Southern Morocco 4X4: Explore Erg Chegaga Desert From Marrakech In 5 Days

What to expect?

Day 1: Marrakech - Telouet - Ouarzazate

This memorable trip starts with the scenic drive from Marrakech over the Tizi- N-Tichka Pass, where you can spot some traditional Berber villages with its inhabitants working and chatting at the roadside.
After crossing the High-Atlas, you take a detour to the bizarre Telouet Kasbah which once belonged to the great Glaoui family and has a strategic position with a fantastic view. Nowadays, it is fast crumbling into the red earth, but still an extraordinary site to visit.
After lunch and shortly before the desert capital Ouarzazate, you have the opportunity to visit the famous Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, the fortified clay city with its numerous ksars and kasbahs, where several famous movies such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia have been shot. This photogenic city is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll continue the road to Ouarzazate, where you'll have your dinner and spend your 1st night in the Riad.

Day 2: Ouarzazate - Zagora - Mhamid - Erg Chegaga

Today we’ll continue our way to the desert through the green and peaceful Draa Valley which is famous for its huge date groves, henna fields and uncountable Kasbahs. We pass through Zagora and continue our trip towards the desert to Mhamid. Along the way, we stop at a Saadian town of the 16th century which is called «Tamegroute». There, we are able to visit an old coran library and a subterranean Kasbah and have our lunch.
Mhamid is the end of the Draa valley as well as the end of civilization. We'll continue direction Erg Chegaga, where we’ll arrive before sunset. Hop on a camel and walk at the desert pace along the dunes with its diverse colors or take a ride through the desert with your 4x4.
We’ll arrive at the desert camp where you’ll pass the night in a nomad tent or under the shining stars in the middle of impressive sand dunes. A traditional dinner is served and you can spend the night watching for shooting stars or dance around the campfire to the beat of the desert drums.

Day 3: Desert Erg Chegaga

After a rich and tasty nomad breakfast, we'll ride a camel for about an hour, then start with a 4x4 track to the big sand dunes of Erg Chegaga. Your kids are gonna like it! Lunch is served under the shade of palm- and tamarisk trees. In the afternoon, you can visit a small oasis or just spend some more time exploring the dunes.
You'll spend the third night in the same desert camp, where your hosts already await you with a rich desert dinner.

Day 4: Erg Chegaga - Oasis Fint - Ouarzazate

Today, we start our journey back direction Marrakech with a lot of highlights along the way. Discover the old Paris-Dakar road to Foum Zguid and cross the Iriqui lake, which is a temporary wetland during rain periods. In this national park, you’ll have the chance to spot some wild animals like lizards, snakes, gazelles and even hyenas with a little luck.
Enjoy your lunch either in Foum Zguid or a little further in Taznakht. This town is famous for its Berber carpet cooperations. You are welcome to attend a detailed demonstration of how the women of the area are producing the colorful masterpieces which can also bring some oriental flair to your home.
Afterwards, we'll continue to the photogenic Oasis Fint. This small oasis in the middle of volcanic mountains gives some nice photo opportunities.
We'll continue the road to Ouarzazate, where you'll have your dinner and spend your 4th night in the Riad.

Day 5: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

After breakfast in your Riad, choose your programme of the day in the city of Ouarzazate: the Kasbah of Taourirt awaits the photographers, the film studios and the film museum are interesting for adults as well as for your kids (entrance fee not included).
Lunch will take place in the small Berber village Tadarte, which is located in the middle of the way between Ouarzazate and Marrakech.
Continue to Marrakech crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and arrive in your Hotel/Riad in Marrakech in the evening.

Included:

Voucher: You will receive a secure voucher to either print out or present on your mobile phone.
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