A Journey from Endless Dunes to Snowy Mountain Passes
Morocco’s Sahara Desert is not one single landscape, but a world of contrasts. Among its most famous regions are Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) and M’Hamid El Ghizlane – Chegaga (Erg Chegaga). Both offer unforgettable desert experiences, yet each has a distinct character, atmosphere, and sense of adventure.
Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi): Iconic and Accessible
The Merzouga Desert, located in southeastern Morocco near Erfoud, is known for its towering golden dunes, some rising over 150 meters high. It is the most photographed desert area in Morocco and the easiest to access.
Merzouga is ideal for travellers looking for:
- Camel trekking at sunrise and sunset
- Comfortable desert camps
- Short excursions into the dunes
- Well-organized tourism services
The dunes are close to villages, roads, and hotels, making Merzouga perfect for first-time desert visitors who want beauty with comfort and simplicity.
Chegaga Desert (Erg Chegaga): Wild, Remote, and Untouched
In contrast, the Chegaga Desert, reached from M’Hamid El Ghizlane, represents the true spirit of adventure. It is more remote, less visited, and far more expansive. The dunes of Chegaga stretch endlessly, creating a powerful sense of isolation and freedom.
Chegaga is for travellers who seek:
- Deep desert exploration
- Long 4×4 off-road journeys
- Silence, wilderness, and authenticity
- A feeling of being far from the modern world
This desert cannot be reached without a 4×4 vehicle and experienced navigation, which adds to its mystique and raw beauty.
A Personal Desert Experience in Chegaga
My most unforgettable desert experience happened in the Chegaga Desert, during my first time driving a 4×4 across this vast wilderness. I was guiding two Italian travelers, eager for adventure and discovery.
While traveling from the Chegaga dunes toward Foum Zguid, the desert suddenly revealed its true power. A violent sandstorm rose without warning. The sky darkened, visibility dropped, and the wind erased familiar landmarks within minutes.
At times, I had to step out of the vehicle, carefully searching for direction by following old tire tracks left by other cars, reading the desert like a map written in sand. The storm tested our patience, focus, and endurance.
For more than six exhausting hours, we moved slowly through the storm, trusting experience and instinct. Despite the hardship, the journey ended safely. What surprised me most was the reaction of my guests — instead of fear, they felt pride and excitement. The challenge became the highlight of their Moroccan adventure.
From Sand Dunes to Snowy Peaks: A Stunning Contrast
After leaving the desert behind, our journey continued north toward Ouarzazate, then through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass on the way to Marrakech.
There, the scenery transformed completely. The High Atlas Mountains appeared, their peaks covered in snow. Just hours earlier, we had been surrounded by burning sand and desert winds — now we were facing a winter landscape.
The Italian travelers were speechless. Laughing, I joked:
“We were in Algeria before… and now we are back in Morocco.”
For a moment, they almost believed me. The contrast was so extreme that it felt like crossing between different countries, climates, and worlds in a single day.
Why Morocco Is a Land of Endless Discovery
This journey perfectly captures what makes Morocco unique:
- Desert and mountains in one trip
- Extreme landscapes within short distances
- Adventure, culture, and natural beauty combined
Whether you choose Merzouga for comfort and classic beauty or Chegaga for raw adventure and deep exploration, the Moroccan Sahara offers experiences that stay with you forever.
From golden dunes to snowy mountain passes, Morocco is not just a destination — it is a story waiting to be lived.
After leaving the des
