Tour description – Marrakech
This private tour (4 days / 3 nights) takes you from Marrakech a Marrakech, with local guides and everything organised at your own pace.
Para los viajeros que buscan el Sahara más salvaje y auténtico, las dunas de Erg Chigaga son el gran secreto de Marruecos. Lejos de las rutas más transitadas, este desierto remoto solo se alcanza en 4x4, tras cruzar M'Hamid —donde se acaba el asfalto— y adentrarse por pistas entre campamentos nómadas y horizontes infinitos.
En cuatro días recorremos el espectacular valle del Draa, el palmeral más largo del país, dormimos una noche entre las grandes dunas de Erg Chigaga y cruzamos el desierto por el lago seco de Iriki, un paisaje de película. Es una aventura de verdad, con la comodidad de un tour privado y la seguridad de viajar con gente de la zona.
Somos una familia amazigh de Rissani y conocemos el desierto como nadie. Cuéntanos tus fechas y cuántos viajáis y te preparamos un presupuesto a medida, sin compromiso.
Tour gallery
Highlights – Marrakech
- The highest, wildest dunes in Morocco, reachable only by 4x4
- A remote desert with no crowds
- The Draa Valley and its immense palm grove
- Night at a camp among the Erg Chigaga dunes
- Lake Iriki and film-worthy landscapes deep in the Sahara
Day-by-day itinerary to Marrakech
- Day
1Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Zagora
We cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka and visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. We continue along the Draa Valley, the longest palm grove in Morocco, to Zagora, the legendary gateway to the desert.
- Day
2Zagora – M'Hamid – Erg Chigaga (4x4)
From M'Hamid, where the paved road ends, we head off by 4x4 along desert tracks to the great dunes of Erg Chigaga. We pass nomad camps and endless landscapes. Arrival at the camp, sunset over the dunes and a Berber night under the stars.
- Day
3Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriki – Foum Zguid – Taznakht
We cross the desert by 4x4 through the area of the dry Iriki lake, a sea of sand and reg where films have been shot, to Foum Zguid. We continue along mountain roads through villages of carpet weavers to Taznakht or Ouarzazate.
- Day
4Return to Marrakech
We return to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas once more, with stops at the viewpoints. Arrival in the afternoon.
What's included – tour to Marrakech
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech
- Private 4x4 transport with a Spanish-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights in a hotel and 1 night at a camp in Erg Chigaga
- Desert crossing by 4x4 (M'Hamid – Erg Chigaga – Iriki)
- Dinners and breakfasts as indicated
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Monument entrance fees
- Tips (optional)
Frequently asked questions – tour to Marrakech
How is Erg Chigaga different from Merzouga?
Erg Chigaga is more remote, wild and less visited than Merzouga. Its dunes are among the highest in Morocco and you can only get there by 4x4 after a crossing through the desert. If you're after adventure and solitude, it's your route; if you prefer more comfort and quicker access, Merzouga is simpler.
Is the whole journey by 4x4?
The desert part (from M'Hamid to Erg Chigaga and the crossing towards Iriki) is done entirely by 4x4 on tracks. The rest combines mountain and valley roads. That's why this route always uses a 4x4, not a minivan.
Is it very physically demanding?
It requires no special preparation, but the desert tracks involve bumping along and the odd demanding stretch. It's an adventure suitable for most travellers keen on authentic desert; if you're travelling with young children, let us know and we'll assess it.
When is the best time for Erg Chigaga?
From October to April, when the temperatures are pleasant. In high summer the heat in this area is extreme, so we usually recommend other dates or routes.
Why choose this tour?
100% private tour
Just your group, no strangers. The vehicle, guide and pace are exclusively yours.
Local Amazigh guide
Mohamed and Hassan are from Rissani, at the gateway to the Sahara. They show you the desert they have known all their lives.
Flexible itinerary
We stop wherever you like, adjust the schedule and personalise every detail to your preferences.
Book with 30%
Confirm your spot with a minimum deposit. You pay the rest during the trip, no surprises.
Before travelling to Marrakech
Best time
Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov). Winter is cold at night; summer is very hot.
What to bring
Light daytime clothes, a warm layer for the night, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable footwear for the sand.
Physical level
Basic level. The camel ride is optional and can be swapped for a 4×4 if you prefer.
Health & safety
Morocco is a safe destination. We recommend travel insurance and bringing any personal medication you need.
Pick-up
We pick you up at your hotel, riad or airport. Just give us the exact address when booking.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 7 days before. The deposit is refundable under those conditions.
Extra activities available
Camel ride
Ride to the dunes at sunset on a dromedary, guided by a local Berber.
Sandboard
Slide down the dunes of Erg Chebbi on a board. Adrenaline in the sands of the Sahara.
Desert quad biking
Explore the surroundings of Merzouga on a quad bike along sandy tracks and palm groves.
Night under the stars
Berber camp in the dunes: traditional dinner, gnawa music and a sky free of light pollution.
Village visits
Explore the ksars and nomadic villages near Merzouga with your local guide.
Traditional hammam
Authentic relaxation in a Moroccan hammam after the trip. We arrange it for you.
Extra activities are not included in the tour price. Ask us about availability and pricing.
