From Marrakech to Morocco’s Dunes: A 10-Day Journey Across the Desert Ergs
- Duration: 10 days
- From: Marrakech
- Arrival: Fez
The golden dunes of Morocco are the highlight of this 10-day journey through the southern part of the country. Departing from Marrakech, we’ll explore the most stunning areas of the desert, passing through its three iconic Ergs vast expanses of fine, golden sand. This adventure is perfect for travelers seeking to uncover some of the planet’s most extraordinary and untouched landscapes, where human presence is minimal. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you for a lifetime!
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
Your first day on this tour is all about getting acquainted with Marrakech and Morocco. Upon arrival at the airport, our Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting to transfer you to your riad in the medina, where you’ll spend the night. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to enjoy an initial glimpse of Marrakech though the city will be fully explored at the end of your journey, after returning from the Moroccan dunes.
Summary of the day
- Arrival at the airport and pick-up by our staff
- Transfer to the riad in the medina of Marrakech
- Possibility of free time in the city, depending on arrival time
- Night in a riad
Day 2
After enjoying breakfast at the riad in Marrakech, we’ll set off on our journey toward the Moroccan dunes though we won’t reach them until the following day. The road, however, is rich with fascinating sights. First, we’ll traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, perched at over 2,200 meters above sea level. As we ascend, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and Berber villages nestled on the slopes will unfold before us.
Our first major stop will be the Telouet Kasbah, once the lavish stronghold and residence of the Pasha of Marrakech, Thami El Glaoui. Though the exterior bears the marks of time, its interiors still hold intricately decorated rooms and courtyards full of charm.
Later, we’ll arrive at the iconic ksar of Ait Ben Haddou a magnificent fortified village made of adobe that once served as an important stop on desert caravan routes. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it continues to enchant visitors and filmmakers alike, including those behind Game of Thrones.
Continuing past Ouarzazate and its famed film studios, we’ll cross the lesser-known but striking Tizi n’Tinifift Pass, where dramatic black and gray mountains create a stark, unforgettable landscape. We’ll then enter the lush Draa Valley, home to North Africa’s largest palm grove, stretching over 150 km. As we drive through, we’ll pass kasbahs, small farms, and resilient villages thriving along this green ribbon in the desert.
Our second night will be spent in a charming kasbah nestled in one of these towns in the Draa Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and rest already dreaming of the stunning desert dunes waiting for you tomorrow.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- Alto Altas and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit to the Telouet kasbah
- Visit of the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
- Route through the Draa Valley
- Dinner and overnight in a kasbah in the Draa Valley
Day 3
After enjoying breakfast at the riad in the Draa Valley, we’ll resume our journey with a clear goal: reaching Morocco’s majestic dunes. The paved road ends at the town of Foum Zguid, where our 4×4 vehicle will take over, continuing on unpaved tracks to dive deep into the heart of the authentic Sahara Desert.
From this point on, the landscape becomes reminiscent of the famous Paris-Dakar Rally—unsurprisingly so, as we’ll be crossing the vast, dry Iriki Lake. This expansive flatland once served as a stage for the legendary race and allows for exhilarating speeds across its terrain. Today, the area is a designated National Park, standing between us and our awaited destination: Erg Chegaga.
Erg Chegaga is one of Morocco’s three most spectacular sand dune regions, and it’s here that our desert camp is located. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with traditional Berber mint tea. As the day ends, the surrounding dunes will offer up an unforgettable sunset. After a traditional dinner and time shared around the campfire, you’ll gaze at a sky ablaze with stars before retiring to your tent for a restful night in this serene desert oasis.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in a riad in the Draa Valley
- Road route to Foum Zguid
- Track route through Lake Iriki National Park
- Arrival at the Erg Chegaga dunes, where the tent camp is located.
- Sunset, dinner and overnight stay in tents in the middle of the desert
Day 4
Not every part of Morocco’s Sahara Desert is covered in towering sand dunes far from it and today’s journey will reveal this diversity. But first, the day begins with a magical moment unique to this setting: watching the sunrise over the golden sea of sand. After soaking in the serene beauty of the morning light, we’ll enjoy breakfast at the desert camp and set off once again in our 4×4.
As we continue, the scenery will echo the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally routes. This time, we’ll traverse the rocky, arid expanses of the Zagora Desert, where our vehicle handles the rough terrain with ease. In the town of Zagora itself lending its name to this stretch of desert we’ll find our next stop: a beautiful hotel oasis fully blended into its surroundings.
With amenities like a swimming pool, spa, and inviting communal areas, the hotel is an ideal place to relax and recharge. Arriving early will allow time for a soothing swim or to simply unwind and reflect on the desert adventures so far. The day will conclude with a delicious dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise and breakfast at the tent camp in Erg Chegaga
- Route along desert tracks to Zagora
- Free time, dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Zagora
Day 5
On the fifth day of the tour, we set our course once again toward Morocco’s mesmerizing dunes. But before reaching them, the journey itself offers plenty of remarkable sights. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel in Zagora, we’ll climb back into our 4×4 to explore dramatic desert terrain—hamadas (rocky plateaus), wadis (dry riverbeds), remote Berber villages, and vast, barren expanses like the immense Lac Maider.
