Marrakech to Erg Chigaga 4 Days: Draa Valley, Dunes & Desert Camps
Why Choose This 4 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
This tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga takes 4 days, so you reach the wildest dunes of Morocco at an easy pace. Erg Chigaga, also spelled Erg Chegaga, lies beyond the end of the road. So you cross the last part of the desert by 4×4.
To begin with, you visit Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou. Then you follow the Draa Valley to M’Hamid and spend two nights in the desert. Finally, you return over Lake Iriqui and the Anti-Atlas.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own driver-guide. However, if you have only three days, see our 3 day Erg Chigaga tour.
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Agdz – Zagora – Tamegroute – M’Hamid – Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Marrakech |
| Nights | 1 in a riad in Ouarzazate, 1 near M’Hamid, 1 in a desert camp at Erg Chigaga |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included |
| Price | From 435 € to 535 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 4 Day Desert Tour to Erg Chigaga
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas and visit Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou.
- Then follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley and see Kasbah Tamnougalt.
- Afterwards, discover the green pottery and old library of Tamegroute.
- Later, ride a camel to the top of the Erg Chigaga dunes at sunset.
- After that, cross the dry Lake Iriqui by 4×4.
- Finally, visit a carpet cooperative in Taznakht.
4 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech at about 8:30. Then you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres. After that, you take a side road to Telouet, the old palace of the Glaoui family.
Later, you follow the Ounila Valley down to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, you explore its earthen lanes. Finally, you spend the night in a riad in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Draa Valley – Tamegroute – M’Hamid
Then, after breakfast, you cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass and descend to Agdz. Soon you leave the main road to visit Kasbah Tamnougalt, one of the oldest kasbahs of the Draa Valley.
Later, you stop for lunch in Zagora. After that, you visit the green pottery workshops and the old Quranic library of Tamegroute. Finally, you reach M’Hamid, the last village before the dunes, for the night.
Day 3: M’Hamid – Erg Chigaga
If you wake early, watch the sunrise over the first dunes. Then, after breakfast, you also visit earthen villages and, if you like, a local family.
Later, after lunch, your 4×4 crosses stony plains and small oases towards Erg Chigaga. At the camp, you also get mint tea before a camel ride to the top of the dunes at sunset. Finally, dinner and music are waiting at your desert camp.
Day 4: Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Marrakech
Then, after sunrise and breakfast, you cross the desert by 4×4 towards Lake Iriqui, a dry lake bed known for its mirages. After that, you reach Foum Zguid for lunch.
Later, you drive north to Taznakht, where you can also visit a carpet cooperative. After a tea break in Ouarzazate, you cross the High Atlas again. Finally, you reach Marrakech in the evening.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Erg Chigaga has little phone signal, so download your maps and music before Day 2. In addition, keep a scarf and sunglasses handy, because the 4×4 tracks are dusty. Finally, bring a warm layer, because desert nights are cold from November to March.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, so you travel in comfort
- English-speaking driver-guide for the four days
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- One night in a riad in Ouarzazate, with a private bathroom
- One night near M’Hamid
- One night in a desert camp at Erg Chigaga, in a private tent with bathroom and shower
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with vegetarian and vegan options
- Camel ride with a guide in Erg Chigaga
- Free sandboarding if you wish
- Berber drumming and music at the camp
- Local guides and entrance fees
- Not included
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal extras, such as souvenirs
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at about 8:30.
- Off-road: the last part to Erg Chigaga and the way out to Foum Zguid are desert tracks, always by 4×4.
- Long day: Day 4 takes about 9 hours, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Remote camp: Erg Chigaga has no town nearby, so the night is quiet and very dark.
- Best time: spring and autumn are the most pleasant, because summer days are very hot.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 4 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 535 € | 1,070 € |
| 3 travellers | 495 € | 1,485 € |
| 4 travellers | 475 € | 1,900 € |
| 5 travellers | 455 € | 2,275 € |
| 6 travellers | 435 € | 2,610 € |
Prices are per person in euros, because every tour is private. For 7 or more travellers, also ask us for a group quote.
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Marrakech → Telouet → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Zagora → M’Hamid → Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → Marrakech
FAQ About the 4 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
How long is the camel ride on the 4 day tour to Erg Chigaga?
The camel ride lasts about one hour at sunset. In fact, it takes you to the top of the dunes for the view. Times can also vary a little with the season.
Can I charge my phone at the camp?
Yes. In most camps, you can charge your phone in the main tent. However, power may be switched off late at night, so a power bank is useful.
Can I bring my luggage?
Yes. Large suitcases stay safely in the vehicle while you sleep at the camp. So pack a small backpack with what you need for the night.
What should I wear for the camel ride?
Above all, wear long, comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Also bring a hat and sunglasses. See our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Is Erg Chigaga better than Merzouga?
Both are beautiful, but they feel different. On one hand, Erg Chigaga is wilder and you reach it only by 4×4. On the other hand, Merzouga is easier to reach. See our 4 day Erg Chebbi tour to compare.
Is the 4 day desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga private?
Yes. In fact, only your group travels with your driver-guide. Therefore, you can change the pace or the stops. To book, fill in the form or message us on WhatsApp.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
★★★★★
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
★★★★★
Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
★★★★★
Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
— Quest60915749423
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