Experience an unforgettable 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to the majestic dunes of Erg Chigaga, a journey that showcases Morocco’s most stunning natural and cultural treasures. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, explore UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, and discover cinematic Ouarzazate before venturing deep into the Draa Valley and the Sahara Desert.
Ride camels across golden dunes, visit ancient kasbahs and Berber villages, and spend a magical night under a sky filled with stars at a luxury desert camp. This adventure perfectly blends breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and authentic Moroccan hospitality, ideal for travelers seeking a genuine desert experience in a short time.
Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Guided visit of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic film location
Explore Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit Kasbah Taourirt
Journey through the Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s largest palm groves
Visit Tamgrout’s ancient library and the pottery workshops of the Berber village of Mhamid
Enjoy a camel trek across the Erg Chigaga dunes during a breathtaking sunset
Spend the night in a traditional desert camp, with dinner and Berber music by the campfire
Witness the sunrise over the Sahara and cross the dry lake of Iriki on your return
Stop at Taznakht, renowned for its handwoven Berber carpets, before returning to Marrakech
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. Admire craggy peaks and lush valleys as you travel through traditional Berber villages, each offering a glimpse of Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.
Your first stop is in the High Atlas Mountains to take beautiful panoramic photos. Then we continue to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic monuments. Explore the ancient kasbah, with its maze of narrow streets and mudbrick buildings, and discover its fascinating history.
Continuing, you will arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Gate of the Sahara”, where you can visit the cinema studios and the Kasbah of Taourirt. From there, travel through the Draa Valley to the oasis town of Agdz, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by palm groves and stunning mountain scenery. Dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, head to the desert town of Zagora to visit the palm grove. Then the direction towards the Chigaga desert. Stop along the way to visit the ancient library of Tamgrout and explore the traditional Berber village of Mhamid.
Arriving at the edge of the Sahara, you set off for a camel ride through the spectacular dunes of Chigaga. Discover the tranquility of the desert as you delve into the heart of the Sahara, with its vast expanses of golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see.
As the sun sets, you’ll arrive at your desert camp, where you’ll spend the night under a blanket of stars. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner around the campfire and immerse yourself in the magic of the desert night.
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the dunes before setting off on the final leg of your journey. On your way back to Ouarzazate, you will pass by the magnificent Assiaché Lake of Eriki and the desert town of Foum Zguid.
Along the way, stop in the town of Taznakht, famous for its brightly colored carpets and textiles, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains again. Admire the breathtaking scenery as you return to Marrakech, where your unforgettable desert adventure ends.
This tour covers long driving distances, expect around 6 to 7 hours of travel per day, including scenic stops along the way. The journey through the Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara is part of the adventure, offering ever-changing landscapes.
The route to Erg Chigaga includes off-road driving (about 2 hours) across desert terrain from M’Hamid to the dunes. Your 4×4 vehicle is fully equipped for the conditions, and your experienced driver ensures a safe and comfortable ride.
You’ll stay in traditional desert camps and local guesthouses with half-board (dinner and breakfast). Both standard and luxury camp upgrades are available; luxury options offer private tents with en-suite bathrooms.
Pack light and comfortable clothing for daytime, and warm layers for cool desert nights.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf to protect from the sun and sand.
A small backpack is useful for daily essentials during stops and activities.
The best months to visit Erg Chigaga are September to May, when temperatures are pleasant. Summer (June–August) can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, but early morning and evening experiences remain enjoyable.
You’ll enjoy a camel ride through the dunes, sunset and sunrise walks, and traditional Berber music around the campfire. Optional sandboarding or 4×4 dune excursions may be available on request.
Meals are freshly prepared Moroccan dishes. If you have specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), please inform your guide or booking agent in advance.
Small towns and desert areas don’t have ATMs, so bring cash (Moroccan Dirhams) for tips, drinks, or souvenirs.
There is limited mobile signal and no Wi-Fi in the desert. Most camps provide solar-powered lights and limited charging options for phones and cameras.
You’ll travel through traditional Berber villages. Please dress modestly and ask before taking photos of locals. Your guide can help with cultural etiquette and translation when needed.
Erg Chigaga is about 500 km (310 miles) from Marrakech. The journey takes around 8–9 hours with scenic stops along the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Draa Valley.
This tour is operated with a comfortable 4×4 vehicle (Toyota Prado or similar), perfect for both mountain roads and off-road desert terrain. Air conditioning is included.
Yes! A camel ride through the dunes at sunset or sunrise is included in the tour experience. It’s a highlight for many travelers.
Standard Camp: Shared bathrooms, simple but comfortable tents.
Luxury Camp: Private tents with en-suite bathrooms, larger beds, and extra comfort.
Both camps offer dinner, breakfast, and traditional Berber entertainment.
Yes, dinners and breakfasts are included throughout the trip. Lunches, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.
Bring light clothing for daytime, warm layers for evenings, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a small backpack. A scarf or shawl is useful for sun and sand protection.
The best period is from September to May. During summer (June–August), daytime temperatures can be very high, but evenings remain pleasant.
Yes, the tour is suitable for most ages. However, long drives and off-road sections may be tiring for very young children or people with back issues.
Most camps use solar power, offering limited charging for phones or cameras. There’s no Wi-Fi and limited mobile coverage, a perfect chance to disconnect and enjoy nature.
Absolutely. You can extend the trip to 4 or 5 days, add extra nights in the desert, or continue to destinations like Fes or Agadir. Custom itineraries are available upon request.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