Our destination is Erg Ouzina, one of the country’s major dune fields. Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed with traditional Berber tea. Then, we’ll head out on foot for a tranquil walk through the heart of the golden sands, reaching the Great Dune in time to witness a breathtaking sunset from its summit.
As evening falls, we’ll take part in a festive Berber celebration filled with local music, cultural rhythms, and authentic flavors. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided in a beautifully rustic kasbah nestled in the middle of the desert, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a hotel in Zagora
- 4×4 route through the desert tracks
- Arrival in Ouzina and sunset over its dunes
- Berber festival
- Dinner and overnight in a kasbah in the desert
Day 6
On the sixth day of our tour, we’ll rise early once again to witness another magical sunrise over the dunes. After soaking in the first light of day, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and refreshing shower at the kasbah hotel in Ouzina.
Once we’re ready, we’ll visit the small village of Ouzina itself. With only a few resident families, this remote community offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with locals and learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and values.
Later, we’ll continue to Khemlia, also known as the “black village” due to the sub-Saharan heritage of its people. There, we’ll be welcomed with their powerful Gnawa music—a vibrant tradition of rhythm and song recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
We’ll then return to our 4×4 for the final off-road journey before reaching Merzouga, gateway to the renowned Erg Chebbi dunes. At this point, we’ll switch to camelback—just like desert nomads—to traverse the golden sands toward our last tent camp, nestled deep within the dunes.
Here, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night surrounded by silence, stars, and the timeless beauty of the Sahara.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise and breakfast at the Ouzina Kasbah Hotel
- Coexistence with the inhabitants of Ouzina
- 4×4 route through the desert tracks
- Living with residents of the ‘black village’ of Khemlia
- Arrival in Merzouga
- Camel trekking to Erg Chebbi
- Dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp in the middle of the desert
Day 7
On the seventh day of our tour, we’ll part ways with the majestic Moroccan dunes—but not without a memorable send-off. We’ll greet the day with a beautiful sunrise over the sand, enjoy breakfast at the camp, and return by camel to Merzouga. Depending on your package, you’ll also have time for a refreshing shower either at the camp or a nearby hotel.
Our journey continues through notable desert towns such as Rissani and Erfoud. We’ll also pass through Tinghir (or Tinerhir), a town whose name in Tamazight means “mountain city”—a fitting description of its setting between hills and nestled within a lush palm grove dotted with reddish-hued homes.
Soon after, we’ll arrive at the dramatic Todra Gorge, one of southern Morocco’s natural wonders. Carved over millennia by the Todra River, the canyon features towering rock walls that reach up to 200 meters in height in some places. Whether walking through it or driving alongside it, this stop offers breathtaking views.
The drive will then lead us through the Dades Valley and the Valley of the Roses—two scenic stretches filled with greenery, rose fields, and a string of crumbling kasbahs along what’s famously called the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. The day ends in Ouarzazate, where you’ll dine and rest comfortably at a local hotel.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise and breakfast at the tent camp in Erg Chebbi
- Excursion to Merzouga on a camel through these famous Moroccan dunes
- Road route by:
- Rissani
- Erfoud
- Tinghir
- Todra Gorges
- Dades Valley
- Valley of the Roses
- Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 8
After eight days of thrilling exploration through Morocco’s stunning desert dunes, the final leg of the journey begins. Following breakfast at the hotel in Ouarzazate, we’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains once more on our return to Marrakech. Once in the city, you’ll check into a charming riad in the medina, where you’ll spend the night.
The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy at your leisure perfect for picking up souvenirs or discovering some of Marrakech’s attractions not included in the next day’s guided tour.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a hotel in Ouarzazate
- Road route through the High Atlas
- Arrival in Marrakech and free time
- Night in a riad in the medina
Day 9
After a restful night in your riad and a satisfying breakfast, the day begins with an exploration of the star destination of this tour: Marrakech. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic medina and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square, the city boasts a rich legacy from its time as the capital of the Almoravid and Saadian dynasties.
An official guide will lead you through the city’s highlights, sharing insights into its fascinating history and present-day culture. The morning tour includes major landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Medersa, and the Bahia Palace, along with a stroll through the traditional artisan souks.
The afternoon will be yours to enjoy at your own pace whether that means more shopping, relaxing, or visiting cultural spots like the Majorelle Gardens or the Marrakech Museum. In the evening, return to your riad in the medina for a peaceful night’s stay.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in a riad in the medina
- Visit with an official guide
- Free afternoon
- Night in a riad in the medina
Day 10
The tenth and final day starts with breakfast at your riad in the medina, followed by plans based on your flight schedule. If time allows, you may enjoy a last walk through Marrakech or simply relax before your departure. At the appointed time, your private driver will take you to the airport. With that, our services come to an end. We thank you sincerely for choosing us and look forward to welcoming you again to discover more of Morocco’s wonders.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in a riad in the medina
- Free morning if flight schedule permits
- Transfer to the airport
- Photos
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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