Imagine swaying gently on a camel as the sun sinks behind an endless sea of golden dunes, the only sound the soft pad of hooves on sand. This is the magic of an Erg Chigaga camel trek — a journey into one of the wildest and most beautiful corners of the Moroccan Sahara, reached from the desert gateway of M’hamid, just south of Zagora. Here is everything you need to know to plan the adventure of a lifetime. For the bigger picture, see our complete guide to camel trekking in Morocco.
What Is Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chigaga (also spelled Erg Chegaga) is the largest and most remote set of sand dunes in southern Morocco. Stretching some 40 kilometres and rising up to around 300 metres, this vast erg lies deep in the Sahara beyond M’hamid el Ghizlane, in the Zagora province. Unlike the more famous and far busier dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, Erg Chigaga remains wonderfully wild, quiet and unspoilt — exactly the kind of place a camel trek was made for.
Why Choose a Camel Trek in Erg Chigaga?
You can reach the dunes by 4×4, but travelling by camel is something else entirely. A camel trek lets you experience the Sahara the way nomads have for centuries — slowly, quietly and in rhythm with the desert itself. There is no engine noise, no rush; just the shifting light, the warmth of the sand and the immense silence. For many travellers, a camel trek near M’hamid and Zagora is the single most memorable part of their journey through Morocco.
Where Does the Trek Start? M’hamid & Zagora
Almost every Erg Chigaga camel trek begins from M’hamid el Ghizlane, the last village before the open desert, around 90–100 km (about 1.5–2 hours) south of Zagora town along the lower Drâa Valley. Many travellers base themselves in the more comfortable Zagora area, then transfer to the trailhead near M’hamid where the camels and their guides are waiting.
What an Erg Chigaga Camel Trek Is Like
Riding the Dunes
After meeting your camels and Berber guide, you set off across the desert at a calm, steady pace. You will cross gravel plains and rippling dunes, pause for sweet mint tea in the shade, and watch the landscape change colour hour by hour. Most treks time their arrival at camp for the golden light of late afternoon, when the dunes glow amber and the shadows grow long.
Nights at a Desert Camp
As night falls you reach a traditional desert camp of Berber tents nestled among the dunes. Here you will share a hot tagine or couscous dinner around a fire, listen to drumming and Berber music, and sleep under a canopy of stars far from any city light. The silence and the sky over Erg Chigaga are simply unforgettable.
Sunrise Over the Sahara
Wake early to climb a nearby dune and watch the sun rise over the Sahara — one of the most magical moments of any trip to Morocco. After breakfast you remount your camels and trek back, carrying memories that will last a lifetime.
How Long Is the Trek? Trek Options
There is an Erg Chigaga camel trek to suit every traveller:
- Short overnight treks (2 days / 1 night): ride to the nearer dunes around M’hamid, camp overnight and return — perfect if you are short on time.
- Multi-day expeditions (3–6 days): a true Saharan crossing deep into Erg Chigaga, moving camp each day at a nomad’s pace.
- Camel & 4×4 combinations: drive part of the way toward Erg Chigaga and enjoy a camel trek and overnight camp at the dunes — a popular way to reach the big erg without several days in the saddle.
Our team can help you choose the right option among our Sahara desert experiences near Zagora.
Best Time to Take a Camel Trek
The best months for an Erg Chigaga camel trek are October to April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant for riding and the nights are crisp and clear. Avoid the peak of summer (June to August), when the Sahara heat can be extreme. Whatever the season, desert nights near M’hamid can be cold, so warm layers are essential.
What to Pack for the Desert
- Loose, breathable clothing plus warm layers for cold desert nights.
- A scarf or chèche to protect against sun, wind and sand.
- Sunglasses, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
- Closed shoes for walking on sand, and a small daypack.
- A reusable water bottle, lip balm and a torch or headlamp.
- A camera — the light over Erg Chigaga is extraordinary.
How to Get to M’hamid and Erg Chigaga (via Zagora)
Most travellers fly into Marrakech or Ouarzazate, then drive south through the dramatic Drâa Valley via Agdz and Zagora to M’hamid. From Marrakech it is a long but spectacular 8–9 hour journey over the High Atlas; from Zagora, M’hamid is only about 1.5–2 hours away. From M’hamid, your camel trek or 4×4 transfer takes you on into the dunes of Erg Chigaga.
Where to Stay Before & After Your Trek
A camel trek is unforgettable, but a hot shower and a comfortable bed afterwards are very welcome too. Taragalte Park Camp, set among the palms in Tahtah, Zagora, makes an ideal base before and after your Erg Chigaga adventure. We offer cosy en-suite rooms, adobe bungalows and around fifty camping pitches, plus a Moroccan restaurant serving organic dishes from our own garden. After your trek, relax with a candlelit dinner and a bonfire under the desert sky. We recommend you book your stay early, especially in the busy autumn and spring seasons.
Combine Your Trek with the Taragalte Festival
If you visit in late autumn, you can pair your desert adventure with one of Morocco’s most authentic celebrations. Read our guide to the Taragalte Festival in M’hamid and make your trip to the Zagora desert truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chigaga is a vast, remote set of sand dunes in the Sahara of southern Morocco, beyond M’hamid el Ghizlane in the Zagora province.
How far is Erg Chigaga from M’hamid and Zagora?
Erg Chigaga lies roughly 40–60 km from M’hamid, which is itself about 90–100 km south of Zagora. Most treks and 4×4 transfers set off from M’hamid.
How many days do you need for an Erg Chigaga camel trek?
You can do a short overnight trek of 2 days and 1 night to nearer dunes, or a multi-day expedition of 3 to 6 days to journey deep into Erg Chigaga. Many visitors combine a 4×4 transfer with a camel trek and overnight camp.
Is a camel trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. Camels move slowly and are led by experienced guides, so no riding experience is needed. Shorter treks are gentle and suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
What is the best time of year for a camel trek near Zagora?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot in the Sahara, so it is best avoided for long treks.
Ready to ride into the Sahara? Book your stay at Taragalte Park Camp near Zagora and let us help you plan the perfect Erg Chigaga camel trek from M’hamid.