4 Days Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Morocco Sahara desert trip with this 4-day adventure from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga—an experience specially designed for true desert lovers who crave silence, vast open spaces, and a deep connection with nature. This route takes you far off the beaten path through Zagora, Mhamid, and Foum Zguid, offering an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Travel in comfort and style aboard a 4×4, built to handle the rugged desert terrain with ease. This carefully crafted journey includes half-board accommodation, blending comfort with authenticity as you explore remote landscapes and Berber villages along the way.

For those who want to explore even deeper into the Sahara, this Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour can be customized into a 5-day itinerary, allowing more time to soak in the majestic dunes and desert lifestyle.

4 Days Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour Highlights:

✅ Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying panoramic views and picturesque Berber villages along the way.

✅ Explore the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient kasbah and appearances in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

✅ Journey through the lush Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river oasis, lined with palm groves and dotted with traditional Berber kasbahs.

✅ Experience a camel ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chigaga, and watch an unforgettable desert sunset paint the sky.

✅ Spend the night in a remote Sahara desert camp, far from civilization, surrounded by silence, stars, and the magic of the dunes.

✅ Cross the wild Iriqui Salt Flat, a unique lunar-like landscape, and meet authentic Berber nomads who still live a traditional desert lifestyle.

Itinerary for the 4 Days Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour:

At Morocco On Tour, we’re passionate about crafting personalized experiences tailored to your preferences. If you have special requests, would like to adjust the itinerary, or are interested in extending your adventure, simply share your details with us via the contact form below. We’re here to make your journey unforgettable!

Day 1 : Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Draa Valley→ Zagora (7 Hours Drive)

Your unforgettable Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Morocco desert tour begins at 7:30 AM with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Leaving the bustling city behind, you’ll ascend into the stunning High Atlas Mountains, following the winding road that leads through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass—offering sweeping views, perfect photo stops, and glimpses into mountain village life.

By midday, you’ll arrive in the gateway to the south, Ouarzazate, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch and a brief tour opportunity if time allows. From here, your journey continues southward, crossing the legendary Draa River—the lifeline of the region.

As you approach Zagora, the landscape transforms into a sprawling oasis. For nearly 200 kilometers, lush palm groves stretch out beneath the Anti-Atlas Mountains, dotted with fortified Berber villages, traditional kasbahs, and fields of corn, barley, vegetables, and henna plantations.

Your evening ends with a warm dinner and a restful overnight stay at a charming hotel in Zagora, nestled at the edge of the desert, ready to continue your Sahara adventure the next day.

Day 2: Zagora → Tamegroute → Mhamid → Erg Chigaga (4 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, continue your Sahara desert journey toward the gateway of the deep desert. On the way to Mhamid, you’ll stop at the historic village of Tamegroute, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit one of Morocco’s oldest Quranic libraries, home to ancient manuscripts and religious texts. Nearby, explore the famous pottery workshops and the underground kasbah, both key to the area’s cultural heritage.

Arrive in Mhamid, the last village before the vast dunes begin, where the paved road ends and the real adventure begins. Take your time over a relaxed lunch at leisure.

In the early afternoon, set off in your 4×4 vehicle for an exciting off-road journey to the remote Erg Chigaga dunes. Along the way, cross dramatic desert landscapes, from stony plains (reg) and barren plateaus (hamadas) to hidden oases and golden sand dunes (ergs). As you approach Erg Chigaga, the scenery becomes more surreal—far from civilization, enveloped in an overwhelming silence and stillness.

Upon arrival, ride your camel into the dunes just in time for a mesmerizing sunset over the color-shifting sands—a magical moment you’ll never forget.

As night falls, enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, followed by live Berber music around the campfire, played by local nomads. It’s an unforgettable night of culture, tranquility, and wonder in your well-equipped Sahara desert camp, nestled deep within the dunes.

Day 3: Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → Taznakht → Ouarzazate (Approx. 6 Hours Drive)

After breakfast in your Sahara desert camp, it’s time to leave the magical dunes of Erg Chigaga and continue your adventure through some of Morocco’s most untouched desert terrain. Your 4×4 drive takes you through about 90 kilometers of wild desert landscapes, beginning with the vast, dry expanse of the Iriqui Salt Lake—a surreal white plain that stretches across the horizon. This route follows the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally track, offering a true off-road experience with stunning views of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in the distance. You’ll eventually reach Foum Zguid, the first village where the paved road resumes. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy lunch after the dusty ride.

In the afternoon, continue your journey toward Taznakht, a traditional Berber village famous for its vibrant handwoven carpets and rugs—a great place to discover local craftsmanship or pick up a unique souvenir.

Arrive in Ouarzazate by late afternoon, where you’ll check into your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay in this peaceful desert town, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its iconic film studios and nearby kasbahs.

Day 4: Ouarzazate → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

After breakfast at your hotel in Ouarzazate, kick off the final leg of your journey with an optional visit to the legendary Atlas Film Studios, where iconic movies like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones were filmed. It’s no wonder Ouarzazate is often called the “Hollywood of Africa.”

Next, travel just a short distance to the world-famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a striking example of traditional Moroccan architecture and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its maze-like alleyways and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. This iconic location has served as the backdrop for over 20 major films, including Indiana Jones and Lawrence of Arabia.

After your visit, begin the scenic drive back to Marrakech, winding your way through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass—the highest mountain pass in Morocco, offering breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities along the way.

Depending on the time, enjoy a relaxed lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or at a panoramic spot in the Atlas Mountains.

You’ll arrive back in Marrakech , where your unforgettable 4 Days Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, riad, or any preferred location in the city.

Tour Gallery: 4 Days Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour