3-Day Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Desert Tour with Kasbahs

Our adventure begins with an early morning departure from your riad or hotel in Marrakech, driving across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) — the highest road pass in Morocco. Along the winding route, marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of rugged valleys, colorful landscapes that shift with the light, and authentic Berber villages tucked into the hillsides.

On the way, stop to explore several historic kasbahs, including the Kasbah of Tamnougalt, before reaching the iconic Ait Benhaddou. This 16th-century fortified village, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best-preserved and most remarkable kasbahs in the country. Its striking architecture and desert backdrop have made it a favorite filming location for numerous productions, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

The journey continues through the lush Draa Valley, where the river winds through endless palm groves and traditional ksars (fortified villages). In Zagora, pause for a refreshing glass of Moroccan tea before driving deeper into the desert towards M’hamid, known as the gateway to the Sahara.

Arrive by evening at your desert camp in M’hamid, where a traditional dinner awaits. Spend the night in a nomadic-style tent under the starry desert sky.

After breakfast, begin your desert adventure with a camel trek from M’hamid. Ride on the backs of saddled dromedaries for around two hours, entering the endless expanse of the Sahara. Pause along the way to take in the silence of the desert before enjoying a simple break in the dunes.

Return to M’hamid for lunch, then continue the journey deeper into the desert aboard a 4×4 vehicle. Traverse ever-changing landscapes of rocky plains and sandy stretches, making a stop at the Sacred Oasis, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing glass of Berber tea in this peaceful palm-shaded haven.

By late afternoon, arrive at the majestic Erg Chigaga dunes — the largest dune field in Morocco, rising up to 300 meters and stretching over 40 kilometers. Watch the colors of the sand shift with the sunset as the desert comes alive with shades of gold and crimson.

Settle into your nomadic desert camp at the foot of the dunes. After a traditional dinner under the star-filled sky, enjoy Saharan music and storytelling around the campfire before spending the night in a cozy tent.

Wake up early to admire the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chigaga dunes, where the golden light spreads across the vast sea of sand. After breakfast at camp, begin your return journey by 4×4 vehicle, following part of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally track across the desert.

The route passes through the remote and fascinating landscapes of the Sahara, including the dry salt flats of Lake Iriqui, once a seasonal lake that now offers a unique panorama of cracked earth and mirage-like horizons. Continue onwards to Foum Zguid, a small desert town that marks the transition from sand dunes to rocky plateaus.

Break for lunch in the Berber village of Taznakht, renowned for its vibrant carpet cooperatives where traditional weaving techniques are still practiced. This is a perfect opportunity to see or even purchase authentic Berber carpets and crafts.

In the afternoon, drive north towards Marrakech, crossing ever-changing scenery of desert plateaus, mountains, and fertile valleys. Several stops will be made along the way for photos and rest. Arrival in Marrakech around 6:30 p.m., where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your unforgettable Sahara adventure.