Desert: self-drive vs tour
Self-driving gives flexibility and control of the pace. A tour hands off mountain driving, tracks and logistics. Neither is better in the abstract: it depends on the destination and on you.
Self-drive to Merzouga
It is the most reasonable option for self-driving: main roads and plenty of lodging. Confirm with the camp where to leave the car.
Self-drive to Erg Chigaga
You can drive to M'Hamid, but the final track is usually done with a local driver. Improvising it is the main source of trouble.
With a tour: what to compare
Number of days, nights en route, arrival time at the dunes, type of camp and group size. A cheap tour with too much driving can be costly in experience.
Middle ground
A private driver on your own itinerary: you keep control of the pace without driving mountains or tracks.
| Criterion | Self-drive | Group tour | Private driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High | Low | High |
| Driving effort | All yours | None | None |
| Fit for Chigaga | Only to M'Hamid | Good | Good |
| Control of pace | Full | Operator's | Shared |
Keep reading
Mountain passes, police checkpoints and a realistic driving pace heading south.
The classic route over the High Atlas, via Aït Ben Haddou and the Dades and Todra valleys to Erg Chebbi.
Over the High Atlas and along the Draa Valley to M'Hamid, then the track to the dunes.