8 Day Tour from Marrakech: Sahara Walking Holiday to Erg Chigaga
Why Choose This 8 Day Tour from Marrakech
This 8 day tour from Marrakech is a walking holiday in the Sahara, far from the busy desert camps. To begin with, you cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and the Draa Valley. Then you walk for three days with a Berber team from M’Hamid to the high dunes of Erg Chigaga.
Throughout the trek, camels carry the luggage, so you only carry a day pack. As a result, you can enjoy the silence, the dunes and the nights by the campfire. In addition, all breakfasts and dinners are included, plus three lunches.
However, if you prefer to stay in a vehicle, see our 7 day desert tour from Marrakech. For a longer trek, also compare the 8 days trek from the Draa Valley.
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Marrakech (airport or your riad) |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – M’Hamid – Sidi Naji – Zahar dunes – Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Marrakech |
| Walking | 3 full days, about 3 to 6 hours a day |
| Nights | 2 in Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou and 4 in desert camps |
| Meals | 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 7 dinners |
| Price | From 980 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 8 Day Tour from Marrakech
- To begin with, explore the souks and medina of Marrakech with a guide.
- Then cross the High Atlas and visit Ait Ben Haddou.
- Afterwards, walk along the dry bed of the Draa through palm groves.
- Later, camp at the foot of the Zahar dunes, far from any road.
- After that, reach the high dunes of Erg Chigaga on foot.
- Finally, relax in a hammam with a massage back in Marrakech.
8 Day Tour from Marrakech: Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
To begin with, our driver welcomes you at the airport and takes you to your riad in the medina. Then a guide shows you the souks and the main sights of the old city, which is UNESCO-listed.
Later in the evening, you enjoy a Moroccan dinner and prepare for the desert.
Day 2: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou
Then, after breakfast, your private 4×4 crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass. On the way, you also pass Berber villages and terraced valleys.
Later, you explore Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, you relax in a hotel with a pool.
Day 3: Ait Ben Haddou – Draa Valley – M’Hamid
Then, after breakfast, you drive through Ouarzazate and the palm groves of the Draa Valley to M’Hamid, the last village before the dunes. There you also meet your Berber trekking team and the camels.
Soon you reach your first camp after a short walk. Later, you share dinner by the campfire under the stars.
Day 4: Walking Along the Draa to Sidi Naji
To begin with, you walk along the dry riverbed of the Draa, past palm groves and small Berber villages. At midday, you also rest and have lunch in the shade of tamarisk trees.
Later in the afternoon, you continue to the camp at Sidi Naji. Then you enjoy the calm of the desert as the sun goes down.
Day 5: Walking to the Zahar Dunes
Then, after breakfast, you walk across open stony plains, far from any road. Soon the dunes of Zahar appear on the horizon.
Finally, you camp at the foot of the dunes and watch the sunset before dinner.
Day 6: Walking to Erg Chigaga
Then, after breakfast, you walk towards Erg Chigaga, past rocky ground and golden sand. In fact, its highest dunes rise more than 50 metres above the plain.
Later in the afternoon, you reach a fixed camp at Erg Chigaga. Finally, you share a Berber dinner by the fire. Also read Erg Chigaga vs Merzouga.
Day 7: Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Taznakht – Marrakech
Then, after breakfast at the camp, your 4×4 crosses the dry Lake Iriqui to Foum Zguid. Soon you pass Taznakht, known for its carpets, and cross the Atlas back to Marrakech.
Later in the evening, you relax in a hammam with a massage. Finally, you enjoy a last Moroccan dinner.
Day 8: Departure from Marrakech
Then, depending on your flight, you have free time for the gardens or the medina. Finally, your driver takes you to Marrakech airport, where the tour ends.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Walk early in the morning and rest at midday, because the sand is hot after noon. In addition, bring a warm sleeping layer, because desert nights are cold from November to March. Finally, wear light walking shoes and gaiters, so the sand stays out.
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What Is Included
- Included
- Private 4x4 transport and airport transfers
- Seven nights in hotels, riads and desert camps
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 7 dinners
- Guided tour of the Marrakech medina
- Visit to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
- Three full days of guided desert walking with camels for the luggage
- Berber music around the campfire
- Hammam and massage in Marrakech
- Mineral water during the trip
- An experienced Berber team throughout
- Not included
- Travel insurance
- Other lunches
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs
- Optional activities, such as sandboarding or quad biking
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Alcoholic drinks
- Visa fees, if any
Good to Know Before You Book
- Fitness: the walks suit people with average fitness, because the pace follows the group.
- Ground: you walk on sand and stony ground, so bring good walking shoes.
- Luggage: camels carry the bags, so you only carry a day pack and water.
- Camps: the trekking camps are simple, while the Erg Chigaga camp is more comfortable.
- Signal: there is little phone signal in the desert, so download maps before Day 3.
- Best time: October to May is the best season, because summer is too hot for walking.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 8 Day Tour from Marrakech
Prices start at 980 € per person, because every tour is private. Therefore, the final price depends on your group size, dates and hotel level, so ask us for a free, detailed quote.
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Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → M’Hamid → Sidi Naji → Zahar dunes → Erg Chigaga → Marrakech
FAQ About the 8 Day Tour from Marrakech
When is the best time for the 8 day tour from Marrakech?
In general, October to May is the best season for walking in the desert. In fact, spring and autumn are the most pleasant, while winter nights are cold.
Is the walking holiday suitable for beginners?
Yes. In fact, people with average fitness can join. The walks last 3 to 6 hours a day, and the guide adapts the pace to the group.
What should I pack for the 8 day tour from Marrakech?
Above all, pack light clothes, good walking shoes, a warm jacket, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also see our Sahara packing guide.
Can I stay longer in Marrakech after the trek?
Yes. In fact, many guests add a few nights. So tell us, and we can also book your riad and day trips.
How hard is the trek?
In general, it is moderate. However, sand and uneven ground make walking slower, so the guide plans regular breaks.
Do I need special travel documents?
Above all, you need a valid passport. In addition, check whether your nationality needs a visa. Also read our guide on the visa to visit Morocco.
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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
Read more reviews on Tripadvisor.