6-day private journey
Into the Great South
A six-day southern loop that gives Erg Chigaga two nights and separates the Lake Iriki crossing from the High Atlas return.
At a glance
Why the route uses six days
Six days gives the desert enough time.
A six-day southern loop that gives Erg Chigaga two nights and separates the Lake Iriki crossing from the High Atlas return.
Highlights
- Two different approaches to the Sahara rather than an out-and-back road
- A full unhurried day around Erg Chigaga
- Oasis, kasbah and desert landscapes in one coherent route
Included & excluded
The route includes substantial road and piste travel. It works best for travelers who value the changing landscape as part of the journey and can avoid a fixed departure immediately after the final return. Erg Chigaga and Lake Iriki are not new ground for us. My parents crossed them with the herds, and so did my grandfather on my mother’s side.
Your route
Six days through the south.
Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate
Leave Marrakech by private vehicle and climb the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka road. Viewpoint stops are chosen for weather, traffic and your pace rather than a compulsory shopping circuit.
Walk through Aït Ben Haddou, the fortified ksar on the southern side of the Atlas. Lunch is arranged nearby according to the meal plan confirmed for your departure.
Continue to the Ouarzazate area, where the mountain landscape opens into the dry valleys and earthen settlements of the south.
Crossing the High Atlas and entering the architecture of Morocco’s pre-Saharan valleys at Aït Ben Haddou.
Check into the named Ouarzazate-area stay and review the southbound route with your driver.
About 3 hours 30 to 4 hours on the road.
The written proposal confirms included meals. Drinks, roadside purchases and meals not named in the inclusion list remain separate.
A named riad, guesthouse or hotel in the Ouarzazate area, selected in the agreed comfort category.
The pass is winding and can be affected by winter weather. Tell us about motion sickness or mobility needs before the route is confirmed.
Ouarzazate → Agdz → Draa Valley → 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. The exact stop depends on access and the interests agreed before travel.
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.
Tracing the Draa from Agdz toward Zagora as the valley narrows between palms, villages and desert plateaus.
Settle into the confirmed Zagora-area stay and prepare for the final paved-road section to M’hamid.
About 2 hours 30 on the road.
The written proposal confirms included meals. Drinks, roadside purchases and meals not named in the inclusion list remain separate.
Named accommodation in or near Zagora, confirmed before booking.
Oasis visits must respect homes, farmland and irrigation channels. Ask before photographing residents.
Zagora → Tamgroute → M’hamid → 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. Lunch arrangements are confirmed for the chosen schedule.
Cross hammada, sand and open desert terrain toward Erg Chigaga. When included, the camel ride is timed near sunset after arrival in the dune area.
The roughly two-hour off-road transition from M’hamid’s oasis edge to the remote Erg Chigaga dunes.
Watch sunset, then return to the selected camp for dinner. Fire or music is described only when the named camp confirms it for your date.
Around 1 hour 30 on road, then about 2 hours off-road.
Dinner and breakfast are normally included at camp; lunch and drinks are confirmed in the written proposal.
A named Erg Chigaga camp with the tent category, bed setup, power and bathroom arrangement stated before payment.
Carry sun protection and a warm layer. The driver may change track because of wind, sand or seasonal conditions.
Erg Chigaga desert day
Wake at your own pace after sunrise and have breakfast at camp. The morning can remain quiet or include a guided walk on firmer sand when temperatures allow.
Explore a different part of the dune and hammada landscape by 4×4 or on foot. Optional activities are added only after availability, price and safety conditions are confirmed.
A full unhurried day in the Chigaga landscape instead of arriving at sunset and leaving immediately after breakfast.
Return to camp for the second desert evening, with time for stars away from strong camp lighting.
No driving today.
Breakfast and dinner at camp; lunch is included only when shown in the proposal.
Second night at the confirmed Erg Chigaga camp.
Heat, wind and sand determine the safest activity window. Summer programs require a different rhythm and may be shortened.
Erg Chigaga → Lake Iriki → 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. A slower itinerary keeps the Atlas return for the following day.
Completing the Chigaga crossing through Lake Iriki to the western desert gateway of Foum Zguid.
Check into the confirmed local stay and enjoy a road-accessible evening after several days in the desert.
About 3 to 4 hours off-road.
The written proposal confirms included meals. Drinks, roadside purchases and meals not named in the inclusion list remain separate.
Named guesthouse or hotel in Foum Zguid or the surrounding area.
Lake Iriki is a dry desert landscape, not a permanent lake. Track choice remains with the local driver.
Foum Zguid → Taznakht → High Atlas → 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.
A measured return day that separates the Iriki crossing from the mountain road instead of compressing both into one exhausting transfer.
Journey ends in Marrakech. An additional night can be included when onward travel would otherwise be too tight.
About 5 to 6 hours on the road.
The written proposal confirms included meals. Drinks, roadside purchases and meals not named in the inclusion list remain separate.
Not included after the agreed Marrakech drop-off unless an extension is booked.
Do not book a tightly timed flight or train for the same evening; mountain traffic and weather can affect arrival.
Clear from the start
Included & excluded
Typically included
Private transport, driver-guide, selected accommodation, stated meals and activities shown in your proposal.
Usually separate
Flights, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal purchases and entry tickets unless specifically stated.
Before you travel
What we confirm about the 4×4 crossing and camp.
Pace
Six days protects a full Chigaga day and an overnight after the Iriki crossing. Add a Marrakech night if your flight timing is tight.
Desert access
Chigaga and Lake Iriki require suitable 4×4 vehicles. Track choice and timing remain flexible with wind, sand and visibility.
Camp choice
The named camp, tent category, bathroom arrangement, power and included meals are confirmed before payment.
Best fit
Ideal for first-time Sahara visitors who want a real southern loop, not only one sunset and a morning departure.
Choose this route when the off-road crossing and time in the desert matter as much as reaching the dunes.
Route questions
What to confirm before booking
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.
Continue exploring
Extend the route or keep the focus on the south.
Other routes worth comparing
Short escape
M’hamid · Erg Lihoudi
A beautifully paced introduction to the Sahara with camel trekking, campfire music and dune silence.
3 days · From Marrakech · from €450
Adventure
High Atlas · Sahara
Cross dramatic passes and fertile valleys before the road dissolves into the great southern desert.
8 days · Private journey · from €1,430
Grand tour
Morocco · Grand Journey
Imperial cities, mountain villages, the Sahara and coast woven into one considered private route.
14 days · Tailor-made · from €2,600
Related experiences
Desert ritual
Move with the quiet rhythm of the caravan as evening light crosses the dunes.
Private · 1–3 hours
Under the stars
Three camps of our own: 6 tents with private bathrooms at Erg Chigaga, 16 at Sunbivouac, 14 at Erg Lihoudi.
Private tent
Meet & learn
Share tea, stories and daily traditions with families connected to this land.
Community-led
Read before choosing this route
When to travel
A month-by-month guide to climate, crowds and the experiences each season brings.
12 min read
Desert guide
An honest local comparison of Morocco’s two best-known Saharan dune regions.
13 min read
Practical advice
The useful essentials for warm days, cool nights and comfortable desert travel.
11 min read
Before you decide
More questions about Into the Great South?
Want more time at Erg Chigaga?
Tell us your dates and desert priorities.
We’ll check the crossing, camp options and return route before preparing your proposal.