“Which desert should we choose in Morocco?” It is one of the questions our travellers ask most often. Three names come up: Merzouga, Zagora and Erg Chigaga. They offer very different experiences. Here is our honest comparison to help you choose according to your time, your starting point and what you are looking for.
Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi: the most beautiful accessible dunes
In the south-east of the country, the Erg Chebbi in Merzouga is the most spectacular dune desert that is easy to reach in Morocco: a sea of orange sand whose highest dunes exceed 150 metres. It is reached by a paved road, and you can choose between a simple bivouac and a luxury camp.
- From Marrakech: two days’ drive via the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou and the Todgha gorge; at least 3 days return.
- From Fez: about 8 to 9 hours’ drive via the Middle Atlas (see our Fez to Merzouga desert tour).
- For whom: anyone dreaming of “real” big dunes, sunset photos and a night under the stars.
Zagora: the Draa valley, for a short trip
Zagora is about 7 hours’ drive from Marrakech, at the end of the beautiful Draa valley and its palm groves. The desert there is mostly stony and the dunes in the area are small. Zagora’s appeal lies elsewhere: the road, the kasbahs, the oases and the chance to taste the desert in just two days.
- For whom: travellers short on time who want a first taste of the desert from Marrakech, without looking for big dunes.
Erg Chigaga: the wild desert
Beyond M’Hamid el-Ghizlane, at the end of the road, Erg Chigaga is the wildest of the three. The last stretch is done by 4×4 on a desert track, which makes it much less visited, with big dunes and a real sense of isolation.
- For whom: travellers with time who enjoy adventure and off-road tracks, and want total peace and quiet.
The comparison at a glance
| Criteria | Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) | Zagora | Erg Chigaga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunes | Very high, spectacular | Small, stony desert | Large, wild |
| Access | Paved road | Paved road | 4×4 track |
| Recommended length | 3 days from Marrakech | 2 days from Marrakech | 3 to 4 days |
| Crowds | High in peak season | Moderate | Low |
| Best for | First big desert | Short trip | Adventure, solitude |
What to do in Merzouga
Our recommendation for most travellers remains Merzouga, for the beauty of its dunes and the variety of activities:
- A camel ride at sunset or sunrise.
- Sandboarding on the dunes, quad or buggy rides.
- A visit to the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa musicians.
- Dayet Srji lake, where flamingos can sometimes be seen depending on the season.
- Rissani souk and the Tafilalet palm groves.
- A Berber dinner under the stars at the camp.
When to go to the desert
From October to April, days are mild and nights cool, even cold in December-January. In summer, days are very hot but the sunsets are still stunning. More details in the best time to visit Morocco and our guide to a night in the Merzouga desert.
Ready for the dunes? Discover our 3-day Merzouga desert tour from Marrakech or the 10-day grand tour of Morocco with 2 nights in the desert. For another desert or a start from Fez, ask for your free quote.
