Desert Chegaga
Sahara practicalities
Getting here, when to come, how to dress and what to expect, answered by people who live here.
Getting to Foum Zguid
Private transfers on every expedition. There is no road into Erg Chigaga. From Foum Zguid we continue by 4×4 across Lake Iriqui: about 90 km and 3 hours of piste.
From Marrakech
- Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m)
- Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate
- Tazenakht
- Foum Zguid
About 7 hours and 380 km with stops, usually a full first day of the journey.
From Ouarzazate
- Ouarzazate airport
- Tazenakht
- Foum Zguid
About 3 hours (170 km). Saves you the Atlas crossing.
From Agadir
- Taroudant
- Anti-Atlas & Tata
- Foum Zguid
About 6 hours (400 km). Ideal after a few days by the sea.
When to come
The desert swings hard between day and night. Here's how the year feels on the ground.
Light, colour and temperature change with the season.
Culture & etiquette
Small gestures that make you a welcome guest in the villages and the camp.
Dress modestly in villages
Shoulders and knees covered in towns and homes. In the dunes, dress for the sun.
Ask before photographing people
A smile and a gesture is enough. Landscapes are always fair game.
Accept the tea
Mint tea is hospitality itself. A glass or two is the polite answer.
Frequently asked
SAFETY
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. We shorten drives, choose gentle dunes and add sandboarding. Tell us ages when you book.
Do I have to ride a camel?
Not at all. Walk beside the caravan or go by 4×4 to the camp.
IN THE CAMP
Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal?
Patchy past Foum Zguid, often none in the erg. On the Silent Sahara, that is the point.
FOOD & HEALTH
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergies, with notice.
Is the water safe to drink?
Drink bottled or filtered water. We carry refills so you can bring your own bottle.
What about the heat?
We move at dawn and dusk in warm months and rest through midday. Bring a hat and high-SPF cream.
Still wondering?
We answer personally from Foum Zguid.