Merzouga vs Zagora: Which Desert Should You Choose?

Merzouga's Erg Chebbi has dunes up to 150 m tall — the Sahara most travelers imagine. It's 9–10 hours from Marrakech, so plan 3 days minimum.

Zagora

Zagora is reachable in one day via Aït Ben Haddou and the Draa Valley. The dunes are smaller, but it's perfect if you only have 2 days.

Erg Chigaga

For adventurers: remote, wild dunes beyond M'Hamid, reached by 4x4 across a dry lake. Few tourists, total silence.