5 Days Morocco Desert Trip – Marrakech, Draa Valley, Erg Chegaga Desert and Taroudant
From Marrakech
5 Days
Overview
Travel with us by 4×4 to discover the most fascinating deserts of Morocco, beyond the Atlas Mountains between kasbahs and palm groves to the legendary Draa Valley and the more remote and unknown Erg Chegaga, at the gates of the great Sahara. A Morocco desert trip to this part of the country is fascinating for the landscapes that you cross. We pass from the mountains to the sandy deserts, from the sun-baked rocky plains to the lush and green oases, to the endless dunes of the south. A world that you will be discovering with our local and very experienced guides and drivers.
Details & Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech-Ait Benhaddou-Ouarzazate-Agdz(5 hour drive)
The driver will meet you at your accommodation at 9 AM. start your Morocco Desert Trip by leaving Marrakech behind to take on the Atlas Mountains and its dense forests through one of the most winding and dramatic routes in Morocco. Reach the Tizi n Tichka pass at 2200 meters high to enter the Great South. take the subordinate road and reach pasha’s ruined palace and the salt mines of Telouet. Follow the dramatic canyon of Ounila while on the other side of the canyon, the troglodyte grottos can be glimpsed in the distance. Stop and wander around UNESCO world site Ait Ben haddou citadel to later skirt through Ouarzazate and then cross the gorges and reach 1700 meters high, from where the panorama of the legendary Draa Valley unfolds.
Reach Agdz, here it is worth visiting the Black people village and the ksar of Tamnougalt. Reach The hotel early in the evening. Dinner and accommodation at a Kasbah/Hotel
Day 2: Zagora – Tamegroute- M’hamid -Erg Chigaga ( 4 hour drive)
After breakfast, a dusty off road will take you to local prehistoric rock engravings in Foum Chenna before you continue your way to Zagora to discover the nearby village of Amezrou and its Jewish heritage – the old adobe synagogue and the silver jewelry craft. Further on, the stoves of Tamegroute cast the emerald glaze so easily identified on mosque tiles, dishes and pots across Morocco. The nearby Nassiriya library holds a 10 century old gold- engraved Koran and various treaties on astronomy, medicine and Arab poetry among other gems. Before leaving the tarmac behind and taking on the Sahara, we recommend visiting a traditional ksour and having lunch in Mhamid . From Mhamid, across various types of desert, you will reach the dunes of Erg Chigaga, the last bit by camel. Dinner and accommodation in a private luxury tent with an ensuite shower and toilets.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga Desert
One day is hardly enough to discover the Sahara Desert. Today is a day full of off-roading in the Sahara Desert. Leave the camp after breakfast and then drive to explore the tallest dunes, and the different terrains of the Sahara desert. Lunch is included today and it will be planned in a beautiful shady oasis in the middle of the Sahara . In the early evening trade the 4WDs for camels and ride to the top of the dunes for a magical sunset. Dinner and fire-side music. Overnight at the Sahara desert camp once more.
Day 4 : Erg Chigaga – Foum Zguid – Tazenakht – Taroudant ( 6 hour drive)
Wake up to admire the sunrise and stroll around the dunes. Later on, your Morocco desert trip will take you through the hamada ( rocky desert ) and cross the dry lake Iriki. Have tea with the nomads, pry out fossils and later join the tarmac again at Foum Zguid. Have a tasty lunch by the pool at Bab Rimal or opt for the more formal choice of a kefta in the village. Take the route east and soon reach the village of Tazenakht famous for its carpet making . After the village stop on the panoramic edges for photos. Reach Taroudant and your riad for the night . Dinner and accommodations in a luxury hotel outside of Taroudant
Day 5 : Taroudant- Agadir- Marrakech(4 hour drive)
After breakfast, have a caleche ride around the city walls and/ or browse the souks for the best Argan oil or honey in Morocco. Or, arrive rather early in Marrakech to make the best out of your time there. You don’t have to plan anything ahead but rather decide on the day. Stop in Agadir for a walk along the beach, or a delicious sea food lunch to then take the highway to Marrakech. The driver will drop you off at your accommodation. End of your 5 days Morocco desert trip
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech-Ait Benhaddou-Ouarzazate-Agdz
Day 2: Zagora – Tamegroute- M’hamid -Erg Chigaga
Day 3: Erg Chigaga Desert
Day 4: Erg Chigaga – Foum Zguid – Tazenakht – Taroudant
Day 5: Taroudant- Agadir- Marrakech
What’s Included
Planning and quality control by seasoned travel leaders
Knowledgeable Guides (Multi-lingual), special lectures, and insightful meetings
Entrance Fees to Historic Monuments
All Transfers-even individual airport transfers, when required.
Luggage Handling-at all hotels, airport, etc.
Air-Conditioned, comfortable, and luxurious vehicles depending on your choice (4*4, Mini-bus…).
Nights at the top range hotels, Riads, Kasbahs, and Bivouacs.
Elegant Meals (Breakfast daily, and usually either Dinner).
All details are handled by reliable, experienced Tour Leaders.
Outstanding value and convenience.
No hidden add-ons or markup.
What’s Excluded
Lunchs
Tips
Travel insurance charges
Travel Advices
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Best time to visit Morocco
The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December.
Morocco Culture & Customs
Morocco's culture has developed over centuries of influence from far and wide. Contemporary Morocco is a fascinating mix of Berber, Mediterranean, Andalucian, and African traditions, which are present in the cuisine, clothing, music, language, customs, and lifestyle. As an Islamic country, most Moroccans are Muslim; however, there are small populations of people who practice Judaism and Christianity. Classic examples of Islamic architecture can be observed all throughout the country and tenets of the Islamic religion are carried out in the customs and lives of the people. The 'Call to Prayer' can be heard five times a day, women are expected to dress modestly and alcohol isn't drunk by most of the population.
Most of Moroccan society can be considered traditional, with respect for elders, connection to family, and giving alms to the poor hallmarks of everyday life for many Moroccans. Hospitality is another important element of society, with warmly welcoming people into your home a time-honored tradition and social responsibility that dates back centuries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Morocco ?
Much of Morocco's cuisine revolves around meat, but vegetables are an important staple and a crucial ingredient in many dishes of the Maghreb. Your diet can consist of more than just flatbread and hummus – trust us. Keep an eye out for vegetable-based tagines and couscous, the renowned Zaalouk (a smokey eggplant and tomato salad), vegetable Briouats (triangular-filled pastries), and cinnamon oranges. Vegan options are slightly more limited, as many of the pieces of bread and couscous dishes have butter added to them, but your best bet is to enquire if yours can be made using oil instead. Otherwise, it's easy to dine well on varied vege offerings in Morocco.