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Erg Chebbi, Zagora or Erg Chegaga: Which Desert?
Morocco has three main desert areas. Here’s how they compare for a trip from the UK.
Which desert should you choose?
If you have the classic Sahara image in mind – tall golden dunes like a sea of sand – choose Merzouga and Erg Chebbi. The dunes rise to around 150 metres, the camps are easy to reach by tarmac road, and there is plenty to do.
Most UK visitors fly into Marrakech or Fes. Zagora is the nearest desert to Marrakech, but its dunes are small and the landscape mostly rocky. Erg Chegaga, beyond M’Hamid, has big dunes and a wild, remote feel, but it can only be reached by a long off-road drive. If you fly into Fes, Merzouga is by far the easiest choice.
- Best dunes and most activities: Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
- Shortest trip from Marrakech: Zagora
- Most remote adventure: Erg Chegaga
- Easiest from Fes (direct UK flights): Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
The three deserts
- Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) – Dunes up to 150 m, about 22 km long. Paved road to the edge of the dunes.
- Zagora – Small dunes and stony desert, around 7 hours from Marrakech.
- Erg Chegaga – Large, wild dunes about 2 hours by 4×4 beyond the end of the road at M’Hamid.
- Travel time – Merzouga is 8–9 h from Marrakech and 7–8 h from Fes, best with stops.
- Activities – Erg Chebbi has the widest choice: quads, buggies, 4×4, nomads, lakes.
- Camps – Merzouga has camps from simple to luxury and deluxe with A/C.
Erg Chebbi vs Zagora vs Erg Chegaga
Approximate figures for planning your trip.
| Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) | Zagora | Erg Chegaga | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dune height | Up to about 150 m | Small dunes, mostly rocky | Up to about 60–80 m |
| From Marrakech | About 560 km / 8–9 h | About 360 km / 7 h | About 450 km + off-road / 9–10 h |
| From Fes | About 470 km / 7–8 h | Long detour | Very long |
| Access | Paved road to the dunes | Paved road | 4×4 only, from M’Hamid |
| Activities | Camels, quads, buggies, 4×4, sandboarding, nomads, lakes | Camels, short walks | Camels, 4×4, sandboarding |
| Best for | Classic Sahara and first-time visitors | Short trips from Marrakech | Remote adventure |
Why most travellers choose Merzouga
Erg Chebbi is the most spectacular dune field in Morocco. The colours change from gold to orange and red during the day, and the dunes are high enough for real sunrise and sunset views. Because Merzouga is on a paved road, you can arrive by car, bus or private driver and ride to the camp by camel or 4×4.
Around the dunes there is much more to see: nomad families, the Gnawa village of Khamlia, fossils, old mines, palm oases and seasonal lakes with flamingos. That is why many travellers stay two nights.
How to include Merzouga in your trip
From Marrakech, the classic route crosses the High Atlas, passes Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades and Todra gorges and reaches Merzouga on the second day. From Fes the drive is shorter and crosses the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley. Many travellers do a 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga, or the other way round.
Tips for choosing your desert
- One night in the desert? Choose Erg Chebbi for the best dunes
- Only 2 days from Marrakech? Zagora is possible but the dunes are small
- Travelling from Fes? Merzouga is the natural choice
- Love remote places? Erg Chegaga, with a good 4×4 driver
- Stay two nights in Merzouga to enjoy activities without rushing
- Book a private driver to stop where you like on the way
Frequently asked questions
Erg Chebbi near Merzouga has the highest dunes in Morocco, rising up to about 150 metres.
Zagora is fine for a very short trip from Marrakech, but its dunes are small. For the classic Sahara you see in pictures, Merzouga is well worth the extra drive.
Drive to M’Hamid, then continue about 2 hours off-road by 4×4. There is no paved road to the dunes.
It is possible, but it takes 8–9 hours. Most travellers split the drive with a night in the Dades or Todra gorges.
Both work. Fes is closer to Merzouga (7–8 h), while Marrakech lets you see the Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou and the gorges on the way. Many UK travellers fly into one and home from the other.
Merzouga: the road access is easy, the camps are comfortable and there are activities for every age.
Travelling to Merzouga from the UK
If you fly into Fes from Stansted, Erg Chebbi is by far the closest big dune field.
Flights from the UK
Direct to Marrakech in 3.5–4 hours from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Southend, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Belfast. Ryanair flies Stansted to Fes.
Entry rules
British passports: no visa for up to 90 days, at least 3 months’ validity after arrival, undamaged and stamped on entry.
Money
Moroccan dirham (MAD); £1 ≈ 12.9 MAD. Our prices in £ are a guide; deposits are charged in euros.
Seasons
Best in spring and autumn. Late July and August are very hot, often above 40°C.
Good to know
Same time as the UK in summer, one hour ahead in winter. European two-pin plugs (Type C/E, 220V).
Which desert for your flight
Flying into Fes? Erg Chebbi in Merzouga is closest. Only in Marrakech for a long weekend? Zagora is nearer, but its dunes are much smaller.
Travel guides
Plan your trip to the Sahara
Best time to visit Merzouga
Weather month by month, the best seasons and what to pack for the desert.
Standard vs Luxury vs Deluxe camps
Bathrooms, beds, A/C and prices compared, so you choose the right tent.
Rent a car with driver in Morocco
Prices, vehicles, routes to the Sahara and how to choose a reliable company.
Best Morocco travel agencies
Ten local tour operators for private tours and how to choose the right one.