Overview:

Join us on an unforgettable 6-day desert adventure from Marrakech to the remote Erg Chigaga dunes, one of Morocco’s most untouched corners of the Sahara. This immersive journey takes you through winding High Atlas passes, ancient kasbahs, Berber villages, lush valleys, and finally to the golden sands of Erg Chigaga. Unlike the more touristic Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga offers a deeper Sahara experience, accessible only by 4×4 through off-road trails and wild landscapes.

This desert circuit is ideal for travelers who want a balance between cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and a taste of nomadic life, without rushing. Discover historic kasbahs, explore cinematic landscapes, sleep under starry skies, and connect with Morocco’s raw natural beauty and traditions.

Highlights of the Tour:

• Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains

• Visit the majestic Telouet and Ait Benhaddou Kasbahs

• Traverse the wild Sahara to the remote Erg Chigaga Dunes

• Enjoy a camel ride and desert camp beneath the stars

• Discover authentic Berber villages like Foum Zguid, Nkob, and M’hamid

• Admire stunning gorges and palm valleys in Todra and Dades

• Explore the cinematic city of Ouarzazate and the oasis of Skoura

Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Benhaddou

Your desert journey begins early from Marrakech, heading into the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). As you climb, the scenery transforms into rugged mountain peaks and winding roads lined with Berber villages.

First stop: Telouet Kasbah, once the stronghold of the powerful El Glaoui family. The kasbah, though partially crumbled, still houses ornate zellige tilework and offers insight into Morocco’s feudal past.

Continue driving through the Ounila Valley, a lesser-known route with jaw-dropping landscapes and red-earth Berber villages, before reaching the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, Morocco’s most iconic ksar. Wander the labyrinth of mudbrick alleys and relive scenes from Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Overnight: Traditional guesthouse in Ait Benhaddou
Driving time: ~5 hours

Day 2: Ait Benhaddou – Foum Zguid – Erg Chigaga Dunes

After breakfast, journey south through the ever-changing landscapes of the Anti-Atlas. Pass Taznakht, known for Berber carpet weaving, before reaching Foum Zguid, the last town before the vast Sahara.

From here, the paved roads disappear. Your 4×4 heads off-road through a surreal desert plateau dotted with acacia trees, fossils, and salt flats. Eventually, you’ll reach the Erg Chigaga dunes, a majestic and remote sea of sand stretching over 40 km.

Ride camels across the golden dunes as the sun sets, then settle into a nomadic-style desert camp for a night under the stars, complete with Berber music and warm hospitality.

Overnight: Luxury or traditional desert camp in Erg Chigaga
Driving time: ~6 hours (including off-road segment)

Day 3: Erg Chigaga – M’hamid – Zagora – Agdez

Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise and enjoy breakfast before leaving the dunes behind. Return off-road to reach the palm-fringed village of M’hamid, the last settlement before the deep desert.

Follow the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, passing vast palm groves and ancient ksours as you arrive in Zagora, a desert town famously marked by the “Timbuktu 52 days” sign.

Continue through adobe villages and Kasbah ruins toward Agdez, a hidden gem at the foot of the Jbel Kissane mountains.

Overnight: Riad or kasbah-style hotel in Agdez
Driving time: ~5 hours

Day 4: Agdez – Nkob – Tizi N’tzazert – Todra Valley

After a peaceful morning in the palm oasis, drive southeast through Nkob, known for its 45 earthen kasbahs and surrounding date palms. This route offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience of Berber life.

Ascend the remote and scenic Tizi N’tzazert Pass—a rocky and adventurous road with panoramic desert views—before descending into the dramatic Todra Valley. Here, towering limestone cliffs rise above lush oasis farmland, a favorite among rock climbers and nature lovers.

Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse near Todra Gorge
Driving time: ~5–6 hours

Day 5: Todra Valley – Dades Valley – Skoura

This morning, explore the Todra Gorge on foot, walking between cliffs that soar over 300 meters high. Continue toward the Dades Valley, where colorful rock formations and kasbah-dotted hills create what’s known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.”

Drive through quaint Berber villages and admire the bizarre rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.” In the afternoon, head to the oasis town of Skoura, a palm-filled haven home to the Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in southern Morocco.

Overnight: Ecolodge or kasbah hotel in Skoura
Driving time: ~4–5 hours

Day 6: Skoura – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Wrap up your desert adventure by heading back toward Marrakech. On the way, stop in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah or the Atlas Film Studios, where movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy were filmed.

After crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass again, you’ll descend back into the plains of Marrakech, filled with memories of the Sahara’s silence, ancient kasbahs, and breathtaking Moroccan landscapes.

Arrival in Marrakech: Late afternoon or early evening
Driving time: ~6 hours

Overview:

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day desert adventure from Agadir to Erg Chigaga, one of the most remote and authentic parts of the Moroccan Sahara. This tour offers a captivating blend of ever-changing landscapes, from the Anti-Atlas Mountains to verdant oases, ancient kasbahs, and endless golden dunes. Unlike the more accessible Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, Erg Chigaga remains less touched by mass tourism, offering a raw, immersive desert experience.

Ideal for adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to step off the beaten path, this tour is a deep dive into Morocco’s southern charm. It combines scenic drives, nomadic encounters, traditional meals, and nights under a sky bursting with stars in a luxury or standard desert camp. Whether you start your journey from Agadir’s Atlantic coast or end it in Marrakech or back to Agadir, this desert route is one of Morocco’s most scenic and soul-stirring journeys.

Highlights of the Tour:

• Travel through the dramatic Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Sahara gateway towns

• Explore the ancient Berber village of Taliouine, famous for its saffron production

• Visit the palm oasis of Foum Zguid and drive off-road through wild desert plains

• Experience the vast dunes of Erg Chigaga, far from tourist crowds

• Ride a camel across the dunes during sunset or sunrise

• Spend a magical night in a desert camp under the stars

• Optional visit to the sacred Iriki Lake and Iriki National Park

Day 1: Agadir – Taroudant – Taliouine – Foum Zguid – Erg Chigaga

Total drive time: ~8–9 hours with scenic stops

Your desert journey kicks off early in the morning from Agadir, heading east into the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Taroudant, often called the “Grandmother of Marrakech” for its ochre-colored walls and authentic medina. Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant feels untouched by time, offering a quieter insight into Berber city life.

Continuing onward, the road winds through saffron country to Taliouine, a small Berber town renowned for producing the world’s most expensive spice. If your trip is in October or November, you might catch the saffron harvest. A stop at the local saffron cooperative is a sensory experience, revealing how saffron is grown and handpicked.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Foum Zguid, the last town before the deep desert. After a brief rest, your driver will take you off-road into the wild Sahara via dry riverbeds and the edge of Iriki National Park. The landscape gradually transforms as you approach the golden dunes of Erg Chigaga, stretching over 40 km in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara.

Enjoy a traditional mint tea upon arrival at your desert camp, followed by a camel ride during the fiery Saharan sunset. Dinner is served under a canopy of stars, accompanied by Berber music and tales around the campfire.

Overnight: Erg Chigaga Desert Camp (Standard or Luxury)
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Erg Chigaga – Sacred Oasis – Nomadic Encounters – Desert Exploration

Wake up to the serene silence of the dunes and enjoy breakfast at the camp. Today is dedicated to exploring the desert’s secrets and soaking in the nomadic rhythm of life. Depending on your preferences, your driver and guide will organize a variety of activities:

• Visit the Sacred Oasis of Oum Laalag, where desert nomads still draw water from palm-shaded springs.

• Meet local nomadic families who live in traditional tents and learn about their survival techniques in the harshest environments.

• Enjoy sandboarding or a guided walk into the dunes to appreciate the vastness of Erg Chigaga’s 300-meter dunes.

• Optional: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the dunes or return to the camp for a freshly prepared meal.

In the afternoon, relax in your tent, read a book in the shade, or climb the dunes for panoramic sunset views. Another magical evening awaits with traditional Berber drumming, storytelling, and a starlit sky so clear you might spot shooting stars and constellations.

Overnight: Erg Chigaga Desert Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Erg Chigaga – Iriki Lake – Taznakht – Agadir

Total drive time: ~8–9 hours with scenic stops

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Sahara. Begin your return journey with an off-road drive through Iriki National Park, once a seasonal lake and now a vast dried basin where mirages dance on the horizon.

Rejoin the tarmac at Foum Zguid, then drive northward to Taznakht, a town known for its finely woven Berber carpets. You may choose to stop at a local carpet cooperative, where women from nearby villages create intricate patterns using natural dyes and ancestral techniques.

The final stretch takes you back through desert landscapes and mountain passes to the Atlantic coast, arriving in Agadir by late afternoon or early evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overview:

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.

Highlights of the 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)

Overview:

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.

Highlights of the 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 Dades Gorges, then make your way to the Todra Gorges, 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.