3 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
📅 Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Zagora
Distance: ~360 km
Driving time: 7–8 hours
Discover the wild and untouched beauty of the Sahara on this 3-day desert adventure from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga. Far from the crowds, Erg Chigaga offers a more authentic and remote desert experience. Travel across the High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, and venture off-road to reach Morocco’s largest and most pristine sand dunes.
Program:
Your journey begins with a morning departure from Marrakech in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with your driver-guide.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying breathtaking views and scenic stops along the way. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village famous for its traditional architecture.
After lunch, travel to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the gateway to the desert, then continue through the Draa Valley, known for its endless palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
Arrive in Zagora in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad.
📅 Day 2: Zagora → M’Hamid → Erg Chigaga Desert
Distance: ~160 km (partly off-road)
After breakfast, continue your journey deeper into the desert.
Travel to M’Hamid, the last village before the vast Sahara begins. From here, leave the paved roads and embark on an off-road adventure across desert landscapes, including hamadas (rocky desert) and sand dunes.
Arrive at the remote dunes of Erg Chigaga, the largest in Morocco, offering a truly wild and peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy a camel trek at sunset or relax at camp while watching the changing colors of the dunes.
Dinner will be served under the stars, followed by traditional Berber music around the campfire. Overnight in a desert camp (standard or luxury option available).
📅 Day 3: Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → Taznakht → Marrakech
Distance: ~420 km
Wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes.
After breakfast, depart the desert by 4x4, crossing the wild landscapes of the Sahara toward Foum Zguid. Continue via Taznakht, a town known for its traditional Berber carpets.
Return to Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening, concluding your desert adventure.
Highlights
Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Visit to Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Explore the Draa Valley and Zagora
Off-road adventure to Erg Chigaga dunes
Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
Sunset and sunrise in a remote desert setting
Overnight in a desert camp with dinner and music
Included
Air-conditioned transportation
Professional driver-guide
1 night in hotel/riad (Zagora)
1 night in desert camp (Erg Chigaga)
4x4 desert transfer
Camel trek (optional)
Dinners and breakfasts
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not Included
Lunches
Drinks
Entrance fees