Erg Chigaga & Merzouga Sahara Desert Tour – 6 Days

The journey from Marrakech to Chigaga, culminating in the splendid city of Fes, is a breathtaking odyssey through the heart of Morocco. As you leave Marrakech behind, the landscape slowly transforms, and you’ll find yourself ascending into the High Atlas Mountains, passing through charming Berber villages and terraced valleys. The serpentine roads offer sweeping views of the rugged terrain, revealing the stark beauty of this region. Your journey will take you through the stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass, where the mountain peaks seem to touch the sky. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque oases, each a tranquil respite from the arid surroundings.

As you continue southward towards Chigaga, the scenery evolves into a mesmerizing panorama of golden dunes, announcing your arrival in the Sahara Desert. The vast dunes of Erg Chigaga stretch as far as the eye can see, their shifting contours creating a surreal landscape. Here, you will embark on a camel trek into the heart of the desert, where you’ll witness the sunset over the dunes and sleep under a canopy of stars in our luxury Berber Camp. After your desert escapade, your journey leads you northward, taking you through Rissani and the charming town of Erfoud. The enchanting road to Fes introduces you to yet another facet of Morocco’s rich tapestry as you pass through the captivating Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains. Finally, you’ll arrive in Fes, one of the country’s imperial cities, where the ancient medina with its intricate architecture and vibrant culture invites you to immerse yourself in history and tradition. The journey from Marrakech to Chigaga to Fes is a mesmerizing passage through Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultures, offering an unforgettable and deeply enriching travel experience.

Day 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate

The journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is a mesmerizing expedition that takes you through the heart of Morocco’s rugged landscapes. Starting in the vibrant streets of Marrakech, you’ll soon leave the city behind and ascend into the High Atlas Mountains. As you wind through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of jagged peaks and traditional Berber villages perched on the hillsides. Descending into the arid foothills, the terrain transforms into a captivating blend of rocky canyons and lush palm oases, signaling your arrival in Ouarzazate, known as the “Door of the Desert” and famous for its film studios and captivating desert scenery.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Chigaga

Your day from Ouarzazate to Chigaga desert is an amazing journey where you visit the famous gas station where the movie “The Hills Have Eyes” was turned. Then you will visit Taznakht, the land of Berber carpets. You will then go off-road towards Erg Chigaga dunes via Iriqui National Park.

Day 3: Erg Chigaga Desert

This day is the highlight of your desert tour to Erg Chigaga. You will wake up early to watch the sunrise from the top of the dunes, have breakfast in the middle of the dunes, go camel trekking, try sandboarding, and learn how to make sand-baked bread. You can also go for a picnic lunch deeper in the big dunes of Erg Chigaga. You will have the opportunity to visit our nomad family and have a cup of tea with them to really connect with locals. By the end of the day, you will have a delicious dinner made with local ingredients in the dunes near the camp. Under the starry sky, you will sing and dance with the rhythms of nomadic Berber music around the fire.

Day 4: Chigaga – Merzouga

The journey from Erg Chigaga to Merzouga is a remarkable desert odyssey, leading you through the heart of the Sahara. Leaving the towering sand dunes of Erg Chigaga behind, you’ll traverse the captivating desert landscape with rolling dunes that seem to stretch to infinity. As you travel eastward, you will pass by a lot of Berber villages like Tazzarine and Alnif, where you will see a very simple but authentic aspect of Morocco. You will arrive, by the end of the day, at Merzouga, where you will spend the night.

Day 5: Merzouga – Midelt

The journey from Merzouga to Midelt is a transition from the Sahara Desert to the more mountainous landscapes of Morocco. As you leave Merzouga behind, the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi gradually recede in the rearview mirror, making way for the rocky and arid terrain of the pre-Sahara region. Heading northward, you’ll soon find yourself amidst the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the landscape becomes punctuated with lush valleys and distinctive red-earthed terrain, signifying your arrival in the town of Midelt.

Day 6: Midelt – Fes

This day from Midelt to Fes is a captivating drive that takes you from the rugged terrain of the Middle Atlas Mountains to the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco’s ancient imperial city. Leaving Midelt, you’ll descend from the mountains into fertile valleys and encounter picturesque Berber villages along the way. As you continue your journey, the landscape gradually transforms, offering glimpses of the fertile plains that surround Fes, one of Morocco’s most culturally significant cities.