3 Days Erg Chigaga Desert Expedition (Mhamid)

Into the Sahara: 3-Day Erg Chigaga Adventure Tour

Tour Overview

this expedition is a thrilling 3-day, 2-night journey from marrakech across the high atlas mountains and deep into the pre-sahara towards the massive, wild dunes of erg chigaga. unlike the smaller, more accessible dunes of erg chebbi, erg chigaga is accessible only by 4×4, offering a more genuine and secluded sahara experience. highlights include crossing the tizi n’tichka pass, exploring ancient kasbahs (like ait benhaddou), trekking by camel, watching the sunset and sunrise from the towering dunes, and sleeping in a traditional nomadic camp under the stars.

duration: 3 days / 2 nights

main destination: erg chigaga dunes (morocco’s largest and wildest)

travel focus: high atlas mountains, draa valley, off-road 4×4 desert drive

accommodation: 2 nights (guesthouse/hotel night 1; desert camp night 2)

difficulty: medium (long driving hours)

best for: those seeking an authentic, remote, and vast desert experience

early morning departure from marrakech.

the day is focused on the scenic journey as you cross the high atlas mountains via the tizi n’tichka pass (2,260m).

you will stop to visit the unesco site of kasbah aït benhaddou before continuing past ouarzazate and through the draa valley, famous for its massive palm groves.

arrival at a local guesthouse/hotel near zagora or mhamid for dinner and overnight stay.

the morning involves a short drive to mhamid, the “gate of the sahara.”

the true adventure begins as you switch to a 4×4 vehicle for the adventurous off-road drive across the rocky desert to erg chigaga (about 2-3 hours).

upon arrival at the nomadic desert camp, you will be welcomed with tea.

the late afternoon is dedicated to a camel trek to the high dunes for sunset viewing.

after returning to camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, music around the campfire, and stargazing before sleeping in your private nomadic tent.

the day begins with an optional early rise to climb the dunes and enjoy the desert sunrise.

after breakfast, you will take the long journey back to marrakech.

the return is via 4×4 back to the main road, followed by the drive across the mountains again.

stops for lunch and rest will be made along the way.

expect a late evening arrival and drop-off back at your accommodation in marrakech.

  • Transportation: Round-trip transport from Marrakech in an air-conditioned vehicle (and a required 4×4 vehicle for the off-road desert portion).

  • Accommodation: Two nights of accommodation (night 1 in a hotel/guesthouse near the desert; night 2 in a nomadic tent at the Erg Chigaga desert camp).

  • Meals: Dinner and Breakfast for the two nights (2 dinners and 2 breakfasts).

  • Activities: The guided camel trek in the dunes.

  • Guide/Driver: The services of an experienced English/French-speaking driver/guide.

Good to Know – Frequently Asked Questions

day 1 and day 3 are very long driving days, each involving 8–9 hours of travel plus stops.

day 2 has a long morning drive followed by a 2–3 hour off-road 4×4 journey.

 warm layers (nights are very cold), long trousers for camel riding, closed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and bottled water.

a small bag for the desert is useful.

night 1 is typically in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse.

night 2 is in a private nomadic tent at a desert camp (comfort level varies from basic to luxury, check your booking).

yes, the camel trek is usually optional. you can choose to walk to the dunes or take the 4×4.

yes, but be aware that the long hours spent driving can be tiring for very young children.

typically, dinner and breakfast are included for the 2 nights. lunch is often not included and is taken at restaurants en route.

Conquer the Dunes, Sleep Under the Stars: Plan Your Erg Chigaga Expedition Today!

Experience the Wild Sahara Within Your Budget: Start Your Erg Chigaga Expedition Today!

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