Overview

Venture off the beaten path and discover a different side of the Sahara with our 3-day Mhamid desert trip. This tour takes you from Marrakech, through the Draa Valley, to the gateway of the great desert at Mhamid. From there, you'll go deep into the wilderness to the towering, remote dunes of Erg Chigaga for an unforgettable off-road adventure and a night in the true heart of the desert.

Highlights

Travel through the scenic Draa Valley with its endless palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
Visit the Zagora and Mhamid oases, the last stops before the vast Sahara.
Experience an exciting 4x4 off-road drive to the remote Erg Chigaga dunes.
Ride a camel through the golden sands of Erg Chigaga at sunset.
Spend a night in a traditional Berber desert camp under a spectacular starry sky.
Discover the traditional pottery workshops in Tamegroute.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Draa Valley → Zagora

Our trip starts with a morning departure from Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. After lunch, our route continues south, passing through Ouarzazate and entering the magnificent Draa Valley. We'll follow the valley's lush ribbon of palm groves to the town of Zagora, where you'll have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.

Day 2: Zagora → Tamegroute → Mhamid → Erg Chigaga Dunes

After breakfast, we continue our journey south. We'll stop in Tamegroute to visit its famous Quranic library and traditional underground pottery workshops. We then proceed to Mhamid, the "end of the road." Here, we switch to a 4x4 vehicle for an exhilarating off-road drive into the desert wilderness. Our destination is the magnificent Erg Chigaga dune sea. Upon arrival, you'll take a camel trek to watch the sunset from atop the dunes before settling into your desert camp for a traditional dinner and a magical night.

Day 3: Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → Marrakech

Wake up early to the serene beauty of a desert sunrise. After breakfast at the camp, our adventure continues with a 4x4 journey on a different route, crossing the vast, dry Lake Iriqui. We'll travel along a former Paris-Dakar rally track, eventually reaching the town of Foum Zguid. From there, we will drive back to Marrakech via the town of Taznakht, famous for its Berber carpets, arriving in the late afternoon.

What's Included

Private A/C vehicle transportation.
Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
1 night accommodation in a hotel in Zagora (dinner & breakfast).
1 night accommodation in a desert camp in Erg Chigaga (dinner & breakfast).
4x4 vehicle for desert portion (Mhamid to Erg Chigaga to Foum Zguid).
Camel trek in Erg Chigaga.

What's Not Included

Lunches and drinks.
Entrance fees to monuments.
Personal expenses and tips.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is for the true adventurer looking to experience the wild, untamed beauty of the Sahara. Erg Chigaga is less accessible and more remote than other dune areas, offering a more authentic and tranquil desert experience. The 4x4 off-road adventure across different desert landscapes, from sand dunes to dry lakes, makes this a uniquely thrilling journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between this tour and the Merzouga tours? This tour goes to the Erg Chigaga dunes via Mhamid, which are more remote and require a 4x4 drive to access. The landscape is wilder and less frequented by tourists compared to Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.

Is the 4x4 driving safe? Absolutely. Our drivers are highly experienced in off-road desert driving and use well-maintained, reliable 4x4 vehicles.

What is the accommodation like in the Erg Chigaga camp? The camp offers a traditional Berber experience with private tents equipped with beds and bedding. Shared bathroom facilities are available. It's a comfortable way to experience the remote desert.