Experience the thrill of an authentic desert adventure as you set out on this mesmerising 4-day desert tour from Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of southern Morocco. Journey through the golden dunes on the back of a camel, and relish the enchanting nights spent in your private nomad tents in luxury desert camps beneath the vast and starry Saharan sky and among the big dunes.
Unveil the mysteries held by ancient Kasbahs and lush valleys, as you forge a deep and meaningful bond with the alluring desert and the culturally rich tapestry that graces Morocco’s southern expanse. This extraordinary expedition promises a journey to the very heart of the region, where unforgettable memories await to be made.
In every sand dune, every starlit night, and every cultural encounter, this desert odyssey promises to create an adventure and lasting memories that will remain etched in your soul long after the journey’s end.
| Number of persons | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons |
| Price per person | 495 € | 485 € | 465 € | 450 € | 450 € |
| Total price | 990 € | 1455 € | 1860 € | 2250 € | 2700 € |
Departure in the morning at 08:30 from your hotel, and you set out south on your 4-day desert trip from Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga. You drive over the Anti-Atlas Mountains as far as Agdz, a oasis town well-known for the variety of its palm dates. As you start to descend the Tizi-n-Tinfifite pass (1660m), you will be amazed by the splendid views of the extensive green oases and the innumerable palm trees, all indicating the beginning of the Dra’a Valley.
Agdz is part of the ancient Caravan Road which used to supply goods up from Mali and Niger, having crossed the Sahara. Nowadays, its abundant palm groves produce an impressive 44 varieties of dates.
For a short while, we go off-road through the Dra’a Valley, between the mountains and the river, passing through many villages to gain a better idea of the way of life along the oases. You will stop to visit Kasbah Tamnougalte, the oldest Kasbah in the valley. Some parts of the Kasbah are still inhabited, while others, particularly the Jewish quarter, are now crumbling, having been abandoned.
From here, you continue your 4-day Erg Chegaga desert tour from Ouarzazate, travelling south alongside the ancient Caravans Road as far as Zagora, the last largest oasis in the valley and the venue for today’s lunch. Just outside of Zagora, you visit the local green pottery co-operatives and an old Quranic library in Tamgroute village.
In the afternoon, your desert adventure continues further south as far as M’hamid, where the sand alongside the road signifies the beginning of the mighty Sahara Desert. M’hamid village is the gate to the Sahara and the end of the paved road.
You have dinner and spend the night in a luxury desert camp in your own private tent equipped with a toilet & shower, king-sized beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets, carpets & lamps.
Get up early to witness the sunrise from the top of the dunes with free time to wander the desert dunes. Back at the camp, breakfast is served and you set out on your adventure to explore the region.
The old village here is typical of desert dwellings, where houses are constructed entirely of adobe. This excellent building material keeps out the summer’s searing heat due to the walls’ thickness. You will explore these villages and learn about life in this harsh yet equally beautiful environment.
After lunch, you continue to Erg Chegaga dunes with about 65km of off-road driving through the varying features of the Sahara Desert; ‘erg’ (dunes), ‘hammada’ (stony desert) and oases.
At the campsite, you check into your tent and enjoy a relaxing glass of tea and Moroccan biscuits. Then, you take a camel ride to watch to summit of the Erg Chegaga dunes (300 m) to enjoy the sunset. These dunes are far away from civilization, and the silence and the expanse of the sand are overwhelming.
Back at the camp, dinner is served, followed by an evening of nomad music and drumming around a campfire. You spend the night in your tent, equipped with a private toilet & shower, king-sized beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets & carpets, lamps and beautiful Moroccan furnishings, all tastefully arranged to enhance your stay.
If you get up early enough, you will be rewarded by an incredible sunrise, when the colour of the dunes and the play of shadows are an incredible sight. You will also have time to wonder about the dunes and experience the tranquillity of this magical setting.
Back at the camp, breakfast is served. Then your 4-day Erg Chegaga desert tour from Ouarzazate continues through another 90km of the Sahara Desert with varying scenery: Lake Iriqui, where you are likely to experience a vast mirage in the heat, the mountains, with the opportunity to look for fossils.
From here, you travel west following the old track of “Rally Paris-Dakar” as far as Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert and the venue for lunch. Afterwards, you drive north along paved roads and past fantastic rock formations to the small town of Taznakht, famous for its Berber carpets and rugs. If interested, you can visit a display room with looms and women at work.
Turning back east, cross Ouarzazate and arrive in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou by the end of the afternoon. You spend the night in an authentic guest house overlooking the Kasbah.
After breakfast in your riad, you will visit the kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters, including “Gladiator,” “Alexander,” and some scenes of the famous TV series “Game of Thrones.”
From here your adventure takes you to Skoura Oasis, where you stop to visit the Kasbah Amredhil, that used to be featured in the old 50 dirham banknote. The Kasbah has been beautifully repaired and is well worth the visit.
From here, travel through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and then the beautiful Valley of the Roses as far as Kel’aa M’gouna. Here, you can visit a local co-operative producing cosmetic articles from the abundant roses of the valley.
Once in the Dades Gorges, you will have lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the valley. Then, you will have time to walk alongside the river through the gardens or up the road on the other side of the gorges before you make your way back to Ouarzazate.
You arrive back in Ouarzazate by the end of the afternoon. Your driver will transfer you to your hotel bringing your 4-day Erg Chegaga desert tour from Ouarzazate to an end.
