Last reviewed: October 2026. Distances and times are approximate.
Erg Chigaga is the largest of Morocco’s major ergs, or sand-dune seas, in the Draa region of the south-east, about 56 km south-west of the oasis town of M’Hamid El Ghizlane (Wikipedia). It is remote on purpose. There is no sealed road to our camp and the last stretch needs a 4WD. This guide explains the route, realistic distances and what to arrange before you travel.
The route at a glance
| Leg | Approximate distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech to Ouarzazate | about 200 km | Around 4 hours without stops. The road crosses the High Atlas at the Tizi n’Tichka pass. |
| Ouarzazate to Zagora | about 160 km | Roughly 2 hours 40 minutes. |
| Zagora to M’Hamid El Ghizlane | about 97 km | The last town before the dunes (source). |
| M’Hamid to our camp | about 60 km off-road | Two hours or more by 4WD. |
From Ouarzazate to M’Hamid it is about 260 km along National Route 9 through Zagora. Add the off-road stretch and the journey from Marrakech is a long day, so many travellers break it in Ouarzazate or Zagora.
Getting to Ouarzazate or Zagora
You can drive from Marrakech or fly into Ouarzazate, which has scheduled flights from Casablanca and from some European cities. Timetables change, so check current schedules before you book. Whichever way you travel, tell us where you will be and when, and we will help you plan the last part of the trip.
The last 60 km: by 4WD only
From M’Hamid the route to the camp crosses sand, dried riverbeds and rocky plateaus. Plan on two hours or more. An ordinary car cannot do this stretch, and our own Toyota Land Cruisers cover it. There is no mobile signal at the camp, so share your arrival plans with us before you leave the last town.
Before you travel
- The camp is open from September 1 to June 15. See the best time to visit Erg Chigaga.
- Call or message us on WhatsApp at +212 669 929 087 to arrange your arrival.
- Check what a stay costs and what is included on our prices page.
- Not sure which dunes suit you? Read Erg Chigaga vs Erg Chebbi.
Want to see where you will sleep? Compare our Erg Chigaga camps, browse the activities, read the frequently asked questions or ask us for a free quote.