Erg Chigaga is Morocco's wilder great dune sea — bigger, emptier, and harder to reach than the better-known Erg Chebbi. For expats who want the real Sahara without the crowds, it's the pick, usually as a multi-day trip from Marrakech or Ouarzazate.
What you're looking at
A roughly 40-km stretch of towering dunes in the deep south, beyond the oasis town of M'Hamid, within Lake Iriqi National Park. It's remote enough that the nights are exceptionally dark — superb for stars — and camps range from simple Berber tents to comfortable "glamping." Days are for camel treks, 4x4 runs, and sandboarding.
Visiting as a resident
The last ~60 km from M'Hamid need a 4x4, so most people go on an organised desert trip rather than self-drive. From Marrakech it's a long haul (around 8–10 hours with stops), commonly broken at Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. Compared with Merzouga/Erg Chebbi, expect fewer people and a longer approach.
Good to know
- Go October–April; summer is dangerously hot and many camps close.
- Book a camp/trip with transfer — the final stretch isn't for a normal car.
- Nights get cold in winter, so bring warm layers.
- Allow 2–3 days to make the distance worthwhile.
Related
- Living in Morocco — the full expat guide
- Getting around in Morocco — long-distance transport and driving
- Dadès Gorge — often combined on the same southern loop