Desert Erg Chigaga Safari Marrakech

Travelers seeking an immersive escape into Morocco’s legendary desert landscapes will find this 3-day Erg Chigaga safari a compelling option. While we haven’t personally trekked through this route, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and the appeal of sleeping under the stars make it clear this journey offers a mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the variety of landscapes—from lush valleys and ancient kasbahs to immense sand dunes. Second, the authentic camping experience in the desert with dinners around a fire. And third, the opportunity to explore lesser-trodden dunes like Erg Chigaga, which are often considered the more remote and pristine parts of Morocco’s Sahara.

However, a possible consideration is the long travel time—up to 12 hours in the vehicle on some days. This might be tiring for travelers expecting more leisurely activities. The tour seems best suited for those craving a true desert adventure combined with cultural highlights, not for those looking for a quick escape.

Key Points

• Authentic desert experience with nights in bivouacs under starry skies.
• Cultural stops at Ait Ben Haddou and Kasbah Tamdakhte add historical flavor.
• Scenic drives through the Draa Valley, Tizi-N-Tichka pass, and Iriki Lake.
• Delicious local food included in the package, with mention of excellent cuisine.
• Small group/private tour for a more personalized experience.
• Flexible options like extra nights with camel rides or wild camping.

An In-Depth Look at the Erg Chigaga Safari Marrakech Experience

Starting Point: Marrakech to M’hamid via the Draa Valley

This journey begins early, with a pickup in Marrakech and the promise of an adventure that combines history, scenery, and desert landscapes. The drive to M’hamid takes you through some of Morocco’s most iconic sights, starting with the Tizi-N-Tichka pass. This mountain route offers stunning vistas that set the tone for the trip.

Travelers will appreciate the stop at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mud-brick architecture and cinematic fame—many movies and series have filmed here. The tour also includes a visit to the Kasbah of Tamdakhte and a quick stop at the underground kasbah in Tamgroute to explore its Koranic library. These stops are more than just sightseeing—they’re opportunities to connect with Morocco’s deep cultural roots.

Lunch is served in Ouarzazate, a city famed for its film studios. The tasty meal here is a welcome break before continuing south toward Zagora and then M’hamid. The drive through the Draa Valley, with its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs, offers a striking contrast to the desert ahead and provides some authentic Moroccan scenery.

Night in a Desert Camp: M’hamid

Arriving at the luxury camp near M’hamid, travelers get their first taste of the desert environment with a dinner around a campfire under a blanket of stars. The reviews mention the delicious local cuisine, with some even opting for an extra night to enjoy a camel ride or wild camping. The ambiance here is quiet, intimate, and perfect for disconnecting from modern life.

Day 2: Exploring Erg Chigaga Dunes

The second day is dedicated to the heart of the Sahara—the Erg Chigaga dunes. After breakfast, you’ll jump into a 4×4 to visit the largest and most extensive sand dunes in the area. This section offers an unparalleled display of the desert’s scale and beauty.

Lunch is enjoyed in the shade of palm trees or tamarisks, which provides relief from the sun and a chance to appreciate the desert’s surprising greenery. The afternoon involves heading towards the Wilde Oasis and the Chigaga bivouac, where you can take a camel ride for sunset—a highlight that many reviews praise for its magical atmosphere.

Staying overnight in a tent or under the stars is an experience many travelers find unforgettable. The quiet of the desert, the warmth of the campfire, and the vastness of the dunes create a genuine Sahara adventure.

Day 3: From Erg Chigaga to Marrakech

The last day involves a morning exploring the dunes before heading back towards Marrakech. The route takes you past the Iriki Lake, a large water body that adds a different flavor to the landscape. Travelers will pass through the town of Foum Zguid before returning to civilization.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, another iconic Moroccan site with stunning architecture and history. Finally, the journey ends in Marrakech, giving you a chance to process the incredible views and memories of the desert.

Transport, Comfort, and Value

The tour uses a private 4×4 vehicle for the entire trip, ensuring a smoother ride and flexibility in stops. The group size is typically private, offering a more intimate experience, per the tour description. The price of $720.96 per person is quite reasonable considering the duration, included meals, and overnight stays in a desert bivouac.

The food is covered across all days, with special mention of delicious meals that make the long days more enjoyable. The camel rides and nights in bivouacs are included, which add authentic flavor to the trip—many reviews highlight the quality of the team, including guides, camel herders, and cooks, making the experience seamless and memorable.

What’s Not Included

Travelers should be aware that airport taxes are not included, and any additional expenses like extra nights or optional activities would be extra. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy—free up to 24 hours before—offers peace of mind for those uncertain about plans.

Authenticity and Review Insights

The sole review available describes the trip as “Super séjour” with comments on an “incredible and unforgettable” experience. The reviewer praises the guide and the team of camel handlers, noting their professionalism and friendliness. They also mention the magical landscapes as a key highlight, which aligns with what most travelers seek in a Sahara safari.

The fact that the accommodation includes nights in bivouacs indicates a genuine desert experience, not just a day trip. The cuisine also receives praise, suggesting that you’ll enjoy authentic Moroccan dishes amid the dunes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurers craving a genuine desert experience with nights under the stars. It suits those interested in cultural stops along the way, such as Kasbahs and ancient libraries, as well as travelers who appreciate scenic drives through varied landscapes. The small group/private setup ensures intimacy and personalized attention, perfect for those looking for a more tailored trip.

Travelers comfortable with long drive times will find the journey rewarding rather than exhausting; for others, it might be a bit tiring. The inclusion of delicious food and authentic camp nights makes the price worthwhile for a truly immersive Moroccan experience.

The Sum Up

This Desert Erg Chigaga Safari Marrakech offers a well-balanced blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. The carefully curated stops, authentic camp nights, and the chance to explore Morocco’s most remote dunes make it a standout choice for genuine desert lovers.

If you’re after an authentic Sahara experience with cultural insight and scenic drives, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially suited for those who want to disconnect, enjoy incredible landscapes, and indulge in delicious Moroccan cuisine amidst the dunes.

While the long travel hours might be a consideration, the overall experience of sleeping under the stars in the Sahara, combined with cultural stops, makes this a memorable journey worth every minute.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers all meals from Marrakech to Marrakech, camel rides with desert companions, two nights in bivouacs, one night in a hotel (Dades Gorges or Ouarzazate), and all specified activities like visits and excursions.

Are the stops at Kasbahs and cultural sites guided?
Yes, you will visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Kasbah Tamdakhte, and the underground kasbah in Tamgroute, with guided insights often provided by the team.

What is the accommodation like in the desert?
You will stay in bivouacs—traditional desert tents—either in tents or under the stars, with meals served in the camp. One night is spent at a hotel, providing a bit of comfort amidst the adventure.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues or discomfort with long vehicle rides may want to consider the duration and physical demands.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is quite fixed, but there is an option for an extra night with camel rides or wild camping, depending on your preferences and the group’s interests.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothing for hot days and cool nights, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure. Nights in the desert can get surprisingly chilly, so packing layers is smart.

This Moroccan desert tour combines the thrill of dune exploring with cultural richness and authentic camping, making it a truly memorable way to experience the Sahara.