Description

A 2-day trip from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Desert is the perfect way to experience the magic of Morocco’s Sahara in a short but deeply rewarding journey. Unlike the more common Zagora desert tours, this adventure takes you further into the remote Erg Chigaga dunes, offering a more authentic and less crowded desert experience. Over the course of two unforgettable days, you’ll travel from the vibrant streets of Marrakech through breathtaking mountain landscapes, traditional Berber villages, and endless desert plains before reaching one of Morocco’s most stunning dune fields.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains, following winding roads that reveal dramatic valleys, traditional mud-brick villages, and terraced farmlands. Along the way, you’ll cross the famous Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, one of Morocco’s highest mountain roads, offering panoramic views that stretch across the rugged peaks. The journey continues through Tazenakht, a charming Berber town known for its colorful handwoven carpets and tribal traditions, before reaching Foum-Zguid, the last village before the desert wilderness.

From here, the road gives way to off-road adventure, as you traverse vast rocky plateaus, dry riverbeds, and fossil-filled plains that showcase the raw beauty of the Sahara. You’ll pass the legendary Iriqui Lake, a seasonal salt lake surrounded by striking semi-desert landscapes. This part of the trip offers a true sense of isolation, with nothing but silence, wind, and endless horizons.

By late afternoon, the highlight of the tour unfolds as you arrive at Erg Chigaga, a mesmerizing sea of golden dunes rising up to 300 meters high. Unlike the more accessible Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, Erg Chigaga is remote and wild, creating a feeling of timelessness and untouched beauty. Here, you’ll embark on a camel trekking experience, riding into the dunes as the sun dips below the horizon. The play of light and shadow across the sand creates one of the most magical sunsets you will ever witness.

As night falls, you’ll reach your Berber desert camp, where traditional hospitality awaits. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner by the campfire, accompanied by Berber drumming and stories under the starry night sky. The silence of the desert, broken only by music and laughter, makes for an unforgettable evening. Sleeping in a traditional nomadic-style tent beneath the brilliant Milky Way is an experience few will forget.

The second day begins with a magical sunrise over the dunes, when the desert glows with soft golden light. After breakfast at camp, the return journey begins, taking you through M’hamid and the lush Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s largest palm groves and centuries-old kasbahs. Along the way, you’ll stop at the iconic Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco’s most famous ksar, known for its cinematic history in films like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

After exploring Ait Benhaddou and enjoying lunch nearby, the trip continues back across the Low Atlas Mountains, returning you to Marrakech in the evening.

This 2-day Erg Chigaga Desert tour from Marrakech is perfect for travelers who want to experience the Sahara without rushing, balancing scenic drives, cultural encounters, camel trekking, and a magical desert night. It is ideal for couples, friends, or families seeking adventure with comfort, and a true glimpse into Morocco’s nomadic heritage.