Erg Chigaga Deep Desert — 3 Day Expedition
A 4x4 and walking expedition to Morocco’s wildest dune sea — across the Draa Valley to M’hamid, then deep into the towering, remote dunes of Erg Chigaga for two nights in a desert camp far from the crowds.
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights · Difficulty: Easy – Moderate · Max altitude: 1,500 m · Distance: 18 km · Group size: 1–10 · From: €495 per person
Highlights
- The vast, remote dunes of Erg Chigaga
- Overland journey through the Draa Valley
- 4x4 crossing beyond the last village
- Dune walks at sunrise and sunset
- Two nights in a deep-desert camp
Itinerary
Day 1 — Marrakech to the Draa Valley
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.
Marrakech → Zagora / Draa · Drive + walk · 4 km · gain +100 m · Meals: Dinner · Sleep: Kasbah / guesthouse
Day 2 — Into Erg Chigaga
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.
Draa Valley → Erg Chigaga camp · 2–3 hrs walking · 8 km · gain 0 · Meals: All · Sleep: Desert camp
Day 3 — Sunrise & return
A dawn dune walk, breakfast at camp, then the 4x4 exit and the long drive back to Marrakech via the Draa Valley.
Erg Chigaga → Marrakech · 2 hrs walking · 6 km · gain 0 · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch · Sleep: End of tour
What’s included
- Private 4x4 & driver
- Desert camp & kasbah
- Meals as listed
- Local desert guide
- Bottled water
Why choose this trek
Chigaga is the Sahara without the tour buses — bigger, higher and quieter than Merzouga, reached only by those willing to go beyond the road. For travellers seeking real remoteness, this is the one.
Fitness & preparation
Easy to moderate; short dune walks in soft sand with long drives between.
Photos
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- Photographing the Atlas & Sahara: A Field Guide
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- Atlas Mountains Hiking & Trekking Guide: Complete Guide to Morocco's Premier Mountain Range