Sahara Experience
(Great Dunes of Erg Chigaga)
4 Days / 3 Nights
A journey from the energy of Marrakesh to the silence of the Sahara, crossing mountains, kasbahs, and endless desert landscapes, with a night beneath the stars at Erg Chigaga.
Journey Snapshot
Quick Reference
Best For
Desert landscapes, First-time Sahara travelers, Adventure, Photography
Pace
Moderate pace with scenic driving days and time to relax in the desert
Starts & Ends
Begins in Marrakesh
Ends in Marrakesh
Customize This Itinerary
Private and fully customizable around your interests, pace, and travel style
Overview
DURATION:
4 days / 3 nights
ROUTE:
Marrakesh / Ait Ben Haddou
Erg Chigaga
Draa Valley
Erg Chigaga
Marrakesh
Tour Details
This tour is designed for travelers who want to explore the splendor of Southern Morocco as well as giving themselves the opportunity to capture the magic of Saharan Desert.
The journey begins in the bustling city of Marrakesh to the wondrous sand dunes of Erg Chigaga. On this 4×4 adventure, you will experience a myriad of sights from the spectacular mountain views of the Atlas Mountains, the fascinating history of the ancient kasbahs, the boundless arid landscape of the Saharan Desert to spending the night under the star lit sky of Erg Chigaga dunes.
What's Included in Your Journey
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Private 4x4 Transfer with collection/return at accommodation or airport
Mineral water will be provided throughout private 4x4 transfer
3 nights accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Berber Desert Camp. Breakfast and dinner at accommodation in Ait Ben Haddou
Activities at camp including camel-riding, sand boarding and guided walks
NOT INCLUDED
Travel insurance & supplemental travel medical insurance
Vaccinations
Single supplement
Itinerary
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Transfer from your accommodation or airport in Marrakesh. The journey to Erg Chigaga will begin through the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass (altitude 2260 meters).
For travelers who have some time and would like to delve deeper into Moroccan history, there is an opportunity to visit Kasbeh Telouet, a crumbling yet beautiful village steeped in lavishness, traitorship and the struggle for Moroccan independence. After a day of travel, relax at one of the delightful guesthouses near Ait Ben Haddou (Kasbah Ellouze or Riad Caravane).
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After enjoying breakfast at the guesthouse, the journey to the heart of the Saharan desert will begin. If there was insufficient time to visit AIt Ben Haddou on Day 1, today you will be given an opportunity to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site (made famous by the movie “Gladiator” and TV show “Game of Thrones”). From there the scenic drive will pass through the Draa Valley (road of a thousand kasbahs) which is populated by the lush greenery of 3,000 date palms. This road will lead to Zagora and onward to M’hamid – which is the last outpost of civilization before going off-road (1.5- 2 hours) to Erg Chigaga.
Arrive at the Berber Camp to relish the sunset amid the magnificent sand dunes of Erg Chigaga. Spend the night at the well appointed tents after enjoying a delicious traditional Moroccan meal.
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After enjoying breakfast at camp you can take this time to truly enjoy the desert. Camel rides, sand boarding, guided walks – the choices are bountiful! Enjoy the sunset while having some drinks on the dunes which will be followed by a homemade authentic Moroccan meal. Cap off the night around the campfire by listening to traditional Berber music while surrounded by the millions of stars in the night sky. What a sight to behold!
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The journey back to Marrakesh will begin through Foum Zguid (3 hour off-road drive past the vast dried salt flats at Lake Iriqui), Taznakht (famous for hand-woven carpets by Berbers of the tribal villages) and the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (altitude 2260 meters). Arrive to Marrakesh in time for dinner.
Map Route
