7 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech: Erg Chigaga, Taroudant & Essaouira
Why Choose This 7 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
This 7 day desert tour from Marrakech takes you to the wild dunes of Erg Chigaga and then to the Atlantic coast. On the way, you also visit Telouet, Ait Ben Haddou, the Draa Valley and Tamegroute. After two nights in the desert, you drive through Taroudant to Agadir and Essaouira.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own driver-guide. As a result, the pace is always yours. In addition, breakfast and dinner are included every day.
However, if you prefer to stay in Marrakech, see our 7 days in Marrakech.
| Duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Agdz – Zagora – Tamegroute – M’Hamid – Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Taliouine – Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira – Marrakech |
| Nights | Agdz, two desert camps, Taroudant and two nights in Essaouira |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner included |
| Price | From 820 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 7 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas and visit Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou.
- Then follow the Draa Valley and see the green pottery of Tamegroute.
- Afterwards, ride a camel at sunset in Erg Chigaga, the largest dunes of Morocco.
- Later, cross Lake Iriqui and pass the saffron village of Taliouine.
- After that, explore the walls and souks of Taroudant.
- Finally, relax for a full day in Essaouira on the Atlantic.
7 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Agdz
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech in the morning. Then you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres. After that, you visit Telouet, the old palace of the Glaoui family.
Later, you explore Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, you pass Ouarzazate and descend into the Draa Valley. Finally, you spend the night in a guesthouse in Agdz.
Day 2: Agdz – Zagora – Tamegroute – M’Hamid – Desert Camp
Then, after breakfast, you follow the old caravan route south to Zagora. In Tamegroute, you also visit a pottery cooperative and an old Quranic library.
After lunch in M’Hamid, the asphalt ends. Then your 4×4 takes you to a quiet camp in the first dunes beyond M’Hamid. Finally, you enjoy dinner and the silence of the desert.
Day 3: Into the Erg Chigaga Dunes
Then, after breakfast, you cross about 65 km of desert tracks, past rocky plains and small oases. Soon you reach Erg Chigaga, the largest sand sea of Morocco.
In the late afternoon, you ride a camel over the dunes for the sunset. Finally, you share dinner and Berber music at your desert camp.
Day 4: Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Taliouine – Taroudant
If you wake early, watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you cross about 90 km of desert, past Lake Iriqui, to Foum Zguid for lunch.
Then you pass Taznakht, known for its carpets, and Taliouine, the saffron capital of Morocco. Finally, you reach Taroudant and spend the night in a riad.
Day 5: Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira
Then, after breakfast, you walk along the walls and souks of Taroudant. Soon you drive to Agadir for lunch by the ocean.
Later, you follow the coast road north to Essaouira. Finally, you check in at your riad in the medina.
Day 6: A Free Day in Essaouira
Today you explore Essaouira at your own pace. For example, you can walk in the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the port with its blue boats.
In addition, you can relax on the beach or try windsurfing. In the evening, you can also enjoy fresh fish at the port.
Day 7: Essaouira – Argan Cooperative – Marrakech
After a relaxed morning, you drive back to Marrakech. On the way, you also visit a women’s cooperative that makes argan oil. Finally, your driver drops you at your riad in Marrakech.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Erg Chigaga has little phone signal, so download your maps and music before Day 2. In addition, bring a windproof jacket for Essaouira, where the wind blows most afternoons. Finally, pack a warm layer for the two desert nights.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan, so you travel in comfort
- Multilingual driver-guide
- Fuel and vehicle costs
- Six nights in guesthouses, riads and desert camps
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Camel ride in Erg Chigaga
- 4x4 desert excursion
- Berber music at the camp
- Not included
- Flights
- Entrance fees
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning.
- Off-road: Days 2 to 4 include desert tracks, always by 4×4.
- Long day: Day 4 takes about 9 hours, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Lunches: lunches are not included, so bring some cash in dirhams.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camps, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Best time: spring and autumn are the most pleasant, because summer is very hot in the desert.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 7 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
Prices start at 820 € 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 → Draa Valley → M’Hamid → Erg Chigaga → Taroudant → Essaouira → Marrakech
FAQ About the 7 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
How much does the 7 day desert tour from Marrakech cost?
In short, prices start at 820 € per person. However, the final price depends on your dates, group size and hotels. So send us your details, and we will reply with a free quote.
Where do we sleep on the 7 day desert tour from Marrakech?
To begin with, you sleep in a guesthouse in Agdz and two nights in desert camps. Then you spend one night in Taroudant and two nights in Essaouira.
How long is the camel ride?
In general, the camel ride lasts about one hour at sunset in Erg Chigaga. In addition, your 4×4 takes you deep into the dunes.
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 5 day tour to Merzouga and Fes to compare.
What should I pack?
Above all, pack light clothes, warm layers for the desert nights and a windproof jacket for Essaouira. Also see our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Can I change the tour?
Yes. Since the tour is private, you can add a night or change the hotels. Just tell us before you book.
FAQ About the 7 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
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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.