Marrakech To Chigaga Desert 3 Days Tour
About this tour
Discover the wildness of Morocco on this 3-days highlight tour that whisks you from dazzling Marrakesh to the peaks of the Atlas mountains, visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and explore Berber villages around the Zagora oasis before reaching the splendid Mhamid Desert. You will be brought across the desert sands by 4×4 cars and welcomed by Berber hospitality firsthand. To experience a camel ride and spend an unforgettable night beneath the stars will be a lifetime experience for our guests.The return journey will take you to explore charming towns Tamegroute and Ouarzazate, we will then continue our journey crossing back through the High Atlas mountains, and finishing in bustling Marrakech.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Marrakesh, Morocco to Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Your thrilling Marrakech to Chgaga desert adventure will begin in the morning with a convenient pickup from your hotel or riad. As we leave behind the lively suburbs of Marrakech, adorned with charming small towns, we’ll embark on a scenic uphill journey to cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains. During our drive, we’ll take a short break for a refreshing cup of coffee and a restroom stop, allowing you to rejuvenate before we reach the renowned Tizi N’Tichka Pass. In the early afternoon, we’ll arrive at the UNESCO-protected fortress of Aït Benhaddou. Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance as you navigate through the intricate maze of lanes and passageways, passing by centuries-old buildings that bear witness to the rich history of this extraordinary place. As we ascend, you’ll have the opportunity to climb up to the ancient Granary, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Aït Benhaddou and its picturesque surroundings. It’s the perfect spot to absorb the beauty of this ancient fortress and its surroundings. You will spend the night in fabulous riad in Ait Ben HADDOU.
Day 2: Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Erg Chigaga, Morocco
After breakfast, we will set off for Zagora, crossing the Tizi-in-Tiniffit Pass at an elevation of 1660 meters. We will traverse a rugged and untamed mountain landscape. The road descends to the Draa Valley, where Moroccan Jewish families settled and lived harmoniously with the Berber tribes in this fertile valley. Our route will lead us to Agdz, located at the base of the remarkable rock formation known as Jbel Kissane. In Agdz, you will have the opportunity to visit the Ksar with the Kasbah of Tamnougalte, the former hub of the Mezguita Berbers. As we continue along the Oued Draa, we will pass through the mesmerizing Drâa Valley, renowned for its enchanting river landscapes. Marvel at the date palms, laurel bushes, and numerous kasbahs and ksars that dot the landscape. Our journey will then take us to the Zagora oasis, often referred to as the « Gate of the Desert. » The valley is adorned with palm oases, clay fortresses, and picturesque Berber villages. Upon reaching Zagora, a historically significant camel trail station, you’ll notice the sign « 52 days to Timbouctou » amidst the stunning palm groves. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Ksar Amezraou, known for its silver jewelry workshops, and explore the Ksar in Zagora. We will drive past the sand dunes between Tinfou and Mhamid, marking the end of the paved road. This is where our journey to the nearest sand dune region, where our bivouac awaits, begins. Prepare for an unforgettable evening in the desert. Until dusk, you can stroll across the dunes on foot or embark on a camel tour. Indulge in a lovingly prepared dinner and savor the rhythmic music of the drums. Your overnight stay will be in a nomad’s tent beneath the starry night sky.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga, Morocco to Marrakesh, Morocco
After enjoying a hearty breakfast to regain your energy, we will embark on our return journey. Our path will lead us from Mhamid to Tagounite, where we will veer onto an unpaved road that winds through a picturesque landscape adorned with verdant oases, vibrant gardens, and graceful palm trees. In Tamegroute, a charming town located just outside of Zagora, we highly recommend visiting an ancient Quranic library and/or a pottery workshop, both of which provide fascinating insights into the local culture and traditional craftsmanship. Once again, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the exotic countryside as we traverse the Draa Valley on our way back. After a brief stop in Ouarzazate, we will continue our journey towards Marrakech, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Finally, we will drop you off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, marking the end of our service.
What's included
lunch, tips & gratuities
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Marrakesh, Morocco to Aït Benhaddou, Morocco