4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga Dunes

4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga Dunes Overview:

Experience an extraordinary and immersive 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to the enchanting Erg Chegaga dunes. This captivating journey takes you through stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and exhilarating experiences that will leave you with lifelong memories of the Moroccan desert.

Start your adventure with thrilling camel rides, traversing the golden sands of Erg Chegaga and witnessing breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the dunes. Embrace the authentic Berber culture as you spend nights in traditional and comfortable Berber tents, immersing yourself in the rich traditions of the desert nomads.

Explore the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbahs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guided by knowledgeable locals who will unveil the fascinating history and stories behind these ancient mud-brick fortresses. Wander through the maze-like alleys, stepping back in time as you discover the cinematic allure of this remarkable location, which has served as a backdrop for many renowned movies.

Discover the scenic beauty of the Draa Valley, an oasis of lush palm groves and fertile land that contrasts beautifully with the arid desert surroundings. Capture the picturesque landscapes and marvel at the serenity of the valley, offering a perfect respite during your desert adventure. Throughout the tour, immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Morocco, engaging with the warm hospitality of the local communities you encounter along the way. This 4-day desert tour strikes a perfect balance between exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it an unforgettable journey that captivates all your senses.

Book your desert tour with Authentic Sahara Tours today, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the mesmerizing Erg Chegaga dunes, where unforgettable experiences and enchanting landscapes await.

4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga Dunes Itinerary:

Day 1: Marrakech - High Atlas - Draa Velley - Zagora

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Marrakech in the morning, as we traverse the majestic High Atlas mountains through the scenic Tizi n'Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2260m. Our first destination is the captivating Ait Benhaddou village, renowned for its fortified ksar and beautiful Kasbahs. This ancient site has served as a natural backdrop for numerous movie productions, adding to its allure.

After a delicious lunch, our adventure continues towards Dades, passing through the captivating city of Ouarzazate, the palm groves of Skoura, and the picturesque Valley of Roses. We will be spending our first night in Dades, allowing you to rest and immerse yourself in the enchanting surroundings. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Morocco on this remarkable desert tour with Authentic Sahara Tours.

Day 2: Zagora - Mhamid - Off Road - Erg Chegaga Desert

After a delightful breakfast, our adventure unfolds as we embark on an immersive exploration of Zagora and its captivating surroundings, including the charming Jewish quarter in Amzerou and the lush palm groves. Continuing our journey, we make our way towards the mesmerizing gateway to the Sahara Desert, Mhamid.

En route, we make a fascinating stop at the historic town of Tamgroute, dating back to the illustrious Saadian dynasty of the 16th century. Here, we have the opportunity to visit an ancient Quran library and explore a subterranean kasbah, immersing ourselves in the rich heritage of the region. Upon reaching Mhamid, we witness the end of the Draa valley and civilization, where a typical Moroccan restaurant awaits for a delightful lunch. Afterward, an off-road adventure leads us to the enchanting Erg Chegaga Desert.

Arriving at the dunes, a magical experience awaits as we ride camels to bask in the splendor of the sunset. As the night descends, we find ourselves in the heart of nowhere, surrounded by the vastness of the desert, where a memorable camp and a delicious dinner await. Join us on this exceptional journey, where every moment is designed to immerse you in the beauty and allure of the Sahara, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 3: Erg Chegaga Desert - Iriki Lake - Foum Zguid - Taznakht - Ait Ben Haddou

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After a fulfilling breakfast, our journey resumes as we traverse the unique landscapes of the natural dried lake of Iriqui and the striking plains of black stones. Continuing our adventure, we follow the asphalted road towards the quaint town of Foum Zguid. Along the way, we arrive at Taznakht, renowned as one of the kingdom's largest centers for exquisite Berber carpets. Here, we have the privilege of visiting a cooperative where talented women from surrounding villages craft these beautiful carpets, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the region. As the day progresses, we make our way back to the captivating Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This fortified village, dating back to the 11th century, beckons with its ancient charm and architectural splendor. It is within the walls of this historic gem that we will spend a restful night, embracing the timeless ambiance of Morocco's heritage.

Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou - Telouet - High Atlas - Marrakech

After a delightful breakfast, we set out to explore the remarkable Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a widespread Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in 1987. This historical gem has served as a captivating backdrop for numerous acclaimed movies, including "Gladiator," "Indiana Jones," and "Lawrence of Arabia." As we stroll through its ancient walls, we are transported into the world of Moroccan architecture, marveling at the exquisite Kasbahs crafted with timeless craftsmanship.

Our journey continues towards the vibrant city of Marrakesh, traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains and the scenic Tizi n'tichka pass. Along the way, we pause for a delectable lunch amidst the heart of the Atlas Mountains, savoring the flavors of the region.

Finally, we bid farewell as we drop you off at your Marrakech riad, cherishing the memories of this enriching desert adventure and the allure of Morocco's cultural heritage.

Pricing :

Private Desert Tour:

The price varies depending on the number of travelers, the season and accommodation choice, it can start from 350€ per person for groups and families to 450€ per person for couples

Small Group Desert tour:

the price for the shared group tour is fixed at 250€ per person, it might seem a bit higher than some so called "similar" offers in the market but do not be fooled, our groups are limited to 8 people max and require only 4 participants to start. The small number makes the tour quite similar to a private one with flexibility, same quality accommodation choice and attention from the company, hotels and driver.

The price includes :

• An air conditioned 4x4 or Minivan, depending on the number of the group
• Fuel
• English/French/Spanish speaking driver during the tour
• Pick up & Drop off at your Marrakech & Fes accommodations
• Overnight in Zagora in a traditional comfortable Hotel
• Camel Trek to overnight in Luxury Camp with Ensuite-bathroom and shower
• Overnight in Ait Ben Haddou in a traditional comfortable Hotel
• Private rooms/tents
• Dinner and breakfast are daily included
• Free time to explore the sites such as Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, Walks, Canyons, Breaks for photos,..Etc
• Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou
• No forced Shopping
• No hidden costs

Extra costs to be expected :

• Lunch (Full Menus cost an average of 10€, and you can order "á la carte" in most places)
• Drinks ( if you drink a lot of water, you can purchase a package of 6 bottles from a small shop)
• Gratuities (optional)

1. What's the difference between private and shared tour?

The main differences between private and shared tours are the vehicle, you will only be sharing the transportation, rooms and tents are private, and even for meals you can chose to stay separated from the group if that is your preference. The other difference is that private tours are guaranteed, once you confirm your booking, we are commited to offer the tour, however shared tours depend on demand and require a minimum of 4 participants to run, if the minimum number is not met, you have the choice between a free cancellation or negotiate a deal to continue as a private tour.

2. Is it possible to have vegetarian/vegan food ?

Yes it is possile to provide vegetarian or vegan food during the tour, all you need is to let us know during the booking process and maybe remind your driver during the tour.

3. Is it possible to reach the camp without riding the camels?

Yes the camp has a dedicated 4x4 car to transport the luggage and clients who are not interested in riding the camels at all or at least do it only once. If you go on a private tour, you will be traveling in a comfortable 4x4 car that can access the camp if needed.

4. Does the camp have private bathrooms ?

Yes our camp is considered a luxury camp yet we include it in our basic packages without a significant raise in the price, all the tents are equipped with ensuite bathroom and showers

5. Can I take my luggage during the tour?

Yes, you can take your luggage during the tour, the vehicles are spacious enough to hold many big suitecases, and your luggage will be with you at all times so it's safe, even in the desert, your luggage will be transported to the camp with a 4x4 car to the tents.

How to pay for the tour:

To confirm any tour or activity, we require a small deposit to be paid over PayPal to our Group Creator, the balance is due in cash at the pick up, to be paid to your driver in euros or equivalent in dirhams

Credit cards :

Unfortunately we do not accept payments with credit cards because they are not very popluar nor practical in Morocco and they generate so many fees and hold some security risks

Is it possible to pay the total with PayPal:

Normally we ask for the balance payments in cash because paypal also has many transaction fees and operational delays since it's an international institution. We can in some cases accept the full payment via paypal however a 5% fee will be applied to cover the extra transaction charges. In case you are considering this method, it is best to arrange the payment before the tour.