5
2+
10
$875
Marrakech
08:00 AM
18:00 PM
This carefully designed 5-day / 4-night journey to the Chegaga Desert offers an authentic and immersive exploration of southern Morocco, combining dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable desert experiences. Departing from Marrakech, the route crosses the majestic High Atlas Mountains, leading to ancient kasbahs, lush valleys, and remote desert regions rarely touched by mass tourism.
Travel through iconic sites such as Aït Ben Haddou, the breathtaking Dades and Todra Gorges, and the fertile Draa Valley, before venturing deep into the Sahara via M’Hamid and the vast, untamed dunes of Chegaga—the largest sand dunes in Morocco. The journey includes thrilling off-road 4×4 drives, a camel ride at sunset, and an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp, where silence, starlit skies, and Berber hospitality create a truly magical atmosphere.
The return route reveals hidden gems like the Ounila Valley and Telouet, offering a scenic and culturally rich conclusion before arriving back in Marrakech. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a genuine Sahara experience, blending comfort, adventure, and discovery at a relaxed and well-balanced pace.
Your journey begins with a prompt 08:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech, where you'll meet your driver-guide and begin the scenic drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. As you ascend the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoy panoramic views of Berber villages clinging to the hillsides and rugged landscapes that mark the gateway to southern Morocco.
By late morning, you will arrive Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Hollywood of Africa." While driving through the town, you’ll catch glimpses of the famous Atlas Film Studios and the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, which stands as a testament to the town's historic importance.
Your route then takes you through the beautiful Valley of Roses, passing through Kelaat Mgouna, known for its fragrant rose fields and locally made cosmetics. If your visit falls in spring, the blooming season offers a truly enchanting experience.
In the late afternoon, you'll arrive in the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, carved by the Dades River into spectacular rock formations and winding gorges. Upon arrival, check into your charming Riad or hotel in Dades, where you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of southern Morocco.
Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Dades.
After breakfast at your hotel in Dades Gorges, you will be picked up at 09:00 AM to begin a scenic journey toward the southern desert regions of Morocco. Your first stop is the spectacular Todra Gorges, one of the country’s most impressive natural wonders. Towering limestone cliffs rising over 300 meters create a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River. You will have time to walk through the gorge, take photos, and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of this unique landscape.
After the visit, the journey continues toward Nkoub, a charming Berber town known for its kasbahs and palm groves. Upon arrival, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can relax and savor traditional Moroccan cuisine while experiencing the calm rhythm of village life.
In the afternoon, you will drive through changing desert landscapes, passing rocky plateaus and expansive valleys as you make your way to Zagora, often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel or riad in Zagora.
Dinner and Overnight at the hotel / Riad in Zagora.
After breakfast at your hotel or riad in Zagora, you will depart toward the deep Sahara, heading south along the scenic Draa Valley. Your first stop is Tamegroute, a historic village renowned for its spiritual heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Here, you will visit the famous ancient Quranic Library, home to rare manuscripts, and explore the underground kasbah, offering a fascinating glimpse into centuries-old desert architecture. You will also have the opportunity to discover the village’s distinctive green pottery, handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations.
Continuing the journey, you will reach M’Hamid, the last village before the vast Sahara Desert begins. After a short break, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle and start an exciting off-road adventure across rocky plains, dry riverbeds, and golden dunes as you travel deep into the Chegaga Desert, home to the largest sand dunes in Morocco.
Upon arrival at your desert camp, you will enjoy a one-hour camel ride, perfectly timed to witness the magical sunset over the dunes. As night falls, savor a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by a peaceful overnight stay at the desert camp, surrounded by silence, stars, and the true spirit of the Sahara.
Dinner and Overnight at the desert camp in Chegaga Desert.
After an early breakfast at the desert camp, enjoy a final moment of calm in the vast Chegaga Desert, surrounded by endless dunes and morning light. You will then depart the camp by 4x4 vehicle, beginning another memorable off-road drive across the wild Sahara landscapes. The route passes through dry riverbeds, stone plains, and the former Lake Iriki, offering striking contrasts and wide-open scenery as you head toward Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert.
Upon reaching Foum Zguid, you will rejoin the paved road and continue north toward Taznakht, a town famous for its authentic Berber carpets and traditional weaving cooperatives. A short stop here allows you to stretch your legs, observe local craftsmanship, and appreciate the region’s cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, the journey continues through changing landscapes toward the legendary Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive earthen architecture and cinematic history. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel or riad near Aït Ben Haddou. The day concludes with a traditional dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, offering beautiful views of the ancient kasbah under the evening sky.
Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Ait Ben Haddou.
After breakfast at your hotel or riad in Aït Ben Haddou, you will begin your journey back to Marrakech, traveling along one of the most scenic and less-traveled routes in southern Morocco. Departing the ksar, you will enter the beautiful Ounila Valley, a hidden gem known for its winding river, adobe villages, terraced gardens, and striking red and ochre landscapes. Along the way, you will pass through small Berber hamlets where daily life continues much as it has for generations.
The route continues toward Telouet, once the stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family. Although Kasbah Telouet is currently closed to visitors, you will stop to view the kasbah from the outside, where its impressive façade and dramatic mountain setting still offer excellent photo opportunities and historical context.
After the stop in Telouet, the journey continues through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Several panoramic viewpoints provide opportunities for photos and short breaks. You will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of this remarkable desert and mountain adventure.
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