The region’s lead interest is the misnamed Erg Chigaga. And not a single dune but an amazing stretch of golden sand sea some 58km southwest of M’Hamid. It is the biggest sand sea in Morocco. Also, snaking along the horizon for 40km. And bordered to the north and south by peak ridges. The best way to get here is classically by camel (from Dh500 to Dh600 per day), which takes between 5 and 7 days for a contest trip.
History
Discovering the Erg Chegaga dunes involves heading south to a more secluded and less developed area. More than 62 kilometers away from the nearest village of Mhamid ef Ghizlane, tricycles can only be accessed by 4X4 vehicles. Although, the asphalted road terminates there. It is recommended that travelers break their journey en route, Either in Ouarzazate or in Agdz, when heading towards Merzouga.
From Ouarzazate, the route oversees south along the Dra’a Vallery, the longest valley in Morocco. The route follows the old Caravan route, guiding north from the Sahara. It takes you via villages, gardens, kasbahs, and markets, providing a glimpse of a way of life unchanged for hundreds of years. In parts, it is even quite Biblical.
ERG Chigaga Camp Overnight
During your vacations in Morocco, take the time to spend a night in camp.
The bivouac is made up of traditional nomadic tents that can accommodate up to 4 people. For actual knowledge, the decoration of the camp is easy.
What makes the charm of a Morocco
Camp is the whole environment that reigns there. The tents, the lighting during the night drains, the path between the tents, and the big fire near which you can sit to attend to traditional chat with the nomads.
Luxury Camp
Organize a night in a luxury camp in Erg for those dreaming of living a unique experience. The luxury tent provides all the expected comfort, and excellent on-site assistance is at your disposal. However, Dinners can be enjoyed in a personalized setting.
Relax for a weekend of celebrating a special event in a luxury camp.
Landscape photography
At the chance of the camp, you should not waste much time, and if you remain spare until sunset, you should begin your hike toward one of the highest dunes. After some minutes, you can crest the top of the dune.
When scheduling your journey to Morocco, you can long for such views, yet you should photograph. The way back to your camp in the dark can be tricky, but carefully, the GPS on my phone worked. So you just have to walk in the direction of the markers.
Which you can set in Google Maps in advance. After a great dinner with typical Moroccan food, which is the best you can do during your trip, it may be time for your first night in a cozy Berber tent.
Arriving
Probably the most major difference is the distance from culture. The Dunes is a half-hour camel ride or walk from Merzouga.
Reaching is completely different. Once we exit the town of M’Hamid rearward, there’s always a two- or three-hour trip ahead of us.
- In the first act of the production, we cross a huge table spread with dark gravel and ridges, also known as the black desert.
- In the two, the rising activity, we cross rises of scrubs with sand so pleasing that the least wind raises it into a magical veil that fills the air.
- And in the last act, the conclusion, a welcoming board of deadly plants awaits us at the erg.
It’s a trip that needs some tolerance, but at the same period is very rewarding, as you can enjoy the tension of slowly expecting the goal.
Close by Spots of Interest
The knowledge of living miles out from any trace of culture should be sufficient motivation to create this trip. However, you can always fit out nearby areas of welfare. Either adjust your way of visiting them or utilize it as your starting pinpoint and study nearby areas of interest.
Here are some of those areas
- Lake Iriki
- M’Hamid
- Tamegroute
- Age
Lake Iriki
With a tricky title, this huge petrified mud plain, which at one time took in the wetness of the Draa River, has been dry for better than 20 years. It’s worth running here on the way back. The only symptoms of life are illusory topography in the form of mirages or, sometimes in the rainy season, small collections that draw birds from the place.
M’Hamid
Albeit, for the most part, known for being the nearest town, this old troop crossing is worth a visit due to its mud development. Likewise important are the ksars in a high-level condition of disintegration on the edges of the town.
Tamegroute
A one-time base of teaching and faith, it’s well available for its distinctive green pottery. It is probably the most suggested nearby city, including a library with more than 4,000 manuscripts, a zawiya that is an active voyage site, and a covert kasbah made to fight the high temperatures where hundreds of homes even live.
Age
This is a strategic location to stay overnight before going to Erg Chigaga. Inside is the Kasbah Caid Ali.And on the outskirts is Tamnougalt, with two kasbahs.
The Sacrosanct Desert garden of Oum Lâalag
Surrounded by an adobe wall, a 15-hectare oasis, only a few kilometers hosts the miraculous resumption of water flow and the renewed growth of palm trees. This proximity to the desert lends it a spiritual aura.
Taznakhte
For those who can’t fight crossing without bringing back a souvenir, this small is the main producer of Berber rugs in the nation. A visit to one of the cooperatives here with a good amount of tolerance and haggling will help you avoid the middleman.
At this moment, the choices are evident: There is no good answer. Either one will be a wise conclusion, and the choice will depend on what you want out of your trip.
The most suitable option is the benefit of a first trip to Marrakech to see Erg Chebbi. I am preparing a double trip with more desert topography as the finish line. This is the chance for those who fell in love with the amazing looks of Morocco. And perhaps the only option is fine for both ergs.
What to bring During the visit
Make sure to take it with you
- Sunscreen
- Cap
- Water
- Electric lamp
- Shades
- Camera
- In a power bank, solar chargers generate electricity in the field. However, if the sun isn’t available, consider alternative power sources. If you’re traveling in the middle of the year, a pullover will be sufficient.
- On the off chance that you travel in the middle of the year, a pullover will be sufficient.