The Complete Guide to Erg Chigaga Deep Desert — 3 Day Expedition
Everything you need to plan erg chigaga deep desert — 3 day expedition — day-by-day itinerary, difficulty, fitness, altitude, weather, accommodation, food, safety, culture and logistics, from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga.
Why this trek stands out
Erg Chigaga is the Sahara most travellers never see — a vast, remote dune sea beyond the last village of M’hamid, reached only by 4x4. Bigger, higher and far quieter than Merzouga, it offers the deep desert in near-total solitude.
We go beyond the day-trip dunes to a camp set deep in the erg for genuine silence and dark skies, with local desert guides who know the sands and the nomad families who cross them.
Who this trek is for
Travellers seeking real remoteness and adventure over convenience, happy with long overland drives in exchange for the wildest dunes in Morocco. Only easy dune walking is required.
Rated Easy – Moderate, it suits first-time visitors, families and relaxed walkers.
Quick information
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Region | Sahara — Draa Valley & Erg Chigaga |
| Start / end | Marrakech hotel pickup → Marrakech drop-off |
| Duration | 3 Days / 2 Nights |
| Walking | 6–8 hrs walking over 3 days |
| Terrain | Oasis paths, hamada and soft desert dunes |
| Max altitude | 1,500 m |
| Distance | 18 km |
| Fitness level | Easy to moderate; short dune walks in soft sand with long drives between. |
| Best season | Oct – Apr |
| Group size | Shared max 10 or private |
Day-by-day itinerary
Across 3 days / 2 nights you cover around 18 km, reaching 1,500 m, walking with a Berber mountain guide through the landscapes and villages of Erg Chigaga.
- Day 1: Marrakech to the Draa Valley — Drive + walk · 4 km · max 1,500 m. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass and descend past Ouarzazate into the palm-lined Draa Valley, with a short oasis walk before overnight in a kasbah.
- Day 2: Into Erg Chigaga — 2–3 hrs walking · 8 km · max 600 m. Continue to M’hamid where the tarmac ends, then a 4x4 crossing to the great dunes; walk into the erg for sunset before dinner and stars at camp.
- Day 3: Sunrise & return — 2 hrs walking · 6 km · max 600 m. A dawn dune walk, breakfast at camp, then the 4x4 exit and the long drive back to Marrakech via the Draa Valley.
Accommodation
Two nights in a desert camp deep in Erg Chigaga — comfortable tents with proper beds and bedding, shared or private washing facilities, rugs and lanterns, and a mess tent for dinner. A kasbah or guesthouse night in the Draa Valley may bookend the journey. Nights are cold, so warm layers and the provided blankets matter.
Food on the trek
Traditional desert cooking — tagines, couscous, Berber pizza (medfouna) baked in the sand, salads, dates, almonds and mint tea, with a hot breakfast at camp. Meals are eaten communally in the mess tent or under the stars. Vegetarian and other dietary needs catered for; bottled water provided.
Safety and guiding
Experienced desert drivers and local guides lead throughout, carrying water, first aid and communications for the remote crossing. The main considerations are heat, sun and hydration by day and cold at night. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
Local culture and responsible travel
The journey passes Draa Valley kasbahs and oasis villages before reaching M’hamid, the historic gateway of the trans-Saharan caravans. In the erg you meet nomadic Berber and Saharaoui hosts, sharing desert blues music and fireside tea beneath the stars.
What is included
Not included: Some lunches, Travel insurance, Tips, Drinks.
- Private 4x4 & driver
- Desert camp & kasbah
- Meals as listed
- Local desert guide
- Bottled water
Frequently asked questions
How is Chigaga different from a Merzouga desert trip?
Chigaga is larger, higher and far more remote, reached by 4x4 across open desert rather than a short camel ride from a village. It rewards travellers who want real solitude over convenience.
Is there much walking?
Only short, easy dune walks at sunrise and sunset — the bulk of the journey is overland by 4x4. It suits those who want the deep desert without a demanding trek.
How long are the drives?
They are long — a full day each way from Marrakech, plus the off-road crossing to the erg. The spectacular scenery and the reward of the remote dunes make the journey worthwhile.
Book this trek
Ready to walk erg chigaga deep desert — 3 day expedition with licensed Berber guides and every logistic handled? Reserve your dates online or ask us for a tailored private departure.
Related tours
- Erg Chigaga Deep Desert — 3 Day Expedition
- Merzouga Sahara Luxury — 3 Days
- Agafay Desert Luxury Camp & Sunset