Tour Description

3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Chegaga

Discover the raw beauty of the Moroccan Sahara in this immersive 3-day adventure to the Chegaga dunes. Escape the hustle of Marrakech as you journey through the Atlas Mountains, traditional Berber villages, and the breathtaking Draa Valley. Experience a true desert adventure — camel treks, nights in nomadic-style camps, and mesmerizing sunsets over the dunes of Chegaga, one of the wildest and most untouched parts of the Moroccan desert.

This extended 3-day itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration of the desert landscape and Berber culture.

Itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka Pass – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Agdz

Depart from Marrakech early in the morning and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260m). Stop to explore the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mud-brick architecture and cinematic history (Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones).

Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," where you'll visit the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah. Then drive through the stunning Draa Valley, lined with palm groves and ancient kasbahs, arriving in Agdz for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel/Riad in Agdz.

Meals: Dinner included.

Day 2

Agdz – Zagora – M'Hamid – Chegaga Dunes

After breakfast, continue your journey through the Draa Valley, passing through Zagora and M'Hamid, the last town before the vast Sahara. From M'Hamid, you'll switch to 4x4 vehicles for the off-road adventure to the Chegaga Dunes.

Arrive at the dunes in the afternoon and ride camels to your desert camp just in time for a spectacular sunset over the golden dunes. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, listen to Berber music by the campfire, and sleep under the stars in the silence of the Sahara.

Overnight: Desert camp in Chegaga (standard or luxury).

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 3

Chegaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Marrakech

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the dunes - a truly magical experience. After breakfast at camp, drive across the Lake Iriqui dry desert, a unique landscape of flat sand and fossil beds. Continue toward Foum Zguid, where you'll rejoin the paved road.

Stop at Taznakht, a town famous for its traditional Berber carpets and handicrafts, before crossing back over the High Atlas Mountains to return to Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast included.

End of Tour.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Marrakech
  • Private or shared 4x4 vehicle or minibus with A/C
  • Professional English/French/Spanish-speaking driver/guide
  • 1 night in a hotel/riad in Agdz
  • 1 night in a desert camp at Chegaga
  • Camel ride at sunset and sunrise
  • All dinners and breakfasts during the tour
  • Sandboarding at camp (optional)

Not Included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to kasbahs or sites
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities (quad biking, dune buggy, etc.)
  • Travel insurance

Additional Details

Departure Time

7:00 AM from Marrakech

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

Group Size

Private and shared tours

Accommodation

Hotel/Riad + Desert camp at Chegaga

Best Season

September to May

What to Bring

Light & warm clothes, sunscreen, camera

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the camel ride?

About 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, depending on your camp location.

Is Chegaga better than Merzouga?

Chegaga is wilder and less touristy than Merzouga — perfect for travelers seeking a more authentic desert experience.

Are luxury tents available?

Yes, you can upgrade to luxury desert camps with private bathrooms, electricity, and Wi-Fi.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly, and we can arrange shorter camel rides or 4x4 transfers if needed.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes, dietary requests can be accommodated if mentioned in advance.

Can the tour start or end in Ouarzazate instead of Marrakech?

Yes, the itinerary can be adjusted to start or finish in Ouarzazate or Zagora on request.