Ouarzazate To Erg Chegaga Dunes & Camel treks in 2 Days

Ouarzazate To Erg Chegaga Dunes & Camel Treks in 2 Days offers an exciting chance to explore Morocco’s Sahara in a comfortable, well-organized package. This tour, rated 5.0 based on two reviews, is designed for those wanting an authentic desert adventure without sacrificing convenience or quality. It combines breathtaking scenery, cultural stops, and the thrill of camel riding in a compact two-day itinerary.

What I love about this tour is how it balances adventure with culture. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive past palm groves and ancient kasbahs, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, and camp under the stars— all while traveling in a comfortable vehicle with small group attention. A key highlight is the camel trek through the towering dunes of Erg Chegaga, which promises fantastic photo opportunities and a real taste of desert life. However, a possible consideration is that the tour involves some long driving hours, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full, active schedule. This tour appeals most to those craving an authentic Sahara experience combined with hassle-free logistics.

Key Points

• Authentic Sahara Experience: Camel rides and overnight in a traditional Berber camp.
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Hadou and Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film-making hub.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned SUV with door-to-door pickup from Marrakech.
• Stunning Views: Dunes of Erg Chigaga, salt lakes, and desert oases offer unparalleled scenery.
• Small Group: Ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Value for Money: Includes meals, accommodation, and guided tours, making it a comprehensive desert adventure.

A Detailed Look at the 2-Day Sahara Tour from Ouarzazate

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: From Ouarzazate to Erg Chigaga

The journey begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Ouarzazate. From there, your vehicle—an air-conditioned SUV—takes you on a scenic drive through Morocco’s diverse landscapes. The first stop is at Foum Zguid, where you’ll have a chance to grab lunch and stretch your legs. This small town acts as a gateway to the desert and is where the transition from lush river valleys to arid sand dunes begins.

Next, you’ll visit the Diriqui National Park and the nearby salt lake Iriqui—both offering stark, beautiful landscapes that set the scene for the dunes ahead. The salt lake, in particular, draws the eye with its shimmering white surface, contrasting with the surrounding earth tones, making it a favorite photo spot.

Arriving in Erg Chigaga, you’ll have plenty of time to walk the dunes, watch the sunset, and soak in the vastness of the Sahara. Staying overnight in traditional Berber tents, you’ll experience the simplicity and charm of desert accommodation. Many reviews mention how this part of the trip is especially magical, with one traveler noting, “We walked in the dunes to enjoy the sunset, which was truly breathtaking.”

Day 2: From Erg Chigaga to Ouarzazate via M’Hamid, Tamegroute, and Zagora

After breakfast, the adventure continues with a drive through the dunes and oases of the Hamada desert to M’Hamid, the last stop before the vast desert begins to give way to more populated areas. Travelers have praised the drive here as a chance to see the desert’s changing landscape—dunes giving way to oases, creating a sense of transition from wilderness to civilization.

From M’Hamid, the tour visits Tamegroute, famous for its Koranic library and underground kasbah, offering a glimpse into local religious and architectural traditions. A reviewer noted, “The underground Kasbah was fascinating, and the library’s ancient manuscripts added a special touch to the experience.”

Arriving in Zagora around noon, you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch before heading back along the Draa Valley, with its lush palm groves and scenic river landscape, back to Ouarzazate. This drive gives you a chance to reflect on the desert’s stark beauty and the vibrant contrast of Moroccan landscapes.

What’s Included & What to Expect

This tour covers all essentials—meals, accommodation, and transportation. Expect breakfasts and dinners included in the package, along with the camel trek during sunset or sunrise, which many reviewers describe as the highlight of the trip. The Berber camp overnight offers a traditional and immersive stay, with the chance to chat with locals and enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine.

Transport & Group Size

Traveling in a small group guarantees a more personalized experience, and the SUV makes for a comfortable ride across varied terrains. Pickup from your Marrakech hotel is included, simplifying logistics and allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than planning transfers.

Authenticity & Cultural Touches

The stops at Kasbahs and the salt lake provide cultural and natural highlights, giving a well-rounded desert adventure. Many reviews mention the engaging guides—one reviewer praised the attentive care of their driver and guide, Youssf, who spoke multiple languages, making the experience more accessible and informative.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Price: At approximately $391 per person, this tour offers good value considering all included meals, accommodation, transportation, and activities. It’s a hassle-free way to see the Sahara without extra costs piling up.
• Timing: Starting at 7:00 am allows you to maximize daylight hours and experience the sunset in the dunes. Be prepared for a full, active day — long hours in the vehicle and lots of sightseeing.
• Packing: Bring layers for the temperature variations—desert mornings and evenings can be chilly, while daytime can be hot. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and your camera.
• Children: The tour is suitable for most travelers, but children must be accompanied by an adult, and the long drives may be tiring for very young kids.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who want a balance of cultural exploration and adventure, with plenty of time to take in the scenery. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small-group experiences and want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport and accommodations independently. If you’re after a genuine desert experience, beautiful views, and some comfort, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Morocco’s Sahara. The combination of scenic drives, cultural stops, camel treks, and nights under the stars makes for a memorable adventure. The small group size and inclusive nature of the tour enhance its appeal, offering both comfort and intimacy for travelers looking to connect with the desert environment.

While it involves long driving hours, the scenic diversity, from salt lakes to kasbahs, keeps the journey engaging. It’s ideal for those seeking an authentic, guided desert experience without sacrificing convenience or comfort. For anyone dreaming of the dunes’ vastness, this trip delivers a genuine taste of Moroccan Sahara magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup from your hotel, all transportation in an air-conditioned SUV, meals (breakfasts, dinners), a camel trek during sunrise or sunset, and one night in a traditional desert camp.

How long is the drive each day?
The first day involves a journey from Ouarzazate to Erg Chigaga, which includes stops at several scenic spots. The second day covers a drive from Erg Chigaga through M’Hamid, Tamegroute, Zagora, and back to Ouarzazate, with long driving hours but plenty of sightseeing stops.

Is accommodation included?
Yes, you stay overnight in a standard Berber desert camp, which provides a traditional and charming desert lodging experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Pack layers for temperature changes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and your camera. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking in the dunes and around the camp.

What is the group size?
The tour is operated as a small group, ensuring a more personal experience and better interaction with the guide.

Is this suitable for children?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind the long drives and active schedule, which may be tiring for younger kids.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While not specified, the tour’s start at 7:00 am suggests mornings are best for cooler temperatures and to maximize daylight for sightseeing and dunes.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs around $391.13 per person, which includes most meals, transport, and activities. Considering the included experiences, this represents good value for a Sahara adventure.

This two-day journey from Ouarzazate to the Sahara’s Erg Chegaga dunes is not just a trip—it’s a chance to witness a landscape that’s both timeless and awe-inspiring. With thoughtful logistics, authentic cultural stops, and memorable dune adventures, it’s a tour that’s well worth considering for your Moroccan itinerary.