Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
Desert Tour
3 Days
Overview
This 3-day desert tour takes you deep into the untouched wilderness of the Erg Chigaga dunes, the largest and most remote in Morocco. Traveling through the High Atlas Mountains and the palm-filled Draa Valley, you’ll explore ancient kasbahs, visit Berber villages, and ride camels into the vast Sahara. A night in a luxury desert camp under the stars will be an unforgettable highlight of your journey.
Highlights
• Scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi-n-Tichka Pass
• Explore the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Travel through the lush Draa Valley and ancient caravan routes
• Ride camels across the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga
• Overnight in a luxury desert camp with Berber music and stargazing
• Off-road adventure through desert plateaus and Lake Iriki
• Visit the traditional pottery village of Tamgroute
• Authentic Moroccan meals and warm hospitality
• Return journey through the Anti-Atlas Mountains to Marrakech
What's Included
• Private transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 or van
• Experienced English-speaking nomad driver-guide
• Hotel pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech
• Two nights’ accommodation (one night in luxury desert camp)
• Daily breakfast and dinner (vegetarian and vegan options available)
• Camel trek in Erg Chigaga with optional sandboarding
• Berber music and campfire drumming
• Guided walks and free time at scenic stops
• Tea and coffee at the desert camp
Not Included
• Lunches
• Local guides
• Entrance fees
• Tips
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Draa Valley
Leave Marrakech early and travel across the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Visit the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a striking clay fortress used in many films. Continue through Ouarzazate and into the Draa Valley, a lush ribbon of palm groves and mudbrick villages. Arrive in Agdz or a nearby kasbah village for dinner and overnight in a charming riad or guesthouse.
Day 2: Agdz to Zagora (Erg Chigaga Dunes)
After breakfast, continue along the Draa River through Zagora and stop in Tamgroute to visit a centuries-old Quranic library and green pottery workshops. From M’hamid, the road ends and the desert adventure begins—an off-road journey takes you through stony plains and sand dunes to the remote Erg Chigaga. Enjoy a sunset camel ride before settling into your luxury desert camp. Dinner is served under the stars, followed by traditional Berber music by the campfire.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga to Marrakech
Watch the sunrise over the dunes and enjoy breakfast at the camp. Then depart via 4x4 through the Iriqui National Park and the vast dry lakebed of Lake Iriki. Reach Foum Zguid and continue north through the dramatic scenery of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Stop for lunch along the way before arriving back in Marrakech by evening. Drop-off at your hotel or riad.
* This 3-Day Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Desert Tour can be customized to create a personalized experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This tour is private and customizable, meaning you'll travel with your own group and have a dedicated driver-guide throughout the journey.
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We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, a hat or scarf for sun protection, sunglasses, layers for cooler desert nights.
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Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated just let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
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You’ll stay in comfortable, locally-owned riads or boutique hotels with traditional Moroccan charm, and spend one unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, hot showers, and a star-filled sky overhead.
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The camel ride is optional. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can arrange a 4x4 transfer to the desert camp with no extra cost—just let us know your preference ahead of time.