DESRT TOURS
3 Days Sahara Adventure: Ouarzazate to Erg Chigaga
About this tour
Escape the ordinary and dive into the heart of Morocco’s untouched Sahara on this three-day expedition. Traveling off the beaten path, you’ll discover remote valleys, ancient caravan trails, and some of Morocco’s most dramatic sand dunes. From lush palm oases to endless golden horizons, this journey is perfect for travelers seeking silence, authenticity, and raw desert beauty.
Experience the magic of camel trekking, desert sunsets, starlit nights, and the timeless culture of Saharan communities. This tour offers a rare chance to connect deeply with the vast, untamed landscapes of southern Morocco.
Highlights
Follow ancient caravan routes deep into the Moroccan Sahara
Explore the Draa Valley, lined with palm groves and historic kasbahs
Discover the hidden Sacred Oasis, a green haven in the desert
Travel off-road beyond paved roads and tourist trails
Explore the towering Erg Chigaga dunes, among Morocco’s most impressive
Ride camels across golden sands at sunset
Itinerary
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – M’hamid
Depart from Ouarzazate heading south as mountains gradually yield to desert plains. Travel past traditional villages and historic kasbahs, following the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest oasis. Palm groves and earthen architecture create a timeless desert atmosphere. Pause in Zagora, then continue to M’hamid, the last settlement before the open Sahara. As night falls, enjoy your first desert evening with traditional cuisine under a sky filled with stars.
Day 2: M’hamid – Sacred Oasis – Erg Chigaga
After breakfast, venture off-road into the vast Sahara wilderness. Stop at the Sacred Oasis, a lush surprise amidst arid surroundings. In the afternoon, the majestic Erg Chigaga dunes rise on the horizon. Explore the dunes and enjoy a camel ride at sunset. Spend the evening deep in the desert, around a fire, listening to traditional rhythms, sharing stories, and marveling at the starlit sky.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Ouarzazate
Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. Depart across Lake Iriqui, a dry desert basin stretching to the horizon. Pass through remote settlements and the artisanal region of Taznakht before returning to Ouarzazate in the afternoon, concluding your unforgettable Sahara adventure.
What to Know Before Your 3-Day Fes to Merzouga Trip
What to Bring:
- Comfortable shoes for walking in dunes and desert plains
- Light clothing plus a warm layer for cool desert nights
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Small backpack for essentials and water
- Camera for dunes, oases, and desert landscapes
Tips for First-Time Travelers:
- Carry cash for remote villages and desert stops
- Dress modestly in Berber villages and desert settlements
- Stay hydrated, especially in hot desert conditions
- Off-road travel may be bumpy; plan for slower pace
- Ask permission before photographing locals
Climate Overview:
- Ouarzazate: Sunny, moderate temperatures
- Draa Valley & M’hamid: Warm, dry
- Erg Chigaga: Hot daytime, cold desert nights
- Lake Iriqui: Arid, dry plains with strong sun
Main Distances:
- Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → M’hamid: 200 km (~4h)
- M’hamid → Sacred Oasis → Erg Chigaga: 90 km (~3h off-road)
- Erg Chigaga → Lake Iriqui → Foum Zguid → Ouarzazate: 250 km (~5h)
