One of the regions of the Moroccan desert that has an impact and excites any traveler is Erg Chegaga. If you have heard of this location but are unsure of its actual nature or location, pay close attention to the next paragraphs as we provide a detailed explanation.
As you may already be aware, the word “erg” is used to describe a section of the desert that is sandy, such as the well-known dunes that spring to mind when we think of the Sahara, even though the vast bulk of this desert is actually stony on Moroccan soil.
Therefore, Erg Chegaga is a region of sizable dunes of fine golden sand that are molded by the wind and, exactly because of this, are not unchanging and vary over time. Its contemplation is a true sensation because it appears to be a vast sea that engulfs the entire scene.
In the region of Zagora, Erg Chegaga is situated in southern Morocco a few tens of kilometers from the Algerian border. In actuality, the town that lends it its name is not too far away. Erg Chegagat is frequently referred to as the “desert of Zagora” because of this. Also nearby is a section of the Draa River, whose valley is home to a number of tourist destinations.
Erg Chegaga is roughly 450 kilometers away from Marrakech as a point of comparison. This is a lot closer than the 550 kilometers that separate Marrakech from the desert of Merzouga, home to another well-known dune area called Erg Chebbi. Therefore, for those who do not have enough time to travel to Merzouga, the excursion to the Zagora and Erg Chegaga deserts is an intriguing choice.
You may discover the whole magic of the Sahara desert in Erg Chegaga. Consider riding a dromedary through the dunes, as this “mode of transport” is the most appropriate for getting around in this area. However, for people who like to experience these motor vehicles, traveling in a 44 is another alternate possibility. Of course, it’s also possible to experience unparalleled sunsets and sunrises here, as well as spend the night in a tent camp where the stargazing is unrivaled.
Additionally, individuals with ample time might include trips to additional local attractions. Without further ado, the village of Zagora, where residents’ daily routines are tailored to the unique characteristics of the desert. In addition, the journey to Erg Chegaga and back is a memorable event in and of itself. All of this and more may be taken care of by Vacations In Morocco: our company arranges a lot of tours and excursions to Erg Chegaga, especially from Marrakech. Simply get in touch with us if you want to enjoy a journey to this unique area of the Sahara.
With varied landscape and topography, a 4×4 trek leads to Erg Chegaga 3bid lya’s biggest sand dunes and the sacred oasis forum laaleg. traveling to the middle of Lake Iriki, which is perfect for off-road driving and is the route for many rallies, stopping to visit a Nomad family and learn about their way of life, sampling the sand bread that this region is famous for, and so on.
With its strange panoramas, wildlife, and stars (which are fantastic on a clear night! ), camping in the desert is a completely unique experience for outdoor aficionados. In Lake Iriki National Park, there are several ergs (erg lmhazil, erg lghoul, 3bid lya…) where you can find a variety of desert camps ranging from basic to opulent.
By strolling across the sand dunes, waking up early to watch the sunrise, and staying up late to view the sunset, you may experience the serenity of the Sahara desert.
The feeling of being miles from any sign of civilisation should be 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. Here are a few illustrations of such places:
This enormous petrified mud plain, which goes by the misleading name of the Draa River, has been completely dry for more than 20 years. It is worthwhile to stop by on the way home. The only signs of life are mirages, which are illusory landscapes that appear to be real, or, on rare occasions during the wet season, tiny lakes that draw local birds.
Due to its mud construction, this old caravan crossing is definitely worth a visit despite being known for being the closest town. On the outskirts of the city, the ksars are renowned for their advanced state of deterioration.
It was originally a center of education and religion and is well known for its characteristic green ceramics. The nearby city that is probably best to visit has a library with more than 4,000 manuscripts, a bustling pilgrimage destination, and an underground kasbah where hundreds of families still live that was built to withstand the intense heat.
A 15-hectare oasis surrounded by an adobe wall, where water flows and palm trees flourish, is located not far from Erg Chigaga. Due to its extraordinary proximity to the desert, this oasis has a holy aspect.
This tiny community is the nation’s top producer of Berber carpets for tourists who can’t leave without buying a souvenir. You can avoid the middlemen by visiting one of the cooperatives in this area and using some patience and haggling skills.
The decision is now clear: Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga? There is no right or wrong response; your decision should be based on the benefits you want to derive from your trip.
The best option is to use a first trip to Marrakech to visit Erg Chebbi, then plan a second trip with more desert views, concluding with Erg Chegaga. For those who fall in love with Morocco’s peculiar beauty, this is the alternative, and it might be the only one that is equitable to both ergs.
The distance from civilization is most likely the factor that differs the most. Merzouga is a 30-minute camel ride or 30-minute walk from the Erg Chebbi Dunes.
The trip to Erg Chigaga is quite distinctive. Leaving M’Hamid behind, we still have a two- or three-hour journey ahead of us. It has the feel of a three-act classic movie:
The first act’s exposition leads us into the “black desert,” a huge plain studded with hills and dark stones.
As we proceed into the mounds, the sand becomes so light that even the slightest breeze can raise it into a spectral veil that fills the air in the second, rising motion.
We are welcomed at the erg by a welcoming committee of poisonous plants in the third act, the conclusion.Although the journey requires patience, it is also quite gratifying since you may enjoy the prospect of progressively approaching the objective.
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