4x4 Desert ToursPrivate trip

Both deserts in 5 days: Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga

Two dune fields in one loop: the Atlas, the Todra Gorge, Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Group: Your group only
Difficulty: Easy
Starts in: Marrakech

Why you'll love it

Both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga in five days
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m)
Walk through the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

Your route

Marrakech Ait Ben Haddou Ouarzazate Todra Gorge Merzouga Erg Chebbi Merzouga Draa Valley Erg Chigaga Marrakech

Day by day

5 days

A private five-day 4x4 loop that links Morocco's two best-known dune systems. You cross the High Atlas, stay in the Dades Valley, ride a camel into Erg Chebbi at sunset, then drive west across the Draa Valley to Erg Chigaga for two nights, before the return over the Anti-Atlas. Day 3 is a long driving day.

Day 1Marrakech to the Dades Valley

Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

An early start over the High Atlas, with a visit to Ait Ben Haddou and a stop in Ouarzazate, to a traditional guesthouse in the Dades Valley.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2The Todra Gorge and Erg Chebbi

Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Erg Chebbi

Walk in the Todra Gorge with its 300 m walls, then drive to Merzouga. A sunset camel ride takes you into Erg Chebbi, with Berber music by the fire at a comfortable camp.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

+3 more daysShow fewer days

Day 3Sunrise at Erg Chebbi, then west to Erg Chigaga

Erg Chebbi → Merzouga → Draa Valley → Erg Chigaga

Return to Merzouga by camel at sunrise, shower, and set off on a long drive west across the Draa Valley. You reach the Erg Chigaga camp in the evening for a second camel trek.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4A full day at Erg Chigaga

Erg Chigaga

Explore Erg Chigaga with optional sandboarding, a visit to nomad families and a walk if you like. The seasonal Lake Iriki is nearby. Sunset and a Berber dinner at the camp.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5Back to Marrakech by the Draa Valley and the Anti-Atlas

Anti-Atlas → Marrakech

Sunrise and breakfast, then a different return route through the Anti-Atlas with stops at local cooperatives, reaching Marrakech in the evening.

Overnight: No overnight
Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

Private 4x4 with an English-speaking driver-guide
Four nights: a guesthouse in the Dades Valley and three nights in desert camps
Breakfast and dinner as in the programme
Camel rides at Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, at sunset and sunrise
Berber music at the camps

Not included

Lunches and drinks
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses

Good to know

Difficulty: Easy: no fitness needed beyond short walks on sand
Best season: October to April (Best from October to April; summer is very hot and winter nights are cold)
Crew and guide languages: English

Meeting point

Pick-up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech early on day 1. The exact place and time are confirmed with the team.

Preparation

Bring sun protection, a warm layer for the camp nights and comfortable shoes. Day 3 and day 5 are long days in the vehicle: pack something to read and to listen to.

What to bring

Closed, comfortable shoes (trainers or light boots)
Warm layers: desert nights are cold from October to March
Sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream
Headlamp and a scarf for wind and sand

Read before you go: Marrakech to Merzouga: Route, Driving Time and the Best Way to Go

Questions

Is day 3 realistic?

It is a very long day: after the sunrise ride, the drive from Merzouga to Erg Chigaga takes most of the day, including the last off-road section. If you want more time, ask for an extra night at Erg Chebbi or an easier route.

Is the tour private?

Yes, the vehicle and driver-guide are for your group only.

When is the best time to go?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable, with warm days and fresh nights. Winter nights are cold, so bring warm layers. Summer is very hot and not recommended for walking.

What should I pack?

Comfortable closed shoes, light clothes you can layer, a warm layer for the night, sun protection, a scarf and a headlamp, in a small bag. The camp provides bedding.

How do I book this trip?

Send an enquiry from this page with your dates, group size and any wishes. We reply by email, confirm availability and agree the details with you. There is no online payment on the website.