Desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga
3 days 2 nights
This tour takes you to discover the desert of southern Morocco and all its wonders by crossing different dune areas to the highest dune of Morocco in Erg Chegaga.
PROGRAM
Day 1: Marrakech - Foum ZGuid - Erg El M'Hazil
In the morning we pick you up from your hotel in Marrakech towards the desert. The road is in itself a beautiful journey through varied landscapes that we will travel: the Tizi N'Tichka pass in the Atlas Mountains with its red rocks, the town of Tazenakht known for its production of handmade carpets and along the way there are small typical villages.
We will have lunch on the way and then we will arrive at Foum Zguid. There we will make a stop in this small town called the gates of the desert, a break for tea, choose the chèche that will turn you into a true nomad and protect you from the sun, the wind and the sand.
Then we take the track to our first camp. The stony track accessible only by 4x4 crosses vast landscapes, from the plateau-shaped mountains to the plains of the dry lake of Iriki. We will arrive quietly at Erg El Mhazil, the first dunes of the Sahara, in the late afternoon. You can enjoy the sunset at the top of the dunes and then enjoy a delicious tajine prepared by our cook. We will meet around the fire to observe the stars, talk about life in the desert since our team is composed of nomads who grew up in this desert and who like to share these moments of life. At night you will sleep under the large tents where a comfortable bed awaits you.
Day 2: Erg EL M'hazil – Nomadic School – Erg Chegaga
After a good breakfast in the open air, we will leave in 4x4 towards our second stage. We first cross the plains of the dry Iriki Lake, large flat expanses with cracked ground that still bears the traces of salt of the old lake. Then we arrive at the nomadic school, a large school tent installed to allow children of nomadic tribes to follow their schooling. It is a time of beautiful encounters with children.
We will then enjoy a picnic under the palm trees of a nearby oasis, a refreshing break in the middle of nature.
Finally, we will reach by 4x4 the dunes of Erg Chegaga, about 18km separate Erg El Mhazil and Erg Chegaga by the nomadic school. You can take the time to relax and settle in one of the large comfortable tents of the camp. Explore the dunes around and enjoy the panorama of the largest dune in Morocco for beautiful photos. At sunset, we suggest you go on a camel ride and take a little height for this magical moment where the whole desert takes shades of red and orange.
The evening will be made of a delicious traditional meal and a time in music around the fire where the sound of derboukas resonate in the dunes.
Enjoy a night in the quiet of the desert after a day full of discoveries and encounters
Day 3: Erg Chegaga – Draa Valley – Marrakech
Wake up in the morning to watch the sunrise over the dunes and mountains of Jebel Bani in the distance. A moment of serenity and contemplation to start this day.
After breakfast, we will take the road back up the Drâa valley. We will first join M'Hamid El Ghizlane, a small town on the edge of the desert then we will drive to Marrakech crossing the beautiful green palm groves, beautiful landscapes: Zagora, Tamegroute, Agdz. We will mark a break in Tamegroute to visit the famous pottery made by hand with a green enamelling that is well recognized and is part of the living heritage of this region. We will have lunch on the way in one of these small towns of the palm grove.
Then we will arrive on Ouarzazate and the Tizi N'Tichka road that connects the south to Marrakech. We will drive you to your hotel in Marrakech.
Prices
€ 460 per person (minimum 2 people)
€ 380 per person from 4 people
The price includes accommodation, guide, full board, camel ride, transportation to and from Marrakech.
The price does not include travel insurance, airline tickets, lunches on the return trip between Marrakech and the desert