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3 Days trip from Marrakech to desert Erg Chegaga desert

Tour Ref :   3DMEC
Duration : 3 DAYS – 2 NIGHTS
Tour type : Private Tour, Family, Desert, Sahara
Tour start : Marrakech
Tour end : Marrakech
Highlights : High Atlas Mountains, Southern Valleys, Kasbahs, Oasis.
Price : Prices according to number of people travelling in vehicle and season.

Overview

This 3-day trip from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga is designed for travellers who want to reach Morocco’s wildest and most remote sand sea rather than the more visited dunes of Merzouga. Erg Chegaga, near M’hamid at the very end of the Draa Valley, is the largest and least developed erg in Morocco. Its dunes rise up to 300 metres and stretch some 45 kilometres, far from paved roads and tour-bus crowds. Reaching them means crossing the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), descending through the anti-Atlas oases around Foum Zguid, and driving the final stretch across genuine off-road desert terrain of erg, reg, hammada and palm oases.

Because the route runs Marrakech, Foum Zguid, Erg Chegaga, Zagora, the Draa Valley, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet before returning to Marrakech, you experience a complete southern loop in three days: Berber carpet villages, the thousand-kasbahs road, a night in a nomad camp under the stars, and the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou on the way home. It is the ideal short desert tour for visitors with only a few days in Marrakech who still want to stand on the tallest dunes in the country.

Day to Day tour itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Taznakhat – Foum Zguid – Erg Chegaga

On the first day of this journey, we will depart from Marrakech in the morning and head towards the Erg Chagaga dunes, crossing the majestic High Atlas mountains. After passing through the Tichka pass at an elevation of 2260 meters, we will take a detour to visit Taznakht, famous for its exquisite Berber carpets and rugs. Then we will continue our journey and have lunch in Foum Zguid. In the afternoon, we will traverse 100 kilometers through the diverse features of the Sahara desert, including “erg,” “reg,” “hammada,” and oases, before reaching Erg Chagaga. These sand dunes are the largest in Morocco, measuring 300 meters in height and 45 kilometers in length. Upon arrival, we will have some time to take a one-hour camel trek before embarking on a walk in the sand dunes and climbing to the top of Erg Chegaga to witness the stunning sunset. We will then spend the night in a nomad tent, where dinner will also be served.

Day 2: Erg Chegaga – Mhamid – Zagora – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

After enjoying breakfast, our journey will continue towards M’hamid, where we will drive another 65 kilometers on off-road terrain. From there, we will drive back to Zagora for lunch, traveling on well-maintained paved roads that take us through charming villages such as Tagounite and Tamegroute. In the afternoon, we will drive north towards the Draa valley, which we will explore by taking some off-road routes along the historic caravan trails. As the day draws to a close, we will arrive in Ouarzazate, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in comfortable accommodations.

Day 3: Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Ounila Valley – Kasbah Telouet – Marrakech

Following breakfast, we will embark on a drive from Ouarzazate to Marrakesh, stopping along the way to visit the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been featured in many Hollywood blockbusters. Our route will then take us through the picturesque Ounila valley, where we will pass by charming villages and enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning mountains. We will make a stop at Telouet to visit the Telouet kasbah, or alternatively, we may have lunch in the mountains. Our journey will culminate in Marrakesh, where we will arrive at the end of the afternoon.

Trip Highlights

  • Stand on the highest dunes in Morocco. Erg Chegaga rises to 300 m and stretches 45 km, far larger and quieter than Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi.
  • Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), with panoramic views over Berber villages and valleys.
  • Visit Taznakht, famous across Morocco for its handwoven Berber carpets and rugs.
  • Sleep in a nomad desert camp at the foot of the dunes, with a sunset climb, dinner and a night under the Sahara stars.
  • Drive the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm oasis, through Tagounite and Tamegroute along the historic caravan trails.
  • Explore Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO World Heritage kasbah and film location, plus the Telouet kasbah on the way back to Marrakech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Erg Chegaga and Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)?
Erg Chegaga, reached on this 3-day tour via Foum Zguid, is the larger and more remote of Morocco’s two great ergs. It has no paved road to its base and far fewer visitors, so it suits travellers who want a wilder, more authentic Sahara experience than the more accessible Erg Chebbi at Merzouga. If you prefer the Merzouga dunes, see our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga Erg Chebbi tour.

Is a 4×4 needed to reach Erg Chegaga?
Yes. The final approach to Erg Chegaga and the drive to M’hamid cross off-road desert terrain, so this tour is run in a 4×4 vehicle with an experienced local driver.

Is 3 days enough to see the desert from Marrakech?
Three days is the ideal short option for reaching Erg Chegaga and returning via Zagora, the Draa Valley and Ait Ben Haddou. For a longer southern loop, browse all our tours from Marrakech, or read our guide on how many days to spend in Morocco.

When is the best time for this tour?
The best time to visit the Sahara desert is from September to May, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for dune walking and camel trekking. Desert nights are cold in winter, so warm layers are essential between December and February. For a full seasonal breakdown, see our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.

What is included in the desert camp?
The overnight stay includes a nomad tent, dinner and breakfast, a sunset climb of the dunes, and a one-hour camel trek on arrival at Erg Chegaga.

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