TOUR OVERVIEW:

Discover Morocco’s vast desert landscapes and cultural treasures with our private 3-day Erg Chigaga Desert Tour from Marrakech. This adventure takes you through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and the cinematic Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate.

You’ll spend the first night in a luxury desert camp in Zagora, enjoying a private tent, a romantic dinner, and live music by the campfire. On the second day, explore Tamegroute’s pottery cooperative and ancient Quranic Library before riding camels and marveling at the breathtaking sunset over Erg Chigaga’s towering sand dunes.

The final day offers an off-road journey through the Sahara Desert, a visit to the fossil-rich Iriqui dry lake, and a stop in Taznakht to discover traditional Berber carpet-making. This tour is the ultimate way to experience the Moroccan desert’s beauty, history, and culture.

Highlights of the Best Private 3-Day Erg Chigaga Desert Tour from Marrakech

• Scenic Drives: Travel through the majestic High Atlas Mountains and the lush Draa Valley.
• Cultural Landmarks: Visit the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate.
• Luxury Desert Camping: Enjoy a private tent, romantic dinner, and live music in a Zagora desert camp.
• Tamegroute Exploration: Discover the Green Pottery Cooperative and ancient Quranic Library.
• Camel Ride Experience: Ride camels across Erg Chigaga’s vast dunes and witness a magical sunset.
• Sahara Adventures: Drive off-road through the desert, explore the Iriqui dry lake, and hunt for fossils.
• Cultural Insights: Learn Berber carpet-making techniques in the village of Taznakht.

Best Private 3-Day Erg Chigaga Desert Tour from Marrakech itinerary :

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Zagora

Your journey begins at 8:00 AM, departing from your Marrakech hotel or riad. The tour takes you across the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the renowned Tizi N-Tichka Pass, leading to the historic Telouet Kasbah of Pasha Glaoui. From there, you’ll follow an ancient caravan trail through the picturesque Ounila Valley, lined with charming Berber villages, as you make your way to the iconic Ait Benhaddou.

After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, the route continues through Ouarzazate, where you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch. Heading south, you’ll cross the scenic Tizi-n-Tinfifte Pass to reach Agdez. Here, breathtaking views of the vast Draa Valley oasis unfold before you, showcasing thousands of date palms. This valley, celebrated for producing over 25 varieties of premium dates, is especially vibrant during the harvest season from September onward.

As you traverse the lush Draa Valley, you’ll encounter rows of palms and ancient ksours (fortified villages) before arriving in Zagora by evening. Dinner and an overnight stay await at the Zagora luxury Desert Camp, marking a perfect end to your first day.

Day 2: Zagora – Tamegroute – Erg Chigaga

After breakfast, the journey continues to Tamgroute, where you’ll explore its rich cultural heritage. Visit the Zaouia, an ancient Koranic library, marvel at traditional pottery workshops, and wander through an intriguing underground Kasbah. From Tamgroute, we proceed to M’hamid, often called the gateway to the desert, where the paved road ends and the untamed Sahara begins.

Lunch will be a delightful barbecue in a tranquil oasis, providing a refreshing pause to soak in the desert’s serene ambiance. Following this, the adventure intensifies with a thrilling 60 km off-road drive to the towering Erg Chegaga dunes, which reach an impressive height of 300 meters. Along the way, you’ll traverse diverse desert terrains, from rolling sand dunes (ergs) to rocky plateaus (hammadas) and scattered oases, offering a glimpse into the varied beauty of the Sahara.

Upon reaching Erg Chegaga, you’ll enjoy an hour-long camel ride around the majestic dunes, immersing yourself in the vast silence and stunning scenery. In the evening, unwind at the Erg Chigaga luxury Desert Camp. Relish a traditional dinner before settling into your private tent, thoughtfully designed with comfortable beds and elegant Moroccan decor. The peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by the glow of candlelight, creates the perfect setting to relax and reflect on the desert’s timeless beauty.

Day 3: Erg Chigaga – Iriqui Lake – Taznakht – Marrakech

After breakfast, the adventure continues as we journey west, traversing 90 km of the Sahara’s diverse landscapes. Along the way, you’ll experience the vastness of Lake Iriki, where mirages often shimmer in the desert heat. The route also passes by striking mountain ranges, fossil sites, and nomadic families living in traditional tents, offering a fascinating glimpse into authentic desert life.

Adding to the excitement, this path follows a section of the historic Paris-Dakar Rally track. Our next stop is Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert and the starting point of paved roads. Here, we’ll enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch in an oasis, surrounded by the serene desert environment.

After lunch, we head toward Ouarzazate, passing through Taznakht, a town celebrated for its exquisite Berber rugs, and Amerzgan, a village rich in local culture. The journey continues across the breathtaking Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, with its winding roads and spectacular views of the High Atlas Mountains.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive back in Marrakech, concluding your unforgettable 3-day Sahara Desert tour to Erg Chigaga.

Services Included

• Transport in a private air-conditioned 4×4 or deluxe van and fuel.
•  Pick-up from and drop-off at your riad/hotel in Marrakech.
• Experienced driver/guide
• The night in a luxury camp in Erg Chegaga with private toilet and shower, and traditional Moroccan handmade furnishings.
•  Breakfast, dinner and with vegetarian and vegan options available on request.
•  A camel ride of about an hour – and free sandboarding.
•  Free time for taking pictures and tea/coffee breaks.
•  The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish.
•  Berber drumming and music

Not included:

☒ Drinks.

☒ Tips.

☒ Lunches on the way.

☒ Expenses on optional visits

☒ Tipping.

Price with luxury camp:

Price details include Standard Camps: