6 days desert Walking & Trekking Tour From Marrakech

Start :

Marrakech

Duration :

6 days

End :

Marrakech

Languages :

English, Francais

Desert trekking in M’hamid, Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Tour

Overview of the Trekking tour from Marrakech

The Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga will take 6 days and 5 nights. Pick you up at 08:00 am, and then drive through the scenic high Atlas mountains (2260m) pass, you will enjoy the mountainous road and the spectacular Berber villages and Tizi-N’Tinfifite (1660m) pass, then reach Agdez, passing many villages and gardens. The road continues to M’hamid, where we will start our trekking the next day, after having met your team and trekking to Erg Bartame.

Then we continue a 4×4 ride to the big dunes of Erg Chigaga, about 300M, and spend two nights at camp in Erg Chigaga to explore the most beautiful parts of the Great Sahara.

After that, we cross about 90 km off-road and we pass from Foum Zguid, through Taznakht, a Berber town known for its hand women Berber rugs and carpets, and finally drive to Ait Benhaddou, which has served as a natural scenery for many movie producers.

Then the road continues to Marrakech through the High Atlas mountains, to finish our 6-day tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga.

Note: For This tour, you can change the time to more or less than 6 days, and you can choose the time according to your vacation. Contact us for furthermore.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Desert Trekking Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga.
  • transfer from Marrakech.
  • Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah.
  • Trekking in the Sahara desert.
  • Relaxing in the Sahara Desert
  • Enjoy picnics under the shade of tamarisk trees.
  • Enjoying moments in the desert with our nomad team.

Detailed desert Trekking tour from Marrakech

 

Day 1: Marrakech-Ouarzazate-Zagora-M’hamid 8 Hours

Start our 6 days/5 night trekking desert Morocco tour from Marrakech to M’hamid, pick-up at 07:00 am, then we drive through the scenic high Atlas mountains (2260m) pass, enjoying the mountainous road and the spectacular Berber villages, then cross the second pass, which is Tizi-N’Tinfifite (1660m), then reach the head of the Draa Valley at Agdez. Then we will pass through many villages and gardens so that you can gain a better idea of the way of life along the oasis.
After that, reach M’hamid where you will start your trekking, have dinner, and breakfast, and sleep in the bivouac.
You continue towards Ait Benhaddou for visit, then you will be crossing the second pass which is Tizi-N’Tinfifite (1660m), then reaching the head of the Draa Valley at Agdez, then we will pass many villages and gardens so that you can gain a better idea of the way of life along the oasis.
After that, reach M’hamid where you will start your trekking, have dinner, and breakfast, and sleep in the bivouac.

Day 2: Trekking in M’hamid-Erg Bartame-5 Hours

Our Trek Morocco Desert Tour starts in the morning from M’hamid, the last village before the Sahara, after meeting your team. We start our trip to explore and discover the most beautiful parts of the big Sahara. After about 3 hours of riding, we enjoy a lunch break under a shadowy tree, then continue our tour from Marrakech for about 2 hours to Erg Bartame, where we will set up our mobile camp. Sleep in the tent under the full stars.

Day 3: Oued Naam-Erg Chigaga – 2 hours

Wake up in the morning to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes, and after breakfast, we carry on our trek for about 3 or 4 hours with our companion animals (camels) toward a different world of calmness and tranquility. Lunch will be enjoyed in the shadow of a big Tamaris tree. After lunch, we continue on a 4×4 ride to the big dunes of Erg Chigaga. We will reach the highest dunes in Morocco, at about 300 m. Here you can admire the sunset and experience sandboarding, and spend the night in Berber tents. Dinner and breakfast in the camp.

Day 4: Erg Chigaga

On the fourth day of our trekking desert tour from Marrakech, we will wake up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and the Moroccan breakfast. We then continue our trip in a 4×4, discovering more of the desert dunes and oases before stopping for lunch in one of them and enjoying a cup of mint tea. Afterward, we go back to Chigaga where we will spend the night either in the tent under a sky full of stars

Day 5: Erg Chigaga – Foum Zguid-Taznakhat – Ait Benhaddou 5 Hours

After breakfast, the road takes us through another 90km (off-road) of the desert with varying scenery: Lake Iriki, the mountains, and fossils, the first village we pass through in Foum Zguid. From here, the drive is along paved roads via the village of Taznakht, famous for its Berber carpets and rugs. Then we will continue towards Ait Benhaddou for a visit to the Unesco world heritage site “Ait Benhaddou village” for dinner and take a good night’s sleep.

Day 6: Ait Benhaddou – Telouat – High Atlas – Marrakech 4 Hours

After enjoying breakfast, we leave for Telouet Kasbah which belonged to the Lords of the Atlas and now stands in ruins.
Then drive toward Marrakech through the High Atlas mountains and over the Tizi N’tichka Pass at 2.260m, which offers spectacular panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and colorful Berber villages, then we will arrive in Marrakech. End of your desert trekking tour from Marrakech.

What is Included and Excluded in this Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Tour?

Included

  • Private Transportation.
  • Comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Pick up from your Hotel/Riad or Airport.
  • Drop off at your Hotel/Riad or Airport.
  • English speaking guide/driver.
  • Fuel for the entire travel desert package.
  • All-night accommodations.
  • Camel trekking in the desert dunes.
  • Sand-boarding in the Desert dunes.
  • Berber music at night around the fire under the stars.
  • Free stops when you want.

excluded

  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Tips
  • Extra

Map: Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Desert Tour

Information about Erg Chegaga Desert

Erg Chegaga, also known as Chigaga or Cheggaga, is the largest sand dunes and desert area in Morocco, also it’s one of the highest dunes in the great Sahara Desert in North Africa. It is a remote and relatively untouched region, known for its stunning landscapes, vast sand dunes, and unique desert activities. Here’s some information about Erg Chegaga:

  • Location: Erg Chegaga is situated in the southwestern part of Morocco, near the town of M’Hamid El Ghizlane (also known simply as M’Hamid). It is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of the town.
  • Landscape: The desert landscape in Erg Chegaga is characterized by large, golden sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 300 meters (984 feet). These dunes are often referred to as “ergs,” which are large sea-like sand dunes that form in desert regions. And that’s why Erg Chegaga Dunes are famous for desert hiking.
  • Access Dunes: Getting to Erg Chegaga usually involves a desert excursion, as it is located quite remotely. Visitors often travel by 4×4 vehicles or camel caravans from M’Hamid or other nearby towns. The journey to Erg Chegaga can be an adventure in itself, as it involves traversing desert terrain and sand dunes. Also, the dunes can be access through walking excursion. 
  • Attractions and Desert Activities: Erg Chegaga has become a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Sahara Desert experience. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including camel trekking, desert hiking, sandboarding, 4×4 dune bashing, and stargazing in the clear desert skies. Many tour operators offer guided trips to Erg Chegaga, which can vary in length and level of comfort, from basic camping to luxury accommodations.
  • Desert Camping: Camping is a common way to experience Erg Chegaga. Visitors can stay in traditional Berber-style desert camps that offer a unique blend of comfort and immersion in the desert environment. These camps typically consist of comfortable tents, communal dining areas, and campfire gatherings under the stars.
  • Climate: Like much of the Sahara Desert, Erg Chegaga experiences extreme temperature variations between day and night. Summers can be scorching hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are generally milder, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
  • Natural Beauty: The vast, undulating sand dunes of Erg Chegaga offer breathtaking vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset when the dunes cast long shadows and the colors of the sand change dramatically. The tranquil and serene atmosphere of the desert also contributes to its allure.
  • Safe: Erg Chegaga and its surrounding desert is safe. You can camp or walk in peace and nothing bad going to happen to you. Moroccan government is working hard for the security of the country and a lot of efforts are made to make tourism sector better day by day. But it’s important to take caution when you’re alone where ever you go to protect yourself as well.

Remember that conditions and available services might change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities or tour operators for the most up-to-date information before planning a visit to Erg Chegaga.

Information about your driver in this desert tour to Erg Chegaga

Our drivers are multylinguals speaking different languages including English, French, and Spanish. Our drivers are licensed and professional with more than 10 years of experience in Tourism Sector. Most of them spent their whole life in the desert; so you will explore the desert with local experience.

why trekking in the desert is a great experience in Morocco?

Trekking in the desert of Morocco can be a unique and unforgettable experience. The desert landscape is rugged, arid, and often beautiful, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can find a sense of solitude in the vast open space, and the desert can be a great place to observe wildlife, spot rare plants, and even explore ancient ruins. The desert of Morocco also offers amazing night skies and sunsets, as well as the opportunity to experience the deserts many unique geological formations. All of these factors combine to make trekking in the desert one of the best outdoor experiences when you visit Morocco.

FAQ about Erg Chigaga Desert

Questions & Answers
How far is Erg Chigaga from Marrakech on this tour?

Marrakech to Erg Chigaga (via M’hamid) distance is 453 Km (282 Miles) of Road and 50 Km (31 miles) off-road.

How far is Marrakech from Erg Chigaga?

Erg Chigaga to Marrakech (via Taznakht) distance is 90 Km (55 miles) off-road and 336 Km (208 miles) of the road.

Are there bathrooms in a tent in the desert camp at Erg Chigaga?

You will have a private tent & bathroom outside with a hot water shower.

Are there any electrical outlets in the desert camp?

There will be electrical outlets in your tent in the desert space tour camp.