Erg Chigaga Tour from Marrakech: 3 Days of Wild Dunes & 4×4
Why Choose This 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
This 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga leads you to the largest and wildest dunes of Morocco. Erg Chigaga, also spelled Erg Chegaga, lies beyond the end of the road. So the last part of the journey is a real 4×4 adventure across the desert.
To begin with, you cross the High Atlas and visit Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou. Then you follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley to M’Hamid. Finally, you ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a camp far from any town.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own driver-guide. However, if you prefer high dunes closer to a village, compare our 3 day desert tour to Merzouga.
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Agdz – Zagora – M’Hamid – Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Marrakech |
| Off-road | About 65 km to the dunes and about 90 km out of the desert |
| Nights | 1 in a hotel or guesthouse in Agdz, 1 in a desert camp at Erg Chigaga |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included |
| Price | From 345 € to 465 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 3 Day Desert Tour to Erg Chigaga
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres.
- Then visit Telouet, the old kasbah of the Glaoui family.
- Afterwards, explore the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
- After that, follow the Draa Valley and see the pottery and old library of Tamegroute.
- Later, cross the desert by 4×4 and ride a camel into Erg Chigaga at sunset.
- Then cross the dry Lake Iriqui on the old Paris–Dakar rally tracks.
- Finally, stop in Taznakht, a town known for its Berber carpets.
3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Agdz
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech at about 8:30. Then you climb into the High Atlas and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres. Along the way, you also stop for photos of Berber villages.
After the pass, you take a side road to Telouet. Here you also visit the kasbah of the Glaoui family, with its painted halls. After that, you follow the Ounila Valley down to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch, you pass Ouarzazate and cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass. Then you descend to Agdz, an oasis town at the start of the Draa Valley. Finally, you have dinner and sleep in a hotel or guesthouse.
Day 2: Draa Valley – Tamegroute – M’Hamid – Erg Chigaga
After breakfast, you follow the Draa Valley south to Zagora. Then you visit Tamegroute, known for its green pottery and an old Quranic library. Later, you reach M’Hamid, the last village before the dunes, for lunch.
Later in the afternoon, the asphalt ends. Instead, your 4×4 crosses about 65 km of desert tracks. On the way, you also see stony plains, small oases and the first dunes.
At Erg Chigaga, you ride a camel to the top of a dune for the sunset. Then you share dinner at your desert camp. Finally, you listen to Berber drums and sleep in a private tent.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Marrakech
If you wake early, watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you cross about 90 km of desert by 4×4. Along the way, you also drive over Lake Iriqui, a dry lake bed famous for its mirages.
You follow the tracks of the old Paris–Dakar rally to Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert. There you also stop for lunch. After that, you pass Taznakht, where you can visit a carpet cooperative if you wish.
After a tea break in Ouarzazate, you cross the High Atlas again. Finally, you reach Marrakech in the evening, and your driver drops you at your riad.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Erg Chigaga has no phone signal in many places, so download your maps and music before Day 2. In addition, the 4×4 tracks are bumpy, so keep a scarf and sunglasses handy for the dust. Finally, nights are cold from November to March, so bring a warm layer for the camp.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, so you travel in comfort
- English-speaking driver-guide for the three days
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- One night in a hotel or guesthouse in Agdz, with a private bathroom
- 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
- Tea and coffee at the camp
- 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: about 65 km of desert tracks on Day 2 and about 90 km on Day 3, always by 4×4.
- Remote camp: Erg Chigaga has no town nearby, so the night is quiet and very dark.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Children: the tour suits children from about 7 years old, although the drives are long.
- 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 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 465 € | 930 € |
| 3 travellers | 435 € | 1,305 € |
| 4 travellers | 395 € | 1,580 € |
| 5 travellers | 365 € | 1,825 € |
| 6 travellers | 345 € | 2,070 € |
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 → Agdz → M’Hamid → Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → Marrakech
FAQ About the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
What is the best time for the 3 day desert tour to Erg Chigaga?
In general, the best months are March to May and September to November. During this time, days are warm and nights are cool. In summer, however, the desert is very hot in the afternoon.
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 Merzouga tour to compare.
Is the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga suitable for children?
Yes, children from about 7 years old usually enjoy it. However, the drives are long and the desert tracks are bumpy. So bring snacks, water and games for the car.
Can you prepare special meals?
Yes. In fact, all meals have vegetarian and vegan options. Also, tell us about allergies or other diets when you book, so we can arrange them.
How active is this desert tour?
In general, the tour is easy for most people. You walk in the kasbahs and on the dunes, and you ride a camel. Still, climbing a dune takes some effort, so go slowly.
What should I pack for Erg Chigaga?
Above all, bring light clothes for the day and a warm layer for the night. Also pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf. Read our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Which currency should I bring?
In general, Morocco uses the dirham (MAD). So bring some cash for drinks, tips and small purchases. In Erg Chigaga, you cannot use a card or a cash machine.
How do I book this private desert tour?
To begin with, fill in the booking form on this page or message us on WhatsApp. Then we confirm your date and pickup time by email.
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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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