The Ultimate Private Sahara Desert Experience From Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
From Marrakech
5 Days
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey with our Private Sahara Desert Tour, starting in the vibrant city of Marrakech and culminating in the breathtaking Erg Chigaga. Over five remarkable days, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, from the majestic High Atlas Mountains to the legendary Draa Valley, before immersing yourself in the enchanting magic of the Sahara Desert. Let’s delve into the details of this unforgettable adventure.
Details & Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Agdez: Embark on Your Desert Tour from Marrakech to Agdez
Your Desert Tour adventure begins as you depart from the vibrant city of Marrakech in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle with a knowledgeable driver-guide. Your destination for the day is the picturesque palm grove of Agdez, nestled in the Draa River Valley. As you make your way through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll traverse the highest main road pass in Morocco, standing at an impressive 2260 meters. This route offers breathtaking scenery, with lush valleys and traditional Berber villages dotting the landscape.
Along the way, you’ll take a detour to Telouet, where you can explore the historic Kasbah Glaoui, and then continue your journey through the stunning Ounila Valley. Your next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a magnificent kasbah that has graced the silver screen in numerous films. From there, you’ll head to Ouarzazate and cross the majestic Anti-Atlas mountain range to reach the course of the Draa River at Agdz. Your overnight stay will be in a charming kasbah guest-house amidst the palm groves of Agdz.
Day 2: Agdez to Erg Chigaga: From Agdez to the Splendors of Erg Chigaga
Today, your Desert Tour leads you from Agdez to the awe-inspiring Sahara desert camp at Erg Chigaga. Your journey follows the meandering Draa River Valley, known for its lush palm oases and historic kasbahs. The route takes you to the end of the tarmac road at M’hamid El Ghizlane. From there, you’ll embark on a thrilling off-road adventure for approximately two hours, culminating in your arrival at the Sahara desert camp.
Upon reaching the camp, you’ll have the opportunity to freshen up in your comfortable tent and, if desired, enjoy a refreshing shower. As the day draws to a close, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing Sahara sunset from a breathtaking vantage point amid the dunes. As night falls, you’ll gather around a crackling campfire, serenaded by traditional Berber music after a delightful dinner. You’ll spend the next two nights at the Sahara desert camp, immersing yourself in the desert’s beauty.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga: A Day of Serenity in Erg Chigaga
Today is a day of relaxation amidst the serene beauty of Erg Chigaga. You can choose to embark on a delightful camel-trek from camp after breakfast, followed by a leisurely walk to explore the tallest dunes that grace this mesmerizing landscape. Alternatively, if relaxation is your preference, you can simply unwind at the Sahara desert camp, basking in the tranquility of the desert.
Lunch is included today, and you may opt for a short 4×4 ride to explore the desert’s surroundings before returning to camp in time to witness the enchanting Sahara sunset. As night falls, you’ll once again gather for a delectable dinner and captivating fireside Berber music. Your overnight stay will be at the Sahara desert camp, ensuring you have ample time to savor the magic of the desert.
Day 4 : Erg Chigaga to Ait Ben Haddou: Journey to Ait Ben Haddou
Your day begins with an early breakfast at the camp, after which you’ll embark on a picturesque drive back to Ouarzazate. This time, you’ll exit the desert through a different route, ultimately reaching the tarmac road at Foum Zguid. From there, your journey continues northward, passing through Tazenakht, renowned for its exquisite carpets, and the outer reaches of the Anti-Atlas mountain range.
Shortly thereafter, you’ll traverse the enchanting Ounila Valley, arriving at your guest-house near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This beautifully restored kasbah will serve as your overnight accommodation, allowing you to unwind in a historical setting.
Day 5 : Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech: Return to Marrakech
On the final day of your Desert Tour, you’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Marrakech. Anticipate your arrival in the bustling city, likely around lunchtime. Once more, you’ll traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, retracing the route you took on the first day of your journey.
As you bid farewell to the desert and its wonders, you’ll carry with you the memories of this remarkable adventure. Your Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga will have left an indelible mark, ensuring that the magic of Morocco’s desert remains etched in your heart.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Agdez: Embark on Your Desert Tour from Marrakech to Agdez
Day 2: Agdez to Erg Chigaga: From Agdez to the Splendors of Erg Chigaga
Day 3: Erg Chigaga: A Day of Serenity in Erg Chigaga
Day 4: Erg Chigaga to Ait Ben Haddou: Journey to Ait Ben Haddou
Day 5: Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech: Return to 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.