4-Day Erg Chegaga Desert Tour from Marrakech

Your adventure begins with pick-up in Marrakech early in the morning. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains along the famous Tizi-n-Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. Witness stunning mountain panoramas, dramatic rock formations, and charming Berber villages.

Stops include:

• Ighrem Village – admire traditional Berber architecture and serene mountain landscapes.

• Argan Oil Cooperative – meet local women artisans and learn about argan oil production.

• Agouim Village – a peaceful mountain village away from tourist crowds.

• Amerzgane & Taznakht – explore artisan cooperatives specializing in Morocco’s finest carpets.

Continue south toward Foum Zguid, passing the Hmidi Valley and Alogoum Ksar, a traditional fortified village. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Foum Zguid, with dinner included.

Depart at 9:00 AM toward the southeast desert, where landscapes alternate between mountains, valleys, and dunes. Highlights of the day:

• Al-Kharait Rock Engravings – explore prehistoric carvings dating back 5,000–7,000 years.

• Zakilama Fossil Sites – discover marine fossils from ancient seas.

• Cross the dried salt lake of Iriki, a former Dakar Rally route, offering otherworldly desert views.

Arrive at Erg Chegaga and check in at the desert camp. Activities include:

• Camel trekking across the dunes.

• Sandboarding for adventure seekers.

• Climb the highest dune to enjoy the spectacular desert sunset.

Enjoy traditional Moroccan dinner and evening entertainment under the stars. Overnight in a Berber desert tent.

After breakfast at the camp, depart Erg Chegaga toward M’hamid, leaving the massive dunes behind. Enjoy desert plains dotted with acacias, occasional wildlife sightings including oryx and camel herds, and the vast open Sahara landscapes.

Key stops along the way:

• Tamegroute – visit the ancient Quranic library and green pottery workshops.

• Zagora – a historic caravan town linked to Timbuktu.

• Drâa Valley & Ksar Tamnougalt – explore the lush palm groves and fortified villages, a highlight of Berber architecture and Saharan culture.

Arrive in Agdz, nestled at the foot of Djebel Kissane, and spend the night in a charming local guesthouse or hotel.

Start the morning with a scenic drive toward Ouarzazate, passing through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Highlights include:

• Taourirt Kasbah – former residence of the powerful Glaoui family.

• Atlas Film Studios – the “Hollywood of Africa,” where famous movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed.

• Aït Ben Haddou – a UNESCO World Heritage site; explore the ancient ksar with a local guide.

• Ounila Valley & Salt Mines – visit traditional Berber villages and landscapes.

• Telouet Kasbah – learn the history of the Glaoui family and the former caravan route connecting Morocco to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Return to Marrakech in the late afternoon, concluding your epic Sahara desert adventure.