Erg Chigaga vs Erg Chebbi: Which Sahara Desert Should You Visit?

Morocco has two famous “ergs” — great seas of Saharan dunes. Here’s how Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi compare.

Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)

Morocco’s tallest dunes, reached by paved road; more developed and more visitors. Great for a first desert experience and longer loops via Fes.

Erg Chigaga

Vast, wild and remote, reached by a 4×4 desert crossing. Far fewer people — the “untouched Sahara”. Best on a 3, 4 or 5-day tour from Marrakech.

So which one?

Short on time and want wild and remote? Erg Chigaga. Doing a bigger loop including Fes and want the tallest dunes? Erg Chebbi.