Ready for Your Desert Adventure?
Secure your spot on this extraordinary journey through Morocco’s most spectacular desert landscapes.
Tour Highlights: What Makes This Desert Adventure Special
Our carefully crafted 3-day Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour combines natural wonders, cultural immersion, and comfort in the heart of the Sahara. Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, discover what makes this journey truly exceptional.
- Experience Morocco’s tallest dunes at Erg Chigaga, far from tourist crowds
- Travel through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains
- Enjoy a sunset camel ride across golden sand dunes
- Visit authentic Berber villages and experience nomadic culture
- Spend nights in comfortable desert camps under starry skies
- Cross the ancient dried lake bed of Iriki
- Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine in unforgettable settings
- Experience Berber music and storytelling around the campfire
Day 1: Marrakech – Foum Zguid – Erg El M’Hazil
Morning Departure: The Journey Begins
Your adventure starts with an early morning pickup from your Marrakech accommodation. As we leave the bustling city behind, our journey takes us through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Rising to 2,260 meters, this mountain pass offers spectacular views of vibrant red rocks and charming Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides.
Tazenakht and Lunch
Our route continues to Tazenakht, a town renowned for its exquisite handwoven carpets and traditional craftsmanship. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to witness local artisans at work and perhaps find a unique souvenir. We’ll pause for a delicious traditional lunch, giving you your first taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine on the road.
Gateway to the Desert
By afternoon, we arrive at Foum Zguid, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Here, we’ll take a moment to enjoy refreshing Moroccan mint tea and help you select your desert scarf (cheche) – an essential accessory for desert travel that protects against sun and sand.
4×4 Adventure and Desert Arrival
The real adventure begins as we board our 4×4 vehicles and venture off-road. Our route traverses rugged desert tracks, passing the dried salt plains of Iriki Lake and vast desert plateaus. By evening, we reach the stunning dunes of Erg El M’Hazil, where you’ll experience your first magical Sahara sunset from the summit of the dunes.
Evening in the Desert
As night falls, savor a traditional tajine dinner prepared over an open fire. Gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars as your guides share fascinating stories about nomadic life and desert traditions. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable desert tent equipped with cozy bedding, falling asleep to the profound silence of the Sahara.
Day 2: Erg El M’Hazil – Nomadic School – Erg Chigaga
Desert Breakfast and Iriki Plains
Wake to the gentle colors of a desert sunrise and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the open air. Our journey continues as we cross the fascinating dry, cracked salt flats of the ancient Iriki Lake. Once filled with water, this vast expanse now offers an otherworldly landscape that seems to stretch infinitely toward the horizon.
Cultural Immersion: Nomadic School Visit
One of the most meaningful experiences of our journey is a visit to a local nomadic school. Here, you’ll meet children from nomadic tribes and gain insight into their unique way of life and education system. This authentic cultural exchange offers a rare glimpse into traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Oasis Lunch
Midday brings us to a natural oasis, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of palm trees. This tranquil setting provides a perfect opportunity to rest and recharge before the afternoon’s adventures.
Arrival at Erg Chigaga: Morocco’s Tallest Dunes
By afternoon, we reach the magnificent Erg Chigaga – home to Morocco’s tallest and most spectacular sand dunes. Rising up to 300 meters high and stretching for 40km, these massive dunes create an awe-inspiring landscape that epitomizes the grandeur of the Sahara. You’ll check into a luxurious desert camp surrounded by golden sands, your comfortable base for exploring this natural wonder.
Sunset Camel Trek and Evening Entertainment
As the afternoon heat subsides, embark on a memorable camel ride across the dunes to witness a spectacular sunset. Watch in wonder as the desert transforms into a canvas of red and orange hues. After returning to camp, enjoy a delicious traditional dinner followed by an evening of authentic Berber music and dancing around the campfire. Fall asleep beneath a blanket of stars in your comfortable desert accommodation.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga – Titanic Iriki Restaurant – Lake Iriki – Foum Zguid – Marrakech
Final Desert Morning
Begin your final day with a delightful breakfast at the desert camp, soaking in the serene beauty of Erg Chigaga one last time. There’s time for a short morning walk to capture final photographs of the magnificent dunes before we begin our journey back to Marrakech.
