Resumen:

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Morocco’s vast Sahara Desert with our 5-day Erg Chigaga Camel Trekking adventure. Far from the well-trodden tourist trails, this immersive experience takes you deep into the dunes of Erg Chigaga, one of the most remote and authentic corners of the Moroccan Sahara. Starting from the gateway town of M’Hamid, you’ll ride camels across golden sand seas, sleep under star-filled skies, and witness the nomadic lifestyle in its purest form.

Unlike the more frequented Erg Chebbi dunes, Erg Chigaga offers a raw and untamed desert experience, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers. This trek is not just a desert tour, it’s a soulful journey into Morocco’s most mesmerizing wilderness.

Lo más destacado del Tour:

• Camel trekking adventure through the untouched dunes of Erg Chigaga

• Overnight stays in authentic Berber desert camps under millions of stars

• Traditional desert cuisine cooked over an open fire and shared with nomads

• Unmatched views of sunrise and sunset over the endless sand dunes

• Live Berber music and storytelling around a campfire

• Visit sacred oasis palm groves and ancient caravan routes

• Disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and silence

Day 1: M’Hamid – Ras Nkhal – Sidi Naji

Your adventure begins in the frontier town of M’Hamid, the last village before the open Sahara. After meeting your camel caravan and guides, you’ll begin trekking toward the desert. The landscape transitions from sparse palm groves to rolling dunes. Your first stop is Ras Nkhal, where you’ll rest and enjoy lunch. Continue trekking to Sidi Naji, an ancient marabout site (saint’s tomb) surrounded by dunes. Overnight in a desert camp with traditional dinner and Berber music.

Trekking time: ~5 hours
Camp: Nomadic tent at Sidi Naji

Day 2: Sidi Naji – Erg Ait Ounir

Wake up to a majestic desert sunrise and enjoy a hearty breakfast before resuming your journey. Today, the dunes grow higher as you approach Erg Ait Ounir, a scenic region with both rocky and sandy terrain. The route gives a glimpse into ancient nomadic trails and hidden desert flora. Lunch is served under tamarisk trees. Evening brings another unforgettable night of stargazing and silence in the open Sahara.

Trekking time: ~6 hours
Camp: Wild camping at Erg Ait Ounir

Day 3: Erg Ait Ounir – Erg Chigaga

Today is the most anticipated day as you reach the majestic Erg Chigaga dunes, towering up to 300 meters and stretching over 40 kilometers. These are the largest dunes in Morocco and offer an awe-inspiring setting for the evening. Climb the highest dune to watch the sunset and take in panoramic views that stretch to the Algerian border. Dinner and music by the fire cap off an unforgettable day.

Trekking time: ~5 hours
Camp: Fixed desert camp in Erg Chigaga with basic amenities

Day 4: Erg Chigaga – Sacred Oasis – Bougarn Dunes

After breakfast, you leave the high dunes and trek toward the Sacred Oasis (L’Oasis Sacrée), a peaceful natural spring nestled among palm trees. This was a critical stop for old trade caravans. Enjoy lunch in the shade before continuing to Bougarn Dunes, a less-explored section of the desert that offers solitude and serenity. Your final night in the dunes is a time to reflect and absorb the silence of the Sahara.

Trekking time: ~6 hours
Camp: Wild camping in Bougarn Dunes

Day 5: Bougarn Dunes – M’Hamid

The final stretch of your journey takes you through fossil-rich plains and dried riverbeds, slowly re-entering the outer reaches of M’Hamid. Bid farewell to your camel companions and guides. Once back in M’Hamid, you can relax, take a warm shower, and enjoy a proper meal. The adventure may end here, but the memories of your desert trek will last a lifetime.

Trekking time: ~4–5 hours
Accommodation: Optional guesthouse in M’Hamid (not included)

Resumen:

Set off on a captivating 4-day expedition that takes you from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the serene stillness of the Sahara. Traverse a mosaic of Moroccan landscapes—from rugged mountains and lush valleys to timeworn kasbahs and golden dunes. Along the way, immerse yourself in Berber culture, marvel at UNESCO-listed heritage sites, and spend an unforgettable night under the stars in the heart of the Erg Chigaga dunes.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, history, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Lo más destacado del Tour:

• Cross the dramatic High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n’Tichka Pass

• Explore the ancient fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Journey through the Dades Valley and hike among the majestic Todra Gorges

• Discover the lush palm groves of the Draa Valley—Morocco’s largest

• Ride camels across the Sahara and watch the sun set over Erg Chigaga

• Visit the historic village of Tamgrout, home to pottery artisans and a revered manuscript library

• Camp beneath the desert sky and enjoy traditional Berber music by the fire

• Return to Marrakech with a deeper connection to Morocco’s natural and cultural wonders

Day 1: Marrakech ➝ Ait Ben Haddou ➝ Dades Valley

Your desert adventure kicks off from Marrakech as you ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, navigating the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. Enjoy sweeping views of valleys and remote Berber villages nestled in the hills.

Midday, you’ll arrive at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a mud-brick ksar famed for its cinematic history and timeless beauty. After a guided visit, continue to Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Morocco,” before traveling through the Valley of Roses to reach Boumalne Dades, where you’ll spend the night in a charming guesthouse amid the valley’s dramatic rock formations.

Day 2: Dades Gorges ➝ Todra Canyon ➝ Zagora

After breakfast, explore the winding roads and spectacular rock walls of the Gargantas del Dades, then make your way to the Gargantas del Todra, where vertical cliffs up to 300 meters high create one of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Enjoy a relaxed walk through the gorge before heading further south.

Continue through the enchanting Draa Valley, lined with ancient kasbahs and endless palm trees, arriving in Zagora, a desert frontier town. Here, you’ll spend the evening at a local riad or hotel, preparing for the deeper desert adventure to come.

Day 3: Zagora ➝ Tamgrout ➝ M’Hamid ➝ Erg Chigaga Dunes

The morning begins with a short drive to Tamgrout, a hidden cultural gem known for its traditional green pottery and one of the oldest Koranic libraries in North Africa.

From there, head to M’Hamid El Ghizlane, the last village before the Sahara begins. Trade paved roads for sandy tracks as your 4×4 vehicle navigates a rugged off-road route to the remote Erg Chigaga dunes—Morocco’s largest and least commercialized sand sea.

Upon arrival, take a camel ride to the top of the dunes and watch a soul-stirring sunset over the golden expanse. As night falls, settle into your desert camp where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner, rhythmic Berber drumming, and stargazing in one of the darkest skies on Earth.

Day 4: Erg Chigaga ➝ M’Hamid ➝ Marrakech

Rise early to catch the desert’s silent sunrise before breakfast. Then begin the return journey via the remote desert trails back to M’Hamid, eventually rejoining the paved road through Zagora and the vast Draa Valley.

Retrace your route over the Atlas Mountains, soaking in the final views of Morocco’s diverse landscapes before arriving in Marrakech by early evening, bringing your incredible 4-day desert experience to a close.

Resumen:

Experience the ultimate Moroccan adventure on this 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Dunes. Traverse the majestic High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, explore historic UNESCO sites, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Berber villages. Discover the serene beauty of the Draa Valley, ride camels across golden desert sands, and spend a night under the stars in a traditional desert camp. This tour combines history, culture, nature, and adventure, offering a truly unforgettable Saharan experience.

Lo más destacado del Tour:

• High Atlas Mountains: Drive through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass with panoramic mountain views.

• Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a striking example of Moroccan architecture and a historic filming location.

• Draa Valley: Wander among lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages in Morocco’s enchanting valley.

• Sahara Desert Adventure: Experience camel trekking across the iconic Erg Chigaga dunes.

• Desert Camp Experience: Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, mint tea, live local music, and stargazing under the vast desert sky.

• Scenic Return Route: Pass through Foum Zguid and the Iraqi lakes, soaking in breathtaking desert landscapes on your way back to Marrakech.

