3-Day Luxury Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Dunes

After a traditional Berber breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the historic Kasbah Tamnougalt, the oldest kasbah in the Draa Valley. Still partially inhabited, this ancient stronghold holds stories of Morocco’s multicultural past, including a now-abandoned Jewish quarter, whose last resident departed in 1963.

Next, follow the ancient caravan route once used by traders journeying between sub-Saharan Africa and Marrakech. This scenic path winds between rugged mountains and the Draa River, passing through Berber villages, lush gardens, and thriving oases—offering a glimpse into authentic desert life.

Just before Tansikht, your driver will point out dinosaur footprints fossilized in the roadside rock—a rare and intriguing sight. A short detour in Tinsouline brings you to Foum Chenna, where 4,000-year-old rock carvings of extinct animals like elephants and rhinoceroses transport you back to ancient times.

Continue to Zagora, the last major town before the Sahara, where you’ll enjoy lunch. Then head to Tamgroute, home to the famous green-glazed pottery and a visit-worthy Quranic library, preserving centuries-old handwritten manuscripts.

In the afternoon, drive to M’hamid, the gateway to the Sahara, where the asphalt ends and adventure begins. After a short rest in the Erg Lihoudi dunes or a stop at Kasbah Touareg in Ksar Bounou, set off on an off-road journey across 60 km of desert to reach the remote and majestic Erg Chegaga dunes, some rising up to 300 meters.

Far from civilization, this is the true heart of the Sahara—a realm of endless golden dunes, profound silence, and breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy a camel trek over the dunes, then relax at a luxury desert camp

Wake up to the peaceful silence of the Sahara and enjoy a hearty breakfast in your luxury desert camp. Then, begin your journey back to Marrakech, traveling across 90 km of breathtaking desert landscapes with ever-changing scenery.

Your route passes through the vast, dry expanse of Lake Iriqui, a shimmering salt flat where, on hot days, you may witness the captivating illusion of a desert mirage. This area is also known for fossil hunting, offering a chance to discover ancient marine fossils embedded in the desert floor.

You’ll reach Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert, for a lunch stop. The name “Foum” means “mouth,” referencing its location at the source of the Zguid River. Alternatively, lunch can be arranged later in Taznakht, a small town renowned for its handwoven Berber carpets. Here, you can visit local workshops and watch skilled artisans weaving intricate patterns on traditional looms—a true cultural highlight.

From Taznakht, the road leads you back across the High Atlas Mountains, this time via a scenic alternative route. Along the way, enjoy the rugged beauty of the mountain landscape before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon, bringing your Saharan desert adventure to a memorable close.