Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Morocco's largest sand sea covers 40 by 15 kilometers. Reaching these 300-meter dunes requires a 4x4 drive or a multi-day camel trek.
5.0 from 134 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Select a guided trip from Marrakech, Zagora, or M'Hamid.
Most bookedFrom Marrakech: Private tour to Oasis and trekking in the desert of Erg Chigaga An individualized and comfortable off-road tour combined with a day of trekking in the...
Best value- Feel the charm of the desert. - Enjoy Wild life - See camels herds - See a sky full of stars - Sleep in a Nomad tent - Dress like an Arab - sandboarding - Camel...
- private trip - discover the real life of the nomads - opportunity to send night at night of Sahara at a luxury camp . - visit Agadir ifri ( Berber banking system). -...
Explore
What to expect in the sand sea and the surrounding desert.
Erg Chigaga is entirely off the grid.
There are zero paved roads leading to the dunes.
Plan your visit
Tours require a 2-3 day minimum from Marrakech. A camel trek takes 5-7 days.
Visit between October and April. Summer days regularly exceed 40°C.
Drive 9-10 hours from Marrakech to M'Hamid. Then hire a 4x4 for the 2-hour off-road segment.
Guided tours run from $150 to over $400. Camel treks cost $50 to $80 per day.
Erg Chigaga is located in the Sahara Desert near the Algerian border. It offers a remote and rugged wilderness. The golden dunes reach up to 300 meters above the surrounding landscape.
Because it is only accessible via a capable 4x4 or multi-day camel trek, it is quieter than Erg Chebbi. See our guide on Chigaga or Chebbi? to compare the two.
Travelers usually base themselves in desert bivouacs located in the troughs between the dunes. You can explore the vast, rocky wilderness of Iriqui National Park nearby.
We categorize tours starting from Marrakech, Zagora, or M'Hamid.
We note if the tour includes a basic nomad camp or luxury tents.
We check if the 4x4 transfer and driver are included in the price.
From Viator
134 reviews of the private trekking from marrakech on Viator
Absolutely great. Actually better than expected! The staff and guide took care of all our needs. The accommodations were basic but sufficient and the best was it was not your typical touristy setup - very authentic. I did 3 days and it was not too much. The best sunrise and sunset you could from the dunes!
Had great 6 days with Ali. He took care of everything we needed. Made a 5h tour through Dades valley with a great view but also very exhausting. Amazing days in the dessert camp.
Hussien our driver and guide was excellent. He knew where to go from the wild North African Ostriches, Ibex, fossil hunting, oasis stop, camels grazing and vendor stops for unique food and privisions Our solo dawn camel ride and hike into the sand dunes other worldly. Facility could use a refresh but quality to price was reasonable.
Fantastic tour. Zaid and Ishmael were extremely friendly and helpful. The drive from Zagora was great and the camp site was beautiful. Really good food and camel ride
We had a wonderful time with oir Guido Brahim. The camp and its environment was amazing. We highly recommend the company. Would come back anytime. Kenny and Janine
We had an amazing time going to the beautiful dunes of Erg Chigaga with Brahim as our tour guide. He was very accommodating, he is full of knowledge about the history of the Sahara and it was a joy listening to his music in the car. Thank you for your great hospitality. We hope to see you again someday !😊
This is an amazing place with beautiful people ❤️ I won’t forget a single minute from this experience! Breathtaking views, amazing cuisine, fantastic atmosphere, Nomads are such a wonderful people ❤️ I’m simply in love and already planned to come back next year. Honestly worth visiting place!
Amzaing trip through dunes and sand. Night spent in beautiful and magical place lost somewhere in Sahra sands. Great service and food. Recommend!
Such a beautiful desert adventure! Our host was really friendly, funny, and welcoming. The price was great, and we felt very well taken care of. It was especially nice to see how well the camels are treated and to learn more about the local culture. Would definitely recommend! 🐪✨
Travel tips
Chigaga or Chebbi?Compare Morocco's two main sand seas to decide which desert fits your trip.Read 
Travel from MarrakechPlan the 9 to 10-hour journey from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga.Read 
Best TimeFind the best season for comfortable weather and stargazing.Read 
Desert Packing ListWhat to pack for your desert camp in Erg Chigaga.Read 
Luxury Desert CampsDifferences between standard bivouacs and luxury camps at Erg Chigaga.Read 
Self-Drive GuideCan you drive to the dunes? Find out exactly where the paved road ends.Read You reach the dunes via a 1.5 to 2-hour off-road 4x4 drive from M'Hamid El Ghizlane. Alternatively, you can take a 5 to 7-day camel trek.
Erg Chigaga is larger and more remote, offering a quieter experience. Erg Chebbi is easier to access via paved roads. See Chigaga or Chebbi?.
The scenic drive to the gateway town takes 9 to 10 hours. From there, it is another 2 hours off-road to the camps.
Yes. The dunes are located 45 to 60 kilometers off-road. Standard cars cannot make this journey.
The tallest dunes, including La Grande Dune, reach heights of up to 300 meters above the surrounding landscape.
M'Hamid El Ghizlane is the nearest civilization. It sits at an elevation of roughly 500 meters.
Book your 4x4 tour or desert camp in advance to secure a spot.