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Agdez
Distance & Drive Time: 280 km / 5 hours

Your adventure begins in Marrakech at 8:00 AM, heading into the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, pause for a refreshing coffee break at the Tizi n’Tichka pass while soaking in panoramic mountain views. Continue to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a Patrimonio de la humanidad that reflects Morocco’s rich history and cinematic allure. From there, drive through the rugged landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, stopping in the charming Berber village of Agdz. Wander among the lush palm groves of the tranquil Draa Valley before settling in for the night at a private accommodation, complete with dinner and breakfast.

Day 2: Agdez – Draa Valley – Erg Chigaga Dunes
Distance & Drive Time: 240 km / 3 hrs 45 min

After breakfast, depart Agdez and journey deeper into the heart of the Draa Valley toward the desert. Passing through Zagora, you’ll approach the gateway to the Sahara – M’Hamid – before embarking on the rugged track that leads to the vast Erg Chigaga dunes. Here, experience the magic of camel trekking as the sun dips behind the golden sands. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan tagine, sip aromatic mint tea, listen to local Berber music, and marvel at the infinite stars above your desert camp, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Erg Chigaga Dunes – Marrakech
Distance & Drive Time: 500 km / 7 hrs 30 min

Rise early to witness a serene sunrise over the rolling desert dunes, a moment that perfectly captures the Sahara’s beauty. After a hearty breakfast and a refreshing shower, begin your return journey to Marrakech. Travel via Foum Zguid, crossing the picturesque Iraqi lakes and taking in the stunning desert landscapes one last time. The road offers glimpses of hidden gems and breathtaking scenery, leaving memories of the desert’s grandeur. You’ll arrive in Marrakech in the evening, marking the end of your 3-day desert adventure.

Resumen:

At the edge of civilization in southern Morocco lies M’hamid El Ghizlane, a small desert village where paved roads fade into golden horizons. Beyond this final outpost, the vast emptiness of the Sahara stretches endlessly, and this is where your adventure begins.

Embark on a journey through the raw and remote beauty of the desert as you travel by air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser, guided by experienced locals who intimately know every dune, trail, and mirage. In just under two hours, you’ll reach the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga, Morocco’s largest and wildest sand sea.

Lo más destacado del Tour:

• Off-road 4×4 adventure into the deep Sahara

• Camel ride through Erg Chigaga dunes

• Optional sandboarding experience

• Overnight stay in a traditional yet comfortable desert camp

• Stargazing and live Berber music around a campfire

• Sunset and sunrise over Morocco’s largest dune field

• Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-sensitive meal options

Day 1: From M’hamid to the Dunes of Erg Chigaga

Your adventure begins in M’hamid, where you’ll board your 4×4 vehicle and leave the last traces of asphalt behind. As you drive off-road through the desert, you’ll pass through dramatic landscapes—rolling dunes, rocky plateaus (hamada), and vast stone plains (reg). Along the way, you may spot nomadic herds of camels or donkeys roaming freely.

After about 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll arrive at our desert camp nestled at the base of Erg Chigaga’s monumental dunes.

• For 11:00 AM departures: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the camp. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

• During summer: Lunch is served in a shaded oasis among palm trees to escape the midday heat, followed by a later arrival at camp.

Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional welcome with mint tea, coffee, and Moroccan pastries. After settling into your private tent, the afternoon brings adventure: a camel ride deep into the dunes, with time to climb a peak and watch the sun melt into the horizon.

Want a little thrill? Try sandboarding down the slopes, it’s a fun and unique way to experience the Sahara.

Evening falls with a hot shower and a delicious 3-course Moroccan dinner served in the main tent. Afterward, gather around the campfire (outside summer season) for live Berber drumming, singing, and storytelling beneath a canopy of stars. Join in if you like—the rhythm is contagious.

You’ll spend the night in your cozy nomadic tent, or, for the truly adventurous, under the open desert sky.

Day 2: Sunrise Serenity & Return to M’hamid

Wake early if you’d like to watch the sun rise over the dunes, a breathtaking moment of calm and color. Breakfast is served at camp before you begin your return journey.

Your guide will drive you back across the desert, retracing your path through the wild and beautiful terrain. You’ll arrive back in M’hamid around midday, with unforgettable memories of your Saharan escape.