Erg Chigaga Morocco
Erg Chigaga Biggest Sand Dunes
Erg Chigaga is the largest and wildest erg in Morocco, located about 45 km west of the small oasis of M’Hamid El Ghizlane1. Its dunes are the highest in Morocco, reaching more than 150 meters in height2. It is a beautiful and secluded place, loved by artists and photographers for its romantic and tranquil atmosphere. The desert is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as the desert fox, sand fish, wild ass and camel.
If you want to visit Erg Chigaga, you can do so by off-road car, camel or off-road motorbike, following an old caravan track. It takes about 2 and a half hours to drive from M’Hamid El Ghizlane. itself located about 98 km south of the town of Zagora.
Some dunes are over 150m above the surrounding landscape and with an area of approximately 35 km by 15 km, it is the largest and wildest erg of Morocco.
The north border is represented by Djebel Bani, the east border is represented by M’Hamid Hammada.
At south-east it is located the Erg Smar adjacent to Erg Ezzahar.
At west it is located the Iriki Lake, a dried lake now set Iriqui National Park since 1994. Because it is relatively difficult to access, Erg Chigaga is considered more romantic and overall reputed a beloved set by purists and artists like landscape painters and fineart photographers.
Starting from the oasis of M’Hamid El Ghizlane it is possible to reach the dunes area, by off-road vehicle, by camel and by off-road motorbike along an old caravan trail, however the approach route is not obvious and unless you have a GPS navigation system and relevant waypoints you are advised to engage a local guide.
