Erg Chigaga is a large and remote desert in southern Morocco, located in the region of Zagora. It is part of the greater Sahara desert and covers an area of approximately 45,000 square kilometers. Erg Chigaga is known for its impressive sand dunes, which can reach up to 300 meters in height and stretch for kilometers across the desert landscape.
The desert is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including desert foxes, gazelles, and reptiles, as well as various types of desert plants and trees. It is also an important cultural site, with several nomadic tribes still living in the area and practicing traditional lifestyles.
Erg Chigaga is a popular destination for tourists interested in experiencing the vastness and beauty of the Sahara desert. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, including camel rides, desert hikes, and camping under the stars.
What Erg Chigaga has to offer and where to discover it?
Here are some of the things that Erg Chigaga has to offer:
- Impressive sand dunes: Erg Chigaga is known for its massive sand dunes, which can reach up to 300 meters in height and stretch for kilometers across the desert landscape.
- Natural beauty: The desert is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including desert foxes, gazelles, and reptiles, as well as various types of desert plants and trees.
- Adventure activities: Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, including camel rides, desert hikes, sandboarding, and camping under the stars.
- Cultural experiences: Erg Chigaga is an important cultural site, with several nomadic tribes still living in the area and practicing traditional lifestyles. Visitors can learn about their culture and traditions.
To reach Erg Chigaga, travelers can take a 4×4 vehicle or book a guided tour from the nearby town of Zagora. The drive takes around six hours and passes through stunning desert landscapes, mountains, and small villages. Alternatively, visitors can take a domestic flight to the nearby city of Ouarzazate and then take a 4×4 vehicle to Erg Chigaga.
Things to do in Erg Chigaga:
There are many things to do in Erg Chigaga for visitors who are interested in experiencing the beauty and adventure of the Sahara Desert. Here are some of the top activities to consider:
- Camel rides: One of the most popular activities in Erg Chigaga is to take a camel ride through the desert. Visitors can ride on camels to explore the sand dunes, watch the sunset, and experience the nomadic lifestyle of the locals.
- Desert hikes: Another great way to explore the desert is to take a hike through the sand dunes. Visitors can hike through the desert landscape to explore the local flora and fauna and experience the stunning views.
- Sandboarding: Sandboarding is a fun and exciting activity that is available in Erg Chigaga. Visitors can slide down the sand dunes on a board and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
- Camping under the stars: Spending a night in the desert is an unforgettable experience. Visitors can camp out in the desert and enjoy a traditional dinner and music around a campfire while gazing at the stars.
- Quad biking: For visitors who are looking for a more adventurous experience, quad biking is a popular activity. Visitors can rent quad bikes and explore the desert landscape at high speed.
- Visit a nomad family: Visitors can learn about the traditional nomadic lifestyle by visiting a local family and experiencing their daily routine, food, and customs.
- Local culture: You can also learn about the Berber culture and way of life from the local people who live in the area. Some campsites may offer cultural activities, such as cooking classes or music performances.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Erg Chigaga. Visitors can also explore nearby villages, visit historic sites, and learn about the local culture and traditions. Check out our Morocco tours.
nearby tourist destinations:
The feeling of being miles from any sign of civilization should be a sufficient incentive to complete this journey, but you may always stop at nearby attractions by modifying your route to go there or by using the erg as your starting point and touring the area around it. Below there are still a few attractions nearby that you might want to visit:
Lake Iriki
Lake Iriki is a large dry lake bed located in the southeastern region of Morocco, in the Sahara Desert. The lake bed covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometers and is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, including sand dunes and rocky formations.
M’Hamid
M’Hamid is a small town located in the Draa River Valley, at the edge of the Sahara Desert, in southern Morocco. It is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara” as it is the last town on the road south before the vast expanse of sand dunes begins.
Tamegroute
Tamegroute is a village located in the Draa River valley in southern Morocco, near the city of Zagora. It is known for its famous green pottery, which is handmade and has been produced using traditional techniques for centuries. The pottery of Tamegroute is distinctive for its unique glaze, which is achieved by firing the clay in wood-burning ovens using a mixture of lead, copper, and manganese.
In addition to its pottery, Tamegroute is also home to a historic library, the Zaouia Naciria, which contains a collection of ancient Islamic manuscripts and texts. The library was founded in the 17th century and has been an important center of learning and scholarship for centuries.
The village of Tamegroute is situated in a desert landscape, surrounded by palm groves and sand dunes. It is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in exploring Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can tour the pottery workshops, visit the library, take camel rides, or go on desert treks to explore the surrounding area.
Oum Laalag’s Oasis
Oum Laalag’s Oasis is an oasis located in southern Morocco, near the town of Zagora. It is situated in the Draa River valley, which is known for its lush palm groves and date plantations. The oasis is named after the local Berber tribe that has lived in the area for centuries.
The oasis is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in exploring the desert landscape of southern Morocco. Visitors can take camel rides or go on desert treks to explore the surrounding area, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert foxes, sand cats, and gazelles.
The oasis is also known for its traditional architecture, which includes earthen buildings and kasbahs (fortified houses) that are made from mud and clay. Many of these buildings have been restored and converted into guesthouses and hotels, allowing visitors to experience traditional Moroccan hospitality and cuisine.
One of the main attractions of Oum Laalag’s Oasis is its natural spring, which provides water for the palm groves and date plantations. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Overall, Oum Laalag’s Oasis is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a glimpse into traditional Berber culture and the natural beauty of southern Morocco.
Taznakht
Taznakht is a town located in the Ouarzazate Province in the southeastern region of Morocco. It is situated at the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains and is known for its vibrant Berber culture, beautiful carpets, and unique architecture. The town is also famous for its weekly market, where locals from nearby villages come to sell their products.
Taznakht is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in experiencing traditional Moroccan culture and exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the nearby mountains, shopping for handmade crafts and textiles in the local markets, and learning about the history and customs of the Berber people.
In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Taznakht is also a hub for transportation and trade, with many businesses and services catering to the needs of travelers passing through the region.
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