Day 1: Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Marrakech - Begin the journey from your hotel or riad in Marrakech with an early departure for the Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert trip, spanning 8 hours. Traverse the High Atlas Mountains and, after the Tichka pass, divert onto a secondary road leading to the Kasbah of Telouet. This historic site, once owned by the Glaoui family, is now in ruins, exposed to the elements after being abandoned and looted. However, the traditional interior decor at the far end of the Kasbah is sure to delight. Continue driving through the stunning Ounila Valley, with its winding roads, vibrant rock and soil colors, Berber villages, gardens, and smaller Kasbahs.

Ait Ben Haddou - Arrive at Aït Ben Haddou for a delightful lunch. This is Morocco’s most renowned Kasbah and one of its seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. The architectural style is well-preserved, with earthen constructions perfectly suited to the climate and harmoniously integrated with the natural and social environment. Dating back to the 17th century, it has also served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films.

Ouarzazate - After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, proceed to your hotel in Ouarzazate for your first overnight stay.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Agdz – M’Hamid – Erg Chigaga

Ouarzazate - Following breakfast, visit Kasbah Tamnougalte, the oldest Kasbah in the Draa Valley. While part of it remains inhabited, the Jewish quarter has collapsed since its residents left for Israel, with the last woman departing in 1963. Briefly take the old caravan route, which historically transported goods between sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco, passing through villages and gardens. This route offers insight into the Berber lifestyle in the refreshing oases. Near Tansikht Police Station, the driver can show you dinosaur footprints by the roadside. Arrive in Tinsouline, from where you can venture about a kilometer off-road to see ancient rock carvings of extinct animals at Foum Chenna, dating back around 4000 years.

Zagora - Stop for lunch in Zagora, the largest city in the region. Later, visit Tamgroute, known for its famous green-glazed pottery, which you may have seen in Marrakech. You can also explore the ancient Koranic library with its exquisite handwritten Arabic texts.

M’Hamid - Continue south to M’hamid, the gateway to the desert and the end of the paved road. In the dunes of Erg Lihoudi, pause for lunch, or alternatively, dine at Ksar Bounou.

Erg Chigaga - Proceed to the Erg Chegaga dunes (300 m) with 60 km of off-road driving. This route showcases various desert features: ‘Erg’ (dunes), ‘hammada’ (stony desert), and an oasis. These remote dunes offer a serene and expansive sandy landscape. Enjoy a camel ride lasting about an hour and a half, dine, and spend the night in a camp with a private bathroom, king-size beds, elegant Moroccan furnishings, and lamps, all thoughtfully arranged to enhance the tranquility and beauty of the dunes.

Day 3: Erg Chigaga – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Marrakech

Foum Zguid - After breakfast, the journey from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga continues west through 90 km of desert with diverse landscapes, including Lake Iriqui, where a large mirage may appear in the heat, mountains, and fossils. Lunch is in Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert. “Foum” means “mouth,” referring to the “mouth/source” of the Zguid river.

Tazenakht - From there, travel north along cobbled roads and past remarkable rock formations to the small town of Taznakht, renowned for its Berber rugs and carpets.

Marrakech - Cross the High Atlas once more to arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon.

• Private transportation
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Breakfast

• Lunches
• tips

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.