Erg, reg, hamada… types of terrain in the desert

desert-stories.com - travel slow

What is a hamada?

Among the desert’s diverse landscapes, the hamada is often the most formidable. Hamadas are vast, rocky plateaus where the sand has been eroded over millennia, leaving behind only stones and pebbles. This hard, gravelly surface is why hamadas are sometimes referred to as “desert pavements.”

Interestingly, hamadas cover much of the Sahara Desert and are essential to its rugged beauty. Despite their barren appearance, these areas are rich in history and provide key routes for nomads and desert travelers. Near M’hamid El Ghizlane, travelers can experience a small hamada on the way from Desert Camp Chraika to the palm groves and old kasbahs, showcasing the dramatic contrast between rocky terrain and fertile oases.

desert-stories.com - erg

What does "erg" mean?

For many travelers, the highlight of any desert journey is visiting an erg – an area covered by massive sand dunes. The Sahara’s ergs are mesmerizing, with their constantly shifting dunes shaped by the wind. These vast seas of sand are among the most iconic images of the desert.

Morocco is home to two famous ergs: Erg Chebbi, near the village of Merzouga, and the larger, more remote Erg Chegaga, which spans over 500 square kilometers. Ergs like these are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the light casts dramatic shadows across the dunes. Whether it’s watching the sun dip below the horizon or experiencing the stillness of the desert at dawn, visiting an erg is an unforgettable part of any Sahara adventure.

desert-stories.com - reg

Soft regs - the desert open spaces

A reg is a common terrain in the Sahara, characterised by large, flat areas of hardened sand. These surfaces are often formed by natural processes such as rain and wind, which pack the sand into a solid surface. In some areas, abandoned farmlands have also turned into regs over time.

The regs near M’hamid El Ghizlane offer wide, open spaces that seem to stretch endlessly. Walking across a reg can feel like the desert is opening up before you, offering a peaceful and expansive horizon. The stark difference between the rocky hamadas and soft regs highlights the ever-changing nature of the desert landscape.