Private Morocco tours / From Marrakech
6-day Erg Chigaga tour from Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas and follow the Draa Valley, with two nights at Erg Chigaga and a separate overnight before the return to Marrakech.
The itinerary
Your route, day by day
DAY 1Marrakech to Ouarzazate
Leave Marrakech by private vehicle and climb the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka road. Walk through Aït Ben Haddou, the fortified ksar on the southern side of the Atlas. Continue to the Ouarzazate area, where the mountain landscape opens into the dry valleys and earthen settlements of the south.
DAY 2Ouarzazate to Agdz to Draa Valley to Zagora
Turn southeast toward Agdz and enter the Draa Valley, following the long palm corridor that connected settled oases with the caravan routes farther south. Pause near an oasis settlement for lunch and a short walk among palms or earthen buildings. Continue through the valley toward Zagora, allowing the route itself—cultivated plots, ksour and dry ridges—to remain part of the day rather than treating it as a transfer.
DAY 3Zagora to Tamgroute to M’hamid to Erg Chigaga
Continue south through Tamgroute country to M’hamid El Ghizlane, the last oasis settlement before the open tracks toward Chigaga. Meet the desert team in M’hamid, reorganise luggage for camp and leave the paved road in a suitable 4×4. Cross hammada, sand and open desert terrain toward Erg Chigaga.
DAY 4Erg Chigaga desert day
Wake at your own pace after sunrise and have breakfast at camp. Rest through the brightest part of the day. Explore a different part of the dune and hammada landscape by 4×4 or on foot.
DAY 5Erg Chigaga to Lake Iriki to Foum Zguid
Leave camp westward by 4×4 and cross the changing ground around the dry Lake Iriki basin rather than returning to M’hamid by the same piste. Pause in the open landscape when conditions permit, then continue toward Foum Zguid where the route rejoins the paved road. Arrive in Foum Zguid with time to settle after the desert crossing.
DAY 6Foum Zguid to Taznakht to High Atlas to Marrakech
Travel north through the Anti-Atlas corridor toward Taznakht, a town associated with regional carpet traditions. Continue toward Ouarzazate with a lunch stop based on progress, then begin the return crossing of the High Atlas. Descend toward Marrakech and finish at the agreed accommodation or central drop-off point.
The route can be adjusted around your dates, pace and preferred places to stay.
What your quote covers
The core arrangements
- Private transport and driver-guide for the agreed route
- Accommodation in the category you choose
- Meals and activities listed in your personalised quote
Usually separate
- Flights and travel insurance
- Drinks, tips and personal purchases
- Entry tickets and extra activities unless listed
The starting price is a guide for two people sharing. Dates, group size, accommodation and any route changes affect the final total. Your written quote gives one clear list of what is included.
Where you stay
Your quote names the stays and room category, with the bed arrangement and included meals. For a desert night, we also specify the camp, tent and whether the bathroom is shared or private. See our desert camp information.
Before you book
Why spend two nights at Chigaga?
The second night creates a complete desert day and removes the pressure to leave immediately after sunrise.
Is Lake Iriki a lake?
It is normally a dry desert basin. Seasonal conditions can change the landscape, but permanent water should not be expected.
Can this be shortened?
It can, but combining the Iriki piste and Marrakech return creates a very long final day. The six-day version is more balanced.
Can you change this route for us?
Yes. Tell us your dates, group size and what you would like to change. We check the distances and stays before sending a route and price.
How do I book or cancel?
Send an enquiry first. We confirm the route, included services, total price and deposit before you book. Read our booking and cancellation terms for the conditions that apply to your trip. Booking and cancellation terms.
Plan with the local team
Talk to Sahara Explore
We’re based in M’hamid El Ghizlane, at the edge of the Sahara. Tell us the time you have and the kind of journey you want. We’ll check the route and practical details with you.
Want to adjust the route or compare another tour?
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