Sahara Experience
(Great Dunes of Erg Chigaga) via Todgha Gorge
5 Days / 4 Nights
Explore Southern Morocco on a 4×4 journey through the Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and the Sahara, with a night under the stars in Erg Chigaga.
Journey Snapshot
Quick Reference
Best For
Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, Todgha Gorge, adventure travel, photography
Pace
Moderate-paced journey with longer scenic driving days balanced by immersive desert experiences
Starts & Ends
Begins in Marrakesh
Ends in Marrakesh
Customize This Itinerary
Private and fully customizable around your interests, pace, and travel style
Overview
DURATION:
5 days / 4 nights
ROUTE:
Marrakesh / Tinghir
Erg Chigaga
Ait Ben Haddou
Marrakesh
Tour Details
This tour is designed for travelers who have more time and want to explore the splendor of Southern Morocco as well as giving themselves the opportunity to delve deeper into the magic of the Sahara Desert by spending 1 night at Camp Al Koutban.
On this 4×4 adventure, you will experience a myriad of sights from the spectacular mountain views of the Atlas Mountains, the sheer magnificence of the Todgha Gorge, the fascinating history of the ancient kasbahs, the boundless arid landscape of the Sahara Desert to spending the night under the star lit sky of the Erg Chigaga dunes.
What's Included in Your Journey
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Private 4x4 Transfer with collection/return to Marrakech
Mineral water will be provided throughout private 4x4 transfer
1 night accommodation at Camp Al Koutban (breakfast, lunch and dinner included). 3 nights at our recommended accommodation (breakfast included)
Activities at camp including sand boarding and stargazing
NOT INCLUDED
Travel insurance & supplemental travel medical insurance
Vaccinations
Single supplement
Itinerary
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After your pick-up from Marrakesh, your journey to Tinghir begins with a drive through the winding mountain passes of the Atlas Mountains. As you descend, the landscape opens into the famed “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” leading you toward the lush Tinghir Oasis and the dramatic Todgha Gorge.
Stretching approximately 15 km, Todgha Gorge is one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Towering red cliffs rise up to 400 meters on either side of the Todgha River, creating a striking canyon that feels both vast and intimate.
In the afternoon, take time to explore the palm-filled Tinghir Oasis, where winding water canals and vibrant greenery offer a peaceful contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Your day concludes in the charming town of Boumalne Dades, where you will settle in for the night.
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After enjoying breakfast at your guesthouse in Doumalne Dades – you will begin the scenic drive to M’hamid via Tamagroute (famous for its green-glazed pottery and 700 year old Koranic library).
M’hamid holds a special place geographically as it is truly the last outpost of civilization before entering the Sahara Desert.
Enjoy the rest of your evening in this idyllic desert town. You will spend the night in M’hamid.
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After enjoying breakfast at your guesthouse in M’hamid, prepare your epic off-road drive into the depths of the Sahara desert to the Erg Chigaga Dunes.
The distance from M’hamid to Camp Al Koutban is not long, therefore you will have time to truly enjoy the desert today.
Camel rides, sand boarding, visit to a nomad family, picnic in the oasis where Bobo was born and raised – the choices are bountiful! Enjoy the sunset while having some drinks on top of the dunes 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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Wake up in your cozy bathrobe to witness sunrise in the great expanse of the Erg Chigaga dunes.
Take your time to enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast at the camp before departing for Ait Ben Haddou via Foum Zguid.
This UNESCO World Heritage site was made famous by the movie “Gladiator” and TV show “Game of Thrones”. Spend the night at one at a well-appointed riad in Ait Ben Haddou.
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As the journey back to Marrakesh is relatively short (3 – 4 hours), take your time to enjoy a lovely breakfast at the riad in Ait Ben Haddou.
The scenic drive will be via the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass (altitude 2260 meters).
There may also be time to visit local Berber villages such as Ljoukak and Ourigane.
Map Route
