Eating this food in the shade of palm trees, drinking sweet mint tea, and resting in silence is pure magic.
Stargazing in the Desert
When night falls in Erg Chigaga, the sky turns into a giant blanket of stars. You will see the Milky Way clearly, and it feels like the universe is speaking to you. This is one of the best places in the world to watch the stars. If you come from a city, you will be amazed by how many stars you can see here.
Visit Nomadic Families
With a local guide or translator, you can meet real nomads who still live in the desert with their goats and camels. They may offer you tea and tell stories of the desert. One nomad once said to me, “You have a house. I have all of this,” pointing to the endless dunes. This moment stayed with me forever.
Lake Iriqi: A Dry Wonder
Lake Iriqi is a huge dry lakebed. It looks like something from another planet. The ground is cracked, dry, and full of history. Long ago, it was a real lake that birds and animals came to. Now it’s a wide, quiet place perfect for photos and reflection.
Wildlife Watching
Erg Chigaga is not a safari park, but you can still see animals. I was lucky to see the addax, a white antelope with big twisted horns, brought back to this area recently. You may also see gazelles, desert foxes, and many kinds of birds, like desert sparrows and even owls. Early morning is best for spotting them.
What Are the Camps Like in Erg Chigaga Morocco?
The camps in Erg Chigaga are fewer than those in Erg Chebbi, but they are special. Some are like safari camps, and some are more traditional. My favorite was a mudbrick nomadic-style camp. It had dark, cool rooms that made me feel like I was living like the old desert travelers.
All camps have clean bathrooms with running water, though they are more simple than luxury hotels. If you want to feel closer to nature, try a mobile camp. These camps can move and be set up deep in the dunes or near a hidden oasis. It’s the best way to feel peace and silence in the desert.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Erg Chigaga?
The best time to visit is from October to April. Summer is very hot, with temperatures over 50°C (120°F), and most camps close during this time.
Month-by-Month Weather Guide:
- September: Still hot, but camps begin to open. Days can reach 40°C.
- October: Cooler, with warm days and fresh nights. Very comfortable.
- November: Perfect month to visit. Great weather.
- December: Like November, but more tourists during holidays.
- January: Some rain possible. The start of the rainy season.
- February: Coldest and wettest month. Rain and rare snow possible.
- March: Warmer again, highs in the 30°C range.
- April: Hot and windy, but still good for visiting.
- May: Like September. Good if you don’t mind heat.
Avoid June, July, and August—it’s too hot, and most services stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erg Chigaga better than Erg Chebbi?
Erg Chigaga is less crowded, wilder, and more peaceful. If you want quiet, nature, and space, it’s better. But Erg Chebbi has more luxury camps and is easier to reach. Choose Erg Chigaga for a deeper experience.
Can I visit Erg Chigaga with kids?
Yes, but avoid the summer. Also, bring hats, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Kids will love the sand dunes and camel rides.
Do I need a 4×4 to reach Erg Chigaga?
Yes. The roads are rocky and sandy, and you need a professional driver or guide who knows the area well.
How many days should I stay?
Stay at least 2 nights. One night in a fixed camp and one night in a mobile camp will give you the full experience.
Is it safe to visit Erg Chigaga?
Yes, it is very safe. Morocco is peaceful, and the people are friendly. Just make sure to go with a trusted guide or tour company.
What should I pack for the desert?
Bring:
- Light clothes for the day
- Warm layers for night
- Sunscreen and hat
- Sunglasses
- Good walking shoes
- A flashlight
- Chapstick and moisturizer
Final Thoughts on Erg Chigaga Morocco
I’ve visited many places in Morocco, but Erg Chigaga touched my soul in a different way. The silence, the dunes, the stars, and the people all stay in my heart. It is a place where time slows down, and you connect with nature and yourself.
Whether you walk the salt road, eat warm bread baked in the sand, or watch the stars fall across the night sky, your trip to Erg Chigaga will be something you’ll never forget.