Return Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
Our return route offers entirely new scenery as we travel via the iconic Titanic Iriki Restaurant for a short visit and refreshment break. We’ll cross the vast expanse of Lake Iriki, a dried salt lake that once teemed with wildlife. The flat, mirage-inducing landscape creates fascinating optical illusions and provides a stark contrast to the towering dunes we leave behind.
Foum Zguid and Atlas Mountains
Passing through Foum Zguid once more, we’ll stop for lunch before continuing our journey. The afternoon drive takes us through changing landscapes, from desert plains to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. As we ascend the mountains, you’ll notice the dramatic shift in terrain and vegetation.
Return to Marrakech
By late afternoon, we cross the High Atlas Mountains once more, offering a final opportunity to admire the breathtaking mountain vistas. We arrive in Marrakech by early evening, where we’ll drop you off at your accommodation, bringing your desert adventure to a close with memories that will last a lifetime.
Tour Pricing and Details
What’s Included in Your Desert Adventure
- Private transportation in comfortable 4×4 vehicles
- English, French, and Spanish speaking guides
- 2 nights accommodation (1 in Erg El M’Hazil, 1 in Erg Chigaga)
- Traditional Moroccan breakfast and dinner each day
- Sunset camel ride in the dunes
- Traditional desert scarf (cheche)
- Berber music and entertainment
- Visit to nomadic school
- All taxes and fees
Tour Pricing
Standard Package Rates:
- €400 per person (minimum 2 people)
- €330 per person (for groups of 4 or more)
Note: Prices may vary slightly based on season. Lunch and personal expenses are not included.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The ideal seasons for this desert tour are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant. Winter (December-February) offers cooler days but cold nights. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot and not recommended.
What to Pack
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, a warm layer for cool desert nights, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, personal medications, and a small backpack for daily essentials. Camera and extra batteries are highly recommended.
Physical Requirements
This tour involves moderate physical activity including camel riding, walking on sand dunes, and traveling on bumpy roads. It’s suitable for most travelers in reasonable physical condition, but may not be appropriate for those with severe mobility limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour can be suitable for children aged 6 and above. For families with younger children, we recommend our 4-day version of this tour which offers a more relaxed pace. Please inform us when booking if you’re traveling with children so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Are vegetarian/vegan meals available?
Absolutely! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and most dietary restrictions. Please inform us of your requirements when booking so we can make the necessary arrangements with our desert camps and restaurants.
What are the bathroom facilities like in the desert camps?
Our desert camps offer private tents with comfortable beds and linens. Each camp has shared bathroom facilities with toilets and basic washing amenities. While not luxurious, they provide necessary comfort for your desert experience.
What Our Travelers Say
“The 3-day tour to Erg Chigaga exceeded all our expectations. The dunes were absolutely magnificent, and sleeping under the stars was an experience we’ll never forget. Our guide Mohammed made the journey educational and fun!”
“As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and well-cared for throughout the tour. The camel ride at sunset was magical, and the camp was much more comfortable than I expected. Highly recommend this authentic desert experience!”
“The visit to the nomadic school was the highlight of our trip. Our children learned so much from this cultural exchange. The guides were knowledgeable and patient, making this a perfect family adventure.”
Book Your 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
Ready for Your Ultimate Sahara Adventure?
Secure your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s most spectacular desert landscapes.
Note: This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants. For the best experience, we recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (March-May and September-November). A 20% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance payable upon arrival.
Experience the Magic of the Sahara
A 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga offers more than just a journey through stunning landscapes – it’s an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and connect with the timeless rhythms of desert life. From the majestic Atlas Mountains to the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga, every moment of this adventure is designed to create lasting memories.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply the profound peace that only the desert can provide, this tour delivers an authentic Moroccan experience that will touch your heart and soul. Book your desert adventure today and discover why the Sahara has captivated travelers for centuries.